Author: protechadmin

The days of locking your keys in the house or forgetting to lock the door can be a thing of the past, thanks to the variety of affordable electronic door locks on the market. Once the domain of the wealthy for entry to their multimillion dollar estates, an electronic door lock can now grace your front door for a few hundred dollars.

Before we explore the features on some popular electronic locks, let’s learn more about how they work.

Entry Methods: RFID, Keypad, Biometric, and Bluetooth

Most electronic door locks come with one or more means of entry, which include RFID, keypad, biometric (fingerprint), or Bluetooth.

Early electronic locks used keypads with a pin number for entry. Keypads are still popular, although newer models use touchscreen panels instead of buttons and include security features to help prevent burglars from figuring out the code.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) locks use a key fob or card for entry. With RFID technology, you may not have to remove the key fob from your pocket or purse, meaning no more fumbling in the dark or trying to find your keys when your arms are full to enter your home.

Bluetooth-enabled locks operate in a similar way, sensing your smartphone’s Bluetooth ID and opening when you approach. Most Bluetooth and RFID locks also use a secondary means of electronic entry, in case your battery dies or you lose your key fob or cell phone.

Biometric entry uses fingerprint identification to open the lock. If you’ve used this feature on your smartphone or laptop, you understand how it works. All you do is program your fingerprint, or those you want to have access to your home, and the system knows this is an acceptable person to unlock for.

When Electronic Locks Get “Smart”

Some electronic locks can open remotely via an app and can integrate with your home automation system for added security and protection, placing them in the category of “smart” technology.

For example, if your alarm system detects a flood in your basement while you’re on vacation and sends you an alert, you can call your neighbor to go check on the problem. While you’re sitting on the beach, you can unlock the door for the neighbor and lock it again after they’ve remedied the situation and left. By the time you get home, you hardly realize there was a problem.

These electronic door locks could mark your first foray into building a “smart home” or they may connect to and complement existing smart devices in your home for added convenience. Here are six of our favorites.

1. Kwikset Kevo

Kwikset is a well-known name in home locks, and their new keyless smart lock combines the look of their conventional keyed locks with high-tech functionality. The Kevo was one of the first smart deadbolts on the market and uses both Bluetooth and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, so users can unlock the door via their smartphone or with the included keyfob.

The lock is iOS and Android compatible using Bluetooth technology, which means no Internet access is required and your lock doesn’t live “on your network.” With Bluetooth enabled, the lock can even sense when your smartphone approaches and unlocks the door for you – no more fumbling with keys when you’re in a hurry or your hands are full.

You can grant two devices with full access eKeys and share an unlimited number of guest eKeys. The Kevo Mobile App lets you monitor lock activity and manage the eKeys, but it isn’t necessary to unlock doors. A “Lost Phone” reset option disables access to your lock from your phone, should anyone with one of your eKeys lose their device.

Kevo also integrates with the Nest Learning Thermostat, a programmable thermostat that provides remote control and automation of your home’s heating and cooling system. You can use this to set your temperature preferences and optimize your energy usage.

2. Yale Real Living Electronic Touch Screen Deadbolt

If you’re looking for maximum flexibility in connecting your smart lock to your home’s other smart devices, or even a whole-home automation system, the Yale Real Living lock is a strong contender. The lock features the luxury look of other high-end Yale locks, with the choice of a push button keypad or a modern capacitive touchscreen, in deadbolt or lever lock designs. The lock holds up to 250 user-selected codes, and also provides entry via a conventional key.

The Yale lock is compatible with Zigbee and Z-Wave independent mesh networks, as well as Crestron’s proprietary mesh network, infiNET Ex, and the user-friendly Crestron Pyng hub. By controlling the lock through an independent mesh network, the Yale lock connects to your smartphone, tablet, or PC without using your Wi-Fi bandwidth. Yale also integrates with Honeywell, Control4, Alarm.com, Elk, and a number of other home automation and home security systems. The features vary depending on which Yale partner system you have.

3. SoHoMiLL YL 99 Keyless Electronic Keypad Lock

The SoHoMiLL YL 99 Keyless Electronic Keypad lock is as simple as they get and, with a price tag of just $50, is the perfect “starter” electronic door lock. While it doesn’t offer Bluetooth connectivity or “Internet of Things” compatibility, it is a highly rated lock (4 stars on Amazon). It easily replaces most standard door knobs and holds eight user-programmable passcodes, which you control from your original, master code. It has a low-battery indicator so you will know when it’s time to replace the batteries and it can automatically lock from the outside after three seconds.

4. August Smart Lock

Don’t let the name fool you – there are no keys involved. No access codes either, so a thief can’t use a key logger to copy your code and then sneak in when you’re not home. The August Smart Key lock discretely replaces most single cylinder deadbolts to provide secure access to your home via iOS or Android devices. The August Smart Key lock works independently, via a secure BlueTooth connection or over your home’s Wi-Fi. The app sends a reminder if the lock’s AA batteries are low so this lock keeps working, even if your power goes out.

Issue “virtual” keys to family, friends, and service providers as needed. Maybe your housekeeper’s key only works for three hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while your child’s key works all the time. Log records show you who entered and left your home and when. Teenagers can’t sneak in after curfew and the cleaning lady can’t stay for one hour but bill you for two.

Coupling the August Lock with August Connect, a smart device that allows you to access the lock from any Internet-enabled device, provides additional features. Rather than simply referring to a log of activity over the past week, you’ll receive real-time notifications of who accessed your lock and when. You’ll also be able to lock and unlock the door via any Internet-enabled device and connect your lock with other smart devices in your home.

5. Samsung Digital Door Lock

Samsung offers several IoT items, including Smart TVs, refrigerators, and washer/dryers. As a result, their smart lock can be used as part of a complete Samsung smart home system. The lock integrates with Samsung’s smart home solutions, including video cameras, security sensors, and more. Gain access to remote entry functions, event notification, visitor check and more by connecting the system to your smartphone.

If you’re using it as a standalone lock, you’ll still enjoy a variety of options and features. It can be unlocked via passcode, RF card, finger print (with the top tier model), smart tag, or via a conventional key. For added security, users can select two options (passcode plus finger print authentication) for access. The door locks automatically when users leave, because even the strongest, safest door lock isn’t effective if you forget to use it.

6. Schlage Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt

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Schlage also manufactures RFID, keyless entry door locks, which use a keyfob containing a user-specific radio frequency chip for entry. But the touchscreen model means there’s no app to install and no keyfob to carry (or lose). For users who want convenience combined with security, the Schlage Connect Camelot delivers.

Schlage locks boast BHMA/ANSI Grade 1 certifications. This is the highest lock security rating available on the American National Standards Institute grading system developed by the Builder’s Hardware Manufacturers Association. This rating system applies to electronic and mechanical locks, and measures lock longevity, toughness, and latch length.

This rating, combined with the other security features of the Schlage Connect Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt, makes this one of the most secure locks on the market. The lock features an audible alarm sensor that lets you know when someone opened the door, even if you’re across the house. A fingerprint-resistant touchscreen prevents unwanted guests from detecting your code and the deadbolt can be set to lock as soon as you close the door. Whether you’re safe inside or heading out for the day, the lock will help protect you and your belongings.

Schlage integrates with Z-Wave home automation products for remote management and monitoring capabilities. To use this, you have to purchase the Nexia BR100NX Z-Wave Home Intelligence Bridge and pay the monthly service fee. Products can also be automated via Z-Wave, so you set up IFTTT recipies, like turning on your kitchen light when you unlock your door. You can use the Z-Wave service to interact with your lock online, program multiple codes for entry, and track who entered/exited and when. You can also program codes that work only at specific times or on specific days of the week, allowing entry to service providers.

We are a trusted company with the Denver Police agencies and Denver Fire Departments. In order for our employees to hold access badges to gain entry to all facilities, deep backgrounds checks must be completed and passed. We have worked closely with Metro SWAT as their alarm system provider and tactics involving quick entry techniques. ProTech Locksmith is so well trusted, we hold master key systems to the shooting range weapons and ammunition surplus.

We provide support for CCTV to the Denver Police for all of their sub-stations and worked closely with the Halo project prior to the Democratic convention. The Halo project federally funded the placement of camera systems throughout the city streets of Denver. We are proud to work with these law enforcement agencies and support Denver County.

How To Change Your Home & Business Locks

There are times in life where it becomes necessary to change your locks. You might be installing them on a new door, changing the type of locking doorknob, changing the locks on your car, adding a deadbolt, or changing a broken lock.

ProTech has 26 years of experience in every aspect of locksmithing. There are new technologies that require attention when they fail, such as keyless entry systems on many newer models of vehicles. We stay up to date on all of the latest technologies related to both home and vehicle lock systems.

Many times, a simple rekeying of your locks will meet your needs. Other times, you will need to completely replace the lock itself. You might even be looking to upgrade to locks that meet the requirements of ‘smart’ technology. No matter what type of lock you are looking to change, it is best to understand how each type functions.

Types of Locks

There are various types of locks available for home, office, and vehicles. The basic types are:

• Keyed locks. These are the traditional locks that require a key.
• Combination locks. These locks have a keypad in place of a cylinder where you would insert the key.
• Card access. These locks have a space for a key card as opposed to a traditional key or numeric keypad.
• Keyless Entry. In this case, the area where the key used to be inserted now contains technology that accepts the signal from the key fob or smartphone.

No matter what type of access you need, your locksmith can best guide you in your decision and install the locking mechanism that will best meet your needs.

Locks For The Home And Office

Most locks and deadbolts share the same components. They have a cylinder where traditionally the key is inserted, but may now contain a keypad or card access. You have the bold that extends from the lock into the door frame. Finally, you have the box, which is the square hole in the door frame held firmly with a plate that holds the lock in place.

While the entry requirements differ for everyone, the main components of bolt and box remain the same. If you have problems with these components, your locksmith can easily repair it.

If your entry requirements now require a combination lock, card access, or keyless entry, then the cylinder will need to be changed. The bolt will be one of two types: either a deadbolt or a spring bolt. As your needs change, you will decide which is more appropriate for your needs.

Locks For Your Car Or Truck

The technology behind locks for your vehicles is not as simple as those for your interior or exterior home or office doors. These days, most vehicles are opened through a remote key fob. There might be a combination pad on your car door.

These types of locks might need to be replaced if you lose your key fob. Your locksmith will be able to easily find you a replacement fob and program it to your vehicle. If the problem lies with the lock itself, then they can quickly and easily replace that lock for you as well.

New Wireless Home Security Systems

Wireless Home Security Systems are becoming quite common with the popularity of Smart technology. For many years, the hard-wired security systems from companies such as Brinks and ADT have been popular. However, many people didn’t like the idea of the hard-wired system, no matter how much they might have needed it.

A home security system will call the proper authorities should their services be needed. If the system senses a break-in, the monitoring company will usually try to reach the homeowner before dispatching the police. If someone does make it past your locked front door, perhaps through a window that they break, the monitoring system will sense it and put in a call to police.

Even if you do decide on investing in a home security or surveillance system, your house is still only safe if you have locked the door, including the deadbolt. If you are concerned that you might not have the best locks on your doors, your local locksmith can guide you towards the best locks for your home and can take care of their installation.

Why Wireless?

Wireless systems are growing in popularity partially due to lowered costs and the ability to install the system on your own without a technician having to come to your home. Even if you do the installation yourself, you will want your local locksmith to make sure that you have the right locks on your doors so that you know, upfront, that your home is secure as long as you lock the doors.

With a wireless system, you have an added degree of safety. With the old hardwire systems, a burglar could cut the wires outside the home and disable the system. With a wireless system, the possibility of “smash and grab” burglary becomes a thing of the past. Wireless systems are battery operated and will not fail during a power outage.

It is best to make sure that in addition to your wireless surveillance/security system, that you have a top-quality lock and deadbolt on your front door. The extra security of a system is great, but you should always protect yourself, your family, and your belongings with the time-tested door locks and deadbolts that require an old fashioned key to open. Combination, keyless, and remote locking mechanisms can be hacked, and therefore cannot protect you nearly as well as a traditional keyed lock and deadbolt.

Wireless Surveillance Systems

The best part of the new wireless systems are the indoor and outdoor surveillance cameras. There are a wide range of them available, and many of the indoor surveillance cameras will allow you to talk to your children and your pets.

Most of these surveillance camera systems will not record the footage without an extra fee charged by the Monitoring company. They do provide you with an extra feeling of safety when you are home alone. By monitoring who is coming to your door, you will know who it is safe to unlock the deadbolt and open the door to.

Top Brands

Of the available brands of surveillance camera security, the Nest brand is quite possibly the best one out there. They also recently acquired their top competitor: Dropcam. The combination of two companies as one allows them to truly provide the very best in surveillance cameras.

Many of the larger security system companies, such as Brinks and ADT, will offer Nest or Dropcam cameras as a part of their security packages. SimpliSafe is another DIY system that incorporates Nest cameras. Their system is good for surveillance, and their monitoring plans are quite affordable.

No matter what brand of surveillance camera you choose, you need to remember to lock your doors. You should consider your locks and deadbolts to be an important aspect of your overall security planning.

I Need a Key Fob Reprogrammed! What Do I Do?

You never want to get stuck without a spare operating smart fob. Let’s just say that the cost of making sure you have an extra fob on standby is much cheaper than the cost of repairing the damage after you’ve been forced to break into a locked car. However, you may be wondering how much you can expect to spend for a reprogrammed fob from a lock pro. Let’s talk fob reprogramming costs.

Can a Locksmith Reprogram a Fob?

Yes, a qualified lock expert should be able to help you get a fob reprogrammed. There are actually several reasons why you might need a lock expert to help you with a fob. Here’s a look at the common reasons why people visit locksmiths for help with car fobs:

• They’ve lost a fob. In some cases, a pro may be able to help you reprogram an old fob. This varies by vehicle and fob style. It’s also possible to use generic fobs that you purchase in many cases.
• They’ve broken a fob. If a fob has malfunctioned due to damage or age, it can sometimes be fixed and reprogrammed.
• The battery has died. If a fob’s battery dies, it’s sometimes necessary to do a reprogramming after replacing the battery to get it working again.

The reason why many people opt to go with a third-party lock pro instead of returning to a car dealership for a new fob is that dealerships charge a lot for replacement fobs. That usually means several hundred dollars. Many people find that they’re are able to pay a fraction of the price by having a fob reprogrammed. If you don’t have a fob to work with, turning a generic fob into a custom fob with some programming help from a lock pro can also cut costs!

How Much Does It Cost to Reprogram a Key Fob?

Several factors determine the cost to reprogram a fob. While it’s hard to give a universal estimate, the general cost is between $50 and $250 for reprogramming. Here’s a look at some factors that can determine price:

• Fob Type: Smart keys with a transponder (RFID), keyless ignition, or other extra features tend to be more expensive to reprogram.
• Vehicle Brand: Fob complexity varies by manufacturer. Some car brands make it harder to reprogram keys.
• Vehicle Model: Within a car brand, certain models have more complex fobs than others.

At ProTech Key & Locksmith, we specialize in automotive locks, smart keys, and fobs! Our team can generally reprogram keys for any make and model for far less than what the local dealership will charge. Proudly serving customers throughout Lakewood (Colorado), Galveston (Texas), and Dickinson (Texas) for more than 25 years, ProTech Key & Locksmith is ready to help you get back on the road with peace of mind! Don’t get locked into a high price with a dealership fob. Contact us today for a quote!

Why call a locksmith for a car key replacement? The simple answer is that the fix will probably be much cheaper than calling your dealership. Dealerships notoriously charge high prices for replacement car keys and fobs. In many cases, locksmiths are able to provide workarounds that cost a fraction of what dealerships charge.

Can Locksmiths Help With Car Keys?

Absolutely! However, not all locksmiths provide services related to vehicle keys. Make sure you’re finding a lock pro that offers a full range of services for car batteries that includes:

• Smart key replacement.
• Fob replacement.
• Fob reprogramming.
• Central processing unit (CPU) flashing.

Locksmiths know techniques for getting a new car key or fob that save time and money. In many cases, you may be able to skip exorbitant dealership fees by simply getting a generic fob replacement. That includes key and fob replacements for high-end vehicles from makers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Yes, locksmiths that handle lost car keys also handle key replacements for motorcycles.

Locksmiths Offer 24-Hour Service for Car Key Replacements

Lock pros that are serious about offering impeccable service to help you get out of a frustrating situation should offer 24-hour service. If you’re locked out of your car because of a lost, misplaced or stolen key, it’s possible to get a locksmith to come to you to provide 24-hour lockout service. In many cases, knowing about a good lock pro in your area can save you from the hassle of having to call the police to get back into your vehicle. This can also save you from the hassle of damaging your car’s window or locks by trying to “break in” to gain access to your car again.

Get Car Key Replacement Help in Lakewood, Galveston or Dickinson

If you need a key replacement, getting in touch with the right lock pro as the first step can save you from unnecessary costs, hassles and wasted time. At ProTech Key & Locksmith, we take the frustration out of getting the right replacement key. Specializing in locks of all types for more than 25 years, we provide key replacements for nearly all makes and models. If you’re looking for an easy way to get your car key replaced in Lakewood (Colorado) Galveston (Texas) or Dickinson (Texas), don’t hesitate to call now to have a lock pro help you get your problem fixed right away.

Being locked out is a vulnerable experience. When you don’t have access to your keys, you feel angry, frustrated, and anxious. It’s important to know who to call to get the situation handled as quickly as possible. However, you also want to make sure you’re not being taken advantage of just because you’re desperate for solutions. That’s why it’s important to know how to pick a locksmith. The same principles that apply for finding a good locksmith when you’re in a stressful lockout situation can also apply when you’re simply looking for a local locksmith to help with installing new locks, getting a spare key, or upgrading your security plans. Take a look at what to look for in a locksmith that you can count on for life!

Around-the-Clock Service

There’s no time to play “phone tag” when you have a lockout emergency. When selecting a locksmith, make sure you’re choosing a responsive company that’s known for offering 24-hour lockout services. This is important even if you’re just getting some routine lock work or key replacements done. Having the name of a trusted locksmith in your back pocket when an emergency happens is worth its weight in gold!

A Full Roster of Services

Don’t select a locksmith company that only does one thing! It’s important to have pros working on your side that can take care of all of your key, lock, and security needs. That includes lock repairs, lock solutions, lock replacements, key replacements, key reprogramming, broken key extractions, deadbolt installation, knob installation, and keyless door solutions.

Friendly, Trusted Service

Always choose a locksmith with a longstanding reputation for excellence. Nobody wants to trust someone who has just breezed into town to put a sign on a storefront with their precious keys and locks. At ProTech Locksmith, our customers can enjoy full peace of mind because our company has been serving residential and commercial clients in the area since 1993. We know that many customers find us after being “burned” by dealerships or locksmiths that take advantage of situations by overcharging for key and lock help. We focus on fair pricing with impeccable service to ensure that our customers always get the best solutions.

A Wide Service Area

If you get stuck with a lockout situation out on the road, having a locksmith team capable of coming out to help you can mean everything. At ProTech Locksmith, our vast service area covers the Denver, Lakewood, Galveston, Dickinson, and League City areas. Our technicians have been helping customers with emergency situations for more than 20 years.

ProTech Locksmith Offers the Security and Convenience You Need

Our experienced team is here to help you with locks, security, and surveillance. No job is too big or small for ProTech Locksmith. Contact us today if you’re looking for a trusted locksmith in the Denver, Galveston, or Dickinson areas!

The world stops when you can’t get your car to start. If you need a key fob replacement, you may be in a hurry to get in touch with someone who can get you back behind the wheel. Many people assume that a dealership is the only place where you can get a replacement key fob. In reality, many people streamline the process of getting a fast and affordable fob replacement by going straight to a local locksmith instead.

Why You’re Probably Overpaying When You Get a Key Fob Replacement From a Dealership

Dealerships are notorious for charging outrageous prices for key fobs. You probably noticed that if you purchased a spare when you bought your vehicle. You may be curious to know if there’s a way to get a replacement key fob without going to the dealer if you’re trying to save a little money this time around. Why do dealerships charge so much for key fobs?

The answer is that they can. Dealerships rely on the fact that most people don’t realize they can get replacement key fobs from independent locksmiths that aren’t associated with specific automakers. However, locksmiths that offer services for vehicle locks often offer a wide range of fob replacement and reprogramming services for all major makes and models.

Can You Get a Cheap Key Fob Replacement?

While it’s not easy to get a “cheap” key fob replacement, it’s definitely possible to pay much less than what dealers are charging. The reason why fobs are so expensive is that you’re looking at components like batteries and circuitry. It’s hard to cut corners because you need a certain level of sophistication in order to make a fob operate. However, many dealerships inflate the cost of key fobs simply because they know that customers in need of emergency support will pay whatever it takes to be able to drive their cars again.

Let ProTech Key & Locksmith Help You Get an Affordable Replacement Key Fob

ProTech Key & Locksmith has been helping people get back behind the wheel for more than 25 years. We offer key and fob replacements for a wide range of vehicles. There’s a good chance we can get a fob made and programmed for your specific car in no time at all. We even offer 24-hour emergency lockout services for our clients throughout the Lakewood, Denver, Galveston, and Dickinson areas. Reach out today to get a quote for a replacement fob!