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...

5 Questions to Ask to Ensure You Hire Trusted Locksmiths

5 Questions to Ask to Ensure You Hire Trusted Locksmiths

There are many reasons that you may need to hire a locksmith for your home or business. It might be an emergency situation – you’re locked out and misplaced your key – or maybe you want to upgrade your building’s security. Whatever the reason, it’s important to have a trusted locksmith you can call on in times of need. 

In most areas, there are many options for you to choose from, so how do you select the right one? Choosing the right locksmith is crucial; after all, the security of your home or business depends on it.

Many people, unfortunately, select their locksmiths based solely on the factor of cost. However, if you always opt for the lowest-priced services you can find, chances are you will not end up with a locksmith you can really trust. While you certainly shouldn’t be overpaying, there are a lot of factors that are more important to consider when putting your safety and security into the hands of a professional.

Here are five questions to ask to ensure you hire trusted locksmiths:

1. What Services Do You Offer?

Before you start to dig too deep into what makes the perfect locksmith, you should first find out what services your potential candidates offer. After all, you’re trying to see if they are trustworthy and a big part of that is experience and versatility. 

There are plenty of locksmiths out there who can get you back into a locked business, but chances are, at some point you’ll require other services as well. For example, you will occasionally want to change the locks on your doors, especially if there has recently been a security breach in your area. 

Also, find out if your potential locksmith offers rekeying services. If you lose a key, you will have to have it replaced and a reputable locksmith will be able to do this. They will also be able to repair damaged locks, improve security, and install safes and commercial locks.

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2. Do You Belong to Any Professional Organizations? 

A trustworthy locksmith isn’t just someone who can come and unlock a door for you. The job is actually a very demanding one, requiring knowledge of mathematics, spatial perception, and excellent mechanical aptitude and hand-eye coordination. In addition to a great deal of technical proficiency, locksmiths must have a wide breadth of knowledge about the various types of locks and the latest technology and, perhaps most importantly, a commitment to the safety and security of clients. 

To ensure that any potential locksmith you might hire is committed to these things, check if they’re a member of any professional locksmith organizations. While it’s not an absolute necessity for trusted locksmiths to be members of organizations such as the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA), being held to the standards of such a group will go a long way toward demonstrating that your potential locksmith is highly trained and always committed to increasing their knowledge.

Harry’s Key Service. Inc is an active member of the Building Industry Association of Clark County. 

3. Do You Have Licenses and Insurance?

This one may seem obvious, but it is absolutely worth mentioning: always ask if your potential locksmith is insured. As locksmiths work with heavy equipment and specialized tools, it’s crucial that they take steps to protect your financial security if there is any sort of accident. Don’t be afraid to ask your potential locksmith any questions you can think of regarding their insurance. Make sure they’re covered in the case of injury or property damage. 

You’ll also want to verify that they have all the applicable licenses for your area; often, less-than-reputable locksmiths will attempt to operate without proper licensing and this should be an instant red flag. Proper licensing means that not only is your locksmith correctly trained, it also means this person will adhere to a stringent code of professional ethics. Check out our staff’s credentials and designations here.

4. How Will You Ensure My Security?

Your financial security is one thing, but you’ll also want to ask about your personal security. After all, locksmiths are in the business of safety, and you’ll want to make sure that they are absolutely committed. 

First, ask if they do background checks on their employees. It’s important that every member of their organization is trustworthy; needless to say, they should be properly screened before being hired and given access to your home and valuables. 

Check any references that the locksmith provides, as well. Don’t be afraid to call and ask past clients about the locksmith company. You’ll want to double check that previous clients have been satisfied, without any major issues pertaining to security. 

Lastly, you should ask what professional guarantees they offer. Trusted locksmiths will have no concerns about backing up their work with a guarantee, as they will be fully confident in the services they provide.

5. Where Are You Located?

After you’ve ensured that your potential locksmith is skilled, licensed, experienced, and committed to your security, you should start considering location. While it is, of course, better to choose a more trustworthy locksmith even if they’re farther away than a less reputable one, location is also important when it comes to key and lock services. After all, if you find yourself trapped outside late at night, the last thing you want is to wait an hour for your locksmith to arrive. 

Ideally, you’ll be able to select someone who is close enough that they can get to you quickly. For example, if you’re in the Greater Vancouver, Washington area or Portland Metro area, you’ll want to seek out the most highly trained professional locksmiths that serve that area. Harry’s Locksmith serves the Greater Vancouver area, Portland metro, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Washougal, Camas, Ridgefield, and more. Our service area extends throughout the Pacific Northwest’s I-5 Corridor. 

We offer residential, commercial, and automotive services, so all of your needs will be met without having to keep three different locksmiths on retainer for your home, business, and vehicle. We can assist you in a lockout, upgrade your building hardware to meet ADA standards, and provide any other security services you may need. Harry’s Locksmith is the pillar in the Vancouver community that you’ll want to find when looking for a trustworthy locksmith in your neighborhood.

 

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5 Reasons to Choose a Company that Offers Complete Lock and Key Service

Harrys Locksmith 5 Reasons to Choose a Company that Offers Complete Lock and Key Service

Whether you’re a business owner trying to protect some of your company’s most valuable resources or simply looking for a little extra security for your home, it’s important to understand the value of a good locksmith.

Many people only give consideration to lock and key services when they’re locked outside or if they need to have their locks changed. The reality, however, is that your locksmith provides far more than just occasional emergency services; they’re also responsible for the security of your home or business.

With that at stake, having access to a good locksmith is at least as important as having the number for a good plumber, electrician, or auto mechanic. It’s not as simple as summoning the first locksmith that your internet search turns up; you need to search carefully for a well-rounded key and lock company that can do a vast array of jobs.

It’s important to look for a company that offers complete lock and key service. Here are five reasons why:

1. Complete Residential Services Available

Many people only think about contacting their locksmith when they’re locked out of their homes. And while being stuck outside on a freezing-cold night can certainly have you wishing and hoping you’ve contacted a good—and fast—locksmith, there’s a lot more to the residential services offered by a good complete lock and key service.

For example, did you know that the locks in your home need to be regularly maintained? Just as with any other mechanical system, it’s a good idea to have your locks checked regularly to ensure they’re still structurally sound; repairs and replacements will occasionally need to be made.

Chances are, you also have plenty of other locks in your home beside the one on the front door. For example, locks on garage man doors, antique cabinets, desk drawers, and safes and vaults. A good key and lock service can help you with the maintenance, rekeying, and other requirements of any of these locks. If you find the right locksmith, they can even help you with old, antique locks. You might want to access your 100-year-old cabinet without damaging it, and a good key and lock service can help you do just that.

2. Complete Commercial Services Available

Of course, if you’re running a business, your lock and key requirements will likely be completely different—and probably more complex—than a simple residential locksmith can provide. Regardless of what type of business you’re trying to protect—be it a bank, restaurant, laboratory, or anything in between—you’ll want a skilled commercial locksmith to handle your security. Don’t rely on basic key replacement service for your business, click here to find out why.

Commercial locks are very different from residential ones; they need to be built stronger, not just for security reasons, but also because the doors on businesses are subject to a lot more wear and tear. After all, the doors on most homes only get used a few times a day, but at a business, hundreds or thousands of people could walk through the door on any given day!

You’ll want a locksmith that specializes in commercial locks, and one that is adept at installing deadbolts and working with automatic doors and that is capable of ensuring your doors are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

3. Automobile Services by the Same Company You Already Trust

Of course, you’re looking for a complete lock and key service, and that means you’re not just thinking about your home and business. You’re thinking about your car or truck as well. Whether it’s a commercial vehicle or a personal one, chances are you’ll need a mlocksmith for it at some point.

Everyone’s had to deal with the inconvenience of being locked out of a car, and everyone has dealt with the aggravation of losing their car keys. If the key and lock service you’ve found is truly complete, they’ll be able to help you in any scenario.

If you need to get into your locked car, they will be able to do it. If you need a brand-new key made for your ignition, they’ll be able to do that too. They’ll even be able to repair or replace damaged locks in your car or truck doors.

4. Access to Modern Technology

In addition to the broad spectrum of services for homes, businesses, and vehicles, a complete lock and key service will also have an eye toward modern technology.

Locks these days can be vastly more complex than the mechanical tumbler locks most doors still utilize. There are electronic door locks—some of which even sport a Wi-Fi connection—that have been designed to automate the whole process of entering a building. In many cases, you’ll simply need to punch in a code to open the lock. However, there are also biometric locks you can access with a simple fingerprint and of course locks you can open simply by having the key in your pocket.

Technology is advancing all the time and it’s critical that your security advances along with it. It’s extremely important to look for a lock and key service that is up to date on the latest technology. They’ll be able to assist you should you wish to install or access locks that make use of the advanced technology that is now found in buildings everywhere.

5. Commitment to Your Safety and Security

Choosing the right key and lock company is every bit as important as selecting the right auto mechanic, plumber, or electrician. That’s why you want a company that offers many different services—commercial, residential, and automotive—but it’s not enough to simply look for talent. After all, the safety and security of your home, workplace, and automobile are all entrusted to your locksmith. That’s why it’s crucial to do a little homework and vet any key and lock company you are considering.

You’ll want to analyze their commitment to security. Find out if previous customers have been satisfied. Learn if the company runs background checks on their employees. See if the company is a member of important organizations such as the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA). These memberships are important when checking the credibility of a company and when verifying a locksmiths credentials. You’ll also want to find out how long a company has been in business. Often, if a key and lock business has been around for a long time, it can be a hint they’re doing something right.

Harry’s Locksmith provides complete key and lock services that meet all these requirements in the Vancouver, Washington and Portland, OR area. In business since 1949, we keep up with the latest security technology and are an excellent choice for your home, business, and vehicle needs.

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...

What Services Can a Commercial Locksmith Perform?

What Services Can a Commercial Locksmith Perform?

The craft of locksmithing is ancient, dating back to the early days of civilization. From Egypt during the days of the great Pharaohs to the Roman civilization, and from the industrial revolution to the digitization of the modern age, it is a craft that has proven itself invaluable to human progress.

What Services Can a Commercial Locksmith Perform

Think of the word locksmith and chances are you will think of their trusted partners, keys. Generally, key cutting and lock repairing are thought to be the standard service provided by every commercial locksmith, and so they are. However, there are a wide range of residential and commercial locksmith services that the best and most trusted locksmiths perform and help provide you with the strongest line of security. These can be categorized within commercial, residential, automotive, and ADA services.

Let us now examine the commercial services provided by professional and licensed locksmiths such as us at Harry’s Locksmith.

Commercial Services

Commercial spaces generally require security systems that are a different standard to residential or automotive serves. Commercial locksmith services are performed by highly trained professionals skilled at the particular kind of locks used in establishments and corporations.

Master Keying

This eliminates the need to carry an unnecessarily large number of keys. A single master key can be created to enable access to every lock in your establishment.

Re-keying

This is a common practice of rekeying the cylinders of a lock so that the original keys do not work on it anymore. A new key is created to match the reconfigured lock. This is a cost-effective method that eliminates the need to purchase new locks.

Door Services

Door services by trained locksmiths ensure a functional, aesthetically pleasing solution to door related problems. Installation, repair and replacement of door closers, door frames, hinges, emergency exits, and handicapped exits are also possible. These can be for wooden, metal or glass doors.

Cylindrical or Mortise Locks

These are the usual lock systems installed on doors around the world and offer varying levels of protection. Professional locksmiths are capable of providing high-quality locks of either kind.

Mortise locks include a deadbolt and use the globally known thumb latch handle. They are usually made from brass. These locks can be difficult to install as their components have to be individually carved and drilled onto the door. However, they provide a good security option owing to the presence of a deadbolt.

Cylindrical locks are more common in newer buildings and have a simple system involving two holes drilled to the door involving the lockset and latch. These locks do not, however, come with a deadbolt.

Access Control

Proper security means knowing who has access to what part of your establishment and maintaining strict controls over it. Access control systems help in detailing and monitoring precisely this, enabling greater safety and providing information like security logs and other data.

High-Security Locks

High-security locks are extremely time consuming and expensive to break, and act as a strong deterrent. These are typically required by businesses which require top security and it is highly advisable to go through trained, licensed, insured and verified locksmiths.

Safe Installation, Servicing and Combination Changes

Businesses that require safes on site to protect their cash, documents and similar valuable materials are also required to undertake their regular servicing. Safes have moving parts that need upkeep otherwise the safe could malfunction. Safe owners should also change their combinations regularly, a task that should be undertaken by professional locksmith services.

Cabinet and Desk Locks

A large number of offices regularly suffer from a cabinet and desk lock-outs or malfunctions. Professional locksmith services should be employed to repair or install these locks.

Electrified Strikes, Panic Hardware, Mag Locks

Electric strikes are one of the more common locks used in office spaces today. These locks are designed to manually or automatically lock and unlock doors. For example, they enable security or a receptionist to open doors through a release switch or allow employees into office spaces through their access cards. The doors then automatically lock once they close.

They can be installed in conjunction with close circuit cameras or intercoms to enhance security.

Panic bars are usually installed horizontally or vertically on emergency exits and are designed for a quick and easy release. These are also typically deadlatched, and do not enable access from the outside, thus adhering to security norms.

Mag locks or magnetic locks rely on the power of magnets to secure doors creating lock systems that can be extremely difficult to break. These can be via electromagnets, i.e. in conjunction with an electric source, or through permanent magnets only.

Other Commercial Services

A large number of commercial locksmith services have problems that house owners also face. Lockouts, lost keys, lock repairs, lock installation and hardware upgrade requirements could be the issues faced by any commercial establishment and it’s wise to trust a licensed, trained locksmith for these, as opposed to an untrained individual or store.

Key Cutting

Creating copies of your existing key is a smart move and professional locksmiths can create accurate, high-quality copies in little time. Similarly, they can create a copy of your lost or stolen key (if there are no copies) from the lock itself. This can help save on the cost of a new lock and provide peace of mind to the owner.

Lock-Out Assistance

Lock-outs can be stressful and annoying, but a trained locksmith should be able to pick the relevant locks for your commercial space with a high success rate. If in case the lock needs to be broken and a new one installed in its place, they can provide you with a quick solution to that particular problem as well.

Conducting due diligence when employing a locksmith to secure your workspace, establishment, residence or automobile is an important part of the process. The locksmith you choose should have proper licenses, credentials and customer referrals.

Many locksmiths can be valuable partners and provide services like facilities upgrade, giving you peace of mind and security, and enabling you to focus on your business.