Locks have been around for thousands of years. Probably as long as there have been valuables that people wanted to protect, locks — in some form — have been there to keep things secure.
Today there are many different kinds of locks. Some are very simple locks that open with a key or a combination of numbers.
Others are extremely complicated locks that open with fingerprints or special electronic keycards. Today’s locks feature many different types of mechanical and technological systems to increase security.
To get a basic understanding of how locks work, let’s take a look at two common types of locks: combination locks and pin-and-tumbler locks. These common locks are the ones you’re most likely to see on a day-to-day basis.
Combination locks can be found in all sorts of places. From gym lockers to shed doors to secret diaries, combination locks allow their contents to be accessed only by those who know the secret combination of numbers that will open the lock.
A typical combination padlock, for example, contains a wheel pack. The wheel pack contains one wheel for each number in the combination.
Each wheel in the wheel pack has a small tab — called a “wheel fly” — on each of its sides. As you turn the combination dial, a spindle that extends through the wheel pack turns a drive cam.
As the drive cam turns, an attached drive pin makes contact with the wheel fly on the nearest wheel. As you continue to dial in the correct combination, the wheel fly on each subsequent wheel makes contact until all the wheels are spinning.
When you get to the last digit of the combination, all wheels will be lined up perfectly. Notches cut into each wheel will also be aligned. These notches form a gap that will allow the lock to release and open.
Pin-and-tumbler locks are different because they require a key to unlock them. Basic pin-and-tumbler locks have several spring-loaded pins inside a series of small cylinders.
When the right key slides into a pin-and-tumbler lock, the pointed teeth and notches on the blade of the key allow the spring-loaded pins to move up and down until they line up with a track called the “shear line.” When the pins align with the shear line, the cylinder can turn, and the lock will open.
If you don’t have the right key, one or more of the pins will remain in the way of the shear line. This will prevent the cylinder from turning, and the lock will remain closed.
What does a locksmith do? It’s a little surprising but this question gets asked regularly. Locksmiths have a massive wealth of knowledge when it comes to security products etc. Think about it a moment – every car lock, every door lock, every key, every safe lock….is different. Technology is constantly evolving & we need to keep learning.
A common call we get is to gain access to a clients home or business when their keys are lost or stolen. Their locks may then need to be rekeyed – this involves keeping the same lock but changing the ‘code’ – so that the old key no longer works if the thief attempts to use it. This is very important as thieves can & do return.
Of course locksmiths do a multitude of other jobs, installing new locks, installing safes, removing broken keys in ignitions, etc.
An important note – 1 in 5 home burglaries occur while someone is home – as alarming as this is the cause is most often because of unlocked doors and windows. Your security products can only work if you use them. Please…stay safe.
Why Advanced Lock & Key? We are part of the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia. This gives the reassurance of knowing our work is of the highest standard & fully guaranteed. There are many locksmith businesses in Perth. They are not all the same! The advantage to clients who choose a well established business that employs several locksmiths is that clients have the peace of mind in knowing that there is a wealth of experience, cost effective prices & we plan on being here a very long time into the future. Forever if possible J You’re also supporting a business that invests in our young people as we take on apprentices & teach them the trade. We invest in the latest equipment & locksmithing software to ensure that we can securely, safely, quickly & as cost effectively as possible assist our clients. Our locksmiths are experienced & if they come across a challenge we have the support staff employed to help. We have also always had a 24 hour emergency service on a rotating roster with our senior locksmiths.
Our first ever blog post – About us – we opened Advanced Lock & Key in 1999 with Aaron in a single locksmith van, just over 10 years experience in locksmithing & lots of ambition! From humble beginnings we have grown to currently have 3 qualified locksmiths, 2 locksmith apprentices & our admin manager in the retail store/workshop, a marketing manager, as well as 3 on road locksmiths to service clients at their home or business.
While it’s difficult to protect your home from professional thieves, most home burglaries are done by amateurs. These thieves are more easily thwarted if you employ some of these simple security precautions listed below:
When looking at purchasing locks for your home or business, the amount of options can certainly be overwhelming. There are many different types of locks and several different security factors to consider before purchasing. This page will explain the different types of locks and the security features that should be considered. Although there are many types of locks, the four most common are padlocks, deadbolts, knob locks and levers.
Padlocks are the only type of lock that is typically not permanently attached to anything else. Padlocks come in a range of sizes, are free standing and portable, and are one of the most easily recognizable types of lock. Padlocks come in two main varieties: combination and keyed. Combination locks have one or more number dials that open the lock when the correct combination is entered. They are often easy to decode or shim open. Keyed padlocks have several options to consider. There are rekeyable and non-rekeyable padlocks. If a padlock is non-rekeyable, then you cannot change the key that opens the lock (for example to make it use the same key as your house). Padlocks can be key-retaining or non-key-retaining. A key-retaining padlock does not allow the key to be removed while the padlock is open.
Deadbolts are generally installed on external doors and have a few more options to consider than padlocks. Deadbolts come in three primary varieties: single, double, and lockable thumbturn. Single cylinder deadbolts are found on most American homes. They use a key cylinder on the outside and a thumbturn (rosary) on the inside to open or close the lock. These deadbolts have one primary weakness. If access to the inside is possible (via a nearby window or even through the peephole using simple tools), the door can be opened using the thumbturn. A double cylinder deadbolt uses a key cylinder on the inside and the outside of the door to solve this issue. These have the clear disadvantage of always requiring a key to open the door from the inside if it is locked. This can pose a significant problem in a fire or other emergency situation. If used in a residential situation, it is strongly recommended that a key is left on the inside when people are present to ensure a safe exit in an emergency. The final type of deadbolt is a hybrid between a single and a double deadbolt, and is called a lockable thumbturn. It features a thumbturn on the inside that works like a normal single cylinder deadbolt, except the thumbturn can be locked using a key so it cannot lock or unlock the door. This means in a residential situation, the thumbturn can be left in an unlocked position while people are inside the house, and it will operate exactly like a standard single cylinder deadbolt.
Knob locks are frequently installed in residential situations on exterior doors in addition to deadbolts, and are sometimes used as the primary source of security for doors. First and foremost, it should be said that knob locks should virtually never be used for security on external doors. The problem lies in the fact that the lock cylinder is in the knob itself and not the door. In almost all setups, they can be broken off the door with a hammer or bypassed using pliers or a wrench behind the knob, completely bypassing the locking cylinder. If you currently have knob locks, consider replacing them with simple passage knobs as it will provide almost as much security as long as you are using deadbolts on the same doors.
Lever handle locks are frequently used for inner doors in commercial settings. They are easier to open than knob locks as they have a large push down style handle rather than a knob that one must grasp and turn. Frequently when handicap accessibility is important lever locks are used. Our lever handle locks are ADA accessible and can be changed between left and right handedness. When purchasing it is important to measure the proper backset. Levers can frequently be the target of torque attacks (excessive pressure applied to the handle to try and force the lock). Some levers are “clutch” levers meaning if they are forced they just turn rather than apply pressure to the lock.
1/ The Established Shop Owner
These are usually the old school locksmiths that have been around longer than most and built a business on reputation and have a good high street presence that attract the bulk of their custom.
2/ The Warrant Locksmith / Sub Contractors
The majority of the warrant locksmiths work is on behalf of or for another company under an agreed contract usually in the form of Energy Company runs or for national locksmith chains.
3/ Specialist Locksmiths
As well as general locksmith work these locksmiths specialise in a particular niche area of the trade such as Safe opening and repairs, Vehicle locksmith and key programming or Access control and electronic hardware.
4/ Locksmith Trainers
Alongside their own locksmith work, train new locksmiths with basic to advanced skills for training agencies and back to work programmes.
5/ Part Time Locksmiths
As well as their main locksmith work also have a little something on the side generally related to the trade such as tool production, websites and seo services or completely different trades such as plumbing and heating. These locksmiths make up the main bulk of the mobile locksmith community.
Our workshop locksmiths like to have the radio on while they work, it’s calming, beats boredom, keeps everyone up to date with the news etc. I was surprised to learn that background music has been used in the workplace for centuries.
Even in the Industrial Age women and occasionally orchestras would be hired in the quieter factories to sing and play among the workers. In the Victorian era handloom weavers would sing together to keep awake. I’m not quite sure if we want our staff doing that…
For employers who think it may be distracting & slow the pace of work you may be interest to know that studies have found from having popular background music:
Upbeat background music has even been shown to prevent days taken off through illness. Research conducted by Entertainment Media Research for MusicWorks found that 1 in 3 employees are less likely to take time off sick if background music workers like is played in the workplace. Invest in that radio bosses!
With the hot summer we are experiencing in Perth, this can pose real issues for workers needing to be outside to complete their work.
Whilst employers have obligations to protect your safety, there are also ways of making your working life not only safer but more comfortable.
Wherever possible work in the shade or indoors. Where this is simply not practical, UV rated broad brimmed hats; light loose clothing (preferably long sleeved, collared and long legged for UV protection) will help protect against the suns damaging and dehydrating rays.
A minimum 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen and sunglasses to protect skin and eyes are essential, it is also important in Australia’s climate to ensure you use sufficient sunscreen and reapply as recommended.
We encourage our employees to ensure they are drinking an adequate amount of water (quantity is dependant on your personal needs) Freezing a refillable bottle overnight and taking it to work the next day is refreshing. There are electrolyte drinks on the market that are beneficial also. Staff vehicles fitted with airconditioning can be a welcome break for those on the road during the day.
Importantly, if you feel you need to acclimatize or have medical issues (not limited to but examples include pregnancy; recent illness etc) talk to your employer or seek medical advice. Stay cool & safe Smile emoticon
Any business that wants to be successful and long lasting will know that having a strong, caring customer service focus is absolutely essential.
So Perth customer service may sometimes appear to be …lacking. But what makes for good customer service?
Here’s our thoughts…
Listening. Hear what your customer wants rather than making assumptions. Are they on a tight budget? What are their main concerns? Are they needing urgent work done?
Honesty. Never sell or suggest anything that isn’t in the clients best interests. We believe in treating people how we would want to be treated . If we can suggest a way to save you money we will. There are lots of businesses in Perth that seem to feel this way and it is very reassuring to see.
Fairness. We charge a responsible price to be fair to our clients whilst providing a professional service. After hours services are more expensive as our locksmiths need to be fairly compensated for getting out of bed on these 2C nights!
Interaction. Our locksmiths are all security licensed, they have their names and uniforms clearly visible (as well as very clearly sign written vans!). Our administration team (Sharon & Kate) answer calls and queries professionally and efficiently. We know you don’t have time to waste!
Communication. We are able to advise you on a time our locksmith is due to arrive, or we can call you half an hour before our locksmith will be there so you are not waiting around for us any longer than necessary.
Gratitude. Ever walk into a shop and feel like you’re an inconvenience? Not nice. We know how fortunate we are to have such loyal clients and we are very grateful you continue to choose us.
Anything we’re missing? Always feel free to let us know how we can improve, our client feedback forms are online on our website & also at the front counter of the shop, These are given direct to the owners to follow up.
Thank you!
Shop Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday
8.30am to 4.30pm
Emergency Locksmith Services:
24 hours a day – 7 days a week
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For emergency after hours jobs, please call us on 9409 4440.
Please do not submit an enquiry form or email us outside of normal office hours for any emergency work as the office is not manned during this time.