Ayelet Vainstein, Author at Locksmith Services | Serving The Surroundings Areas Of Brookline and Sharon MA

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Are Commercial Door Locks Different?

September 27, 2024

When securing a business, it’s crucial to have the right type of lock in place. Commercial door locks are different from residential locks in several key aspects. They are specifically designed to handle the unique challenges of high-traffic environments and offer increased security features that business owners need. Let’s break down what sets commercial door locks apart from the locks you might find at home. The Locksmith Scam

1. Durability and Strength

Commercial door locks are built to withstand frequent use and endure more wear and tear than residential locks. Since businesses often see higher foot traffic, commercial locks are constructed from stronger materials like hardened steel and offer superior resistance to tampering, drilling, and forced entry.

2. Grading and Standards

Locks are graded by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) into three categories:

Grade 1: The highest security, typically used for commercial properties.
Grade 2: Medium security, often used for apartment buildings or light commercial applications.
Grade 3: The most basic level of security, usually seen in residential homes.

For businesses, using Grade 1 locks is crucial to ensure maximum protection. These locks are tested to last longer and withstand more force than residential locks.

3. Advanced Security Features

Many commercial locks come with advanced security features, such as:

Access control systems: Allowing businesses to manage who enters and leaves, and often integrating with keycards or biometrics.
Keyless entry: Eliminating the need for physical keys, often via pin codes or mobile apps.
Master key systems: Enabling different levels of access across a property, where certain keys can open multiple doors while restricting others.

These systems help business owners protect sensitive areas while maintaining control over employee access.

4. Compliance with Fire and Safety Codes

Commercial door locks are designed to comply with local fire and safety regulations. For example, panic bars and push bars, commonly required for emergency exits, are critical in commercial settings but are rare in residential environments. Compliance ensures that businesses are not only secure but also safe for employees and customers.

5. Customization for Business Needs

Unlike residential locks, commercial locks can often be customized to meet the specific security needs of different businesses. For example:

High-security locks: For areas needing extra protection, such as data centers or storage facilities.
Electronic locks: For businesses looking for a blend of convenience and security, allowing them to monitor access and secure their property without traditional keys.

Why Choose Astro Locks for Your Commercial Security?

At Astro Locks, we specialize in installing and maintaining commercial-grade locks that meet the highest standards of security and durability. Whether you need a full access control system or a simple high-security lock installation, we’ve got the expertise to keep your business safe. Protecting your livelihood starts with the right lock—contact us today to learn more about how we can secure your property.

How To Avoid Locksmith Scams?

February 18, 2022

Most people wouldn’t expect a locksmith to scam them; after all, you don’t read much about locksmith scams in the news. However, many people search Google or use a search engine to find locksmith services and related products. Most scammers know this and may take advantage of the often large number of people searching for these services. If you happen to live in the Boston area, it is worth being aware of common locksmith scams. Being aware of these scams can help you save a pretty penny.

The Locksmith Scam

We want to start by letting people know that not all locksmiths are scammers. Most Boston locksmiths are honest, talented, and hardworking Americans. However, the internet has made it challenging to find a locksmith that’s worth what they charge because of all locksmiths taking advantage of people. The few bad applesin the bunch have given the industry a bad name. The good news is that most of their tactics are known and can be avoided.

Below are a few common tactics you should be aware of when hiring a locksmith.

The Too Good To Be True Deal – The trick scammers use to bait customers with is a very low price. You may see prices like $14.99 and up for a locksmith service in Boston. Our advice is to move on. No locksmith will come over to your home or place of business to open a lock for a cheap price. If it won’t even cover their cost in gas to get over to you then it’s too good to be true.

Subcontractors Instead Real Locksmiths – When you call a business that advertises a low price, it is often the case that the work has been outsourced to a subcontractor. Most of these subcontractors are just glorified handymen without a license. However, these people will take the most expensive route to fix your problem.

Bait and Switch – After you have called the company and decided to hire them to do whatever you want at that sparking low price, the locksmith is going to switch up the price. The locksmith will explain why this job is more expensive than initially agreed, convincing you to pay seven or eight times more. In most cases it is better to ask these guys to leave and find someone who is a legit Boston locksmith.

Conclusion
Every industry has its fair share of scammers with the locksmith industry being no different. You can bypass all of this by just hiring a licenced locksmith with lots of positive reviews to prove that they do a good job. Astro Locksmith LLC has more than 20 years of experience and focus on providing honest services at an affordable price. If you want to hire a locksmith that’s honest and transparent, call our team today.

Do I need a Fire-Rated Door?

December 15, 2021

Many commercial buildings today require the use of fire-rated doors. Generally, these are doors that can withstand smoke, fire, and heat. Businesses may want to invest in these fire rate doors as a safety measure since it helps protect employees, customers, and the property.
If you are in the process of updating the doors in your establishment or place of business, make sure to consider the facts we talk about in this article.

The Law May Require Installing Fire Doors

In a commercial construction setting, the law may mandate that you install fire-rated doors. Now, if you are not sure about the national or local building codes, we can always help you. We work with clients throughout the country and can help guide you through adhering to local fire codes pertaining to your doors.

Stairwells and Elevators May Require Fire Doors

One of the biggest selling points for fire doors is that they help shield occupants of an elevator or those in the stairwell from smoke and fire in the event of a fire. The added protection makes it possible to get the occupants evacuated swiftly and safely. If anything, it ensures that a possible emergency does not turn into an otherwise preventable tragedy.

Fire Doors Are Important For Areas With A Vulnerable Population

We would say that the healthcare industry and educational institutions are two places where installing fire-rated doors are essential. That means nursing homes, restaurants and hotels need to invest in fire-rated doors. Since the elderly and children are often at these places, the use of fire-rated doors and related hardware helps improve safety for vulnerable sections of the population.

Alarms and Other Hardware Can Further Improve The Safety Offered By Fire-rated Doors

In addition to installing fire-rated doors, they should also be connected to alarm systems so that they can close on their own in the event of a fire. Kick plates, bolts, and other systems can make the place much safer to exit.

Fire Doors Give People Confidence

Customers, patients, patrons, and employees have the peace of mind knowing that they are safe when entering your business, knowing that the doors have features that will protect them.

You can find out about the many benefits of fire-rated doors and which ones work best for various commercial properties by calling us today. Whether you need to install a single fire-rated door or multiple throughout a building, we can help you find the right doors to ensure your building is up to code.

How Durable Are Steel Doors?

October 2, 2021

Many commercial property owners invest in a steel door mainly because it is seen as being an extremely durable and difficult to bypass security mechanism. While steel doors aren’t cheap, they offer many benefits, particularly to commercial property owners which makes them the best choice for both the exit and entry doors.

If you’re a business owner and have been on the fence about steel doors we’ll go into why they are worth the investment.

Why Choose Steel Doors?

We have been installing steel doors for commercial property owners for years. One of the things that just about every business owner has said is that they (steel doors) are reliable, highly durable, and last for decades.

Professional installation like the type we provide also means that the steel doors continue to perform for decades without them warping like wooden doors. On average steel doors can last for 30 years if not more when properly maintained. We strongly advise that business owners with steel doors make sure that they get their doors maintained, and because the cost of servicing them isn’t high, should ensure that their doors are inspected annually.

Steel doors are secure which is one of the leading reasons why they are doors of choice for business owners. Knocking down a steel door isn’t easy even for the most well equipped thief. However, you need to pair the steel door with an equally impervious lock.

Furthermore, you might also want to invest in a fire-rated steel door which can protect your property and employees in the event of a fire. The standard steel door can only stand up to attempted break-ins.

Steel Door Applications

Steel door applications vary quite a bit mainly because they are so versatile. Steel doors for starters can be found across commercial properties of all types, and even used in offices, retail stores, and doctors’ offices. Schools also invest in steel doors to ensure security. However, many properties will require that a fire-rated steel door be used to protect products and merchandise in the event of an inferno at the store or place of business.

Also, insurance carriers tend to offer businesses with steel doors lower premiums especially when it comes to theft or fire damage insurance. All of this is what makes these doors such a wise investment.

Conclusion

Now that you’re aware of why steel doors are the doors of choice for many if not all business owners, make sure that you hire a professional company to install them. We specialize in installing steel doors of all types and sizes. Our team can also help you choose the right steel door for your business based on our experience.

Need a steel door installed or have a question about our installation service? Feel free to contact us today. 617-448-6554

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Astro Locks Announces New Home Rekeying Services

September 29, 2019

September 29, 2019 – Astro Locks has announced rekeying services aimed specifically at new homeowners who want to reinforce the security of their recently purchased homes and take that first step in making it their own. Known throughout the entire Boston area as one of the most trusted and comprehensive locksmith services, Astro Locks is now emphasizing the importance of home security. The company’s expertly trained and equipped staff can rekey an entire home for its new owners quickly and affordably.

“Buying a home is an exciting process that is often offset by a laundry list of both large and small changes, repairs, and preparations. The goal with our rekeying services is to provide new homeowners with some semblance of ataraxis or serenity while they move into and get settled in their new dwelling. While we can’t help our customers with moving, we can alleviate the stress and worry associated with unwelcome home entry. Our locksmiths are flexible and can rekey a home any time of the day,” said Astro Locks owner Lior Freidstadt.

All of Astro Locks’ locksmiths are individuals who have undergone comprehensive background checks and training in order to ensure quality of service. Additionally they arrive on site in easily identifiable vehicles and are uniformed for security. Arriving with them are all of the tools needed to rekey a home quickly. Keys can be made and electronic locks can be programmed on site saving homeowners time. Astro Locks‘ commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction ensure quick and high quality rekeys.

Mr. Freidstadt further stated, “We make rekeying services available to new homeowners 24/7/365 because we understand just how busy moving into a new home is and how inconvenient it is to pause the process while you wait for different people to arrive at your new residence. Our technicians are incredibly responsive and often arrive on scene within 15 minutes of contact. Being a Boston locksmith I know just how important home security is and our ultimate goal is to provide homes with a strong first line of defense.”

About Astro Locks

Astro Locks is a company that specializes in all things residential locks. The company operates with integrity, honesty, and quick responses as its foundations. Moreover it’s adherence to the highest standards in customer service and satisfaction help foster trust and a sense of dependability in their customers. Astro Locks is headquartered in Boston Massachusetts and services all of the cities within that greater area, and offers car lockout services, key duplication, commercial locksmith services and more.

Astro Locks Now Offers A Multitude Of Commercial Services

September 29, 2019

Boston Massachusetts – September 29, 2019 – Astro Locks is well known amongst the homeowners both in and around Boston. Helping homeowners get back into their homes during a lockout and repairing/replacing locks is standard work for the company. What isn’t well known, to business owners and managers operating in the Boston area however, is that Astro Locks offers a whole host of comprehensive commercial locksmith services. These services are designed specifically for businesses too.

“We work with businesses on a regular basis improving their security, installing new locks, repairing electronic and biometric locking systems, setting up surveillance equipment and even installing automatic door closers and panic bars. Our locksmiths produce work that is OSHA compliant ensuring the safety of people in your building and also put in place locking mechanisms that make security ‘air tight’ within your building. We can also cut new keys and reprogram existing electronic locks on site so that businesses can avoid down time. We are a dependable and trusted group of locksmiths that are responsive, quick, and available whenever we are needed.” says Astro Locks owner, Lior Freidstadt.

Further enticing potential commercial clients, Astro Locks offers free quotes, arrives on site within minutes of contact, and offers emergency services for those scenarios which might occur after traditional business hours. With flexibility, integrity, and a focus on customer service serving as the base of its business model, Astro Locks works with businesses of all sizes and offers the most comprehensive locksmith services in all of Boston. The company is a 24/7/365 service that assists commercial buildings with everything from deadbolt locks to lock outs.

“The needs of a business differ greatly from those of a homeowner when it comes to Boston locksmith services. Businesses have sensitive data and employees protect, property to keep an eye on, communications to secure, and want to ensure that only people whom belong in their building, or parts of it, enter those areas. A business has many moving parts and we help safeguard them.” further adds Mr. Freidstadt.

About Astro Locks

Astro Locks is a full service locksmith firm that works with businesses in the Boston area securing their buildings and ensuring their people have safe and secure entryways/exits. The company’s services are made available to all types of businesses in the Boston area and can perform both scheduled and emergency work any time of day or night. Furthermore, Astro Locks employs only the most experienced persons so as to provide businesses with a service they can rely on and trust.