Author: NimaSina

Still Leaving a Key Under the Doormat? Try These Locksmith Tips Instead

Forgot your keys at work? Left your keys in your gym bag, specifically the one that is still sitting in your locker at the gym? Need your neighbor to let the dog out because you’re stuck in traffic? All of these scenarios can be easily remedied, because you’ve got your spare key safely hidden nearby that is easily accessible. Simple, right?

Maybe a few decades ago, but in 2017 it’s time to wake up and smell the coffee. Leaving a key under the doormat or the flower pot or any other place that is virtually exposed should no longer be the standard of safety, let alone a back-up plan. There are so many amazing alternatives to deal with the situation of being locked out of a house or car, and we at ABC Lock and Key are more than happy to share these tips with you. Trust the locksmith experts that have served the greater Nashville area for over 15 years—call ABC Lock and Key for all of your locksmith needs today!

Important to note:

Hearing that you shouldn’t be leaving a spare key in an easily accessible place can be misread and misinterpreted as a safety issue. A common misconception is that crime rates have increased over the years. However, evidence and thorough data points to the contrary: The highly accredited Pew Research Center reported that in 2017, “Violent crime in the U.S. has fallen sharply over the past quarter century.” The data analysis went on to conclude that “Like the violent crime rate, the U.S. property crime rate today is far below its peak level. FBI data show that the rate fell 48% between 1993 and 2015.” As explained by the Pew Research Center, “Property crime includes offenses such as burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft and is generally far more common than violent crime.”

This may lead to some questions, for very good reasons. After all, if the property crime rate has decreased significantly in the past quarter century, why do we need to be so careful about where we leave our spare keys?

An article from The Telegraph showed some valuable insight to why this is, and so much of it comes back to common sense. If the average person knows that a spare key can usually be found under a doormat, a planter, or any other type of object that exists in close proximity to the point of entry, then the same goes for the average person who has the intent to commit a burglary.

In 2015, the Telegraph reported that there had been a rise of burglaries in the United Kingdom, and that leaving house keys in easily accessible spots was the direct cause. A home insurance managing director commented on the issue, saying, “While the number of burglaries is falling overall, it is alarming to see that the number of thefts where the burglar used a key is increasing.”

Thirty years ago or so, leaving a spare key in a “hidden” (but still exposed and easily accessible) spot might not have been nearly as common practice, but the same cannot be said today. Even though property crime as a whole has been on the decline, the rates of burglaries that have gained entry through spare keys that were found has increased. With all that in mind, check out some alternative solutions to hiding keys from the locksmith experts at ABC Lock and Key.

Install a garage door opener keypad.

Many families and homeowners opt for keeping the door that connects their garage with their home unlocked, and then investing in a lock system for the garage door itself. With a programmable garage door opener keypad, you can easily set a numerical code that will grant access to your home. You can give the code out as needed, which is a much safer practice than leaving your physical key available to anyone who feels like looking for a way in. Cracking a garage door code is a much more challenging feat than searching for a not-so-hidden object.

As an additional tip and security measure, work towards not having your code be a physically available thing for anyone to find. Try to limit yourself on writing down the code, perhaps opting for digitally storing it on a phone or other device instead.

Look into wireless entry.

Some say that physical keys are on their way to becoming obsolete, especially with methods that are allowing for remote entry to your home. With a wireless entry system, you can control your home’s locks from a smartphone, or any device connected to the internet. One example from Kwikset can even give you notifications when someone enters your home. This technology is relatively newer, and comes with its own set of issues that could arise, but it will be interesting to see where it develops.

Invest in a Bluetooth-connected key box.

This is a great option for anyone who does not have access to a garage. If you’re living in a condo or an apartment, for example, you very well might not have a personal garage. This is less of a concern if your apartment’s entrance is on the interior of the complex or building. However, if the entrance is exterior-facing, a Bluetooth-connected key box might be a great investment for you.

With this device, you can store keys in what is essentially a small lock box, but with some seriously impressive higher-tech features. For example, reports on a model from Master Lock state that “access to the box can be managed through an app, so you can give your contacts access, restrict opening times, or lock it down entirely.” Technology is seriously the best.

Work with an emergency locksmith.

Losing our keys or forgetting them can happen to the best of us, no matter how planned and organized we might be. Because of this, you should have a residential locksmith with 24-hour locksmith services in mind (as well as readily accessible). Whether you need keys replaced or simply need to get back into your car or house, the best locksmiths can do it all. Having the information for an emergency locksmith should be programmed into your phone, because your keys don’t tend the best time to get lost or left behind.

Call the locksmith experts at ABC Lock and Key, serving the greater Nashville area with the best and most trusted in locksmith services. From residential locksmith services to commercial locksmith services and more, we are the key ingredient in making sure your locked out situations go as smoothly as possible. Work with ABC Lock and Key today!

What to Do if You’re Locked Out of Your House

Nothing will cause a groan and/or sigh of disappointment faster than realizing you’ve been locked out of your house. Getting locked out is simply one of those inconveniences we face, and it’s especially frustrating because we know that we are the ones who are responsible (special occasions exempted). We can check and double check our keys, we can make it a habit to check for keys before we leave a place, but we are also imperfect. In the world of locksmiths, this human imperfection is expressed in the form of ending up locked out of your home.

Not to fear, because ABC Lock and Key is here. Read on to see what steps you should take when a house lockout happens to you in the Nashville area, and call us for auto locksmith, emergency locksmith services, and more!

Before you read further…

Losing your keys can already be a bit of a hassle, but it can be even more complicated if you’re without a means to contact a locksmith. Add ABC Lock and Key into your phone to ease the pain that comes from being locked out of your house. The last thing you want is to be in an area without service, unable to look up the nearest Nashville locksmith, trying desperately to figure out how to get back into your home. Program 615-456-LOCK (5625) into your phone to ensure you’re prepared in the event of an emergency.

Got it in your phone? Nice! Back to what to do when you’re locked out of your house:

Assess what you currently have with you.

It might sound silly, but when you’re locked out of your house, do a quick and immediate assessment of everything that is on your person. You never know, you might actually have the keys in your pocket! No such luck? Having a phone on you is the next best thing, because then you can make the necessary locksmith call. If you have neither of those two essentials, then it’s time to move onto step two.

Assess the safety level of yourself and others.

This might seem like the first thing you would check, but checking any items you currently have takes no more than five seconds, and could end up saving you from any ensuing panic. Essentially, you could jump immediately into freak-out mode, or you could calmly take a couple of seconds to see if you already have keys with you.

Kids are awesome and wonderful little humans, until they decide to lock the door when you’re outside. Trust us when we say it happens more frequently than you might think. Babysitters have likely had their fair share of this experience as well (which is why it might also be a good idea to leave our locksmith contact info on a list of important phone numbers).

Yet regardless of if it was an accident, an intention, or just a freak circumstance, the important thing to do in the situation is to think of the safety of everyone involved. If you have children in the house who are five years old and up, they will likely be able to unlock the door (though if they were the ones who locked the door, this might be harder to do!) With younger children, communicate to them to stay where they can see you while you make a call to your neighborhood Nashville locksmith services.

In the event you’re without a phone, check to see if anyone is walking around who could lend you their mobile device. The last resort would be to leave your home to get access to a phone, but that sometimes is unfortunately the case. Communicate to your toddler where they need to stay until you get back, and feel free to make it enticing to them to stay put as well for desired results. If you have an even younger child in the house (such as an infant), hopefully they are in a place with limited mobility while you can get help.

Preventative Measure: Make it a habit of carrying your phone when you go outside, even if it’s just for a moment. This is less necessary if there’s another adult around or in the home, but this is a good tip to remember if you are the only grown-up present. As a second tip, look into installing locks that are child-proof or are more difficult for children to mess with. When you need a new lock installation, call ABC Lock and Key for highly experienced residential locksmith services.

Consider where a spare key might be.

We will be happy for you if you have a spare available, but we are really hoping it is not located in some obvious location. Many, if not most, people know that spare keys are often found under some object or another on the front porch. Be it underneath a welcome mat, inside a decoy decoration, or anything else, this is putting yourself at huge risk for a break-in.

Think about if your neighbor has a spare, and if they are available to get you the assistance you need. However, relying on someone else’s time is a less-than-stable back-up plan. Unless, of course, you rely on ABC Lock and Key—we have 24-hour locksmith services for a reason.

Preventative Measure: Install a coded garage door opener that can open without the use of a key. Granted, this will only be a success if the door connecting your garage to your home is unlocked. One of the best preventative measures you can take is simply having ABC Lock and Key programmed into your phone; we promise to try and reach you in about 30 minutes.

Call a residential locksmith.

Calling a locksmith does not mean you have to replace your keys. That would be pretty unnecessary, especially considering they might be sitting on your favorite end table in the living room. As we mentioned previously, one of our specialties as residential locksmiths is unlocking your home and giving you back the access you need. In the event you need locks to be re-keyed or a master key system setup, we can definitely take care of that for you as well. But so often with getting locked out of our house, we simply need a way to get back in.

Instead of trying to break back into your home or scale a wall and hop through a window, prevent further damage (to both you and your locks) by calling a locksmith. In the 30 minutes you could spend trying to figure out if that stray bobby pin in your hair is going to help bust open your door lock, you could be waiting patiently for the locksmith to arrive. Not to mention, trust the professional locksmiths when we say it’s pretty unlikely you’ll be able to unlock your door using alternative methods on your own.

Preventative Measure: The evidence pretty much speaks for itself, and at the risk of sounding repetitive, have the contact information for ABC Lock and Key readily available. With this simple step, your lockout could go from disastrous to a minor inconvenience. We’ve been serving the Nashville area for over 15 years, and we’ve practically seen it all. Call us for emergency locksmith services that you can not only rely upon, but love as well.

When to Call an Emergency Locksmith

Even if you haven’t heard the specific term “PKW,” it’s probably something you do multiple times a day. For many of us, before we step out of any door, we feel around to make sure we have the crucial elements of PKW, those being your phone, your keys, and your wallet. We check and double check and perhaps even triple check to ensure that we have everything we need, but sometimes life gets in the way.

Whether you’re in need of an auto locksmith or locksmith services for your residence, there might be times when more than anything, you need help right away. Regular locksmiths might have standard hours of operation, but there are certain situations that simply can’t fit the standard. Read on to see when it’s a good idea to call an emergency locksmith, and contact ABC Lock and Key for 24-hour locksmith services and more!

If time is an issue.

While there’s never really a good time to lose your keys, there are certainly times when finding a solution is of a higher priority. You could be ready to drive to the airport, when you realize your keys are sitting on the front seat of your car. Or perhaps you have an important meeting at work, or time-sensitive paperwork to turn in, or you’re in the wedding party—the possibilities could go on and on. No matter what, you’ll be the one to know when time is an issue in the context of losing your keys.

Avoid the panic by working with an emergency locksmith. The purpose of a 24-hour locksmith is to help you out in these exact types of situations. Keys don’t get lost when you want them to, which is why an emergency locksmith should be called when time is of the essence. Have ABC Lock and Key saved in your phone—it’s better to be prepared than to end up wishing you had been.

If safety could be potentially compromised.

A break-in is a completely scary situation, and such an invasion of privacy. The first thing to ensure in the event of a break-in is that everyone is safe, but the last thing you want is to feel exposed once more with a lack of properly installed locks. If a break-in happens to you, don’t wait until a store opens up to secure your home once more—this is a prime example of when to call an emergency locksmith.

ABC Lock and Key is honored to serve the Nashville area with 24-hour emergency key and locksmith services, because your security is our highest priority. We will be there for you as soon as you need us, no matter what time of day or night.

If you are concerned about your valuables.

Being locked out of your house or apartment is the worst, but at the very least, you can rest a little bit easier if your home is locked. Even if you can’t get into your home, there’s slight comfort in knowing that no one else can either.

However, if your home is unlocked and your keys are nowhere to be found, this can lead to varying amounts of ensuing anxiety. You’ll eventually have to leave, but you also don’t want to leave your home unlocked. When this happens, calling an emergency locksmith is your best bet. Worst case scenario, your keys turn up eventually, meaning you’ll have a backup set in case anything happens in the future. Considering the alternative worst-case scenarios if you leave your home unlocked, it’s a better call to work with emergency locksmith services.

We can be as cautious as can be when it comes to remembering PKW. Yet even if you try your best to be prepared, we know that the age old adage can ring true: anything that can happen, will happen. At ABC Lock and Key, we hope nothing happens to your keys and your locks. But more than anything, we hope that you will be prepared in the event that something unfortunate does take place. Our 24-hour locksmiths are prepared for the worst, and will help you in the best way possible. Serving the Nashville area for years, we’ve got your back. Call ABC Lock and Key today!

When It’s Time to Change the Locks

Summer is turning into fall, the break turned into back-to-school, and like so many parts of life, change is imminent. And just as the seasons change, some other changes might also need to be made around the house. You guessed it, we’re talking changing the locks.

Changing locks can seem like a pain, but with ABC Lock & Key, we’ll ease the process every step of the way. When you need to get your locks changed, you deserve to work with Nashville’s Top Rated Local® locksmith. Contact us today for auto locksmith needs, re-keying locks, and everything in between.

The locks are older and/or outdated.

If you’ve moved into an older house, there’s a good chance you recognize some of the changes that will have to take place. An older house brings such character and personality, but it’s not quite something you want to be said when security is on the line. If your locks are looking older and are outdated, updating your locks is one of the best things you can do.

The integrity of your older home can still be preserved, but preserving your home and family’s security is of higher importance. Check out our residential locksmith services to see what we can do for you! Changing locks in the greater Nashville area is easier than ever.

You’ve made some home renovations.

Home renovations are such an amazing part of being a homeowner, and continuing on the path to creating your dream home. They can undoubtedly be stressful and time-consuming, but the end results are nearly always worth the process. If you recently worked on a home addition, there’s a good chance you need some changes to be made to your locks.

Changing the locks might be an aesthetic thing in this instance, ensuring that all your locks match (in color, size, and/or texture). While the aesthetic value is important, the bigger issue is ensuring that all your locks can be opened similarly. As sweet as a ring full of keys looks, it is way less of a hassle if you have one key instead of several.

Additionally, if you’ve renovated that back patio space and now have a classy-looking sliding door, you will definitely need a lock to go with it. Luckily, the expert locksmiths at ABC Lock & Key specialize in patio door and sliding door locks, making installation and changing locks a breeze.

You’re opting for a higher-tech solution.

Some of the newer locking options are sleeker, faster, and more innovative than the traditional lock and key. There’s nothing wrong with being a traditionalist, but the wave of locking systems is moving towards more higher-tech ideas. If you’re ready to make the jump, this is a great time to consider changing your locks for tech-savvy ones.

These smart locking systems can be operated through use of a key fob, a keypad, or even a smartphone. Bluetooth technology makes much of this possible, which appeals to people who love their gadgets and gizmos. There’s a chance that these high-tech locks will become a norm in the future, and if that’s the case, it makes sense to make the trends of the future start now at home. ABC Lock & Key can help with new lock installation, push button wireless lock, and many other residential locksmith services. Contact our experts today!

Safety has become a greater concern.

There could be any number of reasons why you feel the need to change the locks, but the point is, if you feel the need to change the locks for safety reasons, then you should trust your gut.

That being said, many of us might assume everything will be fine; people have this tendency of believing they’re invincible. With this assumption, you could be putting yourself at risk for potential danger. If your relationship with somebody has changed for the worse, more often than not, your locks will be fine. But in the event things seem off, the change is significantly worse, or the relationship change has happened with someone who’s rather unstable, it’s probably the time to trust the locksmiths at ABC Lock & Key. A former employee with a grudge, an ex who isn’t doing too well—no matter what the case may be, don’t throw caution to the wind. Hopefully it doesn’t come down to this, but a potentially dangerous situation is not the time to throw caution to the wind. Changing your locks with ABC Lock & Key is simple, takes very little time, and can set you up safely for the future.

The lock just isn’t working.

Simply put, if your lock isn’t working, then it’s time for a change. But what about that pesky lock and key situation where it works, as long as you jiggle the key at a 40 degree angle while pressing and lifting the door at the same time? “Working” and “working well” are very different, and we would argue that anything that functions at a groan-inducing capacity is not actually working. Call us to get your locks changed to make leaving and coming back to your home a breeze, not a pain.

Just as the seasons are changing, the next thing on your list to change will likely be your locks. When the time comes, the locksmiths at ABC Lock & Key are exactly who you want to work with. Serving Nashville and the surrounding areas, we offer top-notch locksmith services, including auto locksmiths, residential locksmiths, 24-hour service and more. Call us today!

The History of Keys

The term “keys” is such an integrated part of our life, we don’t even think about it. We grab our keys on our way out the door, we have a key ring for our car keys and home keys—even some necklaces and notebooks come with keys. There could practically be a key for everything, which begs the question—where did keys come from, anyway?

It’s interesting to think about, because even though keys are so commonplace today, there was a time when they simply didn’t exist. When did people start feeling a need to keep things (and themselves) protected? How did the idea for keys come to fruition? Our locksmiths will answer all these questions and more. As Nashville’s locksmith of choice for over 16 years, we’ve worked with all types of keys, in all types of situations. With automotive, residential, and even emergency locksmith services, we’ve practically covered all of the bases in the greater Nashville area. Learn about the history of keys, and contact our locksmiths to get the help you need! We would be honored to work with you.

Protecting Possessions

In order to have a key and a lock, you need something that you want protected. The purpose of a key and a corresponding lock is of course to keep something safe, whether that’s from being taken or simply messed with (which anyone with siblings growing up can relate to). Some of the earliest forms of keys were not actually keys, but complicated knots. These were knots that were extremely complex—to undo or break them required knowledge that would be similar in comparison to picking locks by today’s standards. This is not something that’s super common.

As an article from the New York Times reported, “Knots are an ancient technology. They predate the axe and the wheel, quite possible the use of fire and maybe even man himself.” The article explains that some scientists think the first knots may have been constructed by gorillas, in order to create nests. There is something so innate and instinctive about knot tying, that perhaps our pre-human predecessors even developed and practiced using this tool.

Granted, not all knots were used for protective purposes, but that particular usage developed over time. Eventually, our skills and uses for woodworking developed, and the first simple key was constructed. Six thousand years ago, the earliest keys showed themselves in Egypt and ancient Babylon, and had small pins hidden internally. A wooden key was made as a match, lifting the small pins upon insertion. However, a wooden key could be warped and chipped with not a whole lot of force, meaning this original form had lots of room for improvement.

The oldest known lock to be found was discovered in a palace near Nineveh, which was an ancient Assyrian city (now known as modern-day Iraq). It was estimated to be 4,000 years old!

More Metal, More Problems

The Romans were known for many technological developments, and their metalworking was one of them. They were able to advance the existing wooden key and lock prototype and create a metal version, which was more durable and efficient as a whole. However, this latest technology did not come without problems. Metal keys were more of a luxury, and showed that you not only had possessions to protect, but you could afford keys yourself! It didn’t exactly help the affluent Romans who used keys that they wore them on their fingers as rings. This showcasing of wealth was virtually equivalent to walking around with your wallet and a few twenties in plain sight—needless to say, this symbol of wealth made it very easy to tell who was wealthy (and easy for pickpockets to pick up on).

Locks and keys stayed relatively the same in terms of their construction and overall look for many years. Eventually, however, locksmiths had a new challenge upon them in the form of building safes. As developments continued in the metalworking world, so did the overall expansion of types of belongings. Additionally, the 16th and 17th centuries saw massive advancements in trade capabilities—suddenly items such as pearls or gems could be brought practically to your doorstep. With an increase in belongings as a whole, the wealthy found an added discomfort in the thought of losing their goods. This not only meant locking their homes as a whole, but creating safes as an additional security measure.

During this time period, if you were wealthy enough to own locks and safes and to work with a personal locksmith, you were one of the few. This was still overwhelmingly considered a luxury, granted to the vast minority. With metal locks, you were clearly wealthy, because you clearly had something of value—and break-ins were a fear that hadn’t previously existed, or at least not to the full extent. This fear created much of the distrust that we still experience today when it comes to leaving things unlocked.

Changing Times, Changing Locks

By the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution rocked the world in every technological way. This was the time of the transcontinental railroad, the invention of the telegraph, the steam engine, and countless other concepts and ideas that were, well, revolutionary. One of the understated, yet still important, developments during this time came from locksmiths. As History of Keys states, “Over the period of just 100 years, locks and keys received drastic upgrades… [this] enabled creation of modern locks, safes and other protective mechanism which today surrounds us wherever we are.”

This was a huge development, because practically all the inventions that happened during this time period influenced how we use keys today. While more modern and keyless options are becoming more popular, if you’ve ever unlocked your car, bike, house, apartment, safe, mailbox, or bank vault with a key, you used a design that has essentially remained unchanged for the past 200 years.

Keys Today

While many things in the world of keys and locks have remained the same, there have still been some substantial changes. One such example is with locksmiths—in the past, locksmiths were renowned creators of keys, as well as locks and safes. Today, locksmiths more so work in the world of repair and replacement—still equally revered and important to society! But as modern advancements in technology have affected keys, the production of them is mostly contained to industrial manufacturing.

In the future, we might be seeing more wireless, keyless, and bluetooth technologies taking place. Some car designs are featuring keyless entry, and many businesses now rely on key FOBs for employees to access the establishment. For some, keyless entry brings a sense of insecurity. Historically, we’ve been using the same types of keys for over 200 years, meaning that it might take awhile for this change to completely take over. If there’s anything to be learned from the history of keys, it’s that adaptations and evolutions take time.

No matter what your key situation entails, the locksmiths at ABC Lock & Key are the Nashville experts you can trust. We know a little about the history of keys, but more importantly, we have established a history of being Nashville’s best locksmith for over 16 years. Call us today to get residential locksmith, emergency locksmith, and automotive locksmith services!

Holiday Key Tips: Halloween Edition

The store displays are changing, the decorations are starting to appear, the leaves are starting to fall, and it can only mean that Halloween is on its way. There are so many amazing activities that can be enjoyed during the month of October, from hayrides to pumpkin patches, to trick-or-treating and more. However, all these fun new activities also mean there’s a chance of having some less enjoyable things take place, such as losing your keys in the process. The last thing you want is to lose your keys in a corn maze, or worse, a haunted house, and have to go back and look for them.

Luckily, the expert locksmiths at ABC Lock & Key are here to help. Having served Nashville for over 16 years, we are your trusted locksmiths of choice. We’ve dealt with just about every possible situation involving keys (and the loss of them), from car key replacements to being locked out of your house and everything in between. Take a look at some key things you can do to enjoy all that fall has to offer, while also keeping track of your keys in the process. When the situation arises, call ABC Lock & Smith for locksmith services that are scary good.

Corn Maze

Like we briefly mentioned, a corn maze in the Nashville area can be a super fun activity for you to partake in! Less fun, however, is losing your keys and having no idea where they went down. Sometimes we lose our keys without even realizing it, so make sure you check everything before you even leave the lot. Best case scenario, your keys are in a weird pocket. Worst case scenario, they have become a part of the corn maze.

Check with staff at the corn maze first to see if anything turned up. No such luck? If you’re with a group, or if the corn maze is about to close, your best bet is to call our locksmiths. You don’t want to hold people up, and if nothing is turning up, it’s best just to get a replacement. Our emergency locksmith services mean we will try to come to you within 30 minutes to get you set up and on your way. And hey, if you end up getting the keys back, you’ll have a spare set for any future corn maze situations.

Haunted House

There are so many amazing haunted houses to check out in the Nashville area, and all of them are sure to entertain. This includes that room where a headless zombie reached out towards you, and you ended up jumping and screaming accordingly. In the midst of feeling like you were about to be murdered, it’s no wonder your keys slipped out of your pocket.

Talk with a worker first, because they might be able to go back to look for things in a better way. After all, they know the area fairly well and won’t have to be terrified in the process. As always, if you are unable to find your keys (or the staff isn’t able to either), thank them for their time, and contact our locksmiths to get the help you need.

Trick-or-Treating

If you’re taking your kids or accompanying a friend’s kids trick-or-treating (read: trying to get the best candy), this is a classic event where misplacing keys can happen. It’s dark out, there’s a lot going on in the neighborhood, and it’s pretty common for keys to get misplaced during trick-or-treating. Especially if you have younger kids, this requires more attention and it’s easier for things to get lost in the process.

You could retrace your steps with a flashlight, trying to find your keys. Or you could just call the experts at ABC Lock & Key to get emergency locksmith services. If you have a spare, but are worried about having a missing key somewhere out there, it might be in your interest to get locks replaced (and corresponding keys as well).

There are tons of amazingly festive things to do in the Nashville area this Halloween season, and losing your keys should never be a hindrance. Work with the experts at ABC Lock & Key to get the locksmith services you can count on. Whether it’s an emergency for replacing home keys or being locked out of your car, and everything in between, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today!

Emergency Numbers You Should Have Saved In Your Phone

Does anyone really memorize phone numbers anymore – or memorize much of anything, for that matter? By looking up a contact or doing a quick internet search about nearly anything, we have instant access to information thanks to the power of smartphones. These pocket computers are capable of doing so much that, really, we take it for granted on a daily basis. Still, in light of this technological convenience, what would you do if you wanted to look up a phone number on the internet, but couldn’t due to a poor cell signal?

Your Nashville Commercial Locksmith Is Here When You Need Us The Most

This brings in the notion of saving important phone numbers in your smartphone’s contacts application. Again, these days, it’s hardly expected for anyone to have phone numbers memorized, even the numbers of close friends and family, let alone important businesses or coworkers. If you find yourself in a freak situation where you’re suddenly locked out of your apartment or your car, wouldn’t it be nice to have your local locksmith’s number on deck when you need it the most? No one plans on calling their 24-hour locksmith, but hey, stuff happens.

In today’s blog post, we’re going to go over some important contacts that you should probably have saved in your phone. From your own mother to your cranky boss, read more below from your Nashville commercial locksmith. If you have any questions about our locksmith services or changing locks and keys, get in touch with ABC Lock & Key today!

Your ICE Contact(s)

No, we don’t mean your local supplier of ice for all of your favorite chilled beverages, but your “in case of emergency” contact(s). Whether your ICE contact is your mom, dad, other family member or legal guardian, make it easy for emergency responders to find your family contacts when they need to. We hope that a situation never arises where an emergency contact is needed, but unexpected mishaps occur all of the time, so it’s best to be prepared.

To take things a step farther, open up a note-taking app on your smartphone. Write down the name and number of your emergency contacts, and then screenshot that note, using it as your lock screen. That way, if your phone is locked and you’re unable to unlock it for some reason, emergency responders still have access to this important information.

Your Local Police Department

Not all reasons to contact the police involve the severity of a 911 call. For non-emergency purposes, having your local police department’s non-emergency number saved in your phone is a smart move. That way, you won’t need to search for it online. We’d hardly expect anyone to have the non-emergency number memorized, but let’s be real – “911” is a pretty easy number to memorize.

Poison Control

Sometimes, the unimaginable or unexpected occurs, and suddenly, you’re staring in disbelief at your six-year-old cousin who just ingested a gallon of Clorox. Seriously, though, having your local poison control center’s number could actually prove to be very valuable – did you know that every 13 seconds, the U.S. Poison Centers receive a call about someone being exposed to a poisonous substance? Yikes.

Your Next Door and Nearby Neighbors

Who could be any closer to you and your home than your next door neighbors? If you don’t know them (or just think they’re downright strange), get to know them, because they might very well save your life or just be of assistance when you need them the most. Plus, you’ll be able to give them some fair warning when you’re coming over to borrow some sugar.

Your Coworkers

Feeling under the weather, or just looking for someone to cover your shift? Without your coworkers’ contact information, there’s no way to get in touch with them. There’s nothing that says you’re obligated to hang out with them and attend their weekly post-work bar hangouts, but being able to get in contact with them is a smart idea.

Down On Your Luck? Let ABC Lock & Key Assist You!

No one plans on getting locked out, but it happens. That’s why our Nashville Top Rated Local­® locksmith is here to help you out when you need us, fully licensed to serve the surrounding areas of Brentwood, Franklin, and Antioch. Learn more about why we’re the best local locksmithing company in the greater Nashville area by getting in touch with us today!

Questions? Get In Touch With Us!

Tips To Remember Your Keys

It’s 1:30 am. You’ve just returned home from a long night out at the bars with your friends, and you go to pull your house key out of your pocket (after you’ve safely returned home thanks to an Uber ride). To your dismay, you realize that your pocket, is, in fact, empty. That’s no good! “It’s 2017,” you think to yourself, “Getting locked out of my own place just shouldn’t be a thing anymore!” Well, here at ABC Lock & Key, we think that you’re right. Getting locked out is a total bummer, and spending a cold, sad night out on the pavement of your driveway while you’re cursing your roommates is even worse. Fortunately, our team of expert locksmiths can help you out.

Locked Out? Your Nashville Local Locksmith Experts Can Help!

We’re not your parents, so there’s not really anything that we can to do ensure that you take your keys with you everywhere you go. Besides keyless entry solutions, what we can do is get you back into your place of residence, any time of the day or the night. To help you avoid the nightmare scenario described in detail above, we’re going to go over a few useful tips to help you remember your keys (and other valuable belongings) prior to your departure. The realization that you’ve forgotten something important is a cringe-worthy one, and we want to do anything we can to help you avoid that!

Learn more about our 24-hour locksmith services, how to change locks and keys, or feel free to get in touch with ABC Key & Lock if you have any questions. Let’s get started.

Keep Your Items In The Same Spot

As it turns out, Newton was really onto something – objects at rest really do stay at rest! The most important element to remembering your keys, among other valuable, everyday items, is to constantly leave them in the same spot. Whether you put them in a bowl on your kitchen counter or hang them up next to your garage door opener or bedroom window, store them in the same spot. That way, your brain will associate a particular spot with your car keys.

Use a Lanyard or a Carabiner to Carry Your Keys

Something bulkier is hard to forget, and if you’re just carrying around a single car key, you can practically kiss it goodbye. Consider hanging all of your keys on a lanyard, which you can then swing around pompously like you’ve just gotten your first car in high school. If you really want to rep the 80s aesthetic, wearing a fanny pack around to safely tote your keys around is also cool.

Place Clocks In Strategic Locations

Knowing the time won’t necessarily help you find your keys, but many times, we forget things simply because we don’t have the time to check for them. Clocks and other time-keeping devices can help remind us of our sense of responsibility, returning our minds to the real world. Plus, the more conscious you are of the time, the more likely you are to arrive early or on-time.

Create a Memorable Acronym

Sure, the acronym “W.P.K.” (wallet, phone, keys) doesn’t mean much, but whatever’s clever will help you remember your personal belongings on the way out the door. It’s not our job to be creative about it, and besides, we don’t know what you’re most likely to remember. Make something up and have fun with it!

Get Organized With A Dry Erase Board

Why not? Dry erase boards are easy, fun, and allow you to draw or write whatever you please on it. Dry erase boards are especially helpful if you live with roommates, and they’re even better if you have conflicting schedules. A lot of people seem to hang their keys right next to or right underneath a whiteboard located in a common space, and that seems to work for them. Again, we’re not here to tell you how to organize your life, but our local locksmiths can bail you out should the occasion arise.

Our Nashville Top Rated Local® Locksmiths Have Your Back

Things happen, and we know that people get locked out. It’s a fact of life. Thanks to the help of our residential locksmith services, we can bail you out in no time! Contact ABC Lock & Key today with any questions.

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Dating Disasters (And How to Avoid Them)

It may come as a surprise, but the locksmiths at ABC Lock & Key are experts in the world of dating advice. You might be thinking, “What could locksmiths possibly know about dating?” but we’d be lying if we said our knowledge and know-how offers the key advice you’re looking for. Especially with Valentine’s Day on the horizon, it’s essential that you learn everything you can about dating blunders—and more importantly, how to keep them from happening.

It’s true, we offer the best in automotive locksmith and residential locksmith services. It’s also true we can help you change your locks and keys, anytime, anywhere. All of these things come together wonderfully to help ensure your next date doesn’t end in disaster, in ways that might surprise you. Stay tuned for our blog on making your date super great—you might just unlock some excellent advice in the process.

Ex Marks the Spot

When it comes to talking about exes, there’s a time and a place. It doesn’t have to be a forbidden topic, and in fact, can often provide some great insight and depthful conversations. However, the thing to remember with ex conversations is that context is key (no pun intended). On a first date, or in the early stages of dating, talking about the ex might be something to put on the back burner, or bring up in a lighter manner. A true dating blunder is grabbing dinner with someone who only talks about their ex—this is a solid indicator that they’re not completely over everything, and there’s a good chance they’re not ready to move on.

How to Avoid: Make sure the person you’re on a date with knows you’re focused on them. A first date is probably not the time to talk about an ex, or at least not in detail. If/when the conversation comes up, try to find some positives. Even if they hurt you pretty badly, your actions and words speak volumes if you focus on what you learned.

A Little More Than Butterflies

February means flu season, which can result in feeling pretty miserable if you end up getting the bug. The last thing you want to do is cancel a date (especially one you’ve been looking forward to), but we’d argue that the worst case scenario is being violently ill on your date. There’s definitely moments where you might have to grin and bear it when you’re sick, but we’re here to tell you this is not one of those times.

How to Avoid: If you start feeling ill, it’s in your (and your date’s) best interest to stay home. Your date will probably appreciate not being exposed to any germs—although their first concern should always be your well-being. Reschedule the date, make intentions to make it up to them, and thank your date for their understanding.

Locked Out of Love

You have a night of sublime conversation, the dinner was incredible, there’s no mistaking the spark between you and your date, and everything seems practically magical. But this takes a sudden turn as you walk out to your car, only to find that your keys have disappeared. After going to the restaurant, searching the streets, picking through pockets and purses, all seems lost, and the good note you hoped to end the night on has turned sour.

How to Avoid: Keys rarely get lost in convenient circumstances, but fear not! For the emergency locksmith services at ABC Lock & Key are here to make sure your date continues smoothly. Give us a call, see what we can do, and grab a coffee or a glass of wine with that special someone while waiting for us to arrive. Staying calm, cool, and collected is the best thing you can do, and ABC Lock & Key is happy to help.

The dating blunders and disasters might seem like the source of groans and embarrassment, but all can be avoided. Even in scenarios that seem to be hilariously tragic, there’s always a silver lining, and can make for excellent stories later. And never forget—ABC Lock & Key has your back. Contact our team for the best in locksmith services in Nashville! Or for dating advice—we’ll do what we can to help.

Tips for Opening a Storefront

Opening a brand new business can be emotional, stressful, and yet, extraordinarily triumphant. This is something you’ve long dreamed of, this is the moment that your goals and ideas come together. When you open a storefront, there are so many things to know and get settled—and for many of these to-dos, they’ll be figured out along the way.

As storefront owners ourselves, we at ABC Lock & Key know that this can be an insane and exciting time (if you haven’t tried moving and keeping track of thousands of keys, we don’t recommend it). We are more than happy to offer some guidance while you make this transition of starting a storefront (and ultimately, make your dreams into something tangible). Check out some of the important things to remember when opening your storefront, and contact ABC Lock & Key for emergency locksmiths, re-keying, and other locksmith services! Or come down by our storefront—we’d love to see you.

Settle on a look.

This is one of the most fun (albeit, challenging) parts of opening your storefront. You need to design your store to convey both an organized and aesthetically pleasing space—and this is true regardless of the type of business. It’s sometimes advised to pick a theme that matches your overall business, but this doesn’t have to be exact. For example, owning a plant store doesn’t mean your store’s interior needs to resemble a plant or only have green walls —though if you want to, go for it!

Matching themes can be a bit more subtle while still making a powerful statement. Selling boutique clothing? Opt for a modern look. Yoga supplier? Go for a warm, calm, bohemian vibe. Specialty meat counter? Stay rustic with exposed brick, or bring in other red hues to provide balance. When the look of your establishment jives with your product or service, this creates an ambiance that will draw people in.

Get the essentials.

It’s sometimes nice to think about what you want everything to look like first. After all, who can’t help but daydream and scheme about their future business? That being said, it’s equally important to consider the essentials. It’s just like how a car could look incredible, but if it’s unable to run, you’re not going to go anywhere (though we should add that if your car’s not running due to an automotive locksmith situation, we can fix that).

If you’re fairly experienced in your specialty, you likely already have a good idea of everything you’ll need. Yet it still might be a great idea to sit down with someone who’s a seasoned vet, and collaborate to create a list of all the necessities. Restaurants are notorious for having seemingly infinite supplies and cookware and equipment needed to function—and that’s even before the tables, chairs, and silverware are factored in.

When you’re listing out your essential items, divide your list into two categories: customer and worker. Think of everything your customer will need on the front end to enjoy their experience at your store, while also considering everything you and your workers will need behind the scenes. The essentials might be costly, but they can make a significant difference in your business as you get going. Buying that $500 sedan from before you were born might seem fine for an initial delivery vehicle, but it won’t when there’s a breakdown and you’re forced to sacrifice your revenue. Listing out and buying these things can be overwhelming and expensive, but now’s not the time to skimp. Get yourself set up for success with investing in the essentials (versus taking the cheap route), and you’ll see the difference.

Build a web presence.

Even if you’re not planning on shipping items to Toledo or Timbuktu, your storefront still needs to be represented online. In the 21st century, a web presence should honestly be considered in the aforementioned “essentials” category, because it’s absolutely necessary to having a successful business, let alone one that can function.

Building a web presence with a marketing team or strategist means more than simply having a website. It means ranking high on a Google search results page, having consistent social media posts and connections, as well as advertising that reaches an ideal audience. Unless your storefront is actually a marketing agency, it’s a solid idea to hire someone to take you on as a client. They can handle the web presence that could help enormously in generating leads, and you can keep focusing on all the other aspects of opening your storefront and business in general.

In a future blog, we’ll continue with some other tips and tricks for helping your storefront start off on the right foot. Looking for a sneak peek to our next post? Check out our commercial locksmith page to see a list of our services we can do to assist your business in becoming successful. Giving Nashville’s Top Rated Local® locksmiths a call is easy as ABC—contact us today for automotive locksmith services, emergency locksmith help, and everything in between!