In this day and age, there is no reason that a business owner should have to choose between cost-efficiency and security. The entryway to your storefront is the first thing that people are going to see when they enter your building, so it should have the appearance of a secure and functioning doorway. On top of that, it should be a secure and functioning doorway! After all, it is the main entrance to your store and it needs to be secure when you aren’t there! It doesn’t help that it’s extraordinarily difficult to find a trustworthy commercial locksmith. However, LocksmithGeeks.com is here to help, not only as a commercial locksmith, but as a source for general locksmithing information! Below are 5 inexpensive ways to secure your storefront, with or without the help of a commercial locksmith. This article will also discuss door construction, routine maintenance, and brand names. At Locksmith Geeks, it is our goal to ensure that your doors are secure, durable, and conveniently functional. Let’s get started.
1. Consistent Maintenance
There is perhaps nothing else that can save you as much money as simply performing routine maintenance on your locks can. Business owners can greatly extend the lifespan of their storefront locks by knowing how and when to perform such maintenance. For starters, it is very common for a lock to begin to stick after a moderate amount of use. Perhaps when you insert the key and turn it, you may have to wiggle it to unlock the door. Many people continue to use locks like this for years and conclude that “that’s just the way that door is.” However, the pressure that is actually required to open a stuck lock causes a lot of stress which can significantly decrease the lifespan of a lock. You don’t have to be a professional locksmith to know that a quality lock should last more than just a few years.
An easy maintenance routine to perform regularly on storefront locks is to lubricate the latches, bolt work, and keyhole. This lessens the friction that occurs when the metal components of a lock grind against each other. Something as common as WD-40 will do the trick. Here is a video demonstrating some good commercial lock maintenance. Feel free to ask us about more easy ways to perform regular maintenance on your locks and therefore, expand the lifespans of them.
2. Rekey Instead of Changing the Locks
Oftentimes, when storefront locks are either exhausted or when a business owner wants to change the storefront security, it is assumed that one must change the locks. However, this is a fairly expensive process that isn’t always necessary. Instead, it is possible to rekey. This is done by changing the pins inside the lock, so that the same lock only requires a different key. Most rekeying kits come with fresh pins and keys, so that once you change out the pins, you already have the keys to match. However, you might want to have a commercial locksmith complete the process for so, to ensure a higher level of security.
3. Utilize Other Forms of Security
Your storefront door doesn’t have to be that of a bank vault to ensure that your business is safe. Instead, you might want to consider installing a video camera or alarm system along with a basic commercial lock. In fact, you might realize that you don’t want to focus your entire secu
rity budget on your storefront. Perhaps there are windows in the back that you should focus cameras on or secure with external bars. Video cameras can be useful in that they can help you see and understand and possible security problems. On the most obvious level, if someone breaks into your business, you can watch the security footage to see what their point of entry was, if they immediately knew where the safe was, etc. This knowledge can ultimately help you improve your storefront security. Lastly, you can also set up a gate or fence around your business for an extra amount of external locking security. In the end, it just helps to have an extra layer of security.
4. Don’t Just Rely on Brand Names
Although you might recognize some lock brand names from Lowes or any other chain hardware store, you should understand that brand name locks don’t always equate to high security. Some lock brands are actually infamous for providing low-quality security, despite having big sales reputations. They often have security flaws which are well known about, despite advertising that they are trustworthy. Many business owners make the mistake of investing a lot of money in brand name locks, only to be let down. It is highly beneficial to do your own research before investing in both home and commercial locks. There are many companies who consistently test locks for their levels of security and write reviews recommending buyers to either use or stay away from certain products and companies. When shopping for locks, it is extraordinarily important to have a general idea of which lock companies to use and which ones to disregard. For an extra bit of help with this knowledge, visit LocksmithGeeks.com or give us a call at (909) 774-1444.
5. Use Commercial Locks
Many storefront owners decide to simply use locks which are designed for home and private use. This is not the fault of the buyer however, because, unless you are a commercial locksmith, you are probably not aware of the noticeable differences between private and commercial locks. Most locks sold at Lowes and other chain hardware stores are not designed for storefront use and, thus, don’t provide the level of security a business needs. Locks that are designed for storefronts are built to withstand more day-to-day wear and tear, and will thus save you more money in the long run by having a longer lifespan. Learn about our commercial locksmith services here. Your security is our priority.
