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Do I have to use levers instead of knobs at my business?
Levers are required to conform to ADA, American with Disabilities Act, rules. They are to assist the handicapped to enter a business or restrooms especially.

Is a deadbolt lock the best way to secure my home?
Deadbolt locks are used to secure doors because they cannot be opened by a credit card or a similar item. Remember to reinforce the frame to make the installation more effective. A security alarm should also be considered to receive the best protection.

How can I tell if my locksmith is a "real" locksmith?
Locksmiths are licensed in the State of Louisiana. This requires a background check, insurance, and educational requirements. A check with the State Fire Marshal's website will show who can legally do work in the state. The ALOA, Associated Locksmith of America, also has a listing of all members worldwide.

Can the new locks that I bought be keyed to the hardware that is already on my home?
We can re-key any locks to match an existing key if they are the same brand or type.

Is there a "cure all" to secure my home?
We can provide a free, or low cost, inspections or security evaluations to give you ideas and choices of security options.

Do you give any discounts to senior citizens, churches, or nonprofits?
We provide discounts on hardware and service calls to qualified groups.

What is a Service Contract?
Service Contracts are available to commercial accounts. We first do a complete inspection of the property and bring doors, hardware, etc. to current standards and then offer a discount on all parts, labor, and service. This is also qualifies you for priority one status when you call for help.

What is a Preventative Maintenance Contract?
A Preventative Maintenance Contract allows us to visit your facility and inspect, adjust, and certify all doors, hardware, fire doors, and special locking systems on a set schedule.

Access Control
Any barrier or device, either natural or man-made, that limits or prohibits, free or unlimited access

ADA
American with Disabilities Act, a US Federal law that dealing with minimum standards of building accessibility, as well as other issues concerning individuals with disabilities

Back Set
The distance between the center of a cross-bore and the bolt edge of a door or a drawer

Burglar Resistant
of or pertaining to a security container designed to resist forcible entry for a specified period of time determined by the rating of the container

Continuous Hinges
This type of hinge is also known as a piano hinge. It runs the entire length of the door. Small screws are used to hold it into position. These hinges also come in a heavy duty design

Cylinder
A complete operating unit which usually consists of the plug shell, tumblers, springs, plug retainer, a cam/tailpiece or other actuating device, and all other necessary operating parts

Door Closer
a device designed to regulate the closing of a door automatically by various means strong>Door Hinges - Door hinges are made of two metal plates that are attached together with a removable pin. The metal plates are attached to the door and door jamb with screws. Hinges hold the door securely to the door jamb and allow it to swing open and closed

Pivot
a hinge with a fixed pin, and knuckle, forming a single joint

Double Cylinder
A deadbolt lock whose bolt may be operated by a key from either side

Dummy Cylinder
A nonfunctional facsimile of a rim or mortise cylinder used for appearance only, usually to conceal a cylinder hole

Electronic Door Strikes
an electro-mechanical strike, which secures or releases the latch via applied current

Fire Safe
A fire-resistant safe is a type of safe that is designed to protect its contents from high temperatures or actual fire. Fire resistant safes are usually rated by the amount of time they can withstand the extreme temperatures a fire produces, while not exceeding a set internal temperature

Handle Sets
Door handle sets are kits that include a door handle and a separate locking mechanism. These sets are made for exterior entry door handles and also for interior door handles. Handle sets are available with three different options: Single Cylinder, Double Cylinder, and Dummy set

High Security
The degree of protection against danger, loss, and criminals

Jambs
The vertical components of a door frame

Interconnected Lockset
A lockset whose trim provides a means of simultaneous retraction of two or more bolts which may also be operated independently

Kick Plates
A protective plate mounted on the bottom of a door to prevent damage to minimize damage to the door

Latch
1. n. A mechanical or magnetic door fastener which can automatically keep a door, gate, etc., closed, 2. v. engagement of a latch when a door, gate, etc. is pushed or pulled closed

Magnetic Locking Systems
a simple locking device that consists of an electromagnet and armature plate. By attaching the electromagnet to the door frame and the armature plate to the door, a current passing through the electromagnet attracts the armature plate holding the door shut. Unlike an electric strike a magnetic lock has no interconnecting parts and is therefore not suitable for high security applications because it is possible to bypass the lock by disrupting the power supply. Nevertheless, the strength of today's magnetic locks compares well with that of conventional door locks and they cost less than conventional light bulbs to operate. Usually in a commercial environment such as hospitals, schools, and etc.

Master-key System
1. adj. Any keying arrangement which has two or more levels of keying, 2. a keying arrangement which has exactly two levels of keying

Exit Device
(Also commonly called panic bar or crash bar) a door lock/latch mechanism which releases in the direction of exit travel via a bar or panel extending across the major width of the door

Push button/electronic locks
a self contained lock with controls that must be pressed in a specific pattern or sequence to open the lock

Re-Key
to fit change the existing combination of a cylinder or lock

Single Cylinder
Pertaining to a lock with a key operation from one side only

Store Front Door
The door of a commercial building that usually faces the street. It is usually the main point of entrance and a glass door

Strike
a bolt receptacle typically mounted in the door jamb or on the floor

Thresholds
A horizontal piece of wood, stone, or metal that forms the bottom of a doorway and offers support when passing through a doorway

Weather strip/weather seal
A narrow strip of material to cover the joint of a door or window to exclude the cold and pest