You hear about it in the headlines often this time of the year, especially as it gets closer to Christmas: “Burglars break into a business and get away with thousands in merchandise.” Hiring a locksmith specializing in commercial locks is a good idea, whether you need to protect yourself for an approaching holiday or just to have the security you deserve.
So, what commercial locks should you get to increase security for your company?
Essential Tips for Choosing Door Locks
Before delving into which business door locks are best, it is a good idea to start with some crucial tips to keep in mind when having a locksmith install commercial locks. Of course, a good locksmith should cover these tips with you. However, it’s good to know these things ahead of time to make better decisions.
One thing to keep in mind when investing in door locks is that you get some that are compliant for those with disabilities. For instance, the hardware should be 34 to 48 inches above the floor or ground, making knobs, handles, and such accessible for those who have disabilities. To be sure you have doors with compliant locks, it is a good idea to buy locks that are UL (Underwriter Laboratories) approved. They have independently tested locks and other consumer goods for over a century and make sure that they meet safety requirements, especially in the case of a fire or some other emergency.
Another essential thing to consider is the grade of a lock. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) have designated locks into three grades. Grade 3 locks are typically used in residential settings. The type of lock that your business will need will be between grades 1 and 2, with 1 being a heavy-duty lock that can handle commercial environments.
When choosing the type of door lock you want for your business, it’s good to think about the kind of business you have and what you will use the door lock for. Here are some great choices to use for entrances and interior doors of your business.
Keyless Entry Door Locks
Keyless entry is becoming increasingly more popular in homes but has been quite popular in business settings for quite some time. This type of lock doesn’t use a key to open it. Instead, someone gains entry by pressing in a code or using a pass card. Other more sophisticated systems may use biometric readings like fingerprints to gain access. You can use keyless entry on front doors. It can also be used at various other parts of the company, especially rooms that a company needs to keep off-limits to the general public. While these are a great choice, a drawback for this door is that you will need to assign a new one if someone forgets their password or loses a pass card.
Crash Bar Door Locks
Another type of door lock to consider is a crash bar door lock. You can see these commonly used in office settings that have many people entering and exiting the building. These doors have a long horizontal bar on them that people can “crash” into and quickly get out of a building, especially in the event of a crisis, like a fire. Crash bar door locks work well if you have a lot of traffic entering and exiting. However, one disadvantage is that they can make it easier for burglars to leave with merchandise quickly, too.
Master Key System Door Locks
One final door lock you should consider for your business is the master key system. This is typically for indoor use and restricts areas to specific people in your company. One great thing about this type of lock is that it keeps customers and certain employees from going into off-limits areas. Unfortunately, one disadvantage to this system is that those who have access may take things from these limited access areas. Fortunately, since it’s limited to certain people, you will know who may have taken the item in question.
These three locks aren’t the only commercial locks that you can choose from. It is a good idea to speak with a commercial locksmith about your security needs and allow them to inspect your property to suggest which would be best for your risk and your budget. If you need a commercial locksmith, contact them today for a consultation and quote on services.
Trusted Michigan Locksmith
Action Locksmith is a family-owned business that has been providing locksmith services throughout Michigan for more than 30 years. We have an excellent reputation earned through our hard work, dedication, and expertise. Whether you need new locks and doors, security camera installation, exit device repair or have a lockout emergency, we are ready and happy to help. Are your home and business secure and up to date for the Holidays? Call and Save today!