Looking to upgrade your home security with digital keypad locks? Here at FA Locksmith in Raleigh, we want to make 2024 the year our clients not only feel safer, but also enjoy all the conveniences of smart technology at their home or office.

Let’s review some of the best digital keypad locks on the market right now!

Yale Assure Lock 2® Line

The Assure Lock 2 Series contains some of Yale’s most advanced smart locks yet. And because this collection includes a variety of different options, you’re bound to find a lock that perfectly fits your needs. While they differ slightly in terms of functionality and convenience features, all of the locks in the Yale Assure Lock 2 collection have Grade 2 locks, making them ideal for residential entry doors.

Yale Assure Lock 2

This is the standard option in Yale’s Assure Lock 2 Collection with an easy-to-use keypad. It can also be unlocked with a physical key, auto-unlock or the Yale app. Need to grant access to a guest? The Yale Assure Lock 2 allows you to share access codes with visitors, so that you don’t have to worry about leaving a spare key or being on site when your short-term renters arrive.

This model is compatible with Apple Homekit, but will need to be upgraded to work with Amazon and Google Home. You can also purchase an additional module for remote access.

Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch

The Lock 2 Touch is similar to the standard model, but features a touch screen instead of a keypad as well as a fingerprint reader. These upgrades make the Touch about $40 more on average than the base model.

Yale Assure Lock 2 Plus

Finally, we have the Assure Lock 2 Plus. This is the most technologically advanced of the three models in the Assure series, as it can sync with your iPhone or Apple Watch for completely keyless entry. Like the Lock 2 Touch, it features a modern touchscreen, but it does not have the fingerprint ability or a physical keyhole.

The Plus also offers remote access and scheduled access for temporary guests.

Price for the Yale Assure Lock 2 Series

The Yale Assure Lock 2 Line ranges from $159 for the most basic model to $350 for the Lock 2 Plus. Each model comes with the standard Bluetooth connection or a Wi-Fi module that increases the price, but offers more functionality. In the pictures below you can see an example of installation we did on a residential home.

The Yale Assure Lever

Looking for a lever handle lock for the front door of your office, garage, side door, or storage closet? The Yale Assure Lever Keypad Lock is a great option. It features a lot of the technical capabilities of the Yale Assure Lock 2 Series, such as auto-unlock, access sharing, and compatibility with Apple HomeKit. And, it can be upgraded to use with other smart home devices, as well.

How to choose the right digital keypad lock for your home

With so many good options on the market, you might be wondering how to narrow down your choice to just one. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind when looking for a digital keypad lock:

• Keypad versus touchscreen. While touch screens may be more expensive and modern-looking, not everyone prefers them. Some of the downsides include the extra step of activating the touch screen, and having to remove winter gloves to enter the code. If you like the feel and convenience of a keypad, stick with the original Yale Assure Lock 2.
• Keyed versus keyless. Deciding between a lock with a backup key or a completely keyless lock is another personal preference. If you’re the kind of person who might forget your code or forget to change out the battery, having a spare on hand might be a good option for you. In this case, you’ll want to stick with the Yale Assure Lock 2 or Yale Assure Lock 2 Touch.
• Compatibility with your existing smart home system. From Alexa to Google Home to Apple Home, not every lock will be instantly compatible with every system. At purchase, the Assure Lock 2 Plus will work with your Apple Home. All models can be upgraded for other smart platforms like Google Home and Amazon Alexa.
• Remote access. Remote access can be a beneficial feature for anyone who wants to control their lock from afar. Maybe you have a guest visiting or run a short-term rental out of a second home. In either case, you’ll want to be able to lock and unlock your home without physically being there. All of the Assure Lock 2 options can be accessed remotely, but only when they are Wi-Fi compatible. The Bluetooth options cannot be accessed remotely.

FA Locksmith can help you find your digital keypad lock

Still have questions about which keypad lock is right for you? Or, need a pro to help with installation? FA Locksmith is Raleigh’s go-to for easy, secure, and fast installation of your new digital keypad lock!

Ever wonder what makes your BMW, Mercedes, or other high end car key unique? These prestigious brands put so much care into every design feature that it makes perfect sense that their keys would also be top-of-the-line.

Of course, our auto locksmiths at FA Locksmith know that working with these keys requires an extra level of expertise and training. So, let’s talk about how we go about duplicating, replacing, and fixing high end car keys for our clients here in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill.

Luxury brands use the latest technology

All modern cars, whether high end or not, use smart technology in their car keys and fobs. And luxury brands take that technology to the next level. With sophisticated programming, these keys are able to offer more features, such as higher security, keyless entry, and ignition from afar.

Different brands also offer their own unique features. Volvo, for instance, offers the Care Key which can program certain keys to control the maximum speed limit of the car, to keep teen drivers safe. Another example of brand-specific key features would be the Jaguar Activity Key, which acts like a waterproof smart watch for when you don’t want to carry your key or fob with you. Mercedes Benz has their own system in which you can use both an app to lock, unlock and start your car from afar plus a Keyless Go fob for a backup security measure.

As you can see, because each luxury car brand is constantly stepping up their technology to be more competitive on the market, locksmiths must also keep up with the latest trends and advances. This not only requires us to be continually learning about how these devices work, but we also must be updating our car key programming software to keep up with the changes.

Not all locksmiths have the equipment to duplicate high security car keys

When your local locksmith cuts and programs a new key for your car, they’ll use a coding machine that interacts with your car’s central operating system. Most of these coding machines cover standard car brands like Ford and Toyota. But locksmiths often have to invest more into machines that cover luxury brands, as well. That’s why you may have a local locksmith who can duplicate keys for one of your cars but not for your BMW or Mercedes.

Some luxury brand cars only work with certain local locksmiths who have the coding equipment for their car keys. As a car owner, this gives you the peace of mind knowing that there are fewer people with the capability to duplicate your high security car keys. 

Is it possible to order a universal car key and program it yourself?

You may see blank car keys for sale online claiming that they are compatible with Audi, Vovlo, Jaguar, and other luxury brands. But as we mentioned before, what sets high end car keys apart isn’t only the technology in the key but also how it interacts with your car’s operating systems.

There are two road-blocks, then, to duplictaing a car key yourself. For one, there’s a good chance that the universal car key you purchased may not actually be compatible with your make and model. In other words, sellers are able to include many brand names in their marketing but whether the universal key or fob will be the right match for your model is another question.

Second, as we mentioned, programming a new key requires a coding machine. These machines are several hundred (sometimes several thousand) dollars. For these two reasons, we always recommend that you call us as your local auto locksmith before making any purchases. We have experience working with many different models of high end cars and can help you find the most affordable car key replacement as well as oversee the programming for your new set.

Getting a spare for your luxury car

As auto locksmiths, we recommend to our clients to invest in a spare key for their luxury car. This can save you a lot of time and money in the case that you’ve misplaced your car key around the house or want to share your car with multiple members of your household.

But, it’s important to know that many luxury brands limit the amount of spare keys their operating system will allow. Give us a call and we’ll let you know what is possible in terms of spare keys for your car.

Make FA Locksmith your first call for all your luxury car key needs

Just because you have a high end car doesn’t mean that you have to pay dealership prices anytime you need a new key or fob. Give us a call at FA Locksmith with your make and model and we’ll get you your spare or replacement key fast and at a lower price than your nearest dealership. We are Raleigh’s go-to auto locksmith for luxury brands including BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar, Volvo, and more!

Need a new set of keys for your Ford? FA Locksmith in Raleigh Durham is your go-to for key duplication, repair, and ignition replacement! From classic Mustangs to modern SUVs and more, there’s no model we can’t work with. As one of the highest-rated auto locksmiths in the Triangle, your Ford is in good hands with FA Locksmith!

Manual keys and chip transponder keys

When you need a standard key duplication or new chip transponder key, we can get you sorted in no time! These are some of the quickest keys to duplicate, and we always have Ford blanks in stock for a faster turn-around time for our clients.

Key FOBs

When your Ford key FOB is malfunctioning, we can fix or replace it. We can have one of our technicians come out to wherever you are to take a closer look at your device. It may need a new battery or have sustained damage to the internal electronics. Either way, we’ll let you know if the FOB is fixable or needs to be replaced.

In the case of a lost FOB, we’ve also got you covered! Give us a call with your Ford model and year and we’ll take a look at the FOBs we have in stock. Even if we don’t have the specific FOB you need, we’ll order one fast so that you don’t have to deal with the inconvenience of a manual key for long. In addition, we can do the necessary programming for all Ford key fobs and transponder keys on site.

Keyless entry

Modern Fords now come with the option for keyless entry for easy access when you don’t want to carry your keys with you. But, as you might have experienced, a faulty keyless entry system can be a huge headache when you get locked out of your car.

Our Ford-experienced locksmiths know these keyless entry systems inside-and-out so that you’re never left stranded. We’ll be on site fast to troubleshoot the keypad and get you back in your car.

Coding and reprogramming

Whenever you introduce a new key to a modern car, it will be necessary to reprogram it. In other words, we need to communicate with your Ford’s central computer to make a proper new key introduction. Otherwise, the replicated key will be rejected by your car.

This coding process requires specialized equipment and training that not every auto locksmith in North Carolina has. But, here at FA Locksmith, we have the latest technology and training to be able to reprogram Ford keys and FOBs without a problem! We carry the necessary coding machines, such as SmartPro and can do all of that fast on site at your location.

Classic and older models

Nowadays, it can be tricky to find locksmiths who know how to handle classic and older Fords. But we know how important your vintage model is to you! That’s why, if you need a key replaced or duplicated, we’ll always treat your Ford with the utmost care. We know where to source blanks for all Ford models and we also offer key extraction, ignition repair, and any other services that require a delicate hand to keep your older car in good condition.

More affordable than the dealership

When it comes to key replacement, a trip to the Ford dealership can be expensive. And, they might not have the keys on hand that you’re looking for. FA Locksmith is ready to provide you with a new set of Ford keys for a lower price than your dealership. And, if we don’t have a blank replacement for your car in our extended stock, we can order you the right one fast!

Responsible key duplication

The safety of our community is a number one priority! That’s why, when you call us for a Ford key duplication, we’ll ask you to provide proof of ownership to make sure that your keys never get into the wrong hands. As one of the Triangle Area’s most trusted locksmiths, this is just one way we can provide responsible services for our clients!

Serving Ford owners all over Raleigh Durham

No matter where you are in the Raleigh Durham area, consider FA Locksmith your Number One source for all things Ford! We’ll replace your FOB, duplicate your manual key, troubleshoot issues with your keyless entry system, and more.

If you can’t come to us, just give us a call! We’ll send our nearest auto locksmith to you, from Carrboro to Downtown Durham to East Raleigh and everywhere in between. We’re always on duty to help you with your Ford!

As a business owner, you want to make sure your locks are made to withstand everything from normal wear and tear to an attempted break-in. But, there are so many different kinds of security systems on the market, it can be hard to know which one is the most reliable.

Mortise locks have been around for well over a hundred years, but our team here at FA Lock still consider them to be one of the best designs for office and front business doors security. So, whether you have a retail shop in Raleigh or a warehouse in Cary, this style of lock might be ideal for your Raleigh NC business. Let’s talk about what sets them apart.

Mortise Lock Design

If you’re looking at a closed door, you might not be able to tell the difference between a mortise lock and a cylindrical lock. Both styles use a knob or lever and a keyhole, passcard, numerical code or fob to open the door.

But, when you open the door, you’ll notice that the faceplate of a mortise lock is large, usually about 5 to 8” tall.

What you’re looking at is really the tip of the iceberg. Within the door is where the mortise lock hardware is stored. And if you were to take the lock out of its housing, you’ll see that they tend to be larger and heavier than cylindrical locks. Inside of the metal exterior of a mortise lock, there is a system of springs and levers that allow the lock to engage and disengage.

Benefits and Uses of a Mortise Lock

So, what exactly makes a mortise lock so desirable for commercial settings? Here are a few of its key characteristics:

• Strength. A mortise lock is protected in part by the door that surrounds it. But it’s also made of a durable metal casing that protects its internal workings.
• An extra line of defense against picking. Any lock that uses a pin tumbler, including both mortise and cylindrical locks, can be picked. But mortise locks tend to be more difficult and therefore less appealing to potential intruders..
• Durability. Mortise locks usually fall into the Grade 1 category because of how they stand up to attack, but also because they can withstand a lot of wear and tear.

Potential Drawbacks of Mortise Locks

Mortise locks may be reliable and strong, but they’re not without their own disadvantages, including:

• A more difficult installation. Mortise locks require a more involved installation process because of their unique design. Even if you already had a mortise lock in the door, most of these types of locks are not universal, meaning that our locksmiths may have to cut new holes to accommodate the new one.
• They can’t be installed on all doors. Mortise locks require heavy, durable doors of a certain width to be able to house the lock case.
• Repairs need to be done by a pro. If you’re experiencing issues with your mortise lock, a DIY video is probably not going to help you. Instead, you’ll need a trained professional who can remove and open the lock case to assess and fix the problem.

Smart mortise locks

Mortise locks may be a traditional design, but they’ve kept up with the times by incorporating smart technology. Whether you’re looking for a keyless entry for your staff or a keycard system for a hotel, smart mortise locks can offer a more convenient and reliable security system.

Best Mortise Lock Brands

When looking for a mortise lock, it’s best to stick with the most common brands. As we mentioned before, mortise locks aren’t as universal as cylindrical locks. So, it’s best to stick with a well-known brand that will give you the most options in the case you want to upgrade or change your locks later on.

Some of the most popular mortise locks on the market are made by Yale, Premier Lock, and Schlage. You’ll generally find locks by these brands for somewhere between $50 and $250, depending on its grade and design.

Cost of Mortise Lock Installation and Repair

Once you’ve ordered a mortise lock, you may wonder how much it will cost to install and maintain it.

Installation, for one, can cost anywhere between $100 and $500 depending on whether the mortise lock needs a new housing or contains smart technology that needs to be programmed.

Repairs and maintenance of your mortise locks will depend on the specific problem you’re having with your security system. But, in general, you can expect to pay somewhere between $50 to $200 to repair your mortise lock.

FA Lock can help you upgrade your security with a mortise lock!

We work with businesses all over Raleigh NC to install, repair, and upgrade mortise locks. So, no matter your questions about these types of locks or others, give us a call at FA Lock!

What is a Nightlock door security device?

A Nightlock security device is a door-mounted metal jammer that can be engaged in the event of an emergency or anytime that you want to be sure that your door lock is reinforced.

There are a few different variations of this device depending on whether it will be mounted onto an outward-swinging, inward-swinging, or sliding door. But, with all designs, a strong aluminum arm holds the door in place, preventing anyone outside from being able to kick, ram, or pull open the door.

Another key characteristic of this type of device is its strategic placement. It is mounted at the base of the door to prevent an intruder from being able to break the door window and disengage the device.

Are Nightlock devices and night latches the same thing?

When it comes to emergency security, you want to make sure you’re buying the right product. So, what is the difference between Nightlock and a night latch lock?

Nightlock door security devices are door barriers that have been designed specifically to brace against intrusion attempts or active shooter scenarios, either in residential settings, workplaces, schools or hospitals. Night latches, on the other hand, are a style of surface mounted latches that can be opened or closed with a key. These devices use a latching system instead of a barricade to provide security, and they are more commonly used in the UK than in the US.

Why are Nightlock devices preferable to simply locking the door?

There are a few reasons why a Nightlock device may come in handy instead of relying only on the door lock:

• The intruder may have access to a master key or bump key. When keys fall into the wrong hands or an intruder has a way of picking or bumping the lock, this kind of door device can serve as an extra line of defense.
• There’s a window on the door. If the door has a window, an intruder may still be able unlock the door by breaking the window and accessing the doorknob.
• Double cylinder door knobs. Some commercial settings and school districts use a double cylinder door knob that must be locked and unlocked with a key from both sides. In the case of an emergency, you can lose valuable moments locating and using the key. A door security device is mounted and clearly labeled on the door so that the lock can be engaged quickly and easily.

How much do Nightlock devices cost?

Nightlock offers a range of door security devices to cover many different kinds of commercial and residential settings.

No matter what model you choose, each door blocking device will cost less than $100. Most range between $40 and $80.

How are Nightlock devices installed?

Installation of these door jamming devices is simple and quick. But, when it comes to emergency security devices that must follow building codes, we always recommend that you have a licensed locksmith oversee the project. Call FA Locksmith to help you choose the right door device for your Raleigh location.

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