Locks for sliding glass doors

Here in Cary, NC most homes, condos and apartments have a sliding glass door. This door usually opens out to a balcony, patio or back yard and often affords views of everything from a golf course to a neighboring building or even a parking lot! Ease of access is provided by this sliding door of glass as it opens wide enough to allow people, pets and furniture to come and go easily and at will.

As useful as these doors are, they can also be somewhat of a security problem. For one thing, the glass doors are almost always on the side or back of the property; out of view from the street. This gives crooks a little privacy to work at getting into your home or business as fewer eyes are on them from the back. Secondly, the large opening the glass door makes when it’s open is perfect for removing furniture, large screen televisions and other items of value.

What good is a lock?

Here at Cary Locksmith we are often asked “what good are locks on the sliding glass doors? All the burglar has to do is smash the glass!” While this point is well-taken, it is also not too likely. Smashed glass makes a lot of noise, and unless you live out in the “boonies” someone is bound to hear an unusual sound like that and either investigate, or call the police. In Cary, NC we have medium to high density living and working conditions that would allow people close by to notice and report such an incident.

Another deterrent to smashing your way through a sliding glass door is the possibility of injury. Shattered glass is sharp and it cuts easily. All it takes is an artery to be cut and death can follow rather quickly. Plus, blood left behind and trails of it are often tell-tale signs of just who was the culprit behind the break-in.

For locks to work you have to use them!

It kind of goes without saying, but for your sliding glass door to be and remain safe, you must use the lock on it! A vast percentage of illegal home break-ins happen when the door is either closed or open and UNLOCKED! Being lazy or forgetful is really no excuse as burglars know that many people simply won’t bother locking the door, so they are able to enter easily and very quietly. Bear in mind that simply locking your back or side sliding glass door will not guarantee safety, but it helps! The locks that are already on these doors will keep out some burglars but not all of them. For a higher degree of home or business security be sure and add a second lock to your sliding glass door and use it! Make the practice of locking your front AND back doors habit forming; it may just help you fend off an incident!

Additional locking devices

Good news! It won’t cost you the proverbial “arm and leg” to make your sliding glass door better secured. Cary Locksmith offers these helpful tips on better protecting your side or back glass door. These work for all budgets so just apply the hardware or methods that work best for you.

Broom handles; not just for witches!

No, we are not kidding; a broom handle that fits in the floor groove of the glass door is better than nothing. It is better than having just a lock, but not quite as good as a replacement bar made of reinforced metal that runs the length of the door. You can even have both as every bit of sliding glass door security counts during these times. One bit of caution; broom handles, PVC pipes and even 2 by 4s are fine but since your glass door rests on rollers, it is possible to maneuver the door up and down and back and forth and lift it off it the tracks. Repair persons do this all the time and don’t think for a minute that a burglar doesn’t know that.

Pin lock magic!

Pin locks are not magical, but they almost seem that way. They are easy to use, inexpensive to buy, and fast to install. Your pin lock can prevent your glass door from being opened, even if you forgot to lock it. You can always call a local Cary, NC locksmith to do the installation but any good handyman should be able to do the job for you, too. Just be sure that whoever does the drilling for it does NOT hit the glass or you will have a shattered door on your hands! Also, don’t drill too far into both doors or a burglar will be able to push the pin out from the outside.

Pin locks can be bought locally at home improvement stores, hardware stores and at retailers like Wal-Mart, Target and Best Buy. You can find them online at Amazon, EBay and Craigslist, too.

If you are into DIY (do it yourself) work you can follow the instructions that came with the lock or see any of dozens of YouTube videos that are online.

Mortise locks

A steel mortise lock will cost you a little more than a pin lock but it offers greater security, too. These are actually installed into the door frame so you should use the services of a local locksmith pro for this. To save money you can always buy the lock yourself and use the locksmith expert to do the actual installation. Local stores carry these locks, but be sure to specify mortise locks for sliding glass doors, as there are many kinds. National hardware and home improvement stores offer great mortise lock selections and you can always order from Amazon or EBay where you can read reviews from other buyers of these locks

Remember to always lock your sliding glass door when you are away or at night. Add additional locks, bars and hardware to keep intruders out. You see your glass door as a convenient exit to the outside. An intruder sees your sliding glass door as a convenient entry to your home and belongings.

Aricle source here: Locks for sliding glass doors

DO YOU WANT A KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM AT YOUR HOME? LET’S LOOK AT SOME PROS AND CONS

Keyless door locks, often found in luxury automobiles and at commercial facilities, are growing more popular among homeowners today, too. There are many benefits to installing a keyless entry system at your place of residence. It’s important to go over the advantages and disadvantages before you decide what’s best for your home.

PRO: Just put in a code. All you have to do is recall a string of numbers, and push the buttons on the keypad to unlock your door. With some keyless systems, you can also use a key for locking the door as you exit, and then use the keypad upon your return. Some will allow you the convenience of using a smart device, so you can monitor your property remotely.

When all you have to do is remember the code, then you won’t ever have to make spare keys for the house cleaner, your kids, the dog walker, your friends, and so forth. Give the code to folks you trust, and show them how to use the keypad system properly.

CON: You could forget the code. Just as you can be locked out because you forgot your keys, you can also be locked out if you forget your code. To be safe, you must choose a complicated code, and avoid anything obvious like your birth date; however, this will prove to be a problem if you often have a difficult time remembering things.

SOLUTION: Choose a code that’s an easy mnemonic for you, but unknown to anyone else.

CON: Your code might fall into the wrong hands. Anyone you give your code to ~ or anyone who looks over your shoulder and memorizes your code while you put it in ~ could tell a person you don’t know. Heaven forbid, someone could turn against you in the future, and break in.

SOLUTION: Choose a new code every 30 days.

CON: The keypad can wear down, actually revealing the code. As the years go by, the buttons will wear down from frequent use, so you could leave dark marks on the numbers you choose over and over.

SOLUTION: Make sure your hands are clean so you won’t get grime on the keypad. Clean your keypad periodically. Furthermore, keep on changing your code, at least once per month.

PRO: In the long run, it’s cheaper. When you consider the normal circumstances that arise regarding keys and locks ~ such as moving into a new place; welcoming a new tenant or roommate with their new key; blocking access from an ex-spouse; and so on ~ the fact is, overall, a keyless entry system is likely less expensive than all the lock changing, rekeying, and duplicating of keys that you’ll be doing over a lifetime.

CON: It’s more costly up front.

SOLUTION: It’s possible to make payments for a keyless entry system over time.

PRO: You won’t have to hide a spare key. There’s no longer any need to hide an extra key in a fake rock, or beneath a flower pot on the porch, or under the mat, or over the door. Professional thieves can easily locate keys in these predictable hiding places.

CON: A hidden key is a relief in a crisis, but you’re not going to enjoy this advantage any more.

SOLUTION: Choose a keyless system that offers you the option of also using a key.

PRO: You’ll have superior security. Because our private data must remain confidential, there’s rising concern over fraud and identity theft. Accordingly, keyless entry systems are becoming more sophisticated, some even adding biometrics if you have the budget ~ locks which ask for information distinctive only to the individuals you’ve approved for entry. Thus an eye scan, fingerprint, or handprint is required. In the near future, innovations could make more sophisticated biometrics an option ~ including such choices as DNA sampling, ear scanning, voice recognition, or heartbeat recognition! Many systems already offer you the added bonus of syncing with your smart device so you can monitor everything remotely.

CON: In an emergency, rescuers cannot get in, because they won’t know the code. And, if you have biometric features as part of your system, which allows access only to certain people, that will make it inconvenient if you ever forget to add a particular person to your list.

SOLUTION: Install an alarm system and connect it to your keyless entry system. Then you’ll be able to give specialized instructions to your alarm company to keep on file for following if an emergency occurs. Also, with remote smart-device capability, you can monitor and change features at will.

PRO: It’s easier for the children. If you have kids who get home from school before you, and they often forget their keys, a keyless remote entry system is a great solution. Your child simply has to remember the code.

CON: Your kids might forget the code, or, they might tell the code to people they shouldn’t. If you have the kind of keyless entry system that automatically alerts the authorities whenever an incorrect code is entered too many times, you might have the police arriving at your doorstep way too often.

SOLUTION: Purchase a keyless system with the option of also using a key.

PRO: Some keyless remote systems will remain on even in a power outage. An indicator light or message will come on to remind you when the battery’s getting low so you can replace it.

CON: You have to keep looking to see if the battery is okay. This is an inconvenience, particularly if you’ll be gone for a long time.

SOLUTION: Be in the habit of periodically checking your battery power. Battery backup is essential, so your home will be secure even if there’s a power failure. Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to check up on your home periodically, or sync to a remote smart-device system.

PRO: Because keyless locks are digital, they’re safer.

CON: A criminal could guess your code or hack the system.

SOLUTION: Buy a keyless entry system that will automatically alert the police if an incorrect code is entered too many times. If you’ll be on an extended vacation, let authorities know ahead of time.

Consider your options. If you live in Cary, North Carolina, and you want to learn more about keyless entry systems, make an appointment with a reliable professional, such as one of the mobile locksmith residential specialists on staff at Cary Locksmith, where free consultations are offered.

Aricle source here: DO YOU WANT A KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM AT YOUR HOME? LET’S LOOK AT SOME PROS AND CONS

Everything You Need to Know About Master Pins in Locks

Any property that has a master key will have locks with master pins installed. In saying that, there seems to be a bit of uncertainty about what that entails. So before we go any further, let’s clear up a bit of confusion.

Also known as wafers, master pins are installed in a standard lock to allow for the use of a master key. Inside your lock there are stacks with multiple key pins – in order to get both master and standard keys working without getting in each other’s way, the master pins are fitted above the standard key pins. Adding a master pin means adding more shear lines to a lock, giving users more options to open it.

Now, this is the part that often seems to confuse people. While master keys can work in all locks with master pins installed, they are not necessarily what you would be looking for if you wanted all locks to be opened by a single key. Keying all locks alike tends to be the most common procedure. In this case, the exact same bottom pins are placed into each lock cylinder, enabling you to use a single key to operate all locks – basically, no master pins or master keys are required when you key all locks alike.

You can probably guess why locksmiths don’t recommend master pins for all doors. With more chambers installed in a lock come more unlocking options; with more unlocking options, it becomes easier to the lock open. Even someone with a limited knowledge of locks and keys can learn to circumvent a lock with master pins in it because of the way the chambers are fitted inside. If you are considering getting a master key for your property, we would recommend talking to a locksmith first and investigating your options further.

Can a locksmith install a master key, and master pins, to your doors? Yes. Should you have these in your property? Well, it depends. There are many cases where these are not the best choice, but we wouldn’t rule them out completely.

Essentially, master pins should be reserved for indoor locks – never external ones. They are fine in the case of a school with multiple classrooms, hotel with various suites, or commercial building with a range of access restrictions, where it is considered a legitimate security procedure to have a special key that opens every lock. They are there to ensure you can quickly open separate doors during an emergency – be it a fire, flood or any other urgent situation.

Given how easy these are to tamper with, though, we would recommend you avoid installing master keys and master pins into a residential property. If you are looking for something similar, you will probably benefit more from getting your locks keyed alike.

With that said, as long as you keep your master pins indoors, you should be fine. Any locksmith who knows the ins and outs of master keying will be able to tell you that cutting a key to open these is not something an amateur can do. For instance, a 5-chamber lock with master pins fitted in them will have several thousand different key combinations – meaning that it is nearly impossible to cut a second key to operate the lock unless you are a qualified locksmith with specialist equipment on-hand. Remember too that thieves are looking for a quick getaway – an indoor master keyed lock is less likely to be pried open as your petty criminal will want to get their loot and get out in a jiffy.

How can decide on the best lock for my property?

Whether you are considering getting a master key for your commercial property or you are considering rekeying your residential locks, a local locksmith will help you choose the best security for your property. As long as you hire a credible professional, with licensing and insurance backing up their knowledge and wisdom, you should be able to make a sound security investment. Keep in mind that not all locksmith businesses are equal – some may offer a full range of automotive, residential and commercial services, while others may focus on a single specialist area. For full peace of mind, make sure to hire a local business with a verifiable address and solid client references in your area. Asking for recommendations can help you find the right professionals, and calling your chosen lock and key services provider is always a must. Make sure to ask the person on the other line for a full cost breakdown for your lock installations before settling on their services. Many businesses offer consultations and price quotes at no additional cost, and you can usually trust locksmith services to be affordable.

Also, be wary: some scamming operations will list an address that doesn’t exist, won’t give you a full business name on request (choosing to answer all phone calls using a generic term like “locksmith service” instead) and will likely make a number of unverifiable claims (this is why you should treat any boastful adverts with a sense of scrutiny).

For those of you living and working in Cary, NC, the licensed and insured team at Cary Locksmith is always at your disposal. Call us to get a better idea of the lock and key solutions we are able to provide. We are more than happy to help you select the right installations for your property, be it residential or commercial.

It doesn’t matter whether you live in Cary, NC, or anywhere in the world – finding the right locks and security for your property will make a great deal of difference. It is an essential part of property maintenance, as well as an important way to safeguard your most valued assets. Make an informed decision about your security by discussing your options with a lock and key services provider in your area, so you too can benefit from durable protection. Whether a master key is the option for you, or you need a full upgrade, you should be able to trust a credible locksmith professional in Cary to get everything in top working condition.

Aricle source here: Everything You Need to Know About Master Pins in Locks

Why Businesses Use Keyless Locks

There has definitely been a change in the way we view our security options. People appreciate convenience more than ever. Perhaps this is why there are so many types of businesses and institutions that now rely on keyless locks. You’ll often recognize them in schools, hospitals, condominium complexes, government buildings and other high traffic areas. There is no doubt about it, having keyless locks makes the movement of people from one place to another, faster and more efficient. In addition to the benefit of moving people here and there quite quickly, here are some additional advantages for a business to have keyless locks.

• Keys do not have to be rekeyed when an employee’s position has been terminated or they leave.
• No one is able to get back inside after hours simply by using a key.
• You don’t have to worry about keys getting lost or stolen.
• You don’t have to worry about a key being duplicated

The list goes on from there. Many locksmith services in Cary today offer the installation of card access systems. This is the type of system that affords you all of the benefits listed above and more.

• No more trying to find your keys late at night to unlock the door
• Specific times for entry access can be programmed
• People can easily and quickly be added or deleted. This won’t affect anyone else’s access
• A master fob key system can be coordinated
• If you have employees, you can grant them access to certain parts of the building
• Limit the amount of after-hour access into specific areas of your business
• Minimizes employee theft
• Authorized personal, such as owners and managers can be allowed access into certain areas that employees are not
• Limit the amount of people on the property at any given time
• A track record of who has been in and out

Electronic Keypad Locks

This is another type of keyless locks that are more popular than ever. If you’re interested in this type of lock, you will benefit in the following ways.

• If your employee code is discovered by someone else the code can be removed quite easily from one central location
• Each employee can be assigned a specific code
• Less expensive to install because there is no hard-wiring required
• Battery operated systems that can be replaced
• Can monitor who comes in and out of the building and at what times the entered and left
• If the power is out, there will still be access through the door
• There is a key override feature in cases of emergency (in most models)

Most people would say that these reasons are compelling enough to at least get them to looking at some of the various electronic keypad locks offered today.

Electronic Keypad Lever Combo

Here is yet another keyless entry option with the following benefits.

• This systems enables the user to use an access car or enter a code
• Some allow for proximity capability while others do not
• Key override option is also available during an emergency situation
• Codes can be replaces as needed
• Battery operated systems available
• Monitoring who enters and exits the building. It also tracks their time inside
• Some models do not require hard-wiring, which makes it less expensive than those that do require hard-wiring (good option for limited budgets)

Although many of the features are similar to the standard electronic keypad, there are a few more features worth examining, which might be of interest to you as a business owner.

Manual Keypad Locks

These types of locks are found in businesses and are becoming more popular with homeowners for easy access into their homes. Here are the advantages that can be derived from having a keypad lock installed.

• The knob and deadbolt are combined in this type of lock
• Smaller businesses tend to benefit most from this option
• Codes can be changes as often as needed
• It isn’t electronic so it doesn’t require batteries
• There is a ‘storeroom’ version that enables the door to lock immediately after exiting the room
• There is a ‘deadbolt’ version that enables you to leave the door unlocked during certain times of the day or night

Intercom Systems

This type of system gives people the added protection they need in order to maintain peace-of-mind. This immediately allows you to determine who to allow in or not. Again, this is an option that is becoming more popular even with homeowners. Some locksmith services, such as Cary Locksmith in Cary, North Carolina are able to use existing electric wiring for the installation of your intercom system. This is something that one of our qualified locksmiths is capable of handing in one day. It is quit obvious what type of advantage a person with an intercom enjoys. This type of lock can be programmed to work with a fob or keycard. You will often find this type of lock system installed in apartments or condo buildings. It offers tenants secured access any time of the day. This is another type of system that enables the person to add and delete users quickly. Adding and deleting the tenants is part of the maintenance of your access control system, which many locksmiths also offer to you.

How an Intercom System is Programmed

This process can take place from something as simple as a telephone. This allows a visitor to simply type in the persons last name and press the button associated with their name. Once the visitor has entered the correct code or hit the right button, they will be connected to the tenant. The tenant can either give them access, by pressing a button, or deny access. This is a great way of protecting your tenants from potential harm or burglars. An intercom system is an invaluable asset for any business owner. Larger systems can be programmed through the internet or over a modem. They are just as easy to use as they usually have onscreen instructions to help visitors gain access to whomever they are visiting.

Aricle source here: Why Businesses Use Keyless Locks

Watch Our Live Streamed Video! Know What We Can Do For You!

We’re here for you any time you need us at Cary Locksmith in Cary at 657 Cary Towne Blvd, Cary, NC, 27511. We service Durham, Raleigh and Chapel Hill. Give us a call if you live in or near any of these areas. With our residential, automotive, commercial and emergency locksmith services, we are able to help hundreds of people with their locksmith service needs. When you care about the quality of services you receive from a service provider, call Cary Locksmith at (919) 278-7660.

Miscellaneous Service

• Emergency Lock Out Services
• Emergency Lock Out
• 24 Hour Service
• Make Keys
• Lock & Key
• Lock Installation
• Change Locks
• Keypads
• Panic Bars
• Deadbolts
• High Security Locks
• Safe Locks
• Rekey Service
• Lock Change
• Magnetic Locks
• Lock Changes
• Broken Key Extraction
• Replace Locks
• Keyless Remotes
• Emergency Lock Out Services
• Mobile 24-Hour Locksmith Service

We have everything we need to get you the help you want and need. If cost is an issue, you’ll be happy to know that at Cary Locksmith, we will work with everyone’s budget so that you can get the help you need. Find out more about the services we have to offer to you by visiting our website at http://www.carylocksmith.net. If you’re interested in the best, this is exactly what you’ll find when you rely on the efficient services of Cary Locksmith.

Aricle source here: Watch Our Live Streamed Video! Know What We Can Do For You!

Weather Changes Affect Door Locks

How often do you think about your door locks? You don’t do it much at all, if truth be told! We just know that our locks are there to keep our homes, cars and businesses safe from intruders, burglars and in general, those that don’t belong there. In real life, we tend to think about our door locks most when they don’t work as they should. It’s a little known fact that one of the main causes of door lock problems is the weather.

Summer weather

Here in Cary, NC we can have very warm summers with temperatures that can top 100 degrees. While this is great for recreation and for gardening, it can hamper our door locks at times. This is because door frames can expand slightly during the warmer weather and this can cause the locks to become stuck in one position. This is especially true with deadbolt locks as the bolt part of the lock can become stuck when the wood door frame “swells” around it. Obviously this happens most when wood doors and wooden door frames are involved as the warmer temperatures cause expansion of the material.

Winter weather

Most weather related lock problems in Cary, NC occur during winter months. In fact, Cary Locksmith notices quite an increase in these calls especially when the temperature drops below freezing. Instead of expanding, door frames tend to contract which results in a poor fit between the lock and the door proper. This can lead to frustration for residential and commercial residents as their keys are so hard to turn that often breakage occurs or the lock becomes practically useless. A short term solution is to pull the handle of the door knob a little harder so that it re-centers the lock with the door frame. This tends to work for a while, but over time, the problem gets worse and eventually the lock stops working completely or becomes too loose to use effectively.

Car locks

In case you are wondering, car locks can also be affected by the weather. Our very cold NC weather often drops below the freezing point and our car door locks can really take the “heat” over it (sorry for the pun!). Our auto door locks can actually freeze shut when moisture inside the lock gets cold enough. This prevents the key from entering or being effective and even stops the remote opener from working right. If you experience temperature drops below freezing try heating the ignition key first and then inserting it into the door lock. If your car has a remote start function try using it to start the car and the resulting warmth from this should unfreeze the door locks for you.

Some preventive tips

You can’t prevent cold weather from coming but you CAN take some preventative measures so that your home, auto and business door locks work in all kinds of weather situations. For starters, if you are installing new locks or replacing older ones, be sure to use an established locksmith shop like Cary Locksmith to do the work for you. Not only will an experienced lock professional save you time and money but he or she will be able to accurately fit your new locks so that they work in any weather condition regardless of how hot or cold it happens to get.

Secondly, it you are tired of the always expanding or contracting door frames you might consider replacing your wood frame with a fiberglass, aluminum or steel one. Again, your local, full service locksmith shop of choice will be able to help you do this at the best rates and totally on your time frame.

Thirdly, there’s the option of lubricating your locks. Here’s the tricky part; you can’t just squirt oil or lubricant on the outside of your locks. You’ll have to take them apart in order to do the job right. Disassemble them and spray the lock insides with lubricant once a year around winter time. If you have the experience and know-how then by all means try this option. Lubricated locks react better to all forms of weather extremes. Your best choice is to simply call your favorite locksmith and have one of their mobile technicians do the work for you. Be sure to ask him if what he recommends for periodic lock lubrication maintenance in the future. You might be able to save money on multiple visits if arranged properly.

Lock replacement

Older locks that are worn or previously damaged may not fit properly when temperatures rise of drop drastically. Sometimes replacing these locks may be the best thing. Many local locksmith shops offer free consultations along with their expert services. Cary Locksmith sure does. Be sure to inquire with our staff or call your lock and key shop of choice to see what’s involved in a lock replacement for your home, business location or auto.

When in doubt; call a locksmith!

Locksmith service in Cary, NC can be both affordable and convenient. When you find a shop that you work well with they can add tremendous peace of mind to your daily life. Even something as simple as heating your car door key can be done by a locksmith. Using a professional for tasks like these insures that the job is done to high standards by experts that work with frozen or high temperature lock mechanisms. Why take risks with your auto, home or business locks when experienced and skilled professionals are only a phone call away?

Be prepared for ANY weather type!

If you are reading this post because you are already experiencing stuck locks or difficult to use keys then you know to depend on a quality, local lock professional. If you are reading this for information, be sure that you take the proactive approach and add Cary Locksmith or your favorite local shop to your smart phone’s address book. With winter and summer weather extremes happening every year, you can’t be too ready for them!

Aricle source here: Weather Changes Affect Door Locks

ARE YOU REPLACING YOUR LOCKS? WHAT SHOULD YOU DO WITH YOUR OLD KEYS?

Do you move a lot? Do you use a lot of keys in your business? What about your rental properties? In all these circumstances, there will be times when you need to change the locks. Before you know it, easily all those extra keys can really start piling up.

Lock changes. Think about all the different kinds of buildings ~ offices, hotels, homes, apartment complexes, high-rises, retail stores, restaurants, schools, dorms, and so forth. All of them have doors, and some have lots and lots of doors. Most of those doors, inside and outside, require a key. And often several different people need to have their own keys made. How about all those keys on a janitor’s belt? Surely that’s a lot of keys. Then, of course, periodically ~ either because of new ownership, new occupants, new doors, or vandalism or theft ~ new sets of keys must be made for everyone.

Mystery keys. We sometimes see keys in the odd drawer, in an old coat pocket, and even between the couch cushions. Don’t let mystery keys clutter up your keychains and junk drawers! Some keys you may be afraid to throw out, because you can’t remember what they’re for. They just might go to that luggage you’ve stored away, the filing cabinet you haven’t opened in awhile, or the bike lock you misplaced in the garage. But the truth is, if you haven’t used a key in a few years, you are most likely not going to use it.

Don’t just contribute to the landfill. Whatever the reason, when you are facing a bunch of unusable key sets, should you just toss them out? Or is there a better way to dispose of them? The fact is, millions of keys are thrown away every year. Instead of adding to the landfills, there are a good number of creative and practical ways you can get rid of or reuse your keys.

Recycling. Are keys recyclable? Yes, most recycling facilities will accept keys, because they can be melted down. Be sure you remove any tags, stickers, rubber, or other holders. Find out if your local recycling center has a mixed metals bin. Then you can feel good knowing that all your keys will be melted down and reused again.

Rekeying. You can visit your local locksmith to see if your keys can be remade, or rekeyed, to be refashioned as new keys. If you’re any place in Cary, North Carolina, you may want to consult the expert locksmiths on staff at Cary Locksmith.

Use old keys as weights. You can glue them on or sew them into drapes or patio tablecloths so your curtains and tablecloths will easily stay in place. With keys on the inside hem, you’ll won’t have to deal with fluttering curtains or flyaway table settings again.

Fishing weights. Take old keys on your fishing trips.

Fasten down your shower curtains. By the same token, you can glue magnets on old keys, and use them to keep your shower curtain in place.

Pull chains. Add a key to those chains that are hard to reach, and lighting and ceiling fans will be easier to use.

Make a paperweight. Your kids can fill up a jar with old keys, and make it into a paperweight you’ll treasure.

Make your own screwdriver. You can file down the end of an old key, making a mini-screwdriver you can take with you.

As a box opener, use an old key. It’s safer than a knife.

Make hammering easier. Use the hole in an old key as a nail direct when you hammer.

Make a shim. Use a key under that uneven bothersome kitchen table leg to keep it from wobbling.

Personalize party gifts. You can put a key on a ribbon or chain, and attach it to party guest gifts, personalizing each with the person’s name.

Make wine charms. Keys can make perfect wine glass necklaces, which your partygoers will enjoy. Dental floss, maybe some paint, and name labels are all you’ll need to make each one unique.

Make clothes and backpacks simpler for kids. Attach old keys to coats and backpacks as zipper pulls, and they’ll be easier to open.

Make wind chimes. If you’re artistic, craft a base, and hang the keys from it with fishing line.

Make a mobile. By the same token, you can build a mobile with many different old keys, or paint them various colors, and you’ll fascinate a baby in a crib.

Make shakers and rattles. Put some keys in a small container, and you’ll add a beat to musical group fun. If you have an infant in the house, it can also be a baby rattle.

Make jewelry. Be creative with glue and paint. Kids will enjoy making necklaces, belts, or crowns, using rope, thread, leather, fishing line, or string. Keep a key that has sentimental value by turning it into a piece of jewelry.

Make charms. Your kids can paint old keys with their school’s team colors, and attach them to backpacks, pockets, gym bags, cell phones, and so on.

Decorate. Old keys can be used to decorate picture frames, boxes, and mirrors.

Make holiday decorations. You can link old keys together with twine or ribbon to make a chain, paint them, and use them on the Christmas tree along with ~ or instead of ~ tinsel, lights, or popcorn. An old skeleton key can also make an interesting tree ornament.

Use for game pieces. Old keys can replace lost pieces in your Monopoly game or any other game.

Use as educational tools. Like building blocks, you can paint numbers or letters on old keys, and use them to teach children how to read or how to count.

Create a memento. You can create a keepsake by framing your old keys as a souvenir of all the places you’ve lived.

Do a good deed. When cleaning out all your junk, dispose of all your old keys in an earth-friendly manner and support your favorite charity at the same time. Donate your old keys to a nonprofit organization, so it can recycle them to raise funds for a good cause.

Start a fundraiser. Some organizations go out of their way to collect as many old keys as possible. The keys are then given to a recycling center, so they can be melted down for scrap metal and the profits distributed to charity.

Sell them as craft supplies. Etsy, Craigslist, and eBay are now places in cyberspace where artists look to purchase old keys ~ particularly uniquely shaped older keys such as skeleton keys ~ for making jewelry and other home décor items.

Aricle source here: ARE YOU REPLACING YOUR LOCKS? WHAT SHOULD YOU DO WITH YOUR OLD KEYS?