As a homeowner, you want to keep your house safe from intruders and your belongings safe from theft. Sturdy, secure locks and a reliable locksmith are essential in making that happen. Still, there are a few common misconceptions and mistakes that homeowners often make that could compromise their security. Here’s what you should know to keep your home secure. 

5 Home Safety Tips From Locksmiths 

1. Be Careful With Your Spare Key

Getting locked out is frustrating and time-consuming, so many people hide a spare key near their door underneath a welcome mat or buried in a planter. Unfortunately, burglars know this trick and will often find your key to gain access. Keep your spare key on your person, or give it to a trusted friend or neighbor. Alternatively, install a code-protected lock box and mount it discretely on your home’s exterior. 

2. Use a Code

Electronic lock installation is often smart. Codes of four or more digits are almost impossible to guess, especially if they’re arbitrarily chosen (i.e., not your birth date and month). They’re also relatively easy to change if needed. 

3. Don't Trust Cheap Locks

Many retailers offer inexpensive knobs or bolts, but keep in mind that you may get what you pay for. Cheap locks may not use unique keys — in other words, anyone who buys that lock set can let themselves into your home. Others are easy to break or drill through.

4. Change the Locks on a New Home

When you move into a new property, the former occupants should hand over every key, but this doesn't always happen. They may forget, or keep a key intentionally. They may also have distributed spares to third parties, like friends or cleaning services. For complete peace of mind, have your locksmith rekey the locks, if not replace them entirely. 

5. Install Your Deadbolt Properly

A strong deadbolt is the best type of lock you can have — when it's installed right. To be secure, the bolt must extend all the way into the door frame, and the strike plate must be secured correctly using long screws for a better grip on the frame.

For a locksmith's help in securing your home or getting inside after a lockout, call Able Security Locksmiths in Kenvil, NJ. Their 25 years of experience and 24-hour availability have earned them a reputation for dependability with both residential and commercial clients. To schedule a visit to your Morris, Sussex, or Warren County home, call (973)-584-3033 or go online to learn more about their services.