Specialty Lock and Key Types for Home, Business and Automobiles

Most want to do everything possible to keep their security at a high level and this is understandable. What is not understandable is the fact that many people do not take advantage of the very good lock and key options in the marketplace that would help them keep their security at the highest possible level. Most of the time this happens because someone is simply unaware that these better locking mechanisms exist. That’s why I have taken the time to write this article. In it, I will tell you about some locks and key types you may not know about that will help improve the overall security at your home, company or with your automobile.

Specialty Keys

• Residential

  Residential locks are starting to keep up with times and are becoming much more sophisticated. Many of them no longer use keys at all and this greatly improves the security they offer. Here is an example:

  • Magnetic keys

    These have been popular for years to use on entry doors to apartments and condos. They are just now starting to get popular for use on homes too. They are electronic locks with no keyholes that are activated simply by placing a special synchronized magnetic key next to their sensing devices

• Business

  Commercial properties are getting in on the act too when it comes to gaining entry into buildings and areas without having to use a key.

  • Keycard keys

    There is no simpler way to gain access into a building or secured area faster and easier than using a keycard. Keycard keys work by swiping them in a special slot in a lock or by activating a locking mechanism by holding them close to the lock. These keycard keys are lightweight, easy to issue, and can also be used for employee accountability purposes.

• Vehicle

  Here are a few types of vehicle keys that will help increase the security of any automobile:

  • Laser cut keys/Sidewinder keys

    These are very easily recognizable car keys. That’s because they do not have cut edges like traditional keys. Their edges are smooth and it takes a specialty laser machine to cut in the winding grooves that allow them to work. Locks that use these types of keys are very difficult to pick and usually only locksmiths have the ability to duplicate these types of keys.

  • Smart keys

    Here is a type of key that will make any locksmith cringe when they think about them. That’s because eventually, all types of locks will be smart locks that will have no cut key end to insert into a lock. It will all be done electronically. These keys allow not only your car door to open with a press of a button, but your car will start with a press of a button too when this type of key is within a few feet of your car’s starting mechanism. Cars that use smart keys no longer have keyed door locks or ignition cylinders like most cars do.

Specialty Locks

• Home

  Here are a few examples of residential locks that offer higher security:

  • Bump-proof locks

    ‘Bumping’ a lock is done by inserting a rough key blank into a keyhole and then tapping that key blank sharply with a hammer or other tool. People are shocked when they learn how easily this can be done to most types of keyed home locks. Manufacturers’ once made aware of this developed what are called bump-proof locks. These are locks that do not use traditional keys and a pin and tumbler system. They use side-locking bar systems and it takes irregularly shaped keys to unlock them. They are very tough locks to pick and virtually impossible to ‘bump’ open.

  • Smart Locks

    If you are tired of duplicating, replacing and carrying around house keys these types of locks can really help. They are totally keyless in their operation. Most of them work in conjunction with your smartphone or another smart device. Some connect to that device using a Bluetooth connection and others need to have an internet connection on your smartphone to work. Locks that do not have keyholes are obviously the only locks that are truly ‘pick-proof’.

• Business

  Companies are always looking for ways to increase the security inside of them. Here is a modern type lock that will help.

  • Biometric locks

    Biometric locking devices are glimpses of how most locks will work somewhere in the not too distant future. They take the security that electronic locks offer to a whole new level. These locks are programmed to sense a person’s unique biometrics. This includes both fingerprints and retina patterns at the current time. Locks of this type are already being used extensively to increase computer and smart device security. They can also be used on entry door locks and are a great way to avoid using combinations on commercial safes too.

• Vehicle

  Not only have car keys become more sophisticated and offer better security but car locks are heading that direction too

  • Keyless entry locks

    What’s the best way to cut down on the chances that your vehicle will get stolen? It’s to not have a keyhole lock in your door that can be easily picked by a professional thief. That’s exactly the advantage you get by having keyless entry locks on your car doors.