Electronic locks

Top 5 Upgrades To Safely Reopen

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1) Increase Touchless Entries

A worthwhile investment into the future is preventing the spread of diseases, the flu, and other illnesses. While COVID-19 may not be around forever, the CDC estimates that millions of people are burden by the flu each year. That can mean lost revenue and wages for a business. By increasing or retrofitting existing doorways to touchless entries, you can help curb the spread.

Hand Wave Keyless Entry and other Touchless Solutions from Harry's Locksmith

2) Upgrade to Antimicrobial Hardware

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In areas where touch hardware is still needed, upgrading to antimicrobial hardware can be a great alternative. Businesses have a range of options from Antimicrobial Ionic Silver Coatings, Copper-Based Alloy Handles, Germ Selves, to Microban® Hardware. Harry’s Locksmith has access to different styles, functions, and finishes that fit your building use and design.

3) Incorporate ADA Compliance

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This is a great time to examine all entrances, hallways, and exits to make sure they work for everyone. While being wheelchair accessible is one consideration, there many more factors and disabilities to consider. Let a trusted team like Harry’s Locksmith guide you through all the options.

Contact Harry’s Locksmith for ADA Compliance Inspections & Other Consultations

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4) Install Smart Door Closers

Low-Energy Automatic Operators help increase safety and accessibility. Closers increase security for your doors. Both allow for code compliance over propping a door open manually, which may have other added risks.

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5) Consider Mobile Access Control

Proxy cards on a large scale can require a lot of upkeep for situations where there is theft, card expiration, or general replacements from being misplaced. Mobile access on the other hand, can be granted or revoked remotely. Many companies now also let you set up Mobile Access Controls with your Smartwatch.

Mobile Access Control Keyless Entry and other Touchless Solutions from Harry's Locksmith

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Are Keypad Front Door Locks Safe?

 

Are Keypad Front Door Locks Safe?

 

Many homes and businesses are switching over to keyless locks, with some people opting for keypad entry operators and others upgrading to smart technology locks. But with any big change involving technology, you might be wondering if you’re trading some security for a more sleek and modern look.

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Types Lock Grades

When it comes down to security itself, the bolts in a keyless locking system and a deadbolt can be essentially the same. The most important factor for determining safety is the grade lock. Lock grades come from the America National Standards Institute/Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association grading system.

Grade 3 is considered a residential grade, typically for home use, supply closets or offices.

Grade 2 locks are used for light commercial, such as a door leading into low traffic area. Some businesses can also use Grade 2 locks for areas that require a higher degree of security. That can include an office or doors to storage rooms housing valuable merchandise, equipment or other materials.

Grade 1 locks are considered the strongest of all. This grade is given to the most secure commercial door locks, locks that are placed at high-traffic areas like schools, hospitals and museums. Grade 1 locks are also expected to have longer lives than lower graded locks.

What Type of Keyless Entry System Works for You?

Once you determine which strength lock will best suit your needs, you can start digging in further to determine what keyless entry system will work best for you.

Regardless of which grade of lock you ultimately pick, some people feel keyless front door locks provide some additional safety measures. Keypad front door locks are pick proof, as well as bump proof. To bump a lock all someone has to do is insert a specifically-cut key into the lock and bump it with something else, like a screwdriver, forcing the pins in the lock to line up with the key and open the door. Both of those concerns can be left behind with a keyless system.

Keypad entry locks can be a great tool for families with young kids. Whether you don’t want your child to have to carry around a key, or they’ve just lost a few already, getting rid of keys altogether works around both concerns. You can program more tech-savvy locks so your kid has their own code to enter, as well as setting it up so the door automatically locks after that code is entered so you don’t have to worry about them remembering to lock up if they get home from school when no on else is around.

Another benefit in using keypad locks are the lack of repetitive friction from inserting and turning keys regularly. This makes the system more durable since all you have to do is press in the code to open it. Some worry that regularly pressing in the code can make it easier to guess because the buttons will show some wear on them. Certain locks use fingerprint-resistant touchscreens to combat that concern. They can also be cleaned off regularly to help lower that fear.

Many of them run on battery power, so even if the power goes on, the lock can remain operational for a certain amount of time. Even if the power goes out, you should be able to use your lock in person, although if it’s connected to your home or business’ internet, you might not be able to access it remotely.

So whether it’s for aesthetic reasons or security ones, making the jump to a keypad lock or some other keyless entry system should be able to fit your desires. The trained professionals at Harry’s Locksmith have more than 100 years of experience, and can make sure your home or business has the safest and most current locking system properly installed.

6 Products That Are Helping Businesses Fight COVID-19: Germ Shields and More

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Harry’s Locksmith has teamed up with the industry’s leading manufacturers to provide products that can help prevent the spread of viruses like COVID-19.

Technologies like germ shields, touchless hardware and antimicrobial coated hardware can help stop the spread of germs. In addition to hand hygiene and cleaning practices, these products are here to develop a multi-barrier form of protection.

 

1. Germ shields

As the coronavirus winds down, banks, grocery stores, and facilities with office spaces in Washington and Oregon are buying germ shields to protect their customers and employees. Germ shields (aka sneeze guards) are freestanding clear acrylic shields that can be placed at any transaction area. They serve as a barrier for droplets from cough, sneeze, spitting or talking. Germ shields are one effective method businesses are utilizing to stop the spread of germs. View germ shield brochure here.

Where are germ shields used? 

If you have a transaction area in your building or a conference table, our plexiglass acrylic germ shields could be the right fit for your facility. Custom sizes are available. 

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2. Antimicrobial coated door hardware

Harry’s Locksmith is a provider and installer for manufactured antimicrobial coated door hardware. We work with the biggest brands, like Allegion and Assa Abloy for example, to provide top notch antimicrobial door hardware solutions.

What makes antimicrobial coated door hardware special? The silver ion microbial coating. This coating is specially formulated to combat the growth of bacteria by interrupting cell multiplication. 

How does the technology work? Ionic silver coatings interact with the bonding site on the microbe surface. The result is that the silver ions surround bacteria cells, blockading food and slowing the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew. 

Antimicrobial coated hardware is ideally suited for high traffic, public use areas. Microban antimicrobial hardware is also available for our residential customers. This type of hardware is not a substitute for hygiene or cleanliness.

What types of antimicrobial hardware do we install? Panic bars, exit bars, door handles, door plates, and push/pull handles. We have a wide range of products that feature an antimicrobial coating along with different styles, functions and finishes that fit your building use and design.

Instead of using a wipe, consider a long-term solution like antimicrobial coated hardware for your facility. Invest in and provide protection for years to come. 

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3. Germ protective sleeves

Germ sleeves are one antimicrobial solution that businesses are using to reduce the occurrence of viruses like COVID-19. Germ sleeves are adhesive tapes that provide an antimicrobial and anti-fungal coating. They can be placed on all types of surfaces and handles within your facility.

How are they applied? Germ sleeves shrink to fit with an adhesive film cover that continuously reduces the presence of microbes on their surface. They are designed to cover most common touch-points such as door handles, push plates and hand railings.

Door knobs, door handles, ADA door handles, panic hardware and push bar doors are examples of germ sleeve applications. Germ sleeves are available in a variety of sizes and are designed to fit over common sizes of toilet and faucet handles and door knobs. Quick install and versatile for a variety of commercial and residential applications.

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4. Copper coated hardware

Are you looking for a simple way to make your business or school safer? Copper coated hardware may be the answer. 

We install a variety of copper plated door hardware. For example, copper plated door handles, door knobs, entry door locks, and other touch points.

How does copper kill germs? Copper has antimicrobial properties that destroy bacteria’s DNA. It is known to kill surface bacteria. Copper is the only solid metal touch surface to have been approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in recognition of antimicrobial properties. Copper alloy metals like brasses and bronzes are also effective against many disease-causing bacteria.

According to the EPA, “when cleaning regularly, antimicrobial copper alloys surfaces kill greater than 99.9 percent of (specific) bacteria within two hours, and continue to kill more than 99 perfect of (these) bacteria even after repeated contamination”. 

Copper plated door hardware is not a substitute for standard cleaning protocols and thorough hand hygiene.

What are other applications for copper coated hardware? Hospitals, schools, banks, and other high traffic buildings are using copper plated hardware. If your building has a push bar, vertical pull bar, rectangular crash bar, push plate, round crash bar, or an accessible door button (ADA), we provide copper covers.  

 

5. Touchless hardware

Did you know that more than 80% of viruses are spread by our hands? Stop the spread of bacteria with products like touchless or hands free door opening devices. 

Banks, businesses, medical facilities, and commercial properties are investing in touchless hardware to protect against harmful germs. 

Harry’s Locksmith is a provider and installer for a variety of hands free door opening options including no touch electronic locks, touchless actuators, wave to open devices, and keyless entry. Consider this article when you choose between commercial locksmith companies.

Hands free activation devices are designed to detect the motion of a wave and send an electrical signal to the door operator to open the door, re-open or hold a door open. 

Offering no touch openings can make a big difference in inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Touchless switches also enhance user experiences and increase ADA accessibility. 

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6. PUR cleaner spray

PUR cleaner spray is an EPA approved COVID-19 sanitizer. It is known to “kill germs in as few as 30 seconds and does not require rinsing” (link quote to flyer on our site). The sanitizing spray is ideally used in restaurants, offices, hospitals, schools, hotels, restrooms, recreational facilities, public transport vehicles, and homes.

Restaurants love PUR cleaner spray because it is approved for food contact surfaces without the requirement of a rinse. For example, after you spray your countertop you do not need to rinse it afterwards. 

It can be used on painted, glazed tile, plastic, metal, glass and glazed porcelain. For other areas, make sure to test in an inconspicuous area before use.

How long does PUR cleaner spray last? When used as directed, it provides 24 hour protection. And it continues to kill common bacteria for up to 24 hours.

Does it have bleach in it? PURE spray is easy to use and contains no bleach, ammonia, phosphates, phenols or VOC emitting compounds. The odorless formula is non-caustic and non-irritating.

Now more than ever, companies are developing plans to provide protection on their public doors. How are you preparing your facility for post-coronavirus operations? 

Find out if our new COVID 19 security hardware is right for your facility. Call or email us today to set up a free consultation with one of our project managers.

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Harry’s Locksmith serves customers in Vancouver, Portland, and surrounding metro areas. Established since 1949, we are a trusted COVID-19 security hardware installer and provider.

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