Altic Lock Service - Indianapolis

Protect Your Keys!

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Campbell) — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 20:48:00 +0000

It's easier than ever for someone to copy your keys, but simple steps can prevent anyone from doing so. See https://www.angieslist.com/articles/put-keys-lockdown-prevent-cyber-copying.htm .

When Do You Need a Professional Locksmith?

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Campbell) — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 20:40:00 +0000

Too many people think only of calling a locksmith after they've locked themselves out of their car or home. There are many ways a professional locksmith can improve the safety and security of your home or business. What can a locksmith do for you?

Plenty of Glass, But They Still Kick In the Door

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Campbell) — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 03:02:00 +0000

Another break-in caught on tape. Glass panel door, but they still kick it in.

Another Break-in Video.

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Campbell) — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 02:42:00 +0000

Again, a couple of kicks to the door and they are in. Altic Lock Service recommends the Door Devil to protect your home from this very common method of entry.

Lessons from a Break-in

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Campbell) — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 02:26:00 +0000

There are many lessons to be learned from this break-in.

First, with all that glass there, the burglars still opted for kicking in a door. By far, that is the most common method of illegal entry.

Second, alarms and videos are all well and good, but they do nothing to prevent break-ins.

Third, burglars are in and out before police can respond.

Fourth, the quality of the locks on the door makes little difference - it was the door jamb that gave way.

Fifth, the most effective single step you can take to prevent break-ins is to reinforce the door frame in order to prevent, or at least slow down, a break-in attempt or home invasion. That is why we carry and heartily recommend the Door Devil.

Broad Ripple Homeowner Records Real-Time Video of Burglars

Proud to be contributing on Angie's List

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Campbell) — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 07:32:00 +0000

http://www.angieslist.com/author/barry-campbell.htm

"Barry Campbell is the owner of Altic Lock Service, which offers locksmith services in Indianapolis. Since 2005, they have specialized in rekeys, repairs, lock installations and more.
Campbell is a regular contributor to the Angie's List Experts Contributor Program."

Call Kurtis Investigates: Smartphone Pictures Can Help Thieves Steal Your Keys « CBS Sacramento

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Campbell) — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 17:50:00 +0000

Call Kurtis Investigates: Smartphone Pictures Can Help Thieves Steal Your Keys « CBS Sacramento

Why Locks Are Not Enough

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Campbell) — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 03:00:00 +0000

Another one published by Angie's List: Why Locks Are Not Enough

When a Lock Problem isn't a Lock Problem

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Campbell) — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 15:30:00 +0000

See our article published on Angie's List - https://www.angieslist.com/articles/when-lock-problem-isnt-lock-problem.htm

Security Concerns Over Cyber Locksmiths

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Campbell) — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 03:08:00 +0000

With just a couple photos of your key, a growing number of websites are offering to make a copy of your key. Unfortunately, there is no way for these businesses to verify that the person who sends in the images is authorized to have a duplicate key made. They say they can track who ordered the keys, but to prosecute someone who has had keys made to someone else's property, the police would have to know where to look. See the story at http://www.clickorlando.com/news/cyber-locksmiths-surge-in-popularity-prompt-security-concerns/27884712.

What can you do? Altic Lock Service advises you to use great care with the handling of your keys. Keep them in your pocket or purse. When you take your car in for service, leave only the car key, not the whole key ring that includes your home or office key. The locks we carry use standard replacement cylinders, so you can use less common keyways. Almost all locks sold at hardware stores use one of only a couple of different keyways. The shape of the head of the key will often identify the keyway. We prefer to use neuter-bow keys because the keyway cannot be determined simply by looking at the head of the key. You don't need to spend money on high-security or restricted keyways. Just using less common key blanks will thwart most unauthorized key copiers. Many local hardwares have difficulty identifying the key blanks even when they have them in hand.

Burglary Prevention Forum - Altic Lock Service - Indianapolis, In

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Campbell) — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 06:18:00 +0000

Burglary Prevention Forum - Altic Lock Service - Indianapolis, In

Altic Lock Service in Indianapolis, In

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Campbell) — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 18:33:00 +0000

Altic Lock Service in Indianapolis, In

Getting Locked Out by Your Schlage® Locks?

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Campbell) — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 07:22:00 +0000

If you have Schlage® locks, you have noticed they will allow you to open the door from the inside while they remain locked. This is considered a "panic-free" design. Great for when you have to get out in an emergency - you don't have to fumble with the lock to get out quickly, but as many have realized - if you're not careful, you can easily get locked out. We appreciate the business these locks provide - a simple trip to the mailbox or a quick walk with the dog can often leave someone locked out if they didn't realize the knob was still in the locked position. But Altic Lock Service can fix this! We can change the operation of the lock so that when the interior knob is turned, the exterior knob will unlock. The lock itself, does not need to be replaced. A small price to pay to prevent accidentally locking yourself out of the house!

Locked Out by a Kwikset® SmartKey™ Lock?

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Campbell) — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 06:58:00 +0000

Generally, when someone is locked out of their home, a locksmith can pick the lock or perform some other bypass technique without causing any damage to the lock. The Kwikset® SmartKey™ locks changed this a bit. They are nearly impossible to pick, which you might think is a good thing, but their design opened up a number of vulnerabilities not found with the standard pin tumbler style lock it replaced. Unfortunately, many of the bypass techniques used to defeat the new locks would cause some damage, so it is not unusual for a locksmith to resort to drilling out Kwikset® SmartKey™ locks. Other bypass techniques might not leave any apparent damage, but would damage internal components of the lock so that, while the original key might still operate the lock, it could no longer be rekeyed. Fortunately, Altic Lock Service has the tools, knowledge, and ability to open these locks with NO damage! These locks are readily identifiable by the small slot visible next to the keyway.

Kwikset® SmartKey™

If you are locked out, and have these kinds of locks, call us for a damage-free opening that won't require replacing the lock. Better yet, call us now to replace these with reasonably priced, higher quality locks!

Ten Reasons to Choose Altic Lock Service

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Campbell) — Mon, 12 May 2014 04:16:00 +0000

There are more, but here are 10 reasons you should call Altic Lock Service for your home or business security concerns: 10 Reasons to Choose Altic Lock Service . We serve Indianapolis and surrounding communities from Franklin to Noblesville, and Danville to Greenfield.

Indianapolis burglaries

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Campbell) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 03:05:00 +0000

Indianapolis burglaries

T F Stern's Rantings: Texas Unlicensed Locksmiths Arrested

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Campbell) — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 02:21:00 +0000

T F Stern's Rantings: Texas Unlicensed Locksmiths Arrested: I got my June issue of The National Locksmith and read Marc Goldberg’s article which starts off, “The state of Texas has just begun a major ...

T F Stern's Rantings: Presumption of Guilt

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Campbell) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 23:08:00 +0000

T F Stern's Rantings: Presumption of Guilt: It used to be that you were presumed innocent until proven guilty; at least that’s the way it was for most of my life. Apparently tha...

T F Stern's Rantings: Business Licenses - Jump for Joy

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Campbell) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 23:08:00 +0000

T F Stern's Rantings: Business Licenses - Jump for Joy: I have to give a tip of the hat to Unrepentant Individual’s blog on licensing . His article reminded me of a letter I sent to the Texas Pr...

T F Stern's Rantings: Texas Locksmith License Requirements

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Campbell) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 23:08:00 +0000

T F Stern's Rantings: Texas Locksmith License Requirements: Here’s a copy of a letter I sent off to the DPS/PSB which will decide whether or not I remain a card carrying licensed locksmith when it com...

T F Stern's Rantings: DPS/PSB Locksmiths License – Follow up

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Campbell) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 23:07:00 +0000

T F Stern's Rantings: DPS/PSB Locksmiths License – Follow up: June 15, 2007 Representative Debbie Riddle

Purple Heart Recipient Locked Out of Profession by Locksmith Licensing Law

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Campbell) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 03:42:00 +0000

By Barry Campbell, Managing Director SOPL

Kerrville Texas, Kerr County Texas 2012 -

Texas locksmith, Elvis Hernandez, had been working as a locksmith for about 10 years before being deployed to the Middle East to serve a 4-year stint in the Iraq War. This U.S. Army combat veteran, who had been awarded the ultimate symbol of sacrifice - a Purple Heart and an Honorable Discharge, returned home to the challenge of rebuilding his business and serving his community.

Mr. Hernandez has the additional challenge of being a single father, but he also has the support of many others in the locksmithing community in the San Antonio area, recently being named to the Board of the San Antonio Locksmith Association and having a positive employment history with IDN Acme, a locksmith distributor.

Given his military service and the respect and praise given him by his friends, former employers, and co-workers; it is no surprise that Elvis Hernandez has a strong sense of civic duty. But it is equally a shame that his sense of compassion and concern for others has led to him being barred from practicing as a professional locksmith.

Late this last spring, on the way to a job, he saw a small dog wandering loose on a highway where speeding cars were passing. He stopped to rescue the dog, which had no collar, leash, or identification and at risk of becoming roadkill.

He asked his customer if they knew who the owner of the dog was. When the job was completed, he left his contact information with the customer who lived in the area in case the owner came looking for the dog. Mr. Hernandez cared for the dog briefly, but had to give the dog to a relative because the lost dog did not get along with a dog he already owned. That was not permanent either, but at least the dog was not left to roam along a highway in harms way.

Months later, Mr. Hernandez received a call from the customer, who had eventually heard from the alleged owner of the dog. At this point, Mr. Hernandez was no longer aware of the location of the stray dog he had rescued. Subsequently, he was contacted by the owners of a lost dog, then by the Kerr County Sheriff. The now-irate owner has decided to press property theft charges against Hernandez, who has since been arrested on the misdemeanor charge and had to be fingerprinted, have a mug shot taken, and spend over 24 hours in jail, before being released on bond, pending trial.

The whole story sounds ridiculous enough at this point – a negligent owner charging a good Samaritan with theft of their dog without any evidence that the rescued dog was, in fact, their lost dog; and the arrest and pending prosecution for property theft, months after the fact, of someone who left their contact information in the hope of reuniting the owner with their dog. Thieves don't do that!

But things have become much worse for Mr. Hernandez. Nothing less than a tragedy, he has been barred from practicing his chosen profession. Because he has been charged with a crime, his locksmith license has been summarily suspended by the State of Texas Department of Public Safety. His business has been effectively shut down.

His friends in the locksmith community are barred from employing his skills as a locksmith. The damage being done to Mr. Hernandez's reputation is not the result of the actions of a negligent dog owner; it is not the result of what has every characteristic of overzealous law enforcement and malicious prosecution; it is purely and simply the result of the locksmith licensing law.

What would have been a bump in the road of his life has become a complete roadblock. Even if the charges are dropped or he is acquitted, it could easily take months for him to regain his license, under the locksmith licensing law.

As bad as the other circumstances have been, the effects of the locksmith licensing law has been devastating. He could run for Mayor, Governor, or even President of the United States, but he can't work as a locksmith simply because of the locksmith licensing law.

Those who have supported such laws should be ashamed at their results. Supposedly, these laws were enacted to put scammers out of business, but how many of them have been prosecuted under the locksmith licensing laws? As he served our country, Mr. Hernandez probably felt that he was supporting certain ideals, such as innocent until proven guilty. Little did he know that he would be presumed guilty until proven innocent by laws purporting to protect the industry he worked in.

Ironically, Mr. Hernandez said that he supported the initial efforts to license locksmiths in Texas, though he felt that the moneyed interests supporting licensing laws created a system far different than what the local locksmiths had envisioned.

This should serve as a warning to those who think there is any merit to government interference and regulation of the industry. It is reprehensible and inexcusable that a decorated war veteran should become a victim, collateral damage, in the supposed war against locksmith scammers.

See Purple Heart Recipient Victimized by Locksmith Licensing Law

When a lock problem is not a lock problem

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Campbell) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 03:16:00 +0000

There are things that can interfere with the correct operation of a lock that have nothing to do with the lock itself. A couple of the most common are poorly cut duplicate keys and sagging doors.

Duplicate Keys : Hardware store key duplication machines are often not adjusted correctly. A few thousandths of an inch can make the difference whether a key will work or not. It is difficult for a customer to tell if the depth of cut is correct without using a micrometer to compare an original to a duplicate key. However, it is often very easy to detect improper spacing on a duplicate key. If a key won't turn when fully inserted into the lock, but will turn if the key is pulled out slightly, you have a miscut key - the spacing is off. But the quickest way to detect a spacing error is to look at the tip of the key. The ramp at the tip end of the key should be smooth. If it looks like a small notch is cut into the key on that front ramp section, it is likely the spacing is off.

If you look closely at the key in the picture on the left, you will see a small notch cut into the angled ramp section at the tip of the key - a good sign that the key duplicating machine is not properly adjusted, and that the key will not work properly, if at all. This is a very, very common problem.

And, yes, we have had a couple customers call us back after we have serviced a lock, claiming the lock was no longer working. Sure enough, they'll hand us a key duplicated at a local hardware, like the one in the photo. Better to pay us for all the copies of the keys you need when we service the lock than to pay us for a second service call when your hardware store copies don't work!

Sagging Doors : Many times, what seems like a lock problem is actually a door problem. A new lock will not fix a door problem, at least not permanently. First, make sure all hinge screws have been installed. Most hinges are designed to be installed with four screws fastening the hinge to the door and four screws fastening the hinge to the jamb. It's amazing how many times we have found hinges installed with as few as two screws on each side, even in newly constructed homes. Second, remove a couple screws from the hinge side. They should be at least 1-1/2 inches long, preferably 3 inches to secure the hinge to the wall framing surrounding the door opening. Don't be surprised, though, if you find 3/4 inch screws. Replace these with longer screws, and make sure all screws are tight. You'll often find that the short screws have stripped the wood and will continue to turn without tightening. Inadequate hinge installation allows the door to sag, and the locks will no longer be aligned correctly with the strikes. Also, look at the gap between the door and the jamb on all sides. The gap should be consistent, not wider at the top than at the bottom. A proper gap is approximately 1/8 inch on all sides.

Take a look at the strike in the photograph on the right. You can see the wear from the latch is very near the bottom of the strike opening. The quick fix would be to move the strike lower on the jamb so that it better aligns with the lock. But if the actual cause of the problem is a sagging door, the problem will repeat in time. Secure the door hinges first. Adjust the strike location only if it is still out of alignment.

Altic Lock Service recommends installing the Door Devil reinforcement kit on all doors. Part of the kit includes the longer hinge attachment screws to tie the hinges into the wall framing. This, alone, will often correct strike alignment problems.

Remember that most locksmiths can address most door hardware issues, not just locks; but also keep in mind that not all lock problems are caused by the lock!

Electronic Locks

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Campbell) — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 01:18:00 +0000

The UK Daily Mail reports on an "electronic lockpick" that will easily bypass hotel cardkey-style locks. It is designed to look like nothing more conspicuous than a dry erase marker. Apparently, there are some 4 million locks out there, susceptible to this particular bypass technique.

Most electronic locks have a mechanical key override, so they share the very same vulnerabilities as the basic pin tumbler lock used on virtually all homes and businesses. When electronic systems are used in addition to the mechanical systems, they may be adding their own vulnerabilities. In this particular case, electronic locks are even more easily bypassed than the mechanical ones. This is not the only time a bypass technique has been discovered that will bypass an electronic lock.

Recently, electronic locks operable with remote controls or via smart phones have become available. Convenience is the greatest feature to these systems - not security. Keep this in mind when contemplating the purchase of an electronic locking system.

Angie's List: Locksmiths

noreply@blogger.com (Barry Campbell) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 21:12:00 +0000

Angie's List: Locksmiths