Sterling Locks are proud of the Sterling brand and the company has an ethos of quality, value and service. Trading both nationally and internationally within the home and commercial sectors, Sterling manufactures a broad range of security items, from combination padlocks, to cash and deed boxes. Fast Keys maintains a large stock of all sterling products, which ensures that orders are shipped out on a same day basis.

One of Sterling Locks security products is the KeyMinder range of secure key safes. Once made of wood, key safes are utility-items that have been in existence for centuries, first designed for use inside a house or business as a single point of storage for keys. KeyMinder builds on that original concept to provide secure key storage outside of the house or business.

People and keys are a potentially traumatic combination. The more keys in circulation, the harder the task of securely controlling them and the greater the risk of keys being lost or misplaced. Wherever keys are in use, the number of keys in circulation should be minimised whenever possible. Key control equates to peace of mind and that is where Sterling’s KeyMinder range comes in.

For home or office use Sterling’s KeyMinder range of products allows a set of door, padlock or car keys to be externally securely stored at an access door, for the use of only the right people, the code holders. The KeyMinder range of products is ideal for schoolchildren, wardens, cleaners or maintenance or security personnel, or indeed for rental properties in multiple- occupation. Any property that has multiple occupants or users could benefit from this particular sterling product range.

Strongly constructed, the models in the KeyMinder range are attack and weather resistant and manufactured with heavy duty, zinc diecast bodies and have four- dial combination locks each with 10,000 resettable combinations. The hidden fixings provided enable KeyMinders to be securely fixed to any solid wall.

Sterling’s KeyMinders allow controlled access without duplicate keys and remove the risk of being locked out of your own property or workplace. Sterling’s KeyMinders also come with a ten-year guarantee.

KeyMinders are available in three sizes. The KeyMinder 1 is a discreet compact design that provides storage for door and padlock keys up to a maximum length of 70 mm. KeyMinder 2 provides enhanced security, larger dials for ease of entering combinations and a key hook. It can accommodate keys up to 65 mm long and is 61mm wide, 85mm high and 35mm deep- (external dimensions). KeyMinder 3 is the largest of the range-82mm wide, 125mm high and 37mm deep- (external dimensions). It can store keys up to 110mm long and could alternatively be used as an indoor safe for credit cards or smaller jewellery items.

Whatever your secure external key storage requirement may be, Sterling’s KeyMinder could provide an effective solution.

The SS50 (50 mm) high security combination padlock is five wheeled, offering 100,000 possible combinations and is re-codable. Highly attack and weather-resistant, the SS50 has a unique, easy-to-use mechanism and comes in an electrophoretic finish; the perfect solution for external use such as security gates and delivery vehicles. The SS50 is also available in a solid steel model with a hardened shackle, the SS50 P5.

The SS65S and SS65CS (65mm) are solid steel maximum-security products designed for use in harsh environments. Tested to the highest CEN grades 5 and 6, they have a a six- pin tumbler with 250,000 key differs; ideal for use on external plant, gates or vehicles or security doors.

The SS65 (65mm) and the SS50 (50mm) are also available in Stronghold’s Cyberlock version. The Cyberlock versions are state of the art intelligent access systems that allow businesses to dispense with hard to manage traditional keys and to replace them with electronic keys that open locks as programmed. The system also offers the added bonus of recording all lock transactions electronically.

The SS65E (65mm) is the high specification, maximum-security product padlock body (only) designed to receive any modified 71mm double Europrofile cylinder, which allows Stronghold padlock bodies to be utilized with your existing keys and cylinders. The SS50 EM (50mm) padlock body (only) also offers this facility.

The SS50 S and SS50 CS (50mm) high security padlocks are enhanced versions of the classic SS50 with an improved electrophoretic anti-corrosion finish. The locks are designed to function in the very worst weather and are now available in two shackle sizes (8mm and 10mm).

Stronghold range WS75 is a 80mm hardened steel container lock</a> which comes with 260,000 key differs which are up-rated to 530,000. Anti-bump and anti-pick it is highly attack resistant. Equally sturdy are the locks of the Stronghold Bullit WS50 S range; solid steel shutter locks ideal for use on roller doors, warehouses and high security areas.

Powerlock is Stronghold’s range of heavy- duty security padlock, highly weatherproof, ultra-durable and made from solid steel and with hardened shackles. The HLS50 range of locksets offer formidable resistance against attack and corrosion and are made of solid, hardened steel, and the STH1 and STH2 range of padbars provide maximum security against attack with respective CEN ratings of 6 and 4.

Squires also have a selection of gold and silver rated hardened steel alloy chains (8mm-10mm-14mm) to compliment the Stronghold range and six models of hardened boron alloy steel square linked chains (available in either 10mm or 14mm diameter and in a variety of lengths) supplied with Stronghold locks (50m or 65mm).

In business since 1780, Squire is the only family-owned, independent lock manufacturer in the UK. Their mission is to bring new, unique solutions to the security market place. Squire’s Stronghold range of padlocks is an example of the company’s innovative approach and high specification design. This market leading brand, is highly CEN graded and tested to BS EN 12320 standard.

The Stronghold range, innovative, precision-made and secure.

Follow the below link and take a look at our video that explains how to remove a drawer from a filing cabinet.

HOW TO REMOVE A FILING CABINET DRAWER

What is AIS Approved?

AIS approved safes are safes that are inspected and have had their test certificates checked and corroborated by the Association of Insurance Surveyors. This is an independent UK insurance body which is sponsored by leading members of the British Insurance Industry to monitor and maintain standards of security. An AIS Approved safe ensures that the design, quality and security of the safe meets the levels expected to European standards.

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Winkhaus Cobra 2 Hooks Multipoint Lock 35mm Backset

Multi Point Locks

A multi-point lock is far more effective than a basic single point lock as it secures the door in three places rather than just one. This allows the door to fit more solidly in its frame when the bolts at the top and bottom of the door and in place, preventing warping of the door and helping to cut out drafts. It also means that when the door is locked it is not as easy to break it down, making the property secure from forced entry.

Right handed locks

This system is designed specifically for right handed doors, meaning that when looking at the door from the inside the hinges are on the right. This dead bolt multi point lock has 2 hooked bolts which turn upwards inside the door frame when the door handle is turned upwards. This means the door is held solidly in its frame even when it is not fully locked.

When the key is turned in the lock the centre bolt is thrown and the hook bolts are blocked, preventing the handle from being turned until it is unlocked once again. This system allows the door to be locked and unlocked from both inside and outside the property.

Perfect for…

Winkhaus is one of the leading lock manufacturers across the world and this multi point lock is one of the most popular right handed systems. It is suitable for anyone who requires a simple yet secure locking system on a right handed exterior door.

GU Ferco G4 Europa Replacement 35mm Multipoint Lock Replacement Gearbox

Multi Point Locks

Multi-point locks are far more secure locking systems than basic single bolt locks because they hold the door solidly in the doorframe at three points using bolts at the top and bottom of the door as well as in the centre. This makes them far more difficult to break down and can also help to prevent gaps between the door and its frame, which could cause drafts and warping of the door itself.

Gearbox replacement

This Gearbox multi point lock is the central point of the locking system and is intended as a replacement within the entire system. The gearbox contains all the moving parts which is why it may need replacing before other components such as the hook bolts.

Multi point locks work by throwing bolts at the top and bottom of the door when the door handle is turned upwards. The central bolt can then be thrown by turning the key, which then also blocks the top and bottom bolts, securing the door in place in three places.

Make sure that you purchase the correct gearbox replacement for your door and lock. This particular gearbox has a back set of 35mm and centre of 92mm. It is designed for use with a single straight cylinder lock and therefore not compatible with a split cylinder.

Perfect for…

Since it is a replacement component this gearbox is suitable for anyone with a damaged or worn system. It is relatively simple to install and can improve the working of an existing door lock without having to replace the entire system.

What it offers

The Securikey Floor Standing 2160 Key safe offers a storage solution for up to 2,160 keys. Access to the keys is quick and convenient as they are stored on six key racks which are mounted on telescopic runners. There are also adjustable hook bars that make storing keys of varying lengths all the easier.

Included in the pack are key rings and coloured tabs. This will allow the user to identify the various bunches of keys much more easily.

A year’s parts and labour warranty is also available with this floor key safe.

Security

As there are such a large number of keys being stored in this floor standing key safe, security is paramount. The cabinet is kept secure by a double bitted key lock which meets S1 security level standards and is EN 14450-S1 approved. Two keys are provided for the lock.

The lock for this floor key safe is upgradeable, with optional mechanical and electronic combination versions available. The cabinet is sturdily constructed with a double steel wall filled with fire retardant. 

Fixing the cabinet to the floor will obviously provide extra security, although the user will have to provide his or her own bolts.

Dimensions

As it is capable of holding over 2,000 keys this floor standing key safe has a high volume. It is 1580mm tall, weighs 165kg and has a volume capacity of 175 litres.

This new L&F electronic combination lock product can be retrofitted to cupboards and lockers etc. as a direct replacement for existing cam locks. They can also be fitted to furniture that does not have an existing lock. The lock has a solid Mazak housing and is IP54 rated which makes it suitable for use in wet areas.

The lock is battery operated and allows the user quick and simple access without the use of a key. The two AAA batteries supplied should provide for in excess of 15000 openings. When the batteries are running low, the Red LED will flash 3 times before the Blue code acceptance LED flashes. Furthermore, there is a battery failure override – a PP9 battery can be placed against the contact points next to the LED’s so that the lock can be opened in order to replace the batteries.

The Electronic lock has a 10 numeric keypad plus a # button which is hidden beneath the handle when the lock is in the locked position. By default the lock is pre-programmed for REPEATED USE where the same number will be used all the time. The locks can also be re-programmed for SINGLE USE which is used for short term use such as locker rooms - the user enters a single code which will lock and then unlock the furniture once only.

There are three User Code levels.

The 4 digit USER CODE can open the lock and change the user code.

The 8 digit SUB-MASTER CODE will change the Sub-Master and set, change or delete the User Code.

Finally, the 8 digit MASTER CODE can change the Master Code and change, set or delete any of the above.

An additional security feature is the Penalty Function, where on entering three incorrect codes the lock shuts down for 10 seconds.

Key cabinets are a common means of keeping your keys safe and organized, and the Phoenix Electronic Key Cabinet is one of the best ones out there. There are a few particular aspects of this safe that make it a desirable choice for protecting keys. 

Safety features

The main locking mechanism for this safe consists of a digital keypad combination lock, which can be programmed with up to eight digits. You can set the lock with a password that only you and your family or staff know. Four AA batteries are required to power this lock. A set of batteries comes with the safe. In case of lock out, there is also a back up key provided with this safe.

Other features

There are three different sizes available for this cabinet. Depending on which size you choose, the safe can hold 30, 48 or 144 keys. For all of these models, the height of the key racks is adjustable. Coloured tags and key rings come with the safe. No matter which model you choose, the safe comes with a key deposit slot. This feature allows you to deposit a key into the safe without actually having to open the safe.

Thanks to the pre-drilled holes and fixing bolts that come with this safe, it is quite easy to wall mount. The finish of this safe is done with white powder paint, which is scratch resistant.  

Peace of mind comes from the fact that this safe comes with a one year warranty.

Security in the home and workplace has, for centuries, relied on strong locks, but looking after the keys for those locks is just as important as having a good lock in the first place. Any lock is quick to open when unauthorised hands have access to the keys, so keeping good care of them is essential. When there are multiple keys to sensitive locked areas, such as safes and deposit boxes or storage rooms, a key box is the best solution to ensure that keys are kept secure, but also easily accessible whenever they are required.

Key Keeper single key box

The single key Comsafe Key keeper is a practical solution to the problem of storing multiple keys in a safe and secure, yet unobtrusive manner. Many key boxes tend to be quite large and are designed to store large numbers of keys. While they are strong and provide a high degree of security, for home users and workplaces with space at a premium, a more compact solution is needed. The Key Keeper does away with key racks in favour of a very strong space to store multiple keys, with combination lock access. Therefore, there is no master access key that might be misplaced and anyone who needs to open the safe only has to remember the correct combination. The Key Keeper is a wall mountable key box and comes with its own weatherproof cover, so it is suitable for outdoor storage. Home users, nurses, social workers, paramedics or anyone in need of compact and convenient key boxes would benefit from the Comsafe Key Keeper.

Ojmar Coin Return Locks are available with many different options and specifications. The locks are high quality and have features such as the Anti-reservation function. Also referred to as the penalty function, the master key can be used to open the locker in emergencies. It also works as a device for preventing Locker Reservation by allowing for opening and closing without the use of a coin. This means that the user will lose their coin if they do not leave the locker free when required.

Right or Left handed where right handed is for doors that have the hinges on the right hand side of the door.

Different Coinage available – 20p, 50p, £1 or adjustable to future proof against coin size change.

Coin retaining or Coin returning

Wet or Dry area – All the materials used in the wet version are highly rustproof and ideal for wet area applications.

Removable Cylinders – All the locks have removable cylinders and the wet area locks are also interchangeable between the differing key versions below. This acts as an additional security measure in the event of the loss or theft of a key.

Key Versions – Dry Area-Keys are double sided/ double entry (teeth on both sides of the key) and numbered between V0001 –V4258 (older locks have keys ranged from Y0001-Y2254)

Key Versions - Wet Area – Single Sided keys (teeth/cuts down one side). Locks have six stainless steel pins for greater resistance and security. Keys are available in four different profiles – J, K, L & M.

Wet Area locks can also be supplied with High Security Keys and the cylinders are interchangeable with the single sided version.

Master and Cylinder Removal Keys are available under many different suites. On most cylinders, the Master Key reference is quoted on the side of the barrel just below the lock/key number.

Fast Key Service stock the classic wet area version that is right handed with two security keys suited under Master Key Reference: 4020419. Ojmar Coin Return Lock.

Fast Keys cut and dispatch replacement Ojmar keys same day by first class post. When ordered via their website, prices per key range from £1.70 to £2.30 depending on quantity ordered. Security keys are £5 each and are specially ordered from the Ojmar factory in Spain. FKS arranges for at least one express shipment per week to ensure fast delivery of orders.

These days businesses cannot afford to overlook any aspect of security. Break-ins can cost you a lot in terms of physical theft, damages and also any loss of private client and business data. Key cabinets can be an important way in which you can improve site security for your business.

Key Cabinets

There may be a number of keys used every day in your business. These could provide access to your premises, filing cabinets, desk drawers, office vehicles and more. You don’t want to lock these keys away completely so that no one can access them but you do want to make sure they don’t fall into unauthorised hands. This is why key cabinets are such as good idea:

· Key cabinets remain locked at all times. You can access them easily though by inputting your PIN code into the keypad.

· This enables you to get the key you need and then lock the cupboard up simply by shutting the door again.

· With key cabinets your keys will be protected at all times and can only be accessed by those members of staff with an active PIN code.

· This is a great way to increase your site security and protect keys without hiding them away from those that need them.

Who Needs Key Cabinets?

Most businesses have some form of keys. This can be a practical and effective solution to security for business of all shapes and sizes.

You can buy a wide range of key cabinets to suit any needs. If you only have a few keys to protect then there are small key cabinets that offer compact security options.

Where Should I Install Key Cabinets?

The majority of key cabinets are designed to be installed on a free space of wall. You will need to think about the best place to install your key cabinet.

· Ideally this should be somewhere convenient for those members of staff that need to access the keys that are also not easily accessed by the public or visitors.

· Many businesses locate key cabinets behind reception desks, in main office spaces and also manager’s offices.

· These offer convenient yet secure options for locating your business keys.

· Think about the best places to install your key cabinets and then measure the space you have available before you go shopping.

· This should enable you to buy the right size key cabinet for the space you have available.

· You can install some key cabinet systems easily yourself with just a few wall screws. These will run on batteries and you will need to keep an eye on these to see when they need replacing.

· Others key cabinet systems you may need to get installed by professionals as they may need to be wired permanently into your electrical systems.

How to change the battery on your Rottner Keytronic

How to install a cabinet lock

A lock on your cabinet is essential if you are storing sensitive or valuable information.

You will first want to remove the top drawer of the cabinet and place it to one side.

Locate the knockout in the cabinet, which typically is located in the top right hand side of the device.

This is a cut-out in preparation for the lock fixing, using a hammer tap out the panel (relevant on new cabinets) ready for the lock installation.

You will then need to slide the lock into the cabinet attaching the lock nut/ horseshoe clip onto the reverse, to secure the lock. And then finally attach the cam with the screw supplied.

Snap locks for side or top hung wooden windows - when closing this type of lock the device secures automatically, a key is used to release the lock. These types of locks are hard wearing and are designed for years of use.

Locking window catches - this type of lock is suitable for outward opening wooden windows and is secured by using a threaded peg nut which is pulled tight with the use of a key.

Flush pivot locks - most suitable for flush fitted and sliding wooden windows, lock engages by a deadlock steel bolt and is locked and unlocked with the use of a key.

Locking window handles - this type of window lock is automatically secured when the handle is down and requires a key to engage or release the locking mechanism.

Met lock window locks - this lock ensures the window handle doesn’t move, with the aid of a high tensile metal bolt securing the window.

Ingersoll <a href="http://www.fastkeys.co.uk/keys">window keys</a> and locks - this type of lock is fitted to the frame of the window and is secured by a bolt under the cockspur preventing any movement.

Fast Key Services supply a range of <a href="http://www.fastkeys.co.uk/keys">replacement keys</a> suitable for these types of locks including brands such as Era, Chubb, Avocet, Cotswold, Yale and many more.

Graphite powder is an effective dry lubricant for use in the home and workplace.

It has many benefits compared to liquid lubricants, which can allow particles to get stuck in the lock and can acerbate any existing problem. It is ideal for keeping your locks, bolts and hinges working smoothly.

It is greaseless, odourless and weatherproof which makes it particularly suitable for exterior padlocks and car door locks as it cannot freeze, therefore preventing you being unable to gain entry.

Spirit based lubricants such as WD40 are flammable and can also lead to a build-up of dirt with overuse.

GRAPHITE POWDER CAN BE FOUND HERE

Antigrip (natural graphite powder) is of particular benefit to Site and Facilities Managers in that, unlike petroleum based products, you don’t need to lock it away in fireproof cabinets on health and safety grounds.

For any aspiring detectives, you can even use it to make your very own fingerprint dusting kit!

Technology within the automotive industry has come a long way, it wasn’t so long ago that seatbelts in the rear seats were a luxury! But it seems that nowadays every make and model of vehicle benefits from an array of useful gadgets to make our daily commutes and even the dreaded school run almost pleasurable. For example, heated seats, quick clear windscreens, Bluetooth connectivity, cup holders galore and even keyless entry and keyless start. 

We have all been there, holding the baby or a bag of shopping whilst struggling to get the keys out your pocket to unlock the car. Keyless entry means that by simply approaching the vehicle the doors will unlock, in some cases the engine can even be started remotely. Whilst this clearly has its benefits in our day to day lives, this convenience can come at a cost; the signal from a keyless fob can easily be intercepted by savvy criminals with the right equipment.

Each key fob is specifically programmed to the vehicle in order to open the car. Without getting too technical, a car key remote uses a chip that creates a unique code, your car has the same sort of chip that also generates a code, when the codes match then the car opens. 

The recent advancements in “always on” key fobs facilitating keyless entry, opens up a whole new vulnerability in vehicle security. The way keyless entry works is that as long as your car keys are within range, anyone can walk up to your car and open the door, that’s why newer vehicles won’t communicate with the fob until you are about a foot away. Criminals are now able to get hold of a signal amplifier that can pick up signals generated by car keys from up to 300 feet away and then transmit them to your car. Basically, this means that even if your keys are safe or securely locked in your house, these criminals can still walk straight up to your car, open it, and simply drive away.

A quick search on you tube and you can see how common this type of theft is.

VIDEO CAN BE FOUND HERE

This type of signal amplifying isn’t unique to car keys, anything with an RFID chip can be manipulated in the same way, bank cards, oyster cards etc.

One quick and relatively cost-effective solution is to invest in an RFID blocking pouch or wallet.

VIEW SMALL POUCH

VIEW LARGE POUCH

Simply place your key fob into the convenient pouch and the signal is blocked, you can test this by pressing the buttons through the pouch and the car will not unlock. An example of these pouches can be found on our website. This a very simple and cost-effective solution to a problem which is fast becoming more and more common place.

Fast Key Services have been raising awareness of the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the outstanding work that they do for people affected by this disease.

Following our commitment to give 20p for every key sold last week, we have donated a total of £2756.60 to this worthy cause.

More information about the MNDA and the work they do can be found using the below link:

https://www.mndassociation.org/get-involved/donations/

How to Safeguard your Home and Reduce your Insurance Premium

When looking for home insurance it’s crucial that you have the best possible locks fitted, not only will this give you the best protection for your house but it could also save you money on your insurance premium. 

When you apply for cover, the insurer will ask you what sort of locks you have fitted to your property. In most cases you should receive a discounted premium providing that you have a higher degree of security, it is important to consider that in some areas, if your locks are not up to standard, then you might struggle to get insurance cover at a reasonable price.

How to keep your home secure

Most crimes are against property rather than people, we will outline a few tips on how you can make your home and valuables more secure. Many of the suggestions listed are common sense and if fully implemented will go a long way towards making your home and property more secure and potentially saving you the distress and expense of being the victim of a burglary.

The majority of crimes are opportunistic, spur of the moment events and can be the result of leaving a door or window open or having valuables left on view.

Firstly, let’s start to make life awkward for the burglar by taking these simple and cost effective precautions.

Many burglars are opportunistic and they often don’t even have to resort to using force, they simply let themselves in through an open window or door.

· Take a look at your property from a burglar’s perspective.

· Are there any unsecured windows or doors?

· Are your window and door locks strong and secure enough?

· Are there any places hidden from view where someone could attempt to break in?

· Would they have to make a lot of noise to break in by attacking doors or breaking glass?

Windows

One in three burglars gain entry through a rear window. Window locks are an effective deterrent because they force the thief to break the glass and therefore risk drawing attention to himself.

If the window lock is visible, this will also further deter a criminal. There are many types of window locks available with keys for all kinds of windows and frames from your local locksmith. A qualified locksmith is best suited to advise you on the best lock to suit your requirements.

Fit window locks with keys to all vulnerable windows, in particular all ground floor and basement windows, all upstairs windows that are not visible from the street, all windows that can be accessed via drainpipes and gutters or via flat roofs. You should even consider small windows and skylights - bear in mind that a burglar can squeeze through any opening that is larger than a human head.

For UPVC windows, make sure you check with your window fitter before fitting locks as this may affect your warranty.

Remember not to leave your keys in locked windows and store them in a safe place. Consider getting a small key cabinet, these can be inexpensive and will have other benefits which we will touch on later in this series.

Louvre windows can be particularly vulnerable as burglars can remove window slats with ease. Glue the slats into the end plates and if you can find something suitable for Louvre windows, fit a locking device. Here again your local locksmith might be best placed to advise. Also, if you can - consider replacing louvre windows with fixed glass.

When replacing windows, consider using laminated glass as this is harder for burglars to penetrate. Also, think about fitting security grilles to openings that might be vulnerable to attack, such as basement windows that cannot be viewed from the road.

Doors

· Make sure all your doors, front and back are secure.

· Doors should be strong and in good condition and at least 44mm thick (2 inches).

· Any glass panels located on or around doors can pose a risk to security and you should consider replacing them with laminated glass if necessary.

· Make sure all doors are fitted with five lever mortice deadlocks and that you use them. They should be fitted about a third of the way up the door.

· Insurance companies normally ask for locks to have a kite mark to British Standard BS3621.

The benefit of a deadlock is that it can only be opened with a key. So even if a burglar smashed a nearby glass panel to reach inside, he still wouldn’t be able to open the door. Also, if a thief gets in through a window, they won’t be able to carry your possessions out via your deadlocked door.

Letterboxes - do not leave spare keys hanging inside your letterbox as this is an obvious place that a burglar will explore. Thieves are very adept at fishing for keys through letterboxes using poles and magnets, so never leave keys visible anywhere near your front door. That includes your vehicle keys; locking security on modern cars is so strong now that it is virtually impossible to steal a vehicle without having the keys. Hence, would be car thieves have to resort to breaking into homes or fishing for keys through letterboxes. Here again, consider getting a small key cabinet to store your keys. Consider fitting a letterbox cage, this will prevent burglars from getting their hands or special tools inside in order to try the latches.

Exterior doors - Fit solid good quality bolts with strong screws to the top and bottom of exterior doors. For French doors, fit a mortise lock in conjunction with bolts top and bottom of the door.

For UPVC doors check with your installer to ensure that you are not invalidating your warranty before fitting locks and bolts. It is also worthwhile getting some expert advice from your local locksmith.

When buying UPVC or metal framed doors or windows, make sure they come pre-fitted with built-in locks.

Garages and Sheds

Garages and sheds should be kept locked and secure as they are often full of expensive tools and things such as ladders that the burglar could use to break into your home. If the garage has a door connecting it to the house, the burglar can easily try and gain entry via the inner door unobserved.

Make sure your shed has a good sturdy door with strong hinges and that it has a good quality hasp and staple fitted with a security padlock.

If possible make sure ladders are locked away in a garage or shed. If left outside, ladders should be chained up to a strong bracket and in a horizontal position. Check to see that there are no other objects outside that can be used as climbing tools to gain access to first floor windows.

If you would like more information on securing your home, call us on 01268 562 562 or visit the experts at our Trade Counter – Unit 3 Pilot Close, Flumar Way, Wickford, Essex, SS11 8YW

As the technology incorporated into vehicle keys has become increasingly complex in recent years, so has the cost of buying spares. Main dealers and garages invariably charge in excess of £250 to supply a programmed car remote key.

People looking to save money will invariably search the web and they will find websites offering reconditioned remotes at a fraction of the price.

The sellers of these products simply state that the buyer will have to do the following:-

1. Find a locksmith that is suitably equipped.

2. Replace and cut a new mechanical key.

3. Reprogram the transponder and remote to the new vehicle.

All very fine in theory and initially it may seem that there could be a potential saving of up to 50%, when compared to the cost of a remote key from a main dealer. However, buyers should beware of the following facts before acquiring a used/ reconditioned remote key:

Problem 1. The large majority of Volkswagen and Audi keys will be “Locked” and the transponder chip cannot be re-written to another car. This is also true of Mercedes, BMW, BMW Mini, Seat, Skoda, Vauxhall, Fiat & Honda, as well as most Citroen, Renaults & Peugeots.

Problem 2. Buying a remote key because it looks identical to the one you require.

Peugeot, Citroen, VW & Audi all produce remote keys that can look identical, however, the internal components can vary enormously. In all cases for Citroen & Peugeot remotes need to be ordered using the vehicles V.I.N. plate ID to ensure you are supplied with the correct part for your car. The year and specification alone is not sufficient information.

Problem 3. From our experience at Fast Key Services approximately 70% of used remotes cannot be programmed unless the transponder chip is replaced. This is another cost that will not have been factored into the price.

When considering the potential pitfalls and the extra costs involved, most customers would be better off seeking the expert advice of a qualified locksmith before embarking on the internet. They would get a much more certain outcome rather than take their chances on the web. Fast Keys are extremely competitively priced compared to dealerships and in most cases will end up working out cheaper than buying the remote and finding someone that can carry the work out cost effectively.

Please feel free to contact the FKS Trade Counter, should you require any additional information or advice prior to buying a used remote key.

Email: tradecounter@fastkeys.co.uk Telephone: 01268-562592

Here at Fast Keys we have yet another addition to the ever increasing range of vehicle remotes that we can supply & programme at our trade counter in Wickford.

The Renault three button key card was introduced by Renault in 2003 to operate on Renault Scenic, Megane & Grand Scenic models and ran through until 2008 after which they reverted back to a more traditional mechanical remote key.

There is an emergency key blade incorporated into the key card which is located in the battery holder of an existing original key card. The key blade can be used to operate a mechanical key barrel discreetly hidden under a plastic key cab on the passenger door allowing access of the vehicle should the remote facility fail.

The good news for owners of these vehicles is we are able to supply and programme new key cards up to 40% cheaper than a main dealer and we will also complete all the work whilst you wait.

Ford Transmit Van Remote Key 2006-2012

Programming Blue 3 button remote keys

Ford Part Number: 6CIT 15K601 AG-1721051

The blue coloured remote key used on Ford transit vans is unique and differs in various ways from the standard black remote which is used on many Ford vehicles.

One major difference being, that the battery is boosted each time the key is turned in the ignition lock. As the battery is effectively self-charging, the remote casing is sealed in order to protect the circuit board and battery.

Depending on usage, the average life of a remote for these transit vans is around six years. Being sealed units, the batteries on the blue headed remote cases cannot be replaced; hence, when the battery eventually fails; the buttons will no longer operate the central locking system and your remote will need to be replaced and programmed using diagnostic equipment.

Some Ford owners will be aware of the procedure to synchronise a remote to the vehicle. This is done by turning the key in the ignition barrel to position two and then back to position 0 four times in six seconds; on the fourth and final turn a beep from the dashboard is the signal to press any button on the remote. Once this process is complete, the remote will be synchronised to the vehicle.

This procedure however does not apply to the blue remotes for Ford transit vans, as there is no manual process to synchronise the remote to the vehicle. This can only be completed by using specialised key programming equipment via the vehicles OBD (on board diagnostic) computer port. This operation simultaneously programs the vehicles transponder (engine immobiliser) chip and remote facility.