Pop-A-Lock® of Charlotte

2015-03-05T08:12:00.002-08:00

Some Locksmiths Prey On The Vulnerable, But Not Pop-A-Lock

Recently, homeowners from around the country have been finding themselves feeling a bit ripped off when it comes to calling in a locksmith and feel as if these so called “professionals” work harder at preying on the vulnerable than they do for their own job, which is supposed to be helping people. Reports have been made that some local locksmiths around the country, even though licensed, have been scamming homeowners with not only outrageous service charges but acting with incompetence in order to gain those crumby profits. These locksmiths have been seen giving out their business cards to local neighborhoods and at most times prey on the elderly, disabled or people they see fit as being gullible enough to accept their overpriced services. Some of these locksmiths would go as far as charging $180 dollars for 5 minutes of their time! They will also respond to simple issues that would only require lock picking, but instead will immediately start drilling out your lock just to replace it with prices ranging from an estimated $300 all they way up to $800. Apparently their reasons for bypassing phase one (lock picking) is, of course, profit but they will also insist on haste and that they have a lot of customers to get to and that their time is precious. All this, with no sense of accountability, just so they can empty your wallet.

Ridiculous, right? We know, and that’s why at Pop-A-Lock, we professionally train and encourage our locksmiths to offer the best quality service, at an affordable price. We will never coerce you into spending more money on services that are not necessary unless every angle has been tested and no other option is left, such the situation of drilling out door locks. Situations that call for such measures will always proceed with our standard that includes high quality assurance, consistent professionalism, customer satisfaction and a price tag that will always beat those other more expensive locksmiths. So don’t get scammed and always remember that not all locksmith scammers are fake, most are real businesses that will use their legitimacy to prey on you and your hard earned money.

Pop-A-Lock Charlotte NC is here for you. Our professionals are the number one trusted locksmiths in the U.S. and our services are next to none. Put your trust in Pop-A-Lock and give us a call at (310-318-1114) or check out our website for a full listing of our services.

How To Stop A Scammer

2015-02-11T12:18:00.003-08:00

We wanted to share this blog written by our friends in West Los Angeles.

Locksmith scams are certainly nothing new, and in fact, scammers are only getting smarter. It’s never a good feeling when you have locked yourself out or when you need to replace a lock. These unfortunate events make you feel insecure and vulnerable, which is what these scammer “locksmiths” feed on. Pop-A-Lock of Charlotte wants to help.

Here are a few things to look for, what you can do to combat a scammer if you believe you’ve been had, and a few tips on how to prepare before you find yourself in trouble.

How to Spot a Scammer

Unprofessional phone etiquette
Doesn’t disclose a last name or company name
Phone number is out of state
Does not check for ID nor provides his/her ID
Insists upon drilling your lock
Charges way above quoted price
Asks for payment in cash

“I got scammed anyway, now what?”

If you suspect that you have been scammed, there are a few things you can do. If you happened to have used a bank card to pay for the transaction, you can try calling your bank to explain the situation and see if they will refund the money. Be sure to call the Bureau of Better Business to report the scammers and you can even report them online. If you have a Facebook account, you can also warn friends and family of scammers in the area to save them the trouble.

Be prepared before crisis hits by calling the number one trusted locksmith Charlotte, we will never charge you more than quoted! Save the image below in your smartphone for future reference!

Make Sure To Keep Warm For The Rest Of The Winter

2015-01-30T11:10:00.000-08:00

Press Release – PR Newswire – November 2014 – With the start of winter just around the corner, safety thoughts turn to keeping warm and driving safely in wintry conditions. However, as temperatures drop, the growing concern of parents leaving children in locked cars – normally associated with the summer heat – becomes just as serious an issue in the freezing winter months. Pop-A-Lock, the country’s largest security company, wants parents and caregivers to be informed about the extreme, and some times fatal, dangers of locking a child in a vehicle accidentally during frigid winter temperatures through their free PALSavesKids program that aims to prevent vehicular hypothermia.

Even though children may not be directly exposed to the snow and wind chill, they are still at risk for hypothermia if left in unattended vehicles. The following are some facts about the severity of leaving children in locked vehicles and the quick onset of hypothermia:

Smaller body size and an inability to make enough body heat through shivering put children at higher risk of hypothermia and frostbite when exposed to cold conditions.
According to the Drive Steady Advocacy Group, children left in cold cars can suffer frostbite, or hypothermia, if their body temperature drops below 95 degrees F. That can happen all too quickly. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, memory loss, drowsiness, exhaustion, poor coordination, slurred speech, and numbness. Children may have trouble communicating these symptoms.
The child tied in their car seat and wearing restrictive clothing can actually be risk factors to worsen their chances of hypothermia.
During winter months, snow can block an automobile’s exhaust pipe, meaning parents who leave the car on for their children to stay warm are still putting them at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.

Pop-A-Lock will focus on the dangers of leaving children in unattended vehicles and educate caregivers about the company’s PALSavesKids Program through interaction with customers, distributing educational materials to organizations supporting caregivers and children, and through social media. Aimed to support local police and firefighters, the program educates parents to first call 9-1-1 and then call 1-800-Pop-A-Lock. The Pop-A-Lock technician nearest to the scene will leave all other priorities aside to arrive as soon as possible to unlock the child from the automobile. This free community service program was originally launched in 1991 and since then has saved over 350,000 children.

To prevent vehicular hypothermia from occurring, the PALSavesKids program includes a call-to-action: “PALSaves 1-2-3.” The “1-2-3″ reminds caregivers to “look before you lock” by: 1-stopping; 2-looking; and then 3-locking.

PALSavesKids’ mascot, PAL Super Dog, is a gentle reminder to caregivers to always look in the backseat before leaving the vehicle. Specific recommendations to prevent locking children in automobiles include:

Keep vehicles locked at all times; even in the garage or driveway and always set your parking brake.
Put something you’ll need like your cell phone, handbag, employee ID or briefcase, etc., on the floorboard in the back seat.
Keep a large stuffed animal or favorite toy in the child’s car seat when it’s not occupied. When the child is placed in the seat, put the stuffed animal or toy in the front passenger seat. It’s a visual reminder that anytime the stuffed animal or toy is up front you know the child is in the back seat in a child safety seat

“We launched this program in 1991 to educate caregivers about the severe dangers of leaving children in unattended vehicles or mistakenly locking a child in an automobile,” said Don Marks, CEO of Pop-A-Lock. “By using our expertise in the security industry, we are able to quickly and efficiently remove children from harm. This program provides our franchise with the opportunity to thank the communities that have supported our business for so many years.”

Start Your New Year Off With A Security Audit

2015-01-16T11:07:00.004-08:00

Did you know that Pop-A-Lock offers free security audits for your home or business. Our audits are performed by professional security expects, our locksmith technicians. Our techs are trained to handle all aspects of security and have a very comprehensive checklist that will be sure to leave no stone unturned.

Our security audits are designed to make sure that you home, business, or even school is ready to handle anything that the world can throw at it. We want your locks to be in full functioning order, your windows and doors to be secure, and your alarms system working at 100% capacity. These are things that Pop-A-Lock of Charlotte is aiming to accomplish. These audits are completely free and we can provide an invoice for anything that needs to be done after the audit is complete. So, not only can we come by and get the audit complete, but we can help you with any issues that we find during the audit.

Give our 24 hour service line a call. (704) 596-6736 has operators on stand-by 24 hours a day. This is what makes Pop-A-Lock of Charlotte the best name in the business. Our dedication to you stands alone.

Christmas Wishes From Pop-A-Lock of Charlotte

2014-12-22T08:09:00.000-08:00

Everyone here at Pop-A-Lock of Charlotte wants to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year. We love Charlotte and all it's wonderful people. Our blog is dedicated to informing the public about our services and giving safety tips/advice. Today, this post is about giving thanks.

We thank our great customers, past, current, and future. When you ever need us, we'll be there. Give us a call at (704) 596-6736.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE CASTRO FAMILY!

Serving Fort Mill

2014-12-11T08:06:00.000-08:00

Pop-A-Lock of Charlotte is proud to let you know that we now service Fort Mill with the best locksmith services around. We currently are getting our feet wet in the area, so we're can service your locksmith needs now, but by appointment only. When we get ourselves better established in the area, we will be able to service your 24 hour and emergency locksmith needs. Please visit our blog periodically to learn when we're going to make changes.

If you've never used Pop-A-Lock before, you'll be happy to know that we service your needs quickly and professionally, because we employ the best locksmiths in the world. Our locksmiths are trained to handle anything you can throw at them, including car door unlocking, key making, lock installation, and more. Our 24 hour service line is (704) 596-6736. Give us a call!

We are the leader in safety in the Charlotte area. Call today!

We're Gonna Be There All Holiday's

2014-12-05T09:37:00.000-08:00

We're going to be there for your needs all throughout the holidays. We know there is a lot of stuff going on over the next couple of weeks, so it's important that you know that we can still help you out, even if you think we can't. We will be there for things like the:

Hornet's games
Symphony
All different Christmas events
The Auto Show
and more...

I think the point we're trying to make is that we're there for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We love the celebrate the holiday's as much as the next person, but we also love helping that person out in their time of need. Give us a call at (704) 596-6736, or visit our website to learn more about what we can offer.

We look forward to hearing from you!

A Shared Blog From Canada

2014-11-21T09:32:00.000-08:00

Our friends at Pop-A-Lock of Halton, in Canada, recently had a nice run in with a curious customer. We thought that this blog would be worth sharing to show others how locks work.

“I was recently asked by a customer’s young son, how does a lock work? I’d love to show everyone how. I’d like to show you the pin tumbler lock. This lock is the most common lock because it’s used for most home doors and many other doors. If you watch this video, you can see it in action. The tumbler lock is a pretty simple lock to crack open, but I think I’m only saying that because I’ve been trained to do it.

The lock has two types of pins that help it function. The blue pins are called the driver pins. The red pins are called the key pins. Whenever you put a key into the lock, the purpose of the pins is to be pushed up by the key into the correct position so that the cylinder (yellow) can turn. In the first picture in the set, you can see that all of the pins were lined up correctly and the cylinder has turned. The second picture shows what happens before the turn begins. All of the pins are aligned and the cylinder would be allowed to turn. If you’ve ever wondered why the sides of your keys are indented, it’s because these locks come with a little ledge that makes sure the pins don’t fall from their respective holes. You can see the ledge in the fourth picture.

What’s great about Pop-A-Lock is that we know how to open these keys, clean these locks, cut new keys for these locks, and even change the pins to have a new combination for opening it. When I say that we’re the best locksmith the business, I mean it! We can help you with your pin tumblers, your wafer tumblers, your tubular locks, your electronic locks, keycard locks, and so much more. We do more than you think. Give Pop-A-Lock of Charlotte a call today. See what we can do. (704) 596-6736 is our 24 hour service line.”

Keep Safe For Halloween

2014-10-27T07:24:00.000-07:00

As you may well know, Halloween is filled mischief, fun, and family. Especially considering Halloween is on a Friday this year, we feel it's especially important this year to remind everyone to really be safe this year. Not only do we want your children and trick-or-treaters to be safe, but it's also important to keep your home safe as well. Some people use Halloween as an excuse to do some not so friendly things. This is why we want to give you some home safety tips to making sure your home isn't a target this year. They are:

Keep your lights on if you aren't home. Make people believe you are there even though you might not be.
Don't put a bucket on the front porch full of candy. This is an even bigger indicator that you aren't home.
Make sure all doors and windows are locked securely.
If you light Jack-O-Lanterns, make sure they are in a position that are not fire hazards.
Get a free security audit by Pop-A-Lock.

When you want the best in safety and advice, give Pop-A-Lock of Charlotte a call. We're ready for your call 24 hours a day. Our hotline is (704) 596-6736. We are completely mobile too, that means we can always come to your location. For your home safety needs, call today!

Why Is It Good To Have Us Saved In Your Phone?

2014-10-08T07:21:00.002-07:00

These situations are completely hypothetical, but allow me to explain to you why I think it's important to have us saved in your phone. Let's say your driving on the highway and get into a bad reception area. You can make phone calls and send texts, but can't look up anything online. You might get out of your car to grab something from the trunk, but accidentally lock the doors on the way out. Uh oh, now you're locked out of the car. Can you look up the number for a locksmith? Nope, but if you have a number saved, you might be able to make the call and ask for help.

Locksmith's are like fire extinguishers. You might never need one, but you'll sure be glad you had it if ever something goes wrong. We're not trying to push terror or try to scare people into using locksmiths often, we're just trying to make sure people are prepared. The old phrase of "better safe than sorry" seems appropriate.

Do yourself a favor. Save (704) 596-6736 in your phone. The name can just be locksmith. Most of us have the most important emergency numbers, 911, 411, etc. memorized, but those are usually just three numbers long. Our's is a little longer, but with the advent of mobile smart phones, you don't have to memorize anything these days. Just save it! You won't regret it.

Getting Ready For The Coming Cold

2014-10-02T08:05:00.000-07:00

We are getting ready for the colder months coming up soon. It's going to get here before you know, so why not get prepared before it's too late. There is a lot of great techniques to making sure that you aren't throwing your money away by running your heater too long. A home is a hard thing to keep warm, unless you take some precautions. Here are some tips that our friends in Canada put together. These Canadian's know a lot about getting cold.

Seal up your home of drafty areas
Keep rubber strips and stoppers tightly sealed around doors and windows
Don’t forget to close your flue if you aren’t at home
Make sure your windows are double-paned

And make sure you keep your home safe with a Pop-A-Lock of Charlotte security audit. We can come to your home and make sure your home safety is up to par. We’re excited to say that our audits are the best in the business and we can make sure your home or business stays safe. Call us at our 24 hour service line:

(704) 596-6736

Charlotte, Indian Trail, Matthews, Mint Hill, Pineville, UNCC, University City, Waxhaw, Weddington and more.

Why Are We Trained

2014-09-18T07:57:00.000-07:00

Pop-A-Lock of Charlotte is ready for it all. Our locksmith technicians are trained to handle anything you can throw at them. Our techs are trained for automotive, commercial, and residential locksmith needs. What does this mean for you? Our tech can drive out to your location, no matter where you are, and get your needs met. Your needs could range from getting your trunk open, your doors unlocked, new locks installed on your home or business, and more.

Our technicians are sent to the home of the entire Pop-A-Lock company, Lafayette, Louisiana, to get their training. We’re excited to send our techs away, because we know that when they return, they’ll be educated in all things locksmith related. We don’t claim to know it all, but we surely know more than most. We are trained with the latest techniques and they learn with state-of-the-art technologies. We already have these technologies in our mobile locksmith units, and it’s good to know that the techs that use these units know how to use all of the technologies within them.

We’re ready for your call 24 hours a day. We offer all of our hotlines 24 hours a day. Give us a call! (704) 596-6736

School Security By Pop-A-Lock

2014-09-04T13:54:00.000-07:00

What are the risks?

Security personnel are trained to evaluate jobs in terms of threats, attacks, and countermeasures. Some threats are geographical in nature – tornados, hurricanes, floods, fire. While these threats to our schools are something to be concerned about, an unfortunate and even more devastating chain of events have taken over as the #1 threat to our students and faculty. The threat of someone walking onto a school campus with the intention of causing bodily harm to students and faculty is top of mind as these events continue to happen across the country. What can schools do to protect themselves in an active shooter scenario?

While there may not be a perfect solution, there are measures that can be taken to increase security on campuses everywhere – daycare centers, elementary through high schools, and colleges. The purpose is to minimize risk and focus on the types of security equipment that can be used to help protect against violent attacks.

Perimeter Envelope

The first step in securing a building is ensuring that only those people allowed inside are in fact inside. The process starts by ensuring that the exterior doors and windows are installed properly, of good quality and have automatic closing devices where appropriate. Once complete, the next step is the installation of a number of interconnected sensors and controls in a system which will indicate when any outside door is ajar (door position sensors), control when the main doors are allowed to be open (access control), and indicate that windows are closed when appropriate (window contacts).

Access Control

An electronic access control system can provide control of who enters the school during normal operating hours. A good system can minimize the annoyance of increasing security by allowing those who should have access to the school to do so in a normal manner, for example a proximity fob.

Identification Badges

In a large school environment a badge system can be used to print a badge providing visual confirmation and access control information for each visitor in the school. School administrators should look at their current security protocol and adapt these best practices if they are not already in place.

•Is an identification card or badge used to identify all personnel within the confines of the controlled areas? Does the identification and control system include arrangements for the following:

Protection of coded or printed components of badges and passes
Designation of the various areas requiring special control measures
Controlled issue of identification media

•Are there written procedures for the method of identification at time of entering and leaving controlled area, as applied to both employees and visitors?

Details of where, when, and how ID cards shall be carried
Procedures to be followed in case of loss or damage to identification media
Procedure for recovery and invalidation
Arrival/departure time in each case recorded on the employees/visitor’s register

•Are personnel who require infrequent access to a critical area and who have not been issued regular security identification for such areas treated as “visitors” and issued either -

A visitor’s badge or pass
A special pass

•If a badge exchange system is used for any controlled area, does the system provide for:

Comparison of badge, pass and personnel?
Physical exchange of pass for badge at time of entrance and exit?
Security of badges not in use?

•Are badges recorded and controlled by rigid accountability procedures?

•Are lost badges replaced with one bearing a different number or one that is otherwise not identical to the one lost?

•What are procedures relative to lost, damaged, and/or forgotten badges?

Restricted Keyway Locks

The basic mechanical locking hardware is very important in keeping unwanted visitors out of the school. A restricted keying system ensures that keys cannot be duplicated by unauthorized people at chain stores, hardware stores, or even at individual locksmith shops. This is accomplished through strict manufacturer control of key blanks and lock components and appropriate dealer licensing. Keys remain controlled and as long as the keys are collected from terminated employees, the key system remains secure. No unauthorized keys are ever produced. Additionally, because of the restricted nature of the keys they are not available for an experienced attacker to use in the creation of a master through reverse engineering or in the creation of a functional bump key.

High Security Locks

While the primary issue with keys is maintaining key control, and that is fully addressed by restricted keyway locks, these locks do not provide increased pick and drill resistance. Should the threat analysis conclude that there will be targeted attacks on the locks, then, high security locks should be installed. They provide the advantages of restricted keyways plus added pick resistance and increased drill resistance.

Master-Keyed Systems

A properly setup master key system provides a great deal of convenience and flexibility for users of the facility. It’s safe to say that most schools in this country use a master-keyed system, however, in the context of school security it is important to understand that master-keyed locks are somewhat easier to pick. Professional locksmiths refer to master-keying as the “controlled loss of security”. With that being said, master-keying is generally of such great value to the facility users that if a lock picking attack is a serious concern the recommendation would be to upgrade the cylinders to high security locks and master-key those. Consider these questions…

Has a key control official been appointed?
Are locks and keys to all buildings and entrances supervised and controlled by a key control official?
Does the key control official have overall authority and responsibility for issuance and replacement of locks and keys?
Are keys not in use maintained indicating:

-Buildings and/or entrances for which keys are issued?

-Number and identification of keys issued?

-Location and number of master keys?

-Location and number of duplicate keys?

-Issue and turn in of keys?

-Location of locks and keys held in reserve?

Are locks changed immediately upon loss or theft of keys?
If master keys are used, are they devoid of markings identifying them as such?
Are losses or thefts of keys promptly investigated by the key control personnel?
Must all requests for reproduction or duplication of keys be approved by the key control official?
Are locks on inactive gates and storage facilities under seal? Are they checked periodically by personnel?
Are padlocks rotated within the facility at least semiannually?

Door Position Sensors

A door position sensor can show an indication of a door opened when it shouldn’t be and a door propped open. These can be used in combination with an access control system or a burglar alarm system.

Burglar Alarms

Burglar alarms by themselves are an effective deterrent and should the building envelope be compromised, they will summon the police. This is a very effective way of preventing or minimizing theft.

Panic Buttons

All modern burglar alarms have the ability to send a panic signal if something were to happen during the daily operation of the school. Wireless panic buttons can be added anywhere within the school and can be used to summon the police in the event of an emergency. These buttons would be programmed to function whether the burglar alarm was armed or not.

Classroom Security

In the last 14 years, manufacturers have developed a new function of lock called “classroom/intruder”. This type of lock has a key on both the inside and outside. These locks are used throughout the school, anywhere children are present – classrooms, offices, gyms, and cafeterias. The interior locks on all doors are keyed in such a way that every teacher and administrator’s individual classroom or office key will lock any door from the inside. In the event of an active shooter attack, all classrooms would be locked down from the inside and the children would be moved to the safest part of the room. “Classroom/Intruder” is the only lock function we would recommend.

Video Surveillance

Visible video surveillance has a deterrent value and exposed obvious cameras are best for school systems. Cameras mounted outside the school can aid in providing perimeter security simply by increasing awareness of what is happening outside where windows do not allow visibility. Interior cameras provide deterrence as well and the very fact that they are seen means less vandalism and theft.

*Resolution – All modern video systems have high resolution cameras as an option and they can provide stunning pictures.

*Compression – The amount of raw video data in modern systems is very large, huge actually. Various compression methods are available to store the data with minimum degradation.

*Storage – All systems will provide some method of recording the video information and typically storage times are in the 2 week range. More is possible but would require increased storage capacity. In some systems the storage is in the camera, while others in a separate computer box.

*Event Triggers – Video surveillance can be initiated by a trigger such as a door contact in an area where no one should be. This provides advantages in allowing the quick review of the video after the discovery of a problem.

The threat of violence in our schools requires emergency lockdown or shelter-in-place procedures. Take the time to analyze your schools current security and take the necessary steps to make upgrades where they are most needed.

*Mention that you read this article and receive 10% off your locksmith service provided by Pop-A-Lock*

Pop-A-Lock of Charlotte's Tips For School

2014-08-21T13:52:00.002-07:00

Pop-A-Lock of Charlotte is the authority on safety in the Charlotte area. We want everyone to be safe during the coming school year. Whether your a parents, teen, or child, making sure you implement these changes can mean safety for yourself and loved ones. It never hurts to be safe, and that's what we're trying to do.

For parents:

If you drive your children, be patient and make sure not to drive quickly in morning traffic.
If you drop your child off at the school, never drop them off in a place where traffic is moving.
Make sure your car is in good condition.
Always buckle up for safety.

For parents who let their kids come home from school, remind them to:

Always lock the door behind them when they get home.
Call and let you know when they get to the house.
Don’t cook anything that requires high heat or flames when you get home.
If something goes wrong and you must leave the house, go to the nearest neighbor that you trust.

For teenagers who drive themselves to school:

Don’t use your phone at all while driving. It can wait!
Pay attention to the road and know who has right of way when then time comes.
Sleep well each night.
It’s better to ride alone than with friends, but if a friend rides with you, make sure they are respectful of your driving duties.

Pop-A-Lock of Charlotte is the only trusted 24 hour locksmith in the area that can offer you automotive, commercial, and residential services for your locksmith needs. Call today at (704) 596-6736 to see what we can do for you.

We Can Handle Your Keys

2014-07-23T14:08:00.000-07:00

Pop-A-Lock of Charlotte is proud to say that our technicians are well-trained and ready to handle any of your locksmith needs. Whenever you need someone you can trust, look no further than Pop-A-Lock of Charlotte. We offer the ability handle your keys, even if the key is a type that you don't think we will be able to handle.

We can handle:

Transponder keys
Laser cut keys
Double sided keys
Keycards
and more...

We can even handle your different types of locks:

Padlocks
Deadbolts
Cam locks
Mortise
Electronic
and more..

We are well-trained and ready to handle anything you can throw at us. Don't hesitate to give us a call at (704) 596-6736 for 24 hour locksmith services for your home, car, and business. We're ready for the call.

A Quick Reminder About The Heat

2014-07-09T14:02:00.000-07:00

Pop-A-Lock is always wanting to remind our customers and the people in our great neighborhood that leaving anyone in a vehicle is unacceptable during the hot months of the year. We see people at stores leave their pets in the car all the time. They have the windows rolled down slightly, but that doesn't mean it's cool in the vehicle. Plan ahead and make sure you aren't taking your pet with you if you're going to have to stop somewhere.

Also, we want to remind you of our PALSavesKids program. This free community service is aimed at rescuing children that have been locked in vehicles accidentally. We understand that accidents happen, but we firmly believe that no one should be hurt in the process, especially your kids. Don't hesitate to give us a call after you've called your local police department to let them know what is going on. We will send our nearest technician immediately to help you out. They will unlock the door free of charge and without damaging the vehicle.

Be safe this summer and make sure to think ahead before locking your vehicle or taking your pets out. A little bit of forethought goes a long way. Pop-A-Lock of Charlotte cares and we want to show it by giving you reminders like this and important information to keep your family safe. If you need locksmith services today, call us at (704) 596-6736 for 24 hour service.

What Is A Scammer And How Can I Avoid Them?

2014-06-23T08:19:00.000-07:00

Scammers are a group of individuals with no backbone, soul, or conscience. These people are sad and pathetic opportunist who take advantage of people who they need someone they can trust. People don't need locksmiths very often, so most times customers are just looking them up whenever the time finally comes. Everyone has their favorite businesses. Favorite place to shop, eat, and make purchases. But, many people that I know don't have a favorite locksmith. This is where the problem lies, because people are more likely to choose the first locksmith that comes up on the list of search results. The reason why these scammers are sometimes first on the lists is because these guys spend money to be there. Sadly, they can get away with for some time because Google manages to take them down, but they are like roaches. They keep coming back.

We're excited to say that we have developed a few ways to avoid these kinds of companies.

Use Pop-A-Lock. We wouldn't be a smart company if we didn't say something like this. Just call the most trusted locksmith in the world. (704) 596-6736.
Do research before you need a locksmith. Make sure the company is established and trusted.
Look up reviews!
There is no such thing as a $15 locksmith. If they are advertising that price or around that price, then look the other way. It's a scam.
Check out their website. If it looks "scammy" then turn the other way. Just use your best judgement.

Don't trust just anyone with your locksmith needs for your home, car, or business. Just know that there is a company out there that you can trust. Pop-A-Lock of Charlotte. (704) 596-6736. Give us a call or save our number in your phone.

11 More Things Your Local Locksmith Won't Tell You

2014-06-09T08:06:00.001-07:00

The information following reprint was found in Readers Digest and all of the contributors were locksmiths from around the country. I found it interesting and a bit surprising, so hopefully will you.

11. I've seen my share of dead bodies. It’s always a bad sign when the landlord calls to get into an apartment and nobody’s seen the tenant for 10 days.

12. Divorce lockouts are a challenge. The soon-to-be ex-wife will call and say she’s locked out, so I get her in and change the locks. The husband then calls with the same request. I refer him to a competitor.

13. Don’t feel bad if you have to call me twice in a short span of time. I once had a guy lock himself out of his house 3 times in one day.

14. If you’re locked out, please just call one of us. More than once, I arrived at a lockout to find 2 competitors trucks already there. At that point, we all agreed to leave and abandon the inconsiderate victim.

15. Never tell me “don’t worry, it’s an easy lock”. Every time someone says that it takes an extra 10 minutes to get it open. Its the kiss of death.

16. If its 2am and some guy calls me because he’s locked out of his car at a strip club, a service call that’s normally $55 is now $100. If he’s got money for club’s, he’s got money for me.

17. Don’t believe a car dealer who says only he can duplicate keys. In most cases, a locksmith who specializes in automotive work can make you a key – usually cheaper.

18. Try the door. I’ve gone to houses and found it open, but I’m still going to charge you for coming out.

19. If your key won’t turn, try WD40 or silicone spray. Sometimes the pins get jammed and 25-40% of the time, that solves the problem.

20. Have a house keeper that needs a key? Ask me to key your door so that your master key works on both the dead bolt and the door knob but hers just works the door knob. On the day she comes, only lock the knob.

21. Many locksmiths in the phonebook or online are scammers. They’ll quote you one price, but when they get there, they’ll say you have a special lock they can’t pick, so they’ll have to drill it open. Then they charge you $125 or more for a replacement lock you can buy at Home Depot for $25.

These are all topics that locksmiths deal with on a daily basis. As your trusted locksmith, Pop-A-Lock of Charlotte seeks to:

1) educate consumers about best practices in locksmithing

2) provide secure solutions at an affordable price

3) identify and take steps against the scammers that prey upon consumers.

Give us a call when you need someone you can trust. (704) 596-6736.

10 Things Your Local Locksmith Won't Tell

2014-05-22T11:06:00.000-07:00

The information following reprint was found in Readers Digest and all of the contributors were locksmiths from around the country. I found it interesting and a bit surprising, so hopefully will you.

1. A lot of us do undercover works for the cops. We make keys for them to get into places at 3am so they can set up surveillance equipment or put bugs into place.

2. Contractors stink at installing dead bolts. I can’t tell you how many times I go out to rekey one or let someone in and I find problems. If its not installed right it will not protect you.

3. The best lock is a dead bolt that properly installed. It should have at least a 1” throw and on the strike side, there should be a security plate with screws at least 3” long that go all the way into the door’s frame.

4. If you have a window near on or your door, a thumb turn will not do you any good. They knock out the glass, stick in their hand, and turn. Get a double sided dead bolt that needs a key on the inside.

5. Think twice before you buy a locked safe at a flea market or garage sale. It’s probably going to cost you $300 or more to open it, and chances are, all’s you’re going to find inside is mouse poop.

6. When you buy a new house, always have your locks rekeyed. Otherwise, there’s probably a master key out there that can easily open your home.

7. Keys stamped Do Not Duplicate are duplicated all the time. Ask me about High Security locks that can’t be replicated at the hardware store.

8. You’re suppose to check ID before you open anything. But half the time when someone is locked out of their house or car, where do you think their ID is?

9. The biggest mistakes people make with their safe; spinning the dial too fast, trying to open it before its unlocked, and forcing it closed when there’s obviously a problem.

10. Its easy to defeat the cheapo locks from the big box stores. Most are mass produced by reputable manufacturers but to very low standards. Look for at least grade 2.

These are all topics that locksmiths deal with on a daily basis. As your trusted locksmith, Pop-A-Lock seeks to:

1) educate consumers about best practices in locksmithing

2) provide secure solutions at an affordable price

3) identify and take steps against the scammers that prey upon consumers.

Pop-A-Lock Offers The Best Security Audits And Safety Inspections

2014-05-08T11:04:00.000-07:00

Pop-A-Lock may be a regular locksmith services company that can help you with your needs with your car, home, or business. But did you know about Pop-A-Lock's dedication to the safety of the Charlotte community. Crime never sleeps, but it certainly makes it easier to sleep at night if you know that your house is well-protected. Pop-A-Lock of Charlotte is here to remind you of our thorough and professional security audits for your home.

The summer is soon here and families all over the city will be taking vacations that will leave their home unwatched and unprotected for days on end. So, it is our job to give a reminder to those who might be leaving their home in this state for some time that you will feel better knowing that Pop-A-Lock has performed a security audit and made the changes needed to make sure your home is safe. Our security audits have 48 points of checking and we make sure that each of your home's sections are covered. Our trained technician will go through and make note of any changes that are needed. We will recommend solutions for your security issues and will even make the repairs and changes ourselves.

Pop-A-Lock is proud to offer the best services in Charlotte and we want to serve you today. Call us at (704) 596-6736 for 24 hour locksmith services. Call today.

PALSavesKids is ready for summer, are you?

2014-04-18T09:44:00.000-07:00

PALSavesKids is a program that was established by Pop-A-Lock back in 1991. This FREE community service is aimed at rescuing children and loved ones who have been locked behind a closed doors. We know that summer is coming, which usually includes the heat. Did you know that your car can increase to over 125 degrees in a matter of minutes during the summer months. This is important to remember when you have children.

We know that accidents happen, and the busy life of a mother or father can cause forgetfulness at times. These accidents are not meant to happen, but we agree that it's important to be prepared in case. PALSavesKids is meant to help protect the ones you love by offering a free solution to a stressful situation. Here are the steps to making sure that no one gets hurt if you ever inadvertently lock a loved one behind a closed door.

Don't panic
Call your local police department and inform them of the situation, make sure to mention that you want to call Pop-A-Lock as soon as possible.
Dial (704) 596-6736 for Pop-A-Lock of Charlotte

This is PAL.

We will make your call our number one priority and will send the nearest technician to your location. We will do this completely free of charge, because we want to provide this great service to our community. We care about Charlotte and the great citizens in it. Give us a call if you need us and we will be there as soon as possible. If you don't have an emergency, and just need some locksmith services, we can take care of that too. Visit our website to see what we can do for you. Call today.

Use Yelp to find a trustworth locksmith

2014-04-04T09:29:00.000-07:00

For those who don't know, the locksmith world is, unfortunately, filled with scamming companies that are there just to take advantage of people who are in stressful situations. Pop-A-Lock of Charlotte is there to make sure that you are never scammed. We are part of the most trusted and well-established network of locksmiths in the US.

Pop-A-Lock of Charlotte is constantly looking for venues to show people that there are these horrible companies out there. We've recently discovered a large user base in Yelp, and we are trying to show our current customers and future customers on Yelp, to read the reviews that have been posted about locksmiths around the area. Here is a prime example of what we mean.

From Yelp user Lee K
"We would NEVER use this locksmith again! We called to have a bathroom punch-lock opened and were told by the technician that it would be "between $45 and $90" depending on the work to be done. We had tried multiple times to open the lock using a small screwdriver. Before trying the lock, he tried to have us sign a paper agreeing to pay not $45, but $85 plus a $30 service charge. When we told him to forget it, he came down to $70, telling us he might have to destroy the lock, which we said was o.k. But then he was able to open it using only a small screwdriver. He noted the lock was a little off-center, but it took only a few seconds of his time. We nicely tried to discuss the situation with him and requested an adjustment, but he said "that's why I have you sign this before doing the work."

This is the perfect example of what we are trying to prevent in the Charlotte area. We know that these companies exist and that many of the time, they are quick to change their names, addresses, and phone numbers in order to stay in business. It's a pathetic practice, but it's being watched by us.

Here is something to keep in mind. Reviews on Yelp are not meant to be asked for. It's against Yelp's policies to continuously ask customers for reviews, so the reviews that we've obtained have been natural. Our reviews are from genuinely satisfied customers that are just looking for fair and honest service. Our review badge can be found below. Feel free to visit our page and read through them.

Pop-A-Lock of Charlotte

There is no such thing as a $15 locksmith

2014-03-24T10:42:00.000-07:00

We hear complaints from people all the time who talk about how they were scammed out of $100 or more after a scammer got the best of them. They were locked out of there car at night and needed to get home, so they used their phone to call a locksmith. They searched for a locksmith and saw an ad on the results that said "$15 locksmith service." Without doing more research they just called. The person on the phone sounded nice enough. The person on the phone said that the service is just $15 and they can have someone out there right away. Sure enough, a man shows up in an unmarked vehicle and starts the service. After the door is opened, the scammers looks the person dead in the eye and asks for over $100. They said it was because of "service fees," "convenience fees," and plenty of other stupid reasons. This happens all too often.

Allow us to reiterate the title of this post... There is no such thing as a $15 locksmith. People who claim they can provide this service at this price is either a scammer or unprofessional and will likely damage your locks. We encourage you to call Pop-A-Lock of Charlotte. We're licensed, professional, and expertly trained in all of the services we provide. We will arrive in marked vehicles and will have uniformed technicians. We do not have hidden fees and will give you a quote and stick to it. We serve all of Charlotte, included Mint Hill, Matthews, Indian Trail , Pineville, Weddington, Waxhaw, and any other little area in between.

We don't want you to fall victim to these greedy and evil companies who will take advantage of a person who is in need of someone they can trust. Trust us, Pop-A-Lock of Charlotte. We're the most trusted locksmith in the area. Call us at (704) 596-6736 or save our number in your phone for a day that you might need us. Visit out website at popalock.com to see what kind of services we offer.

We Attended The Carolinas Regional Realtors Association Expo Last Week. Here Are Some Thoughts.

2014-03-10T10:15:00.001-07:00

Charlotte's housing marketing is always busy with buyers and sellers. We know how chaotic buying a home can be, and how many different basic thoughts can fall by the way-side. One of those issues can be the safety of your new home. You may buy a brand new house, but many never think about who might have a copy of the keys for the doors, even though the previous owners have given you all the copies they had.

We attended the CRRA Expo because we wanted to give Real Estate Agents and our customers the friendly reminder that Pop-A-Lock of Charlotte is available for all of your re-keying and locksmith needs. We can change the locks on your new home, install new high security locks, and so much more.

Pop-A-Lock of Charlotte offers services for more than your home. We can also service your business and car too. If you need an ignition repaired, a key cut, a transponder key programmed, an electronic lock installed, or so much more, you don't need to look further. On top of all of these great service choices, we are completely mobile, so we will always come to your location.

We're open 24 hours a day. Give us a call or visit our website. We can't wait to service your needs.

High Security Locks from Schlage

2012-04-03T09:26:00.000-07:00

Schlage locks are among the most commonly used locks in residential and residential security. However, most Schlage locks that are installed in homes and businesses provide only basic security.

You can enhance the protection of your home or business by upgrading to Schlage's Primus line of products. Primus has two important advantages over off-the-shelf locks:

Better Key Control. Schlage Primus locks use restricted keyways which simply means that keys cannot be easily duplicated. As a large dealer, Pop-A-Lock can provide keys that retailers like Home Depot or Wal-mart cannot duplicate. If you want additional keys, all you have to do is call your Pop-A-Lock locksmith. You can rest better knowing that you have control over your keys. As long as you can account for all of your keys, you are can feel more secure.

Higher Security. A Schlage Primus lock is difficult to unlock without a proper key. The side-bit milling feature of this lock that gives you improved key control also accounts for its improved security. This lock is pick resistant and the only way to gain entry is often to destroy the lock.

If you will feel more secure knowing that you have a better class of locks installed in your home or business, give us a call and we’d be happy to discuss your options!

Click here for a testimonial from the Schlage website.