One of the problems is that safes are heavy and unwieldy and therefore have some limitations as to where they can be stored. But if you’re smart about placement for the beginning—or invest a little time in making sure it’s in the right location—it will pay off in security and peace of mind.

While the safe itself plays a critical role in securing your belongings, we’re taking a look at the first line of defense in having a safe that is hopefully not discovered by would-be burglars with these seven areas we’d recommend against storing your safe.

1. The Master Bedroom

It may seem like the bedroom is an ideal spot to keep your safe as it’s often private and convenient for keeping valuables close by (especially with a gun safe where you may want your guns easily accessible). But this is also why it’s one of the worst places to store your safe, as burglars usually stop in the master bedroom first. They know people commonly store jewelry, cash and important documents there, so placing your safe here is effectively making it easy for intruders to find your most prized possessions.

Better alternative: a lesser-used room, such as the guest bedroom or an inconspicuous closet.

2. Garage

Another convenient location, especially if your safe is heavy and difficult to move. But your garage is often more susceptible to break-ins than the main living areas of your home. The garage is also open to prying eyes every time the main door is opened, which can potentially make you a target Furthermore, garages are prone to extreme temperature changes and humidity, which could damage the contents of the safe—bad news if you’re storing documents, electronics or firearms. (Though, humidity can be mitigated with a dehumidifier.)

Better alternative: if you need to store the safe outside, a well-secured utility or storage room with climate stability is more ideal.

3. The Basement

Basements are out of the way. They’re hidden. So they’re a good place for safes, right? Well, they come with their own set of challenges. Basements are prone to flooding, for starters, which can be disastrous for the contents of your safe, even if it’s fireproof or waterproof. Moisture levels are higher in general in basements, which can lead to mold, mildew and rust over time. Safes can also have limited access for larger safes. The absence of basements will have most North Texas homeowners exploring other options anyway.

Better alternative: if you must store the safe in the basement, consider putting it on an elevated platform that can handle the weight and install a dehumidifier to protect against moisture damage.

4. In Plain Sight

As you might pick up on, convenience and accessibility are a couple of the biggest reasons people store safes in poor locations. But this often means the safes are in plain sight and not really hidden. Common visible places where safes are stored include the living room, study or home office. This can catch the eye of anyone entering your home, including guests, service workers or potential burglars. If the safe is visible, you’re forfeited your first line of defense in securing your valuables.

Better alternative: conceal your safe behind a false wall, inside a piece of furniture or within a closet that’s locked. This maintains the convenience while keeping it out of plain sight.

5. Attics

Like basements, these out-of-the-way spots seem ideal for hiding valuables. But they can be problematic for a few reasons. They’re difficult to access, which is a pain if you need to reach your safe regularly and this also limits the size and weight of the safe that can be stored in your attic. They’re also susceptible to temperature fluctuations, which can damage sensitive items over time. Finally, in the event of a fire, attics are one of the most vulnerable areas of the home.

Better alternative: A secure, climate-controlled room on the main level of your home is a better balance between safety and accessibility. 

6. Under the Bed

Like the master bedroom, this is another common place criminals typically look first when searching for a safe. It’s not only obvious, but easy to access quickly. A safe small enough to fit on the bed is also one that may be light and/or not bolted down, so it could become a convenient grab and run for a burglar.

Better alternative: a safe bolted to the floor or hidden within a secure piece of furniture.

7. The Closet

Closets are common places where people store safes, but criminals also know this. The master bedroom closet, in particular, is one of the first places a burglar will look. These are especially vulnerable if they don’t have locks, they’re left unlocked or if a thief is persistent. 

Better alternative: a hidden compartment in a wall or floor that can be concealed and secured.

These places aren’t ideal, but there are plenty of good options for you to consider instead. As long as it’s unexpected, secure and discreet, you will hopefully avoid making your safe and easy target. The convenience of some of these options cannot be denied; this is where choosing a secure safe is as critical a decision as to where you store your safe.

If you’d like more personalized advice or would like to shop different safe models, contact A-1 Locksmith or stop by one of our North Texas locations today.

Firearm safety equipment is no exception. 

Yet, many don’t know that this is an option—and often a very convenient one. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of buying firearm safety equipment online from stores like A-1Locksmith.shop. 

Benefit #1: Convenience

The convenience of online shopping is undeniable. With just a few clicks, customers can browse through an extensive array of firearm safety equipment from online retailers like A-1Locksith.shop. From gun safes to safe dehumidifiers and other accessories, our online platform provides a comprehensive catalog of safe products, allowing customers to compare options and make informed decisions from the comfort of their homes.

Benefit #2: Extensive Product Range

A-1 Locksmith understands the diverse needs of firearm owners. Our online store showcases a wide range of safes and safety equipment catering to various preferences and requirements. Whether it’s a biometric safe for quick access or a safe light kit for better visibility, our selection is curated to meet different safety needs.

Benefit #3: Thorough Information

Online platforms like A-1Locksmith.shop aren’t just about purchasing, however. They’re hubs of information, with each product description going into detail about features, specifications and other information. Our website offers valuable insights into the design usage of each safety product as well. FAQs and financing information further aid visitors in understanding the functionalities and importance of different safety equipment and services we offer.

Benefit #4: Seamless Ordering and Delivery

Once you choose the right safe or accessory, the online ordering process with A-1 Locksmith is seamless. Secure payment gateways and efficient logistics ensure prompt delivery right to your doorstep and we include free installation with our safes. This hassle-free process saves time and effort, allowing firearm owners like yourself to focus on what truly matters: maintaining a safe and responsible environment.

Benefit #5: Tailored Customer Support

A-1 Locksmith’s commitment extends beyond the sale. Our online platform offers avenues for customers to seek personalized assistance and we have the backing of multiple physical locations in Dallas-Fort Worth as well. Whether you have questions about firearm safety equipment guidance or need help selecting the right safe for your needs, A-1 Locksmith’s customer support team is readily available to address concerns and provide assistance.

Start shopping our selection of firearm safety equipment online at A-1Locksmith.shop today!

One of the most prevalent queries that echoes among gun owners and enthusiasts is whether gun safes are eligible for tax exemptions in the Lone Star State.

Let’s take a closer look at the laws around these types of purchases and where to find the best tax-free gun safety options in the Lone Star State as we answer the question, “are gun safes tax free in Texas.”

What the Law Says

First, let’s take a look at what the state government has to say about it. According to the website for the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, “the sale, storage, use and other consumption of firearm safety equipment is tax free. This includes, but is not limited to, a gun lock box, gun safe, barrel lock, trigger lock, firearm safety training manual or electronic publication, or other item designed to ensure safe handling or storage of a firearm.” So the short answer is yes, gun safes are tax free in Texas.

Why Get a Gun Safe?

Of course, you don’t just buy something because it’s tax free. It must have benefits to justify the cost. With firearm safes, however, the investment is worth it for several reasons:

• Protection: It keeps firearms away from children who can access it.
• Storage: you need somewhere safe to store firearms and protect them from damage.
• Insurance: many companies provide a discount on your policy if you use a safe.
• Access: in the event of a home invasion, you know where your firearms are.
• Valuables: in addition to firearms, you can store cash and other precious items.

These are just a few reasons to get a gun safe, but there are countless others, from protecting against fires and explosions to safeguarding your rights.

The Best Place to Buy a Gun Safe

A-1 Locksmith isn’t just one of the best locksmith companies in North Texas; we have a wide selection of gun safes as well. Security and safes are our specialty, in fact, and we carry brands like Browning, Liberty, Champion and American Security. Our knowledgeable safe experts can work with you to show you the best gun safe options you have, their features and how to use them. If you’re looking for a gun safe in Dallas-Fort Worth, look no further than A-1 Locksmith.

Browse our safes for sale online today, or stop by one of our North Texas locations! Your Texas state representatives are sending a signal with tax-free gun safes and that signal is a security enhancement we’d recommend as well. 

If you think outside the box, however, you can store a safe in an unexpected place.

While gun safes are large, and many home safes as well, you can at least slow down would-be thieves with these four unexpected places to put a home safe.

1. In the Kitchen

For a place thieves likely won’t look, try the kitchen. Some people use old refrigerators, shelves or cabinets to hide valuables, but it’s not ideal to store valuables in these areas without any extra protection. Consider installing an actual safe in the kitchen instead. You can store it in the back of the pantry, behind a hidden door or under a cabinet. You probably can’t get away with a large safe in this area, but it’s a great unexpected spot for a small or medium safe.

2. In the Stairs

You know that old saying of finding something “under your nose?” That’s what a safe in the stairs is like. You can hide valuables in a safe literally underneath where potential criminals are walking. Under the stairs is a great place for larger safes, but it’s a little more expected than other locations on this list. Actually inside the stair steps themselves is a more unexpected spot, though it’s ideal for the smallest of safes. For larger safes, you could 

3. In a Vent

Wall safes are getting more advanced and versatile these days, as you can buy models that are well cloaked. You can also fit a safe behind a fake vent and it can be any size, since vents vary in sizing as well. Just don’t store valuables or a safe directly in a real air vent, as there’s a chance you could lose them or they could become damaged by cold or hot air. It’s also fairly simple to remove a vent screen with a simple screwdriver.

4. In the Floor

Have you ever seen a movie where the actors find cash hidden in the floorboards? It’s more common than you might think. But, like the other suggestions on this list, we don’t recommend leaving valuables out in the open or stored in an area that isn’t a safe. For several other reasons, your items won’t be protected in case of a fire or explosion. But if you install a safe underground, your belongings will be both hidden and protected.

Now that you’ve reviewed these four unexpected places you can put a home safe, where would you place your safe? This list is far from exhaustive and one for which we’re certain safe owners can have some fun with. 

If you’re interested in a home safe purchase or installation, trust the team at A-1 Locksmith. Stop by one of our Dallas-Fort Worth locations or give us a call at 972-284-7500 to consult with a security expert today!

If you’re worried about home security during showings, here are a few areas to consider.

Home Security System

For starters, what kind of surveillance system do you have in place? While you shouldn’t be spying on your visitors—especially in situations where they should expect privacy—it’s within your rights to monitor your property and the items in it. Consider buying, repairing or expanding your security system for your home, at least when you’re showing it. A professional locksmith company like A-1 Locksmith Security and Safes is a great place to turn for enhancing the security of your home.

Doorbell Cameras

If you don’t feel the need to invest in an entire security system (or you don’t want the expense right before you sell), a doorbell camera is another valuable option. You can record who is visiting your home, yet visitors get privacy for the rest of their tour. A video or voice intercom system can add another layer of protection and visibility—while primarily a commercial security need, it might be a wise idea at any access point. (Especially if your home is quite large.)

Keys

If your home has already had a security issue in the past—or you encounter a visitor you don’t trust—it might be wise to get new locks and/or keys installed. At the very least, you can create duplicate keys for real estate agents and the people on tour of your home so you don’t lose the only copies you own. 

Valuables

Do you have valuable items or belongings out in the open during showings? This is a bad idea for obvious reasons. But we’ll take it a step further and suggest that you don’t keep any valuables in the home at all during this showing period. Or, invest in a home safe where you can securely keep the items most important to you.

Insurance

Even if you consider all of these areas and put security protections in place for your home during showings things can still happen. Criminals can still try to break in, people can steal more than you’d think and children or other visitors can damage the home. In light of this, make sure you have good insurance in place and that it’s up to date, as well as covers these incidents.

Home security during showings might not be your primary consideration as you’re inundated with moving, staging, market volatility etc., but one mistake here can ruin the entire experience for you.

If you’d like more home security tips—during showings or any other time—contact A-1 Locksmith today!

If you do identify an issue, you’ll know how to approach next steps and if a DIY repair is feasible. But you might need to call a pro anyway. Before you do, here are four common trouble areas to check:

1. Coding Issue

If your safe is in a commercial environment, there’s a chance the owner has codes he or she can give to certain people to access the safe. When this happens, the code can be accidentally deactivated or changed. A good way to know whether there is a coding issue is to have someone with another code (preferably the business owner) try to access the safe. If they can, there’s likely an issue with your code. If they can’t, there might be a bigger problem.

2. Battery Life

Another simple issue—akin to turning a computer on and off again to reset it—is when the safe battery dies. Many safes these days use batteries to operate the keypad, unlock the safe and other functions. Replacing the batteries is an obvious way to test whether this is the problem, but other signs that can tip you off include a display that isn’t working, or a display that still lights up while the safe won’t open. If you replace the batteries and there’s still a problem, it might be time to call a professional.

3. Security Features

Many safes these days have advanced security features that let you do everything from access the safe with a fingerprint to lock down in case of too many failed access attempts. The latter can happen if you use the wrong code a few times, in which case you simply need to wait a while before trying to access it again (give it at least 30 minutes to be sure). It’s also possible you may be entering the wrong code, so ensure that is correct as well before calling a professional.

4. Electronics / Wiring

Finally, there could be wiring issues messing with the safe’s electronics. The wires in your safe are like wires in other electronics in that they can wear down or become damaged/dead over time. If you do diagnose this is your issue, it’s almost always a necessity to call a professional locksmith to open it again and give you access to your safe. A locksmith can also help you diagnose the issue to begin with if you’re wanting to streamline to a solution.

Whether you need a safe repair or are interested in a new safe purchase, A-1 Locksmith is ready to serve. Give us a call or start shopping online today.

Take security upgrades, for example. 

If your home has a security system, do you really need a safe? What about the opposite scenario? Isn’t only one of these options good enough? Let’s take a look at which security option is better for you, or if investing in both is the best decision.

Advantages of a Safe

Home safes are ideal for keeping valuable belongings secured. At the top of the list are firearms, ammunition, jewelry, cash and important documents. While a security system will alert you to suspicious activity, it won’t do much for physically protecting your most important belongings. Here are some of the other security advantages a safe provides:

• Portability: A safe can be delivered and installed in the location of your choice
• Flexibility: bolt down the safe to the floor or wall, or leave it freestanding. 
• Variety: There are a wide variety of safe sizes and features available today.
• Superiority: When it comes to protecting belongings in a fire, flood or burglary attempt, nothing provides safety and security like a safe (especially with the right safe rating). 

Advantages of a Security System

Security systems don’t physically protect belongings, but they do give you awareness and an extra layer of support in the form of a monitoring company. Using your preferred settings and features, you can set up your home security in a way that gives you superior peace of mind—both at home and on the road. Here are some of the other security advantages a security system provides:

• Visibility: you can install cameras and point them anywhere you’d like.
• Safety: A team of professionals will be ready to alert the authorities should something suspicious happen and trigger an alarm on your property.
• Affordability: Many security systems are more affordable than large or advanced home safes and there are different levels of systems for different budgets.

Benefits of Both

Of course, as a professional security company, we’ll recommend that you invest in both a safe and a security system, if your budget allows. This isn’t just bias; you’ll be able to keep your most precious and valuable items locked away in a well-rated safe while keeping the rest of your home monitored and ready to alert you (or the team monitoring your system). A consultation with a professional locksmith is all you need to determine what your situation requires, and they’ll be happy to recommend certain models, brands or systems.

If you’re in need of a new safe or security system, contact the team at A-1 Locksmith today, or visit any of our DFW-area locations. 

How do you know which is which? 

When it comes to safes at least, we can help. If you own a home safe (especially one you’re using for firearm storage), you should know which accessories are necessary and which you can do without. Let’s go over the safe accessories you should prioritize on your wish list.

1. Dehumidifiers

Probably the No. 1 must-have accessory if you’re storing a firearm, dehumidifiers keep condensation from settling (and usually rusting) on metal. This maintains the life of whatever metal item you’re storing, ensuring your firearm functions as well when you pull it out of the gun safe as it did before you stored it in the safe. There are dehumidifiers available in several sizes and styles (e.g. desiccants, rods, rechargeables, etc.), so choose one that fits your space, maintenance and usage needs.

2. Interior Lights

Safes are dark by design. To see corners and the back of your safe, a lighting kit may be in order. Especially beneficial at night, interior lighting can be combined with mirrors to help you see every area of the safe. You can go with one that a manufacturer specifically designed for your model, or go with a universal option. 

3. Exterior Lights

In addition to lights inside the safe, consider lights outside the safe. You want to be able to quickly access your safe at night, so if it’s under your bed or in the closet corner, make sure you have proper illumination (motion-tracking is a smart choice here). At the very least, ensure you can see the lock or combination pad if yours is not illuminated.

4. Organizers

Perhaps you have accessories or ammunition for your firearms. Or, you own multiple firearms and other valuables. An organizer can help you keep things nice, tidy and accessible in your safe. There are handgun hangers, door panel organizers, rifle organization compartments, drawers and more. 

5. Mounting Kit

While we’re adding this to the accessory list, if you don’t want the potential of your safe walking off then a mounting kit should rather be thought of as part of the cost of the safe. There are two big benefits to mounting or anchor kits: 1, they keep the safe from tipping over; and 2, they make the safe more difficult to steal. A mounting kit also lets you secure and store the safe by fastening to a wall or ceiling – you have more options than just bolting to the ground. 

If you’re interested in a home safe or safe accessory, browse our online shop today or stop by one of our DFW-area locations and we’ll answer any questions you may have.

Let’s walk through the steps typically associated with a keypad battery change to help you decide whether it’s worth a DIY attempt or if it’s time to call a professional locksmith. 

(Note: these instructions are based on the SECURAM ProLogic series of keypads.)

Step #1: Find the Battery Compartment

Top-lit, back-lit and LCD screen keypads are usually pretty easy to find where to change the battery. It’s often found at about the 5 O’clock position, though you can work your way around the keypad to find it if it’s not there. 

Step #2: Remove the Compartment

There should be a lever that you can pull to slide out the battery compartment. It comes out pretty easily and often features a D-cell battery.

Step #3: Replace the Battery

This is pretty straightforward, with no special batteries required or anything. Just buy a pack of D Cells and use one of them for the keypad. Discard the old battery.

Step #4: Replace the Compartment

Slide the compartment back into the slot the same way it came out. (Again, this should be around the 5 o’clock position.) Make sure the battery and compartment are both in the right way, or either could get stuck. Once it’s in, you’re done with your keypad battery change!

Step #5: Verify the Battery Level

If your keypad features an LCD screen, you’ll be able to check the battery level with a quick glance at the top-right corner. It displays your battery life similar to the way your phone does.

Finding the Best Safe Accessories

If you’re looking to upgrade your home safe, getting a keypad upgrade from A-1 Locksmith is a great place to start. We have top-lit, back-lit and LCD screen keypads, as well as other safe accessories like outlet kits, anchors, storage options, dehumidifiers and more. Check out our accessories page to see all of the items we have in stock. Stop by any of our DFW-area locations today and one of our professional technicians will help you find what you need to maximize the security of your safe. 

If you have other safe or security questions, contact the team at A-1 Locksmith today!

Let’s go over three types of safe keypad upgrades that we’d recommend.

Type #1: Top Lit

This first option is the one that has the least amount of features, but it’s definitely worth considering and works for many people. It gets its name from the fact that there is a light bulb at the top of the keypad that illuminates the keys for easy viewing. This safe accessory upgrade is ideal for dark closets and other areas that don’t have much light. (They’re also great if you need to access your safe during the night.)

Key benefits of top-lit safe keypads: convenient and simple with an easy-to-change battery.

Type #2: Back Lit

Another home safe keypad option that illuminates the keys for easier access to the safe, back-lit keypads take the goal of illumination up a notch by lighting up the entire keypad instead of just a light at the top. This makes visibility even easier (and really, is the better option if you can budget for the upgrade). Also, the housing for these types of keypads can be customized (e.g. stainless steel, black chrome, etc.). 

Key benefits of back-lit safe keypads: higher visibility with more color options.

Type #3: LCD Screen

One of the more advanced safe upgrades, LCD screen keypads also feature customizable colors and have the most technology among all the options we’re covering today. Using a ProLogic L02 keypad as an example, features you can expect in LCD screen keypads include an LCD digital display, programming features, beeping/sound control and more.

Key benefits of LCD screen safe keypads: user friendly, advanced and sleek.

To see these differences for yourself, check out our related video on the subject:

If you’re interested in learning more about the keypad options you have when it comes to home safes, contact A-1 Locksmith Security and Safes today.