Neighborhood Faves Nextdoor Winner

Banners of 2019-2023

Harry’s Locksmith wins their first Neighborhood faves award. 

Thank you everyone for your support! 

 We want to give a big thank you to all that voted us for this award! This one in particular, showcases the local businesses voted by the people in the area. This means a lot to us, and we will continue to serve our customers in the highest regard. 

 Neighborhood Faves by Nextdoor is the Premier website of showcasing several categories of businesses. We were voted for Best Home Services. Thanks again for the support and continued business, it truly means a lot to us here at Harry’s Locksmith. 

Come stop by at our Main Street location to see what’s new in the shop. We’ll be excited to see you again! Stay up to date on what’s happening on our social media accounts. We have more announcements to make in the coming weeks. 

 

Move announcement

In a first for Harry's Locksmith, we are moving! This is our first time moving for Harry's Locksmith. As you can imagine this a historic moment for...

Harry’s Locksmith is Moving

Big news! Harry's Locksmith will be moving to a new location by the end of 2023. Thanks for the memories, Main Street. It will be a little...

Harry’s Locksmith wins Best of Clark County 5 Consecutive Years!

Harry's Locksmith has won their 5th consecutive year for Best of Clark County. Thank You, Clark County!  We want to express our gratitude for...

Neighborhood Faves Nextdoor Winner

Harry's Locksmith wins their first Neighborhood faves award.  Thank you everyone for your support!   We want to give a big thank you to all that...

Why Are Transponder Keys More Expensive?

The cost of replacement will depend on several factors, including the complexity of the key fob, the cost of labor, and the make and model of the...

Three Key Things to Keep Your Business Secure

Here at Harry's we work with a wide range of building and business types, and keeping your business, home, or vehicle secure is our specialty. Your...

Safes that Harry’s Locksmith Carries

At Harry’s Locksmith in downtown Vancouver, WA we carry a variety of safes to meet your security needs. The most common types of safes are gun safes, deposit safes, and jewelry safes. If you’re not sure which safe to choose, we can help recommend one based on your needs. Just let us know. Below are some of the safes that we carry.

Top 5 Upgrades To Safely Reopen

1) Increase Touchless Entries A worthwhile investment into the future is preventing the spread of diseases,...

The Best Salem Mobile Locksmith Will Offer These Services

  Vancouver-Portland-Salem Mobile Locksmith Services   Don’t Be Locked Out For Long There’s no convenient time or place to lock yourself out. But...

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...

Harry’s is Your Go-To Company for Building Lock Replacement Services

Harry’s is Your Go-To Company for Building Lock Replacement Services

Harrys is Your Go To Company for Building Lock Replacement Service

For many building owners, security is a top priority. You wouldn’t trust just anyone with entry into your building. So why trust just any company with your lock replacement service? If you have a tenant move out, an employee leave the company, or another change in building occupancy, you may decide that it’s time to change or upgrade your locks.

But not any locksmith will do. You’ll want to find a company that’s reliable, trustworthy, and has a history of providing quality service and products. We’re confident Harry’s Locksmith fits the bill.

Here are our top reasons that Harry’s is your go-to company for building lock replacement service.

We Always Answer the Call

Harry’s is your go-to company for lock replacement services because we’re always there to answer the call. We understand that emergencies happen. That’s why we provide 24-hour emergency service. If you experience a threat to your safety and security and want to remedy the situation immediately, we’ll be there to provide emergency lock replacement services. Harry’s is here to work for you around the clock when you need it the most and we’re always quick to respond.

We’re Trustworthy

According to the Better Business Bureau, there are a few things to keep in mind when hiring a locksmith. For instance, you should be wary of a company that provides a low estimate but then adds expensive fees for labor, mileage, or other parts of the job.

Instead, look for a reputable company that has a history of providing reliable quotes. It’s also a good idea to ask for recommendations from those you know who have recently worked with a locksmith and to ask for the credentials of any company you hire.

Harry’s was established in 1949 and there’s a reason we’ve been in business for so long. It’s because of our strong reputation in the industry and the quality service that we provide. We will give you accurate estimates so you know exactly what our lock replacement services will cost. Harry’s also has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and is an active member of the Greater Vancouver Business Bureau, so you can be confident that you are hiring a trusted locksmith to perform the job. For more BBB tips on hiring the right locksmith, look here.

Since locksmiths will have access to your home, building, or car, it’s important to hire the right one. You can never be too careful and should do diligent research before deciding which locksmith to hire.

Our Staff is Knowledgeable

Commercial buildings have to be code compliant and that includes doors and locks. There are certain types of locks and hardware that you will need in order for your building to pass commercial inspection. For instance, you will need to have fire exit hardware and panic exit locks so that your occupants can exit the building quickly and safely in case of an emergency.

In addition to providing emergency egress, doors and hardware should be ADA-compliant. We can upgrade hardware to meet ADA standards, as well as install automatic door openers to ensure code compliance. If you are considering lock replacement services, it’s important to hire a local locksmith who is familiar with the International Building Code, as well as local laws and regulations.

It’s important the locksmith you hire provides you not only with what you need but also with what you want. There are many locks on the market and if you are looking for an upgrade, you’ll want to find someone who can provide expert advice and recommendations. That’s why it’s important to hire locksmiths who are familiar with the latest products on the market.

For instance, do you want a lock that provides a delayed egress option? This would be good for buildings in which occupants must be closely monitored. For instance, the maternity ward of a hospital could benefit from delayed egress hardware so that security can keep a close watch on those entering and exiting that part of the building.

Or perhaps you have a mag lock and need help deciding between a fail-secure locking device, which will remain locked when the power is lost or, a fail-safe locking device, which unlocks when power is lost. The former might work best for a storage room, for instance, that has valuables you want to keep secure even when power is lost.

If you’re uncertain which option you prefer or feel overwhelmed by the available choices, our expert locksmiths will work with you to determine what options are best for you and your business.

We’re a One-Stop Shop

Harry’s is your go-to company for lock replacement services because we’re a full-service locksmith. If you own a business, a home, and a vehicle, there’s a good chance that you’re going to need a locksmith on more than one occasion. Why not use a locksmith that’s well versed in all areas? Why roll the dice and take your chances each time you need to hire a locksmith? Instead, look for one that is skilled in multiple lock replacement services.

Harry’s Locksmith offers commercial, residential, and automobile services. We’re a one-stop shop for your service needs. As the Better Business Bureau suggests, if you have found a locksmith that you enjoy working with, save their contact info for the next time you need service. This will be easier if you have a locksmith that is skilled in all areas-residential, commercial, and automobile.

Are you in need of immediate lock replacement services? We get can get the job done quickly, thoroughly, and for an affordable price.

To get started, fill out this easy online form. We’ll contact you to learn more about your needs and determine how we can provide you with the best possible lock replacement service. We understand the importance of your safety and security. Harry’s is not only your go-to company. We’re key to getting your lock replacement services done right.

 

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The Exit Locks You Need in Your Commercial Building: Panic vs. Fire

The Exit Locks You Need in Your Commercial Building: Panic vs. Fire

The Exit Locks You Need in Your Commercial Building Panic vs. Fire

Emergency Exit Locks

The first rule of any emergency situation is to be prepared. Be prepared with a game plan, an organized response, and an exit strategy. Harry’s Locksmith, your Vancouver locksmith, is here to help you with the latter. We want you to have the correct exit locks in place in case of an emergency.

While we certainly want your commercial building to be secure from unauthorized personnel, we also want you to be able to get out of the building quickly and efficiently when necessary. That’s why we’re going to tell you exactly what exit locks you’ll need in case of a panic or fire emergency.

One of the top concerns we hear from our clients involves the degree of security in their building. We know you work hard and want to protect your business and investments. It makes sense that you would want to ensure your building is impenetrable.

But while your building’s security is of the utmost importance, so too is your safety. That’s why Harry’s Locksmith stocks a variety of exit locks that will allow you to move through and out of the building as needed.

Panic Lock

The first type of safety lock you’ll want to secure on your commercial building is a panic lock. This type of lock can be disabled quickly in the event of an emergency. History has shown us that panic bars are essential in a variety of life and death situations. In fact, panic locks, or bars, came about as a result of the 1903 Iroquois Theatre Fire in Chicago, which claimed the lives of 600 people who were unable to exit through the theater’s locked doors.

Panic hardware typically consists of a metal bar placed horizontally across the door. While the door is securely locked from the outside, the metal bar (also known as a push bar or crash bar) can be pushed, thus disabling the latch and allowing for a quick exit from a commercial building. This can help in a variety of emergencies from an active shooter situation to a bomb threat and everything in between.

Panic locks are essential because in heightened situations in which you may panic, you don’t want to be fumbling with locks or otherwise losing precious time. Panic locks ensure that you’re able to exit the building both quickly and efficiently. Not only are they required by certain commercial building codes, they are essential in keeping your tenants, employees, and other building occupants safe.

Fire Exit Locks

Likewise, fire exit locks also allow you to vacate the building quickly in emergency situations. As with panic hardware, fire hardware became standard for commercial buildings following tragic historical events, such as a 1908 fire at the Lake View School in Collinwood, Ohio. As the blog entry notes, “Large numbers of panicking children could not open the latches and ended up crushing each other in an effort to escape.” Following those events, fire safety regulations were altered across the country and the first model of a panic bar was introduced.

Now, many commercial building codes require the use of such locks. So what’s the difference between a fire exit lock and a panic lock? Firstly, fire exit locks are used on fire rated doors. A fire rated door prevents the spread of fire and is typically composed of heavier parts than a panic door.

Another key difference between fire hardware and panic hardware is that a fire exit lock must re-latch upon closing. This requirement helps the door withstand the pressures of the fire and limit its spread to other areas of the building.

How do you know which lock you’ll need for your commercial building? As mentioned, some of that will be determined by international building code. But part of it will also be determined by the purpose of your particular building and its use.

For instance, there are many variations on panic hardware and fire exit hardware that can be installed based on your individual building needs. An infant-care unit at a hospital, for instance, may opt to have a delayed egress locking system installed on its doors. Delayed egress locking systems allow security personnel more time to thoroughly vet those attempting to enter and leave the area.

Such systems also disable the delayed egress locking mechanism once the automatic sprinkler system or automatic fire detection system is activated, thereby allowing occupants to quickly vacate the building in fire emergencies.

On the other hand, you may want to have sensor releases on your doors that will detect when someone is approaching. For example, a building serving the physically disabled may want to ensure occupants are able to quickly exit the building when necessary. Sensors remove the need to physically push the panic bar by detecting when individuals are approaching the door from within the building, allowing for an easy means of egress.

There are many factors to consider when selecting panic and fire exit hardware for your building. One item of importance is that while panic locks and fire exit locks can be life-saving measures, they will only work if properly installed. You don’t want to take any chances when it comes to your safety and security. That’s why it’s important to contact your trusted Vancouver locksmith to ensure proper installation of such locks.

Harry’s Locksmith serves the Greater Vancouver, Portland Metro area and businesses along the Pacific Northwest I-5 corridor. We’re an established regional and community partner since 1949. Our locksmiths are experts in their field and can also answer any questions you have about which lock to place where. After all, locks aren’t one size fits all.

We want to make sure that you are choosing the ones most appropriate for the safety and security of your occupants. That’s why we’ll customize your exit locks to best suit you and your commercial building. And remember, enhanced safety doesn’t have to mean compromised security. We’ll make sure you have the best of both worlds, so that you and your occupants feel safe, as well as secure.

 

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The Pros & Cons of Pushbutton Locks

The Pros & Cons of Pushbutton Locks

Have you ever forgotten or lost a key and spent hours dealing with the consequences? It makes you scramble for alternative solutions.

Luckily, your local locksmith service has a few ideas for you.

At most commercial properties, people come and go all hours of the day, seven days of the week. And while you might have regular business hours where the doors are left unlocked, there can still be some employees or tenants that need access after normal business hours are over.
The Pros & Cons of Pushbutton Locks
That means multiple people need a way of accessing the building without having to come directly to you.

That makes keyless door entry systems one of the best upgrades you can make. This technology isn’t new. In fact, as a local locksmith service who’s been in business for many years, we’ll tell you we’ve been installing this technology for years.

Sure, it’s changed a little over the years. With smart technology, you can upgrade your locks in many ways. But even with the most straightforward pushbutton lock system, there are many advantages that’ll leave you wanting this installed in your commercial property today.

Convenience
Living in today’s world, our lives are busier than ever. If we can find ways of shaving off a few minutes here and there, it gives us time to do the things we really want to do. Keyless entry systems can do that in a number of ways.

Ever wandered around your home in the morning wondering where you left your keys? You check pockets, fish around on your counter, even retrace your steps from the night before. With a pushbutton lock, you’ll never have to worry about finding that key again.

And it’s not just you. The more people that enter your commercial property, the more people impacted by this technology. Have you ever had a tenant or employee call you at odd hours because they can’t find their keys? A push-button entry system eliminates that forever. They’ll always have access to their code.

Of course, there are many styles. Many are battery-powered, which eliminates the hassle of hard wiring the door. Some offer smart technology, which means you can access codes from anywhere in the world. Whatever you choose, convenience will be the fundamental characteristic you love the most.

Control
What most property owners and managers love most about pushbutton locks is the ability to have total control over the system.

If you have a high rate of employee turnover, have you ever stopped to think how many people have access to your building who shouldn’t be there? The number might be staggering. And a little scary.

Mechanical keys can’t be misplaced, stolen, or copied. And because every person that enters can have a different access code, you can change the numbers the moment an employee walks out the door for the last time.

This also gives you more built-in control features, such as the ability to follow the trail to when and where people enter. It also gives you the ability to shut out access when you don’t want entrance granted. Want to go on lockdown during critical upgrades or security checks? Not a problem.

Savings
Keeping track of how many keys have been produced and who has a key is difficult at best. Then there’s always the chance an employee copied a key on his own.

Every time you have a new key made it costs you money. Need to have a building rekeyed? More money. While installing a keyed entry system may seem like the least expensive way to secure your property, it can add up very quickly. Add in the time it takes to meet with a locksmith and wait throughout the process, and you’ll find the expense can grow astronomically, especially if you have a high turnover rate.

Durability
Have you ever had a key get so worn down it no longer works? Or maybe a lock system that malfunctions due to frequent or heavy use? We’ve even been called out to work sites because a key accidentally breaks off in the lock. It can be aggravating at best.

Pushbutton entry systems are resilient because they don’t sustain the repetitive behavior associated with turning a key. The pushbuttons will last far longer than their key counterparts.

Increased Security
Traditional locks have been around long enough for most would-be criminals to know how to break through. Traditional locks can be picked and lock bumped, which often leaves no visible signs of forced entry. That makes it more difficult to collect from your insurance company if theft should occur.

Push-button and keyless entry lock systems offer a variety of different locking mechanisms. Every building needs a different level of protection, so it’s important to work with your local locksmith to make sure your needs are met.

Outside of the benefits we’ve mentioned above, you can also find keyless entry systems that include:

  • Adjustable code length
  • Restricted access that will lock after a certain number of failed attempts
  • Instant lockout for security breaches
  • Quick deletion with a master code
  • Multiple access modes, including PIN and card access for heightened security

What’s more, push-button technology also is available in many different looks and styles. They are made from durable materials that protect not only against criminal behavior, but also against weather, too.

Of course, with every system, there are always disadvantages no matter how many advantages it offers. Keyless entry systems are no different. Here are the biggest we encounter from day to day:

Sharing
With traditional key systems, you run the risk of someone copying the key. WIth keyless entry, a person can share their entry code with anyone at any time. They can do it willingly by sharing it with a friend, or unknowingly by leaving the code on their desk. This makes it more difficult to monitor who is coming and going.

Malfunction
Like all technology, there is always a risk of a system or hardware malfunction or failure. Battery-powered locks are only as good as the battery supply. Ensure you change the batteries regularly. Wired technology can cease to exist with a major power failure. Make sure your system is connected to a backup power solution so as to maintain a secure building even when the main power supply fails.

Expense
Push-button entry systems are more expensive to install. Because the technology is more sophisticated than traditional locks, you pay for the advancement upfront. It might also require more maintenance over time, as technology continues to advance.

What’s your preference in locking up your commercial location? Are you doing all you can to keep employees, tenants, and property safe and secure? If not, give us a call. As a local locksmith service, we’re happy to help.

Properly Securing a Building Starts with a Good Locksmith

Properly Securing a Building Starts with a Good Locksmith

Feeling safe at home and work is important. Unfortunately, many people assume they are secure without taking the proper steps to ensure that their house or place of business is truly as safe as possible.

Properly Securing a Building Starts with a Good LocksmithIt is easy to overlook certain aspects of securing a building and those oversights can lead to costly breaches. The good news is that, with the help of a good locksmith, areas that the lay-person would not give the proper attention to can be brought into focus and handled with the attention required.

By following certain steps with a good Vancouver locksmith the security desired when at home or work can be fairly easily acquired.

Change Your Locks

This may seem obvious to some, but it is often not considered by new homeowners or building managers. When moving into a new home or place of business, it is always a good idea to double check the state of the new building’s current locks. All the main entrances, such as the front and back doors, should have a secure deadbolt, ideally a double cylinder deadbolt. Check all windows, and skylights and make sure that they also have locks on them.

If moving into a new space that was previously owned by someone else, it is a good idea to get the locks changed. While the previous owners may have been honest in turning over all of the keys, they could have easily forgotten about a spare they once gave out.

If moving into a newly built home, many builders use construction locks during the building process. They often key the permanent locks shortly before the new homeowners move in. It’s best to not assume this was the case and to double check with the realtor. If this is the case, it is not necessary to change the locks. However, if the locks on the newly built home were often used by tradespeople, then it is a good idea to get these locks changed.

Changing locks doesn’t have to be expensive. Instead of replacing every single lock in the newly acquired building, get those locks rekeyed. A Vancouver locksmith can come to the home or place of business and change the locks so they can only be opened by a different set of keys. This is far cheaper and easier than replacing every single lock.

It also allows for the option to have all locks to be opened by one key, avoiding having to carry around a keychain with half a dozen keys.

Make a Plan

It is important to have a “security solution” in place that prevents anyone from walking into the property and damaging it, or making off with something that does not belong to them. In order for this to be effective, however, it is crucial to use the right locks so that the building’s security is not vulnerable.

There are some brands that security experts prefer over others, so taking the time to do the adequate research is imperative. If time for research is simply not available, a professional can provide the insight needed to make an informed decision.

It is also important to consider other factors where a professional locksmith can help ensure that a security investment is truly secure. If installed in the wrong way, if an incorrect lock is used, or if a lock is improperly maintained, there is an increased chance that the lock will be ineffective to intruders.

Light, Light, Light

Exterior lighting is important for anyone that wants to improve their security. Many burglars and criminals prefer to operate under the shroud of darkness. Therefore, if a property has poor exterior lighting it is more vulnerable to security breaches than a well-lit building. Lighting may sound like a decorative add-on, but it is an essential part of effective security solutions.

Consider Commercial Locks

The importance of commercial door locks cannot go unsaid. While the perimeter is the first point of access, the door’s locks are the cornerstone to any building’s security. If there are no door locks in place to bar access or grant access, then all the other aforementioned security measures will hardly be important.

There should be no mistake that commercial grade door locks are different than residential door locks, and any locksmith will tell you as much. Commercial grade door locks are built to last longer, due to the fact that they normally come into contact with more people. This means that they deal with much more foot traffic, which equates to more rotations and cycles by the door lock, so it has to be built to last much longer than regular house locks would.

Also, many commercial door locks have built-in measures that make it much more difficult for burglars and criminals to bypass. Many of these locks are anti-bump locks, as well as anti-pick and snap proof. In choosing your commercial door locks pay attention to the various access points. Remember that almost every access point will need a lock and this goes for offices, emergency exits and gates alike.

It is also important to take into account the medium that the lock is being used with, as well as the manner in which that particular access point is used. It is important to not use the wrong lock. While most doors, especially within an office-like environment, would be best suited to install grade one commercial locks, with some variation between the interior and exterior doors, this may not be the case for all doors and is another area where a professional locksmith’s expertise will prove invaluable.

Feel, and Be, Secure

Protecting a property can seem like an overwhelming task. However, with the help of a professional Vancouver locksmith, the key aspects to improving a building’s security can be addressed fairly quickly.

There is a difference between feeling safe and secure and actually being safe and secure and that difference can often be found in the time, care, and expert attention that has been paid to a building’s security, especially the locks.