Twenty First Security – Blog

Greatly enhance the security of your property by implementing layered physical property. With multiple security elements combined, you can help prevent and stop your property being the victim of criminal activity. This strategy is useful for businesses, not-for-profits government and home owners.

What Is Layered Physical Security?

Layered physical security is an approach to your physical security that uses multiple elements or “layers”. This is often significantly more effective than a single security measure.

An example of this for a business could be a high fence around the property, camera surveillance, an access control system on all doors, locked windows and monitoring on any cameras or alarms. Similar systems could be used for a home or not-for-profit.

Why Is Layered Physical Security Important?

An effective layered physical security system detects, deters, prevents and provides time until responders arrive. Even if an initial layer of physical security is breached, intruders may have then been detected, alerting first responders. Additionally, they would have to breach more layers of security to get anything worthwhile, giving first responders time to arrive and intervene.

An opportunistic thief may be completely deterred by a complex security system. For example, a storage business could be surrounded by tall metal fences with barbed wire. This could be complemented by access control systems on the external gates and internal doors, security cameras, well-placed lighting, locked and barred windows, plus security monitoring or patrol services. Seeing all of this, an opportunistic thief may decide that it is definitely not worth the extensive risk and time consuming process.

What Can I Do to Layer My Security?

You don’t have to implement every one of these security options. Plus, there’s many more methods out there. What matters is that every addition can be an effective improvement to your overall security.

• Have an external gate that people need to open to get to your yard or front door? Install a heavy duty locking mechanism on this gate, like a padbolt or a hasp and staple. Some of these locking mechanisms include an area for a padlock, further increasing security. Remember to use locking mechanisms that are rated to deal with the outdoor elements, which could be galvanised or made of stainless steel.
• Quality access control systems are another very effective method to keep your external gates locked. They can then be programmed to grant access at specific times of your choosing or if a user has the appropriate keycard or device to grant access. Some access control systems can also log when entry is attempted and gained.
• Tall fences can be very effective at obscuring the view into your property. They can also deter criminals from entering your property and make it difficult for them to quickly escape, further deterring them or giving first responders a time to catch them or surveillance time to gather useful footage.
• Well-placed lighting can be a very effective deterrent and help with detection. Criminals don’t necessarily want to be obvious.
• Cameras are powerful deterrents and can help police apprehend criminals, if you record footage.
• Security patrols and security device monitoring. Security patrols regularly visiting your property can deter and catch criminal activity. Complement this with security device monitoring, such as 24/7 monitoring service of your cameras and alarms. When monitored, you can be alerted to any suspicious activity right when it occurs. Additionally, some services can alert the authorities as part of your monitoring, when applicable. Twenty First Security do offer a 24/7 security monitoring service that has the ability to alert the authorities if an alarm condition were to occur.
• Lock your windows, install security screens on windows or use windows that can’t be opened anyway.
• Alarms. If an alarm is triggered, this could notify you or the people monitoring your security system. Additionally, an alarm may cause a criminal to make a run for it, rather than hanging around and risk being caught.
• Lock internal doors and containers with valuable items. Even if a thief or malicious person manages to break in, make it even more challenging for them by locking any internal doors, containers and safes where valuable items are stored. This can reduce their desire to search everything and provide more time for first responders to arrive.
• Security signage is an effective deterrent to help stop any activity before it occurs. Warn people that they could be filmed, the property is monitored or alarms are set throughout the property.

If you’re looking for even more ideas to boost the layers of your security, take a look at the Victoria Police website. Read their useful information on preventing home burglaries and what to do if your home has been broken into. If you’re running a store, read their information on preventing shop theft and what to do if a theft occurs at your business. The business advice can be applicable to various types of businesses.

Use Layered Physical Security to Protect Your Property

Layered physical security is an effective strategy for protecting your property, whether commercial, not-for-profit or residential. It doesn’t necessarily have to be overly complex and include every bell and whistle either. What matters is that each step you take can further boost the protection for your property.

If you’re in the Greater Melbourne metro area and are looking for a consultation or high quality security products to suit your property, Twenty First Security can help. With over 33 years of experience in the Australian security product industry, we know what works well in our environment. Enquire with our security team today to find out more.

Enhancing your windows for privacy and security can be a boost to your home, business or organisation. Opportunistic thieves could use your easily visible windows as a way to find out if your property is worth breaking into. There are also options available that can help stop burglars easily shattering your windows to break in.

The Benefits of Protecting Your Windows

• Block out prying eyes. Improve the privacy by blocking out or reducing the vision for anyone peering into your building.
• Reduce UV light. UV rays can degrade plastics, cloth and other materials that aren’t made to withstand UV. Various others can reduce and filter out UV rays to a degree.
• Improved security. Some window types and options are designed to be shatter resistant, making breaking through a window far more difficult for a burglar. Additionally, opportunistic thieves being unable to easily see in can stop them identifying your home, business or organisation as a target.
• Insulation and temperature regulation. Some window options, such as fitted blinds, can help reduce heat escaping or getting inside.

Curtains and Blinds

Curtains, blinds and shades could be considered the most popular option for window privacy. They can be raised and lowered, or moved to the side, to allow light in and control visibility. Depending on their thickness and fitting, they can also help with temperature regulation.

Heavy curtains can block out the light significantly and potentially completely stop anyone peaking inside.

Reducing and stopping visibility is how they help in terms of security. In terms of physical break in security, fabric curtains and blinds won’t do much to protect your windows, unless the thief is filled with fear at the idea of being entangled in curtains.

Shutters

Window shutters are a popular option for improving the privacy, security and temperature regulation of a home, business or organisation.

Interior shutters are placed on the inside of your window. They can be easily open and closed manually. Motorised options also exist that you can open by a remote. There’s a lot of options on the market, depending on the aesthetic you’re looking for. These can include painted wood and materials made to withstand humidity.

External shutters are generally installed on the outside of your window. When down, they enclose your entire window, generally in metal, which greatly enhances your privacy and security. They can be controlled manually by a winding handle or with electronic switch and motor.

Window Film

A window film is a thin material that can be applied to your windows to improve the privacy, security, UV reduction and energy efficiency of your home or business.

Window films can be a cost effective option in some cases, where you can apply them to your existing windows, rather than having to replace the entire window.

There are a range of different window films, all varying in their privacy, lighting and security features. These include tinted, frosted, patterned, reflective, decorative and security films.

Security films are designed to be shatter resistant, which can protect your windows from being broken by burglars trying to enter your property. They can also improve privacy by reducing visibility. Some window security films are considered expensive, thus you may want to weigh up the value of these verses other window options or security products like cameras, alarms and access control systems.

Window Security Mesh and Screens

Security screens and meshes exist for windows that stop people easily smashing your windows. They can also improve privacy. Numerous options exist, with many made of 316 marine grade stainless steel, which resists corrosion in humid and wet environments.

These are available not just for windows but for doors as well.

Make sure that your window screens are fixed and can’t be removed easily from the outside, otherwise they can become useless if the burglar has basic tools.

Improve Your Security Even Further

Boost the security of your property even further by complementing these window options with quality security cameras and alarm systems. Even well placed lighting can stop people trying to break in, as they could be lit up like a Christmas tree and easy to spot in their malicious act. These all act as powerful deterrents to keep intruders at bay.

Find out about how we can help you with security cameras.

Find out about how we can help you with alarm systems.

The convenience of packages delivered straight to our door is undeniably fantastic. While this convenience offers a significant improvement to our lives and the ease of shopping or gifting, unfortunately some opportunistic thieves can take advantage of packages being left at premises.

According to a survey by Budget Direct in 2021, 1 in 10 Australians mentioned they have had packages stolen from their property. Then stats from Pureprofile paint an even worse picture – 1 in 4 Australians have had packages stolen from their property.

Nobody wants their packages to be stolen. To help prevent package theft, we’ve created a list of tips you can implement to deter and stop thieves at your Melbourne premises.

Make Use of Delivery Notifications

Many delivery services will send you a text on the day or before your package is about to be delivered. These can also allow you to reply to notify delivery staff that you won’t available at the property that day and can then arrange an alternative drop off.

Install CCTV / Security Cameras

Security cameras and CCTV are very effective deterrents for stopping criminals before they even attempt a theft. If a theft is to occur, they can also help you catch the criminals involved with footage that you could provide to the police.

A wide range of security cameras are available on the Australian market. Their features can include high resolution video capture, night vision, IP / internet connections and protection against the elements. Remember too that not all security cameras are made the same – cheap knock offs from overseas could end up causing more headaches then they’re worth. Twenty First Security supply and install a wide range of high quality security cameras that have been tried and tested in Australian and Victorian conditions.

Interested in having the ideal security cameras installed to suit your residential, commercial or government property in Melbourne? Contact our team at Twenty First Security and we can guide you on selecting the best security cameras for your situation, plus we’ll install them using quality methods and methods. With over 33 years of experience in Australia with security products, we know what works and what doesn’t work for Australian conditions.

Install a Motion Sensor Light

Install a security motion sensor light on the entrance way and where packages would be left at your property. If you don’t get home before dark, this can help deter opportunistic thieves from entering your property. Generally the last thing opportunistic thieves want is to be highly visible in the act.

Be Prepared for the Delivery Day

Keep up with any notifications that you receive from your delivery service and try to be at your delivery address when the package arrives.

Ask a Trusted Friend or Neighbour to Accept Delivery

If you won’t be around when your package is going to be delivered, ask a trusted friend or neighbour if the package can be delivered to their address instead.

Use a Lockbox or Parcel Container

Place a lockbox or parcel container on your property in a safe position that can be used for any deliveries. In terms of options, there’s heavy duty variations that can be weather and tamper resistant. They can also feature multiple ways to be opened, like a pin code, remote opening, key or padlock fitting.

Australia Post also offer a free parcel locker service, giving you 24/7 access to their secure storage where you can pick up your package at any time.

Use Signature Confirmation on Delivery

Request that signature confirmation is required on delivery. If somebody is home, they’ll then need to sign for the package before it can be handed over. If nobody is home to sign, the delivery provider will then return it to the depot, nearest post office or where appropriate, rather than leaving it at your property.

Having your car broken into definitely flips your day. Unfortunately, car break ins occur every year in Australia. According to the Crime Statistics Agency Victoria, 18,097 vehicles were reported as stolen in 2014.

In some cases, break ins can be prevented if a vehicle owner follows some very standard and simple security tips. Do what you can to avoid falling victim to criminal activity and opportunistic vehicle thieves. To help vehicle owners throughout Melbourne, we’ve compiled some very easy to follow tips that can help prevent your vehicle getting broken into.

Hide Your Valuables

Hide your valuables like wallets, phones, headphones, portable speakers and portable navigation systems. If they can be seen from the outside, these can attract opportunistic thieves. If they see nothing worthwhile, they may move on figuring that it won’t be worth the effort.

Lock Your Car Doors

Lock your car doors when you’re leaving your car. As simple as it sounds, there are people that choose to never lock their car doors, thinking “it’ll be right”. Unfortunately, opportunistic thieves often depend on this, looking for vehicles with relaxed owners that choose to not lock up their car. We’ve often heard cases where people have had their valuables or car stolen, simply because they never lock their car. Don’t give thieves the opportunity to pinch your valuables or vehicle by keeping it locked up.

Check and Close Any Open Windows

An open car or truck window makes an easy target for thieves. With an open window, a thief could easily lean in and grab what they want or unlock your door and grab even more, potentially including your vehicle. While it may be tempting to leave a window open if you’re in rush a rush or want air flow in the heat, is it really worth it to risk your valuables and your car? A bit of heat or fifteen seconds saved is a small thing to endure compared to the agony of losing your possessions.

Block or Tint Your Car Windows

Tinting and blocking your windows is effective to stop thieves looking into your car and seeing what they could steal. A dark legal tint on your windows can obscure outside vision significantly. A sun visor can be useful, along with curtains and similar. Curtains in motor homes are particularly useful for protecting against unwanted attention.

Don’t Leave Your Car Keys in the Car or Ignition

Car keys sitting on your chair, on the dash or in the ignition is incredibly tempting for vehicle thieves. If they spot these, they know that they’ll be able to start and drive off with your car if they go through the effort of breaking in. Car thieves that are just after a joy ride won’t care if they just have to deal with a broken window. Prevent the temptation by hiding your extra keys or better yet, just take them with you.

Install a Security System

A security system and immobiliser can deter and stop thieves in the act. Some of these security systems include decals that you can place on your car windows, providing an effective visual deterrent to opportunistic thieves. Newer vehicles generally include an alarm and immobiliser. Many older vehicles can be fitted with a security system to suit. Some security systems can send an alert to your mobile device if an alarm condition, such as a broken window, is detected. Hidden switches or “kill switches” can be implemented that must be switched on for the vehicle to start, helping slow down and stop car theft attempts. GPS tracking systems are also available which can provide you with the location of your vehicle in the worst case situation of your car being stolen. Speak to a trusted auto electrician and vehicle security product supplier about what is possible with your vehicle.

Having a safe can be a great benefit towards protecting your valuables in your home or business. This can help provide access to only particular trusted people, help protect the contents from fire damage and of course, help protect against burglars.

While safes can be a fantastic investment, ideally you should make an educated decision when obtaining a safe to suit your needs and what you’re protecting. A cheap safe could have numerous problems that make it far easier for thieves to break into and less resistant to fire or moisture.

In this article, we’re covering security elements to keep in mind when you’re looking to acquire a safe to protect your valuables. As always, get professional advice – an expert can advise you on a quality safe to suit your property and what you’re protecting.

Is the Convenience of a Safe with Wheels Worthwhile?

We’ve seen scenarios where a business gets burnt having obtained a safe with wheels for the convenience of being able to move the safe into position. Generally, the safe only gets moved once into position and then lives there for the rest of its life. That initial portable convenience isn’t doing much for the business but for any burglars, it’s extremely convenient. In one case, burglars moved the safe into a workshop area and used the business’s own tools to cut open the safe.

If you’re purchasing a safe to protect valuables at your property, chances are you may not be moving it any time soon. Even when you’re initially moving it or decide to move it later on, there’s heavy duty trolleys and professionals that can help you move it. Consider a safe that will be difficult for anyone malicious to remove or access. Some safes are made to be fitted into floors or bolted into place.

Get a Safe Suited to Your Needs and the Contents

Not all safes are created equal. Cheap safes generally are just that – cheap. Thin metal, low quality locks and terrible seals are just some of the disadvantages cheap safes can include, making things far easier for any burglars.

When selecting a safe, get a quality safe that’s suited to your requirements. If you’re looking to protect storage drives and other digital material, consider a data and media safe. If you want your safe to be resilient to fire, look at a fire rated / resistant safe. There’s numerous types of safes designed for securing jewellery, guns, depositing cash, use in a hotel environment, use in an office, being hidden in the floor or a wall, being resistant to burglary and many more use cases.

Use a Multi-Layered Approach to Security

A high quality safe can be a fantastic addition to your security. A safe won’t ward off every security problem though. Alongside a safe, implement additional enhancements throughout your property and your security practices.

CCTV installed throughout your property can be a powerful deterrent and can help with finding the criminals if a break in as to occur. Access control systems and intercoms can help with managing who can enter your property, along with logging what time they are accessing your property. Security alarm systems can be very effective if a criminal does break in, disorientating them and alerting anyone in the vicinity or connected to the security network that a breach has been detected.

External of improvements to your property, consider how the actions of you, your staff and / or your family could be bettered on a security front. Loose lips sink ships – as exciting as it could be to talk to people about your new safe and what you keep in it, avoid doing so. The same goes for discussions about the security systems around your home or business.

If you’re a business owner in Victoria, check out the Business and Commercial crime prevention resources and tips from Victoria Police. Included is information about preventing the theft of laptops and other electronic devices, environmental design towards improving security and many other useful tips and resources.

Complement a high quality safe with effective security strategies and you’ll be doing a lot to protect your valuables and your home or business.

Experiencing a robbery at your home is a nightmare that we all want to avoid. According to The Crime Statistics Agency Victoria, Victoria Police recorded 30,941 residential burglary offences across the state in the 12 months up to March 2015. Preparation can go a long way towards stopping any opportunistic thieves and making any robbery efforts incredible difficult and unfruitful.

When reviewing your home security, consider not just ways to keep thieves out but also how to make things very difficult for them if they do get inside. To help you with your security improvements, we’ve compiled a list of 5 of the most common areas where burglars will look first once they’re in your home.

Entranceways

Entranceways along with areas and containers near doors are often first for a burglar to search. That could be inside your house or just outside. Some home owners and renters choose to leave their house key under pot plants or the door mat for convenance. Leaving your key in obvious places would make it far easier for a burglar to obtain access to your home.

Once inside, your car keys hanging up or in a drawer near the front door could be easy pickings for a burglar, ultimately leaving you without a car.

Living Room

Burglars most likely will perform a quick sweep of your lounge room to grab as many valuable items as possible. Burglar s are less likely to go for the big items like TVs and instead go for smaller electronics and valuables like laptops, phones, tablets, watches and jewellery.

The Master Bedroom and under the Mattress

The master bedroom and almost any bedroom can be a target for burglars. Bedrooms are where people often keep their jewellery, watches, medication and various valuables.

The mattress is also a common area that burglars search in people’s homes. People often hide things under their mattress, from valuable jewellery to significant amounts of cash. Unfortunately, we’ve heard quite a few experiences about people falling victim to thieves grabbing what’s under their mattress.

The Bathroom Cabinets

Bathroom cabinets and in particular, the medicine cabinet are a go-to for thieves. Pharmaceuticals stolen can be sold on the black market.

The Office or Study

Do you have a home office or study? Thieves often search these rooms, aiming to pick up cash and easily portable electronics like laptops, phones, tablets and headphones. Personal documents may also be targeted by some thieves.

In Conclusion: Outsmart the Burglars

Find the balance between good home security and enjoying your home. Implement a range of powerful deterrents and security measures throughout your property to keep thieves at bay. These can include access control systems, CCTV, alarms, high quality locks and even a faithful dog. If thieves do get inside, make things difficult for them. Don’t necessarily leave your valuables in obvious places and install good locks on drawers where appropriate.

For many older Australians and seniors, retaining independence and living at home is important. Feeling safe in your home and having help easily accessible is important. To work towards improving your safety around home, follow these 6 home security tips for older and Australians and seniors.

Light Up Entrances to Your Home

Lighting up entrances to your home can be a very effective deterrent for criminal activity. Make sure every entrance to your home and buildings The last thing many criminals want is to be lit up in plain sight while they’re attempting a break in. Complement this with other forms of security like CCTV and criminals won’t be keen about being easily visible and recorded.

Use Quality Secure Locks

Implement high quality secure locks on the doors and windows throughout your home. A high quality lock can make a big difference towards stopping opportunistic thieves. A high quality lock can require intricate specialised tools to break and in most cases, criminals may not have the tools or skills to pick these locks.

Personal Alarms

Personal alarms are easy to wear devices that can be used in case of an emergency, such as a fall or if you notice any active criminal efforts in your home. Some personal alarms can also detect if a fall has occurred, providing extra care assurance for yourself and peace of mind for your loved ones.

CCTV and Security Alarms

CCTV and security alarms are fantastic additions towards securing homes for older Australians and with that, any home owners. CCTV and visible wall mounted alarms create a deterrent to ward off criminals. CCTV can help apprehend people involved in criminal activity towards your home.

Secure and Easy to Use Access Control

Make your home security with easy to use access control systems. Digital keypad locks on doors remove the need for a key. Various systems allow you to track when someone entered your property and you can even set schedules for when the gate to your property will be open. Schedules can be useful if you have carers and cleaners visiting at certain times of the day.

Get a Consultation from a Security Expert

If you’re looking to take your home security a step further or want many of these tips performed for you, consider a consultation from a security expert. Use an Australian licensed security technician and consultant that has significant experience in the industry. Our team at Twenty First Security have been helping home owners throughout Melbourne for over 33 years. We can advise and install security measures suited to your property and needs. If you’re interested, send your enquiry or call us on 1300 315 522 to start improving your home security.

The process of selling your house can be a huge effort. You want to make this process as easy and trouble free as possible for you and your potential buyers. As part of that process, you’ll want to think about the security, privacy and safety of your property. Something like a theft or injury is the last thing you need.

Before you have any prospective buyers visit, follow these 6 tips to secure your house while selling it. These tips aim to help you reduce the risk of a theft, injury or other unneeded circumstances.

1. Hide Valuables

Hide, remove and lock away any small valuables throughout your home. Depending at what stage you are of selling and moving out, consider removing as many appropriate valuables as possible. This can reduce the risk of any opportunistic thefts. If you’re having an open house inspection, your real estate most likely won’t have the time to follow everyone around either.

2. Remove Family Photos

Remove your family photos from throughout your home to protect the privacy of your family.

3. Remove Prescription Medications

Remove and lock up any prescription medications before any showings. Like your valuables, you want to keep these safe.

4. Show Your Home by Appointment Only

Be aware of unexpected visitors. Only meet with people by scheduled appointments. If you’re using a real estate agent, make sure your real estate agent is present.

5. Make Your Home Safe for Visitors

Before you have any prospective buyers visit, make sure to remove any dangerous objects or tools and fix anything that someone could injure themselves on.

6. Perform Housekeeping After Viewings

After each open house inspection or viewing, go through your house and make sure all windows are closed and locked, the taps are off and any appliances or the stove have been switched off. Prospective buyers might check out these parts of your house to ensure they work before buying.

By following these 6 tips to secure your house while selling it, you can help protect your belongings and the privacy of your family. If you’re using a real estate, check with them too as to what they advise you to do before and after any inspections from potential buyers.

Chances are you may have used a padlock, whether for your home or workplace. Have you ever noticed a tiny hole at the bottom of some padlocks? These pinholes may not be the most obvious thing but they serve an important purpose. We’re going to explore why these small holes on padlocks are so important.

What Does the Tiny Hole at the Bottom of a Padlock Do?

The pinhole at the bottom of a padlock works as a drainhole. Most often padlocks are used outdoors and can be exposed to the elements. These pinholes allow water to drain from the lock and helps prevent the internal components from rusting. Additionally, draining the water from locks in freezing cold environments helps stop water building up and freezing the inside. This can cause the internal mechanisms to seize until it thaws or severely damage the lock as there’s no room for expansion.

Another use for the small hole on the bottom of padlocks is to insert lubricant. Is your padlock is becoming difficult to open or can it not be opened at all? Insert the appropriate quality lubricant into the hole, let the lock stand for a bit and then attempt to open the padlock. Repeat the process if need be. Remember to check the manufacturer specifications regarding what lubricant they recommend for your padlock.

Do All Padlocks Have an Extra Hole at the Bottom?

Not every padlock has a hole for drainage and lubrication but many do. Some padlocks also have holes for drainage and lubrication on their sides, rather than on their base.

There are high quality weatherproof padlocks on the Australian market that are sealed in different ways to deal with the elements. Depending on your requirements and the level of protection you require, speak to your locksmith about a quality padlock to suit your needs.

Locks can be a straightforward yet highly effective method of protecting your property. Whether on a gate, door, window or container, they’re an option we recommend in many cases.

Did you know though that locks need regular maintenance? Keeping your locks maintained helps stop them sticking and maintains their resilience to the elements. Lock maintenance can also improve the life of keys, as you can turn a key with lot less pressure if the lock works well.

We’ve compiled 4 easy to use tips that you can apply to keyed locks throughout your home, business or organisation. Action these to keep your locks running well for longer.

Clean out the Dust

Dust are dirt can get into a lock. As the dust builds up, it can degrade, slow and jam the internal mechanism. A small brush, toothbrush or cloth can be used to first remove any dirt while you avoid pushing any into the keyhole. The dust can be cleaned out of the keyhole and shackle (if a padlock) by using a can of compressed air. Do not place the compressed air can straw directly within the keyhole as these cans can release moisture. Moisture inside a lock can potentially damage it overtime and require more maintenance.

Lubricate Regularly

One of the best things you can do for a lock is to lubricate it regularly with an appropriate quality lubricant. Lubrication can clear dirt from the internal components, protect them against corrosion and get your key turning easily again. Avoid using any petroleum-based lubricants as these can attract dirt and clog up your lock. Depending on the lock type, a particular lubricant could be best. Check with the manufacturer / supplier of your lock as to what lubricant they recommend. In many cases, a dry lubricant that isn’t an oil is recommended.

Many manufacturers recommend that you clean and lubricate a lock every 6 to 12 months.

If a lock is in extreme conditions, such as considerably dusty or corrosive environments, then you should increase the regularity of your lubrication routine to 3 months.

Protect Your Lock from the Environment

The constant bombardment from the elements like dust, rain and salt water can deteriorate a lock. Use a lock that is appropriate for the environment that it will live in. Corrosion-resistant locks exist on the market which can be great for marine, outdoor and dusty environments. Dust covers can be effective for some keyholes, if a cover can be fitted appropriately. If using a padlock attached to a chain, raise them off the ground so that the padlock isn’t in the dirt.

Go Easy on the Keys

Keys, like a lock, require some care and consideration too. Keys are often made with a soft metal like brass, thus they could be damaged with force or wear down over time.

If you now have to forcibly turn your key to open a lock, it most likely could be time to lubricate the lock. Many people experience a night and day difference once they properly lubricate a lock, restoring it to its original state where the key opened it easily. If you continue to forcibly turn your key, it could twist or break your key. This could be particularly annoying if part of your key breaks and gets stuck in the lock.

If even lubricating the lock, your key is still tough to turn, then it could be time to replace your key. The soft metal of keys can wear down overtime. Having spares that can be recreated can be useful to keep a reasonably original key in a good state, thus easily opening your lock when you need to.