Locksmith Blog | Portland Oregon

Invented by Frank Best in 1912 the Best® interchangeable core has been the predominate lock found in retail, commercial, and food service industry for over 30 years.  Many end users of Best® interchangeable cores are unaware of the evolution of the small format interchangeable core (SFIC).  Best® Lock Company is no longer the only supplier for SFIC cylinders and keys.  A-MAX Security Solutions, in conjunction with Assa–Abloy Retrofit Security Solutions, now supply high quality retrofit products in a variety of keyways from traditional unprotected Best® keyways to patent protected keyways and now audit trail capable electronic cylinders.

Los Angeles Times    

Aug. 5, 2010 issue: Old-school car keys appear headed for extinction, as automakers rush to install wireless systems that allow drivers to unlock their doors and start their engines with an electronic fob that they never have to take out of their purse or pocket. Introduced less than a decade ago on luxury models, the push-button systems are rapidly spreading to all segments of the market, including bargain-priced Kias. The number of models with them as standard or optional equipment has quadrupled in the last five years. Many drivers don't fully understand how the systems work, however, leaving them vulnerable to potentially serious safety problems. More

When we need a new deadbolt for our home our natural inclination is probably to run down to the local home improvement store and grab a deadbolt that is on sale.  However it is important to know that not all locks are created equal.  Most deadbolts are graded by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)  with a minimum residential rating of a grade 3.   ANSI tests are based on such criteria as ability to withstand impact, torque, and load.  At A-MAX Security we want consumers to know that there are more choices than the minimum standard.  The top grade for ANSI is Grade 1.  We recommend that everyone take a few minutes to get educated on deadbolts. 

When choosing a lock for your home you need to take into consideration how a burglar will compromise your lock.  Let’s take a minute to talk about how a burglar attacks a door.    Burglars Kick, Pry, Wrench, Hammer, Saw, Drill or Pick your lock.  Sometimes a burglar may even have a copy of your key.   You need to talk these things into consideration when you choose what level of security is right for your home.

 Purchase a deadbolt with a minimum 1” bolt.  Look for a deadbolt that adds a boxed stike (a strike plate that has a closed in metal back that allows screws to directly mount in the door stud).  Look for a deadbolt that has a solid brass collar that spins under the pressure of a wrench.  Ask if the bolts that hold the lock together are high- tensile steel.  Check if your lock has some sort of picking deterance like Medeco’s patented M3 locking system which incorporates pin tumblers that elevate and rotate to correspond to matching angles and depths on a cut key. 

When you are ready to purchase a deadbolt look for your closest Medeco Security Center and choose the lock that professional locksmiths around the world choose the Medeco Maxum Deadbolt.

Welcome to the new A-MAX Security Solutions Inc., weblog.  We hope you find our blog informative and educational.  We will be adding posts about new products,  tips for locating a professional licensed locksmith, technology updates for transponder keyprogramming and more.  We would also encourage you to visit our Facebook page for pictures of our showroom and a gallery of decorative safes that we have photographed.  Our facebook page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Portland-OR/A-MAX-Security-Solutions-Inc/247180100525