ApexAccess Security

Safety First For A Preschool

Safety First For A Preschool

Safety is a big topic for preschool administrators. Fire egress codes must be adhered to but access control is also needed. ApexAccess recently upgraded an existing panic hardware installation to provide easier access

Using Schlage Access Control to retrofit and existing panic hardware installation.

control for a playground area. Teachers and caregivers are now able…

Get Started On Your Business Access Control

Get Started On Your Business Access Control

Get your business access control system started by securing four doors in one control package — using the Kantech KT-400. Add a DVR camera server to round it all out for a comprehensive security package.

This product line is a fantastic way to start your access control system solution without having to spend money twice.

Starting with a very basic…

Some Lock Upgrades Are Downgrades

Some Lock Upgrades Are Downgrades

We are often called on to provide quotes or bids to upgrade the physical locks and security of our customers. While we are always ready and willing to do so I make it very clear that to provide an accurate quote we must have a discussion about security expectations. Not all lock upgrades are useful. Some lock upgrades are actually downgrades.Furthermore, many of…

The Myth of Facebook Pages and Ads

I spent a year on Facebook trying every angle to gain exposure and revenue by using Facebook to promote this business. It was a waste of time.

Initially, the exposure was decent. I spent a bit of money and got a few likes locally. Two old guys tried pick up lines on my wife. Facebook started sending me a few suggested pages to also like.

Not a single post or ad with fantastic offers generated any…

Locks and Life-Safety Codes

By nature, a locksmith will tend towards strong security. By law, life safety and fire codes often prevent strong economical security options.

Hardware that meets life-safety requirements for the location.

The hardware shown in this photo meets fire and life-safety for the building. The clutched lever — one-motion egress and minimal attack vector. The latch protector — stainless steel with…

Not All Master-key Systems Are Created Equal

Not All Master-key Systems Are Created Equal

Creating and maintaining a quality, long-term, master key system solution requires more than a simple knowledge base about master key systems. Just because a locksmith shop has a “master-key software package” does NOT mean it is being used correctly. Software use does NOT mean the end design is both secure and expandable.

The locksmiths we employ…

What Is A Lock Cylinder?

What Is A Lock Cylinder?

Simply put; a lock cylinder is the keyhole that you insert your key into to operate the lock. A lock, such as a double sided deadbolt, that has two such keyholes has two lock cylinders.

Locksmiths typically charge a fee to re-key a lock cylinder(s) rather than quoting to “re-key a lock”.

Prepping Everest C123 For Shopkeeper Mod

For the more technically minded; a lock…

How Does A Grand Master Key Work?

How Does A Grand Master Key Work?

Grand master-key systems range from simple to complex designs. Depending on the design requirements and the overall size of the complex or multi-campus location(s), many levels of master keys are generated. But the key point here is that grand master keysare generally used in systems that require a more granular approach to security. Designing a system as a grand…

Custom Latch Guards Made and Installed!

Custom Latch Guards Made and Installed! Custom Latch Guard with KIL Cylindrical Lock

There are a number of manufactured latch guards (latch protectors) available, but on occasion none are useful in certain applications. Here, we take a quick look as a custom larch guard made by the master locksmiths at ApexAccess to secure a door mounted in a particularly tight recessed frame.

What made this…

What Is A Lock Turning or Torque Wrench?

What Is A Lock Turning or Torque Wrench?

A tool used by a locksmith to apply pressure to a lock cylinder plug to turn the plug in the same manner as a Common Lock Picking Turning Wrenches.

key while picking the lock pins to the correct position.

Incorrectly called a torsion wrench.

Often called a torque wrench.

Correctly referred to as a turning wrench.

Turning wrenches are made in various…

Rolling Your Own Power Controller

Rolling Your Own Power Controller

For most electronic access control installations, one controller provides electrical power to each of the components.

One power source to a few devices. Occasionally, we find an existing installation that must remain operational to control a given device, such as an electric strike, but the strike must be also controlled by the new system we are installing. Some…

What Is A Master Key?

What Is A Master Key?

A Master Key is a key specified within a master key system to operate most or all of the locks at a given location. It should not be confused with a single key that operates all of the locks.

The master keyed lock is one where two or more keys that will work any particular lock. One of the keys — the master key — operates all of the locks in question. The second key — called…

What Is A Change Key?

What Is A Change Key?

A Change Key is a key that works a specific lock or group of locks in a master-key system. It is sometimes referred to as a Tenant Key. It is the key carried by someone who needs access to a specific lock and/or location but who does not also need to carry a master key for the same location. Some people, such as employees, may be required to carry more than one change key in…

What Is A Grand Master Key System?

What Is A Grand Master Key System?

A Grand Master Key System is a master key system using three or more levels of keys to control access to a property or series of properties.

When used on a single multi-level building the grand master key (GMK) is the top level key –it works all of the locks in the entire property unless otherwise specified.

Second level master keys are designated as floor…

Custom Modification Of Panic Hardware Trim

Custom Modification Of Panic Hardware Trim Custom Modification of Panic Hardware Trim from Classroom to Storeroom function

Not all panic hardware trim assemblies can be modified to change the function of the device, but this is one example of a successful modification.

Locks and Panic Hardware are usually specified with a “function” desired for the application:

Entry Function

The lock remains…

What Is A Master Key System Lock?

What Is A Master Key System Lock?

Occasionally customers ask about “Master Key System Locks”. There is nothing special about the term, and frankly we are at a loss about where it originated and under what context.

Breaking the phrase down:

A master-key is a key that will work all of a set of locks installed and properly keyed to specific bittings (sets of pins in the lock cylinder).

A master-key…