I'd like to share a little story.
I had a customer call today,
They were locked out of their apartment,
and they decided to call the first
locksmith that came up in a search
for a locksmith in North Bend.
They very quickly stumbled across
northbendlocksmith(dot)com and called
for service, they were told that someone
would be out in 10 minutes.
1-Hour later a locksmith? showed up,
he spoke broken English and was not
in a company vehicle.
The customer asked the locksmith how
much the lockout service was going to
cost, and the customer was told $600.00.
At that point the customer told that
individual to leave and would not allow
him to touch the door.
The customer then called Valley Locksmith
and I told him I would be out in 15 minutes,
Upon arrival 15 minutes later, I opened two
locks on his door to gain entry,
and collected a reasonable payment for
services rendered.
The customer was very happy, and the scam
perpetrated by the phony locksmith company
was thwarted.
I can't stress enough enough the importance
of knowing who you are calling to come out
and help you when you are in need of help.
If the need arises, you can feel confident
calling Valley Locksmith where you will be
treated fairly, honestly and professionally.
Valley Locksmith
425.888.KEYS (5397)
Locksmith, North Bend, Snoqualmie Valley, Mobile, Emergency Service
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Know who you're calling ! ! !
Why is it essential to know what locksmith you are calling?
You arrive home after a long day at work,
you reach your hand into your bag or pocket to take out
your house key, and then you remember that in the morning
before you left you forgot to take your keys with you,
and now you are locked out of the house.
Breaking a window to get into the house is out of the question,
so what is left to do? Call your local locksmith to save the day.
The work of a locksmith is to break into homes, open safe deposit
boxes, duplicate keys, advice potential customers about new
technology for protecting homes and replacing locks on doors, etc.
Therefore it is imperative to keep in mind who you are allowing
to perform these sensitive actions in your home or business.
The local locksmith will gain access to your private possessions,
and to your property.
It is extremely important to choose a local locksmith,
a locksmith that can be trusted. The fact that he has a working
knowledge of the mechanics of the locks can prove invaluable
in such situations as lockouts.
In a time of emergency what should you do?
A low price will not always indicate that you have found a good bargain,
since many locksmiths work 24 hours a day and offer emergency services
that range similarly in price. A lower price may in fact be an indication
of poor quality of work.
When the locksmith that you have finally chosen arrives at your home,
make sure to ask him to present identification, such as a business card,
or drivers license. Make sure the locksmith is in a clearly marked
company vehicle.
24 hours a day, seven days a week When you have difficulty locating
and choosing a local locksmith, don't despair, because Valley Locksmith
is local and in your area, and we are here to help when you need us.
Give Valley Locksmith a call at 425.888.KEYS (5397)
You arrive home after a long day at work,
you reach your hand into your bag or pocket to take out
your house key, and then you remember that in the morning
before you left you forgot to take your keys with you,
and now you are locked out of the house.
Breaking a window to get into the house is out of the question,
so what is left to do? Call your local locksmith to save the day.
The work of a locksmith is to break into homes, open safe deposit
boxes, duplicate keys, advice potential customers about new
technology for protecting homes and replacing locks on doors, etc.
Therefore it is imperative to keep in mind who you are allowing
to perform these sensitive actions in your home or business.
The local locksmith will gain access to your private possessions,
and to your property.
It is extremely important to choose a local locksmith,
a locksmith that can be trusted. The fact that he has a working
knowledge of the mechanics of the locks can prove invaluable
in such situations as lockouts.
In a time of emergency what should you do?
A low price will not always indicate that you have found a good bargain,
since many locksmiths work 24 hours a day and offer emergency services
that range similarly in price. A lower price may in fact be an indication
of poor quality of work.
When the locksmith that you have finally chosen arrives at your home,
make sure to ask him to present identification, such as a business card,
or drivers license. Make sure the locksmith is in a clearly marked
company vehicle.
24 hours a day, seven days a week When you have difficulty locating
and choosing a local locksmith, don't despair, because Valley Locksmith
is local and in your area, and we are here to help when you need us.
Give Valley Locksmith a call at 425.888.KEYS (5397)
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Monday, February 11, 2013
Lock Functions
If you need a new lock or plan on replacing a lock in the future, here is some useful lock-function information, which will make choosing a lock easier . . .
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Preventing Laptop Theft -
Preventing laptop theft at your business, office or home has gotten a lot easier with some clever locking devices. Here is just one example that could save you hundreds of dollars in hardware losses and months or years of file losses due to the theft of your business or personal laptop.
- - - - - - - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO8ydKhHO_w - - - - - - -
Call Valley Locksmith to find out about Computer and Laptop protection.
425.888.KEYS (5397)
- - - - - - - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO8ydKhHO_w - - - - - - -
Call Valley Locksmith to find out about Computer and Laptop protection.
425.888.KEYS (5397)
Saturday, February 9, 2013
KWIKSET SMARTKEY Lock Gets Picked with a Screwdriver and a Blank Key
It's not that I'm trying to scare you, or to teach thieves how to gain access to your home or business, and the video I'm about to show you is publicly available to anyone searching YouTube.
The point is to teach, to make you aware of vulnerabilities you may not even be aware exist.
Security expert Marc Weber Tobias and his team prove that what is marketed as on of the top locks on the market can easily be broken in under a few minutes with a blank key and a screwdriver.
A thief can even lock the door after he is done robbing your home or businesses.
- - - CLICK HERE TO WATCH THIS IMPORTANT SECURITY VIDEO - - -
This break-in technique will ONLY work on the NEW Kwikset and Weiser SmartKey locks, and will NOT work on non-SmartKey locks.....
If you have these locks, and feel compromised, give Valley Locksmith a call to set up an appointment today.
Don't wait until it's too late, protect yourself, your family and business NOW ! ! !
The point is to teach, to make you aware of vulnerabilities you may not even be aware exist.
Security expert Marc Weber Tobias and his team prove that what is marketed as on of the top locks on the market can easily be broken in under a few minutes with a blank key and a screwdriver.
A thief can even lock the door after he is done robbing your home or businesses.
- - - CLICK HERE TO WATCH THIS IMPORTANT SECURITY VIDEO - - -
This break-in technique will ONLY work on the NEW Kwikset and Weiser SmartKey locks, and will NOT work on non-SmartKey locks.....
If you have these locks, and feel compromised, give Valley Locksmith a call to set up an appointment today.
Don't wait until it's too late, protect yourself, your family and business NOW ! ! !
Friday, February 8, 2013
NEW Mailbox Lock . . .
I've noticed that a lot of work lately involves the changing out of
defective or non-working mailbox locks.
If you've got a locking mailbox that doesn't operate
as smoothly as it once did, the chances are the pins inside
the lock are worn out.
Mailbox locks were not designed to last forever,
and in most cases like everything else we buy, they're a disposable commodity.
If you or someone you know needs a new mailbox lock,
give Valley Locksmith a call today.
425.888.KEYS
defective or non-working mailbox locks.
If you've got a locking mailbox that doesn't operate
as smoothly as it once did, the chances are the pins inside
the lock are worn out.
Mailbox locks were not designed to last forever,
and in most cases like everything else we buy, they're a disposable commodity.
If you or someone you know needs a new mailbox lock,
give Valley Locksmith a call today.
425.888.KEYS
Thursday, February 7, 2013
10 Tips for Keeping Your Home Safe While on Vacation
10: Consider Hiring a House-or Pet-Sitter
The best way to make sure your house is safe while you're gone is to have someone you trust still living in it. You may be lucky enough to have a tidy and conscientious relative who'll move in temporarily and water the plants, feed the pets and pick up the newspapers. If not, there are services you can use for house-sitting and pet-sitting while you're away. This can be a pricy option, but it's a solution that touches all the bases.
9: Hold Your Mail
When you're leaving for more than a couple of days, call your local post office to stop mail delivery until you get back. They can hold mail from three to 30 days. In many locations, you can even submit a stop mail request online. Just enter your address and stop and start dates. This is a free feature courtesy of your friendly United States Postal Service.
8: Stop Newspaper Delivery
A pile of yellowing newspapers on the doorstep is a movie cliché for a home that's unoccupied. Stopping the newspaper when you leave town for a while is an easy detail to forget and one that will make you a sure target. If you're still reading newsprint, make sure you stop service when you leave on vacation.
7: Keep Eyes on Your Property
Even if you stop newspaper delivery and mail service, there are still some gotchas that can make it obvious that you're not around. How about those fliers that peddlers leave on your doorknob, or those periodic yellow page book deliveries? Because you can't plan for every contingency, have someone in the area check your house periodically. Whether it's a neighbor or relative, nothing beats having a person check the premises every day or two while you're gone. Hey, while they're there, they can water the petunias.
6: Make Your Home Look Lived In
An occupied home looks lived in. Lights go on and off, and cars come and go. When you're away, everything stops. To help create the illusion that the residence is still occupied, invest in timers that turn on the interior lights for a few hours every evening. If you can get a neighbor to take out your garbage and put the cans back after the garbage pickup, it's another way to send the message that everything is proceeding normally at your house.
5: Keep the Landscape Trimmed
If you're a diligent homeowner who mows his lawn every week, and things start to look overgrown and neglected, it's easy to come to the conclusion that you're not around. If you plan on being away for an extended period of time, hire someone to take care of the landscaping chores in your absence.
4: Lock Up
This seems so obvious, but hey, it's easy to forget. If you keep a window unlocked to allow the cat easy access, or never bother to turn the deadbolt on the kitchen door, now's the time to clean up your act. Locking your home makes it less attractive to opportunistic burglars. If you don't make it easy, there's a better chance that when you get home, your house will be in the same condition as when you left it.
3: Don't Project Your Moves
Show some caution when you talk about your trip. Your blog isn't the best place to announce that you'll be away from home for a month. Being aware of who's around when you discuss your trip in restaurants and even at work isn't a bad idea either. Make sure that your children are discreet, too. No one is saying that you should be suspicious of everyone you meet, but even a chance remark has the potential to lead to unintended and unfortunate consequences. The less information you put out there, the less likely it is to reach the wrong ears and eyes.
2: Pull the Plug on Electronics
Disconnecting the power to some of your electronics, like your desktop computer, coffee pot and television can save you money while you're gone and eliminate the worry that you've accidentally left them on by mistake. Turning off your garage door is also an effective way to keep thieves from opening it with a universal remote. Oh, and don't leave a portable GPS in your car when you use long-term parking at the airport. It'll alert thieves that you're not home and give them a convenient map to your house.
1: Install Added Security Features
Installing a home security system or even just exterior lights that run on timers is a good way to ramp up security around the old homestead and make your house safer whether you're around or not. One of the nice things about these features is that they're working when you're awake, asleep, on vacation or hosting an outdoor barbecue. They fade into the background as far as you're concerned, but still make your property less attractive to opportunistic thieves.
The tips in this article courtesy of TLC/How Stuff Works.
I would like to add what is possibly the most important tip of all and did not make it onto this list.
Do NOT under any circumstances advertise on social media sites that you are leaving on vacation.
You are just inviting a thief to come over and have free reign of your home and your belongings.
If you need any assistance with your lock security, Give Valley Locksmith a call at 425.888.KEYS
The best way to make sure your house is safe while you're gone is to have someone you trust still living in it. You may be lucky enough to have a tidy and conscientious relative who'll move in temporarily and water the plants, feed the pets and pick up the newspapers. If not, there are services you can use for house-sitting and pet-sitting while you're away. This can be a pricy option, but it's a solution that touches all the bases.
9: Hold Your Mail
When you're leaving for more than a couple of days, call your local post office to stop mail delivery until you get back. They can hold mail from three to 30 days. In many locations, you can even submit a stop mail request online. Just enter your address and stop and start dates. This is a free feature courtesy of your friendly United States Postal Service.
8: Stop Newspaper Delivery
A pile of yellowing newspapers on the doorstep is a movie cliché for a home that's unoccupied. Stopping the newspaper when you leave town for a while is an easy detail to forget and one that will make you a sure target. If you're still reading newsprint, make sure you stop service when you leave on vacation.
7: Keep Eyes on Your Property
Even if you stop newspaper delivery and mail service, there are still some gotchas that can make it obvious that you're not around. How about those fliers that peddlers leave on your doorknob, or those periodic yellow page book deliveries? Because you can't plan for every contingency, have someone in the area check your house periodically. Whether it's a neighbor or relative, nothing beats having a person check the premises every day or two while you're gone. Hey, while they're there, they can water the petunias.
6: Make Your Home Look Lived In
An occupied home looks lived in. Lights go on and off, and cars come and go. When you're away, everything stops. To help create the illusion that the residence is still occupied, invest in timers that turn on the interior lights for a few hours every evening. If you can get a neighbor to take out your garbage and put the cans back after the garbage pickup, it's another way to send the message that everything is proceeding normally at your house.
5: Keep the Landscape Trimmed
If you're a diligent homeowner who mows his lawn every week, and things start to look overgrown and neglected, it's easy to come to the conclusion that you're not around. If you plan on being away for an extended period of time, hire someone to take care of the landscaping chores in your absence.
4: Lock Up
This seems so obvious, but hey, it's easy to forget. If you keep a window unlocked to allow the cat easy access, or never bother to turn the deadbolt on the kitchen door, now's the time to clean up your act. Locking your home makes it less attractive to opportunistic burglars. If you don't make it easy, there's a better chance that when you get home, your house will be in the same condition as when you left it.
3: Don't Project Your Moves
Show some caution when you talk about your trip. Your blog isn't the best place to announce that you'll be away from home for a month. Being aware of who's around when you discuss your trip in restaurants and even at work isn't a bad idea either. Make sure that your children are discreet, too. No one is saying that you should be suspicious of everyone you meet, but even a chance remark has the potential to lead to unintended and unfortunate consequences. The less information you put out there, the less likely it is to reach the wrong ears and eyes.
2: Pull the Plug on Electronics
Disconnecting the power to some of your electronics, like your desktop computer, coffee pot and television can save you money while you're gone and eliminate the worry that you've accidentally left them on by mistake. Turning off your garage door is also an effective way to keep thieves from opening it with a universal remote. Oh, and don't leave a portable GPS in your car when you use long-term parking at the airport. It'll alert thieves that you're not home and give them a convenient map to your house.
1: Install Added Security Features
Installing a home security system or even just exterior lights that run on timers is a good way to ramp up security around the old homestead and make your house safer whether you're around or not. One of the nice things about these features is that they're working when you're awake, asleep, on vacation or hosting an outdoor barbecue. They fade into the background as far as you're concerned, but still make your property less attractive to opportunistic thieves.
The tips in this article courtesy of TLC/How Stuff Works.
I would like to add what is possibly the most important tip of all and did not make it onto this list.
Do NOT under any circumstances advertise on social media sites that you are leaving on vacation.
You are just inviting a thief to come over and have free reign of your home and your belongings.
If you need any assistance with your lock security, Give Valley Locksmith a call at 425.888.KEYS
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Extreme Deception
These are the TOP search results in a Google search for a locksmith in North Bend.
None of these websites or specified businesses are in North Bend, in fact they aren't anywhere near the Snoqualmie Valley at all.
They are not owned by anyone we as Valley residents know, and in some cases the site owners live in other states altogether.
Several of these site suggest the locksmiths are dispatched from an address on 3rd street or North Bend Way inside the city of North Bend..... Really?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Be very careful when calling a locksmith, and make sure they are an established business
in your area.
None of these websites or specified businesses are in North Bend, in fact they aren't anywhere near the Snoqualmie Valley at all.
They are not owned by anyone we as Valley residents know, and in some cases the site owners live in other states altogether.
Several of these site suggest the locksmiths are dispatched from an address on 3rd street or North Bend Way inside the city of North Bend..... Really?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Be very careful when calling a locksmith, and make sure they are an established business
in your area.
No safety at all . . .
If you thought chains, slide-bolts or hotel swing guard locks provide security, think again . . .
This dramatic video shows just how easy and simple it is to break-in to these add-on locks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjQutRLjeo0&feature=player_embedded
If you really want an extra level of security on an entry door, call Valley Locksmith to find out about
locks that actually prevent this type of forced entry.
425.888.KEYS
This dramatic video shows just how easy and simple it is to break-in to these add-on locks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjQutRLjeo0&feature=player_embedded
If you really want an extra level of security on an entry door, call Valley Locksmith to find out about
locks that actually prevent this type of forced entry.
425.888.KEYS
A Cheap Deadbolt Is No Bargain
(Some of the following excerpts were taken from a New York Times Article)
DON’T forget to lock up — it’s a sound practice, yet something many people forget to do, resulting in millions of break-ins nationwide every year, according to the National Crime Prevention Council, a nonprofit organization in Washington.
“I see it all the time,” said Victor Melendez, a locksmith at Umbrella Locksmith in Manhattan. “Even in New York, people tend to think they’re rather safe, so they just pull the door shut behind them and go about their merry way, and then someone walks right in.”
And if you have been robbed once, the likelihood of it happening again increases, said Gregg McCrary, a security consultant in Fredricksburg, Va., and a retired F.B.I. agent. “It’s very odd how crime is distributed,” Mr. McCrary said. “We don’t know why, but if you’ve been burglarized before, then the chances of getting revictimized are higher, and you want to think about upping security a bit.”
The easiest way to deter an intruder is with a deadbolt lock on the door. Expect to spend $55 to $75 for a standard deadbolt lock. Cheaper, mass-marketed deadbolts are easy to force open, but high security deadbolts are available at a significantly higher price point (Well Worth the Investment).
“People assume that the locks sold to the general public are secure,”. “A lot of times, when the label says ‘fortress’ or ‘faultless’ or ‘defiant,’ they’re easy to pick, and the strength of the bolt isn’t very strong. The bottom line is, you get what you pay for.”
Even for renters, Mr. Melendez noted, a lock is a good long-term investment. “A lot of people don’t realize that if you move, you can take the lock with you,” he said. Store the old lock and its parts in a plastic bag, and reinstall it on your way out.
When you’re shopping for a deadbolt, there are three qualities to look for, according to Gale Johnson, a Chicago locksmith and editor in chief of the trade publication “The Locksmith Ledger.”
First, it should be labeled “Grade 1” or “Grade 2.” (Grade 3 is the weakest and should be avoided, as should the label “professional grade,” which is meaningless, he said).
Next, make sure it extends at least an inch into the doorjamb. “Some of the less-expensive locks may have a five-eighth of an inch throw,” Mr. Johnson said, which means the door “is far more susceptible to being kicked in.”
Finally, he said, the strike plate — Ideally, it should be a reinforced plate, with accompanying screws
that are at least two - three inches long.
If you are worried about tenants or contractors and service people copying keys, you may want to install a lock with restricted keys.
If installing a lock yourself seems too intimidating, you can pay a locksmith $150 to $200 to do it for you, a fee that should include the cost of a quality deadbolt. Proceed with caution, though, as the locksmith industry is rife with scams.
“There are companies that have 50 or 60 names that all encroach onto someone else’s name.
Our name is Valley Locksmith, we are in North Bend, WA and we can help you secure your home, rental or business today. Call 425.888.KEYS
(Some of the following excerpts were taken from a New York Times Article)
DON’T forget to lock up — it’s a sound practice, yet something many people forget to do, resulting in millions of break-ins nationwide every year, according to the National Crime Prevention Council, a nonprofit organization in Washington.
“I see it all the time,” said Victor Melendez, a locksmith at Umbrella Locksmith in Manhattan. “Even in New York, people tend to think they’re rather safe, so they just pull the door shut behind them and go about their merry way, and then someone walks right in.”
And if you have been robbed once, the likelihood of it happening again increases, said Gregg McCrary, a security consultant in Fredricksburg, Va., and a retired F.B.I. agent. “It’s very odd how crime is distributed,” Mr. McCrary said. “We don’t know why, but if you’ve been burglarized before, then the chances of getting revictimized are higher, and you want to think about upping security a bit.”
The easiest way to deter an intruder is with a deadbolt lock on the door. Expect to spend $55 to $75 for a standard deadbolt lock. Cheaper, mass-marketed deadbolts are easy to force open, but high security deadbolts are available at a significantly higher price point (Well Worth the Investment).“People assume that the locks sold to the general public are secure,”. “A lot of times, when the label says ‘fortress’ or ‘faultless’ or ‘defiant,’ they’re easy to pick, and the strength of the bolt isn’t very strong. The bottom line is, you get what you pay for.”
Even for renters, Mr. Melendez noted, a lock is a good long-term investment. “A lot of people don’t realize that if you move, you can take the lock with you,” he said. Store the old lock and its parts in a plastic bag, and reinstall it on your way out.
When you’re shopping for a deadbolt, there are three qualities to look for, according to Gale Johnson, a Chicago locksmith and editor in chief of the trade publication “The Locksmith Ledger.”
First, it should be labeled “Grade 1” or “Grade 2.” (Grade 3 is the weakest and should be avoided, as should the label “professional grade,” which is meaningless, he said).
Next, make sure it extends at least an inch into the doorjamb. “Some of the less-expensive locks may have a five-eighth of an inch throw,” Mr. Johnson said, which means the door “is far more susceptible to being kicked in.”
Finally, he said, the strike plate — Ideally, it should be a reinforced plate, with accompanying screws
that are at least two - three inches long.
If you are worried about tenants or contractors and service people copying keys, you may want to install a lock with restricted keys.
If installing a lock yourself seems too intimidating, you can pay a locksmith $150 to $200 to do it for you, a fee that should include the cost of a quality deadbolt. Proceed with caution, though, as the locksmith industry is rife with scams.
“There are companies that have 50 or 60 names that all encroach onto someone else’s name.
Our name is Valley Locksmith, we are in North Bend, WA and we can help you secure your home, rental or business today. Call 425.888.KEYS
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Whether it's your home or your business, Valley Locksmith is here to help you with all your lock security needs. We take great pride in help you stay safe.
Give Valley Locksmith a call today to schedule an appointment.
We are a North Bend, WA Locksmith, serving all of the Snoqualmie Valley and beyond.
We are a North Bend, WA Locksmith, serving all of the Snoqualmie Valley and beyond.
425.888.KEYS
http://www.valley-lock.com
Valley Locksmith has a BLOG
Just for she-grins I have created this blog for Valley Locksmith.
Not sure how much posting I will be doing, but I will try to keep up on it when possible.
Valley Locksmith, North Bend, WA.
Serving the Snoqualmie Valley, North Bend, Snoqualmie, Fall City, Preston, Carnation, Duvall, Issaquah, Bellevue, etc.
Locksmith, keys, deadbolts, lockouts, recode locks, master-key systems, etc.
We are GROWING !!!!!!
Not sure how much posting I will be doing, but I will try to keep up on it when possible.
Valley Locksmith, North Bend, WA.
Serving the Snoqualmie Valley, North Bend, Snoqualmie, Fall City, Preston, Carnation, Duvall, Issaquah, Bellevue, etc.
Locksmith, keys, deadbolts, lockouts, recode locks, master-key systems, etc.
We are GROWING !!!!!!
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