The locksmith's best tips for private homeowners and housing associations
In this post, our locksmiths give their 8 best (and simple) tips for private homeowners or housing associations. You can quickly implement most of the tips yourself, either to optimize the security of your home or to optimize the workflow in your housing association.
Tip #1 Don't have to change the nameplate on the doorphone
This tip is probably most relevant to housing associations. When our locksmiths visit a housing association to replace or repair an intercom, they often find that residents or the caretaker have stuck names on the intercom. This often looks untidy and is not a long-term solution. This tip is quite simple. By only writing the floor and door number, you can avoid having to replace the nameplate on a regular basis. This ensures a uniform appearance when tenants move in and out. It also means a little less maintenance for the caretaker.
READ ALSO: Door phones and intercom systems in Copenhagen and the surrounding area
Tip #2 Know the security level of your key
Many Danish homes have installed insecure locks that are easy for thieves to break open. It is impossible to tell how secure your lock is just by looking at it. However, you can determine this by taking a look at your key. You can recognize an insecure lock by its round key head. This key has only 5 pins. This type of key can be easily copied, and it is generally easy for thieves to pick the lock. To optimize your security, you should have a lock installed where the corresponding key has a trapezoidal shape and an oval and round hole.
READ ALSO: Door lock
Tip #3 Maintain your locks
Outdoor locks should be inspected every 6 months, as they are more exposed to wind and weather. With care and maintenance, the life of your locks will be significantly extended. They do not rust and do not get stuck as easily. Locks that are not lubricated are prone to breaking and losing their ability to keep out uninvited guests.You should therefore clean and lubricate cylinders and fine mechanics in the lock. When dust and dirt are removed, the lock holds better. In addition, moisture is removed from the internal parts of the lock so that it does not rust. KEYPARTNER recommends using Ruko and ABUS locklubricant specifically for locks. Never use graphite, oil or grease in the cylinder.Regular maintenance ensures that your lock works smoothly and without problems all year round.
READ ALSO: Does your door need a lock replacement?
Tip no. 4 Get regular service inspections done at the housing association
Another tip for the housing association. Remember to sign a service agreement for your locking system, access control, doorphone or door automationThis makes everything much easier.
We cannot ignore the fact that weather changes can cause damage, wear and tear, and create unnecessary problems for users. To catch damage early on and ensure that your installations last longer, our locksmiths recommend a service every six months. With a fixed service agreement with KEYPARTNER, you can be sure that your doors will work all year round. During a service inspection, KEYPARTNER's locksmith will check all installations, lubricate all moving parts, tighten hinges, screws, etc., and test the installation to ensure it is functioning properly. This is done precisely to catch any damage early on.
READ ALSO: Security solution service agreement
Tip no. 5 Remember the tradesman's deduction on your alarm installation
If you didn't already know, you can get a tax deduction for the installation of your alarm system. With the housing job scheme that came into effect in 2018, it is possible to get a tax deduction for craftsman services performed in the home. In other words, this means that you can get a deduction for up to 12,500 has wages for craftsman services. Including the salary of a locksmith for the installation of an alarm system. This means that burglary protection no longer has to be a costly affair for you or you have to go out and play do-it-yourself. With a professional installation, you are ensured that your home is burglar-proof and that your home's interior design has been taken into account.
Tip no. 6 Get window locks installed
We continue to focus on burglary prevention. The fact is that many windows in Danish households are not adequately secured. As many as 50% of all burglaries are committed through windows. That is why our locksmith's seventh tip is that you should have window locks installed on your windows. In general, window locks, reinforced hasps, burglar alarms, and mechanical locks help to better secure your home and deter burglars.
READ ALSO: Window locks
Tip No. 7 Become a member of Neighborhood Help
Another quick and easy way to create safety and security in your home is to become a member of neighborly assistanceGood neighborliness should definitely not be underestimated. Analyses show that neighborly assistance has a positive effect on crime in a neighborhood. According to Neighbourhood Watch itself, good neighbourliness can prevent one in five burglaries. It is therefore a cheap and effective way to secure your home. You can quickly sign up at Nabohjælp.dk.
READ ALSO: Burglary protection for your home
Tip No. 8 Get help from the locksmith
If you have any questions regarding locking systems, door phones, access control, automatic doors, or burglary protection, you are always welcome to ask the experts—completely free of charge. Our locksmiths are always ready to advise and guide you in this regard if you need or are interested in one of the above installations. If you are unsure about which lock you should have installed in your home or business, please do not hesitate to give us a call.
READ ALSO: Do you need a locksmith for business?
We hope our 8 tips can help you optimize your security in your home or housing association. As mentioned, KEYPARTNER is always available to provide guidance for your next lock or security project.