Locksmith News & Security Blog

5/1/2024

How & Why To Celebrate Skilled Trades Day

This awareness date was started to educate people on trade jobs...like locksmithing!

Currently, there are about 8.8 million job openings in the United States. Over 770,000 of these positions are skilled trades jobs, and by 2028, it is estimated that more than 3 million skilled trades job positions will still be available, as employers struggle to find workers.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people were laid off and/or got used to working from home. Now, employees are demanding flexible schedules and an increase in pay and benefits, as they work to deal with work-life balance, inflation, and feeling burnt out.

The labor shortage is hitting trades in an especially hard way, as only 16% of students consider skilled trade industries. Those about to enter the workforce:

are usually encouraged to attend college, which can lead to student debt
underestimate how much money they could make as trade workers, even though half of the trade industry starts out earning at least $50,000/year
have out-of-date views on skilled trades, despite the fact that these jobs use cutting-edge technology and secure regular continuing education credits

City Machine Technologies established National Skilled Trades Day, in order to promote the benefits of jobs like locksmithing, which:

usually only require a certification for employment, rather than years of college
allow people to enter the workforce sooner and without student loan debt
offer competitive pay, insurance, vacation time, overtime pay, and other benefits
are always hiring, always essential to society, and always in demand

At Cothron’s Security Professionals, we do our part to spread awareness about trade jobs. We highlight employees on social media, explaining how/why they became a locksmith. We set up at career fairs/career days, educating students on our roles. And we have our employment opportunities listed on our website, as we are always looking to hire locksmiths, access control technicians, glaziers, and door & frame techs. We even have openings for students looking for career prep, part-time jobs, internships, or work-study opportunities.

Today, on Skilled Trades Day, we urge you to:

learn more about these fields
thank a worker
tell someone about these exciting job opportunities
apply at Cothron’s, Austin's oldest and most trusted locksmith, alarm, safe, and security company!

2/7/2024

10 Break-In Prevention Tips For Commercial Properties

With an increase in breaking and entering – including mail theft, auto theft, and commercial break-ins around Austin, Texas – Cothron’s shares tips on how to keep property safe.

A Shortage Of Police
In September 2023, due to staffing shortages and an increase in crime, the Austin Police Department shared on social media that residents should call 311 instead of 911 if robbed. “The post was intended for victims of a jugging in general and not specific to robberies. Jugging is a form of theft that includes both robbery and burglary. It occurs when a suspect follows a victim from a bank to their next location before committing the crime,” the department stated, as reported by Fox News.

Austin Police Association President Thomas Villarreal told Fox & Friends, “We're a growing city, a city that should be up around 2,000 officers…I've got about 1,475 officers in our police department and, you know, we're moving in the wrong direction.”

thief trying to break into vehicle in austin tx

An Increase In Mail & Auto Theft
During this past holiday season, postal workers left notes in mailboxes around Austin, urging people to check their mail daily, in order to cut down on theft.

A United States Postal Service press release stated earlier last year that “incidents of letter carrier robberies are on the rise across the nation. In FY22, 412 USPS letter carriers were robbed on the job. With 305 incidents reported in the first half of FY23, these incidents are increasingly more prevalent. Additionally, the agency reported an increase in high-volume mail theft incidents from mail receptacles including blue collection boxes: 38,500 in FY22 and more than 25,000 in the first half of FY23.”

Late last year, KXAN reported on Austin’s auto thefts, detailing stories of a victim who had her car stolen, added a steering wheel club, and had to deal with a thief trying to steal it again, as well as a victim whose car was stolen from his gated apartment complex, though his case was closed, since there were no witnesses or surveillance videos.

KXAN went on to say that between January 1, 2022 and October 5, 2023, the Austin Police Department looked into 10,234 auto theft cases, and there were arrests in only 809 of them. “In Austin, many suspects are teens who receive little-to-no sentences, allowing them to continually re-offend.”

A Continuation Of The Problem…& Some Helpful Hints
Now, in February 2024, the problems continue.

Mail theft – which can lead to identities being stolen and further financial-related crimes – is being seen more and more across the city and country. Postal workers’ keys regularly go missing or get stolen, specifically arrow keys, which allow entry into any/all mailboxes.

Cothron’s is seeing an increase in calls from corporate customers who have suffered break-ins. Thieves are targeting lock boxes and stealing master keys, leaving many wanting to rekey entire commercial buildings.

When it comes to cutting down on the chances of having property broken into or belongings stolen, keep the following security tips in mind:

Keep doors and windows locked at all times. During the day, consider allowing entry with an access control system (detailed below), and during non-business hours, make sure everything is locked up tight.
Install motion lights. These are great for exterior doors, as they illuminate spaces and can scare trespassers away.
Store keys in an inconspicuous place. As mentioned, many instances of forced entry come about due to keys being taken from lock boxes. And many commercial buildings have these near their front doors, as a way to let in deliveries and contractors. One idea is to not make the box/key so visible.
Remove keys altogether. Another idea is to forgo keys and enter/exit a different way – such as swiping a card on a badge reader or entering a code on a keypad.
Increase security with cameras. Homes and businesses alike turn to security cameras that provide real-time monitoring of the area.
Add in alarms. Similarly, business owners and property managers can get 24/7 professional monitoring and technology through Cothron’s, powered by Alarm.com, including notifications if the system is left unarmed or if it’s triggered.
Utilize smart landscaping. On top of these physical security features, some turn to certain types of plants and trees (think prickly and hard-to-climb versions) and place them in front of windows.
Know who has access. Employees come and go, and even if someone leaves on an amicable note, you never know where duplicate keys may end up. As your staff changes, so should your locks.
Upgrade current hardware. Due to the heavy traffic inherent to many commercial doors, handles, locks, hinges, deadbolts, closers, and exit devices can wear down quickly. A locksmith can come in, assess your current system, check for signs of any structural weaknesses, recommend upgrades, and get new solutions installed. These may include solidly constructed doors with drill-resistant materials, door frames that can’t be jimmied, cover plates that add armored protection (seen below), and high-security locks. “No lock is 100% burglar proof, but the longer and harder a burglar finds it to break in, [the more likely it is that] they will give up and run to another business,” shares Ray Lopez, one of our road technicians. “Also a big dog will work, too!”
Keep valuables locked in safes. When it comes to what’s inside your buildings, you want to make sure it’s protected. A safe keeps everything secure on a day-to-day basis, as well as adds another layer of burglary prevention.

before and after of cover plate installation on commercial door in austin tx

The news isn’t all bad all the time, though: Sally Lozoya and her husband told KVUE that they have had storage units in Austin for about a decade and that a year ago, they started dealing with break-ins and burglaries.

The property manager of the facility, Martin Lacayo, said the issue was resolved by installing an anti-burglary alarm detection system, as the area is now under surveillance and using individual keypad access codes for each tenant (services we offer:).

So prioritize prevention…Call Cothron’s today.

11/21/2023

Why Your ATX Business Should Have A Go-To Security Professional: 10 Advantages Of Commercial Locksmiths

Companies and organizations in Greater Austin can boost business by boosting security.

Many business owners and property managers may only think to call locksmiths when they need new keys. This is certainly part of the job description, as Cothron’s provides rekeys, lockout services, and key duplication.

However, security goes far beyond this, and there are many benefits to having a go-to commercial locksmith like us.

Employee Safety: From upgraded locks and badge readers on front doors to security cameras and alarms, we can help control who enters/exits your buildings, working to keep everyone inside safe. When your team feels safe at work, this will lead to an increase in morale, loyalty, and productivity.
Customer Safety: Similarly, when customers/clients feel at ease when visiting your office or store, they will be more likely to return and to recommend you to others.
Accessibility: Think about all the people going in and out of your doors each day. You’ll want to make it easy and safe for them, so Cothron’s installs things like fire-rated hardware, ADA-compliant door openers, and antimicrobial devices, too. These solutions are there in case of emergencies (like fires), for those who need modified access (like automatic doors for those in wheelchairs), and in order to fight off bacteria, germs, and illnesses (with the help of, say, microban levers).
Decreased Crime: Of course, the more secure a facility is, the less likely it is that there will be a break-in or robbery, and one of Cothron’s top goals is to keep down crime rates in the Austin area!
Saved Money: When you cut down on crime, you are saving time, money, worry, and hassle. After all: If there has been no theft, then you suffer no loss. Therefore, when you invest in physical security, you are making a wise investment that can save everything from finances to lives.
Saved Time: Money and time are also saved thanks to options such as master key systems and keyless entry. For example, instead of having to search for a specific key on your key ring, you can have one that controls all doors, and/or your staff can access the building by simply flashing their ID cards.
Protected Assets: No matter your industry, you want to protect your assets – whether they be physical goods, intellectual property, or beyond. Features like safes and security systems help in doing so. And here’s a behind-the-scenes glimpse into our offerings + an example of just how much we can help you protect: We recently installed locks on every single one of the cabinet doors pictured above, which were in examination rooms at a new local healthcare facility!
Aesthetics: They say not to judge a book by its cover, but your front door says a lot about what your brand provides. Our door crew handles everything from custom installations and construction to remodels, repairs, and replacements. If you can dream it, we can do it.
Control: In Central Texas, many turn to us for access control options like video surveillance, which provides complete visibility, 24-hour monitoring, and peace of mind.
Peace of Mind: And that peace of mind can be reached whether you replace the locks on exterior doors, switch over to no-touch hardware in high-traffic areas, add locks to file cabinets, install CCTV…The list goes on, and Cothron’s provides it all and more!

Ready to get started on boosting security and business at your place of work? Contact us today!

10/25/2023

FBI Crime Stats + Safety Tips

In honor of National Crime Prevention Month, Cothron’s Security Professionals is sharing advice on how to prevent crimes.

This month – National Crime Prevention Month – the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released its 2022 Crime in the Nation Statistics. Thankfully, major crimes such as murder, rape, and aggravated assault saw a decrease, but robbery showed a national increase of 1.3%.

In Texas, specifically, there were over 100,000 reported accounts of burglary, 21,000 robberies, and almost 100,000 motor vehicle theft incidents last year.

Due to these crime statistics and the fact that October is all about the promotion of preventing crime, Cothron’s – Austin’s oldest and most trusted locksmith and security company – wanted to share some safety tips.

Preventing Crime In Homes, Businesses & Schools

Make sure there are well-lit entryways: Having lights at front doors, back doors, and other exterior doors helps you safely see your way into and out of places. Furthermore, they can help prevent burglars from trespassing.
Consider motion lights, alarm systems, and/or surveillance cameras: This can be taken a step further with lighting that detects motion, as well as security alarms and video surveillance systems, which alert you if there are intruders.
Use shrubbery to help cover windows and deter breakins: Shrubs can act like fencing, as it blocks people from looking or breaking into your house, place of business, or educational institution.
Upgrade door hardware to include smart locks, deadbolts, peepholes, and other safety features: You can also increase security by having upgraded locks installed.
Store valuables in a safe: When it comes to valuable belongings that are inside, make sure to lock them in a safe (preferably one with a hard-to-guess combination).

Preventing Crime While Driving, Traveling & Biking

Don't keep valuables in your car: If someone sees something valuable in your vehicle, that will make them more likely to break in and steal it. Try to leave those at home!
Hide personal belongings after you park: When you do have personal items with you, make sure to hide them if the car is going to be left unattended.
Always lock doors/windows: Of course, actually locking doors and windows is always a smart move (though you’d be surprised how many people leave them unlocked).
Use a high-quality lock when securing your bike, locking your luggage, etc.: And when it comes to locks, make sure to opt for strong and sturdy ones (like what we sell in our shops:).

These are just a few crime prevention tips to keep in mind during this month and beyond. As always, if you need help purchasing/installing any of these security features, you can contact us here. Stay safe out there, Texas!

9/21/2023

Then & Now: Cothron's 75 Years In Austin

You may have heard that Cothron’s Security Professionals is celebrating its 75th anniversary. In honor of this, we wanted to take a little trip down memory lane…

Since 1948, a LOT has changed in Austin, Texas, and we’ve grown and evolved with this beautiful city. We’ve moved, changed locations, and added shops to continue serving as the oldest and most trusted locksmith and security company in town.

You may be surprised to learn that some iconic buildings you drive by each day and regularly frequent actually used to house our business. They are now filled with restaurants and stores and offices and bars…but a piece of Cothron’s history still hangs about (sometimes literally:)...

Past/Current Shop Locations

Congress: The first location was off Fourth and Congress in what was a magazine store. Cothron’s founder, Olen, lived in the back with his wife, Mary.
807 E 4th: Brewery Guns & Oil Beer took over this location, in order to put its flagship brewery in Downtown Austin. Then it became Native Hostel, which is now closed, and Holey Moley Miniature Golf is moving in soon.
509 Rio Grande: In the '70s, this location had the hanging key-shaped sign…a sign that was then transformed for Wahoo's Fish Tacos in 2007, followed by Holy Roller in 2017, and – currently – J. Carver's.
909 N Lamar: While there, the company suffered through two floods. It’s now home to Shoal Creek Saloon, which has also flooded.
2908 N Interstate 35: This is now PixelHaven Gaming & Collectables.
1000 E 51st St: A co-working space, The Grid, moved in.
8120 Exchange: Our current corporate headquarters looks like your typical office space (though, if you look behind it, you'll see monsters and other works of creepy art from our neighbor -- House of Torment!).
1315 W Ben White: Currently, there are three shop locations, located on Ben White…
8225 Burnet Road: …Burnet Road…
2119 N Mays: …and North Mays in Round Rock.

Some Fun Facts

In the 1970s, locksmiths would collaborate with the bicycle industry, and indeed, Cothron’s used to sell bikes! Four of the shops were in on this until about 2008.
Cothron’s is still family owned and operated: Olen’s son, Steve, serves as the CEO; Steve’s children, Angela and Andy, are head of accounting and high security, respectively; Angela’s husband, Daniel Powers, is the brand’s operations manager; and Daniel’s cousin, Vanessa Len Herrera, is the dispatch supervisor.
There are several parents/children and siblings (not related to the Cothrons) that are employed by this business, too…including a set of twins.
Several employees are in bands that perform around town and every year at the company Christmas party.
Made up of about 80 unique, talented, hardworking people, Cothron’s is like a big family…a family that enjoys keeping Central Texas safe and secure!

Well, did any of these past locations or facts surprise you? Do you remember any of them? Have you been to our current shops? If so, we appreciate your business, and if not, we hope to see you soon.

Here’s to another 75 years!

8/16/2023

Tips For Increasing School Security

It’s back-to-school season, and Cothron’s, based in Austin, Texas, is sharing information on how to boost campus safety.

This year in Texas, there is a greater emphasis on school security, due to new legislation. These regulations – which came about after last year’s Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde – include armed officers and mental health support. But what else can schools do to increase safety?

Keep Exterior Doors Locked: A huge part of keeping out unwanted guests is regularly locking doors. Within schools, there are parents coming in to pick up their kids, teachers leaving campus for lunch, students moving throughout different buildings for different classes…Many campuses, therefore, have their doors on timers, allowing entry/exit at certain times of the day. Others utilize access control options, which are covered below. Find a solution that works best for you, and do everything you can to keep the front door locked.

Set Up Surveillance Cameras &/Or Alarms: Security cameras and alarms can be used to monitor what is happening around you. CCTV can be set up at entrances and other high-traffic areas, and if/when a door opens when it shouldn’t, a security alarm can alert everyone.

Designate Specific Perimeters: Schools must clearly communicate with faculty & staff, students, and parents, and part of this includes designated areas (such as where kids are dropped off/picked up), schedules (like letting visitors know when they can/can’t come to campus), and expectations (on what to do in case of an emergency, for instance).

Implement Access Control: More and more homes, businesses, and educational institutions are turning to security solutions that control who has access to buildings. A popular pick is fobs or badges that can be scanned to permit entry. Currently, many are also turning to identity-based access control, which uses biometric identity like fingerprints to open doors.

Have Response Plans In Place: We all remember doing fire drills when we were children, and today, emergency preparedness must be taken to a whole new level. Whether there is a natural disaster or an active shooter, there must be a clear, specific plan in place. Everyone needs to know exactly what to do and where to go, and the emergency drills must be practiced regularly.

Hire Security Guards: Some campuses rely on security professionals to monitor and protect. With this new Texas legislation, many school staff members will also be armed. If these solutions are right for you, gun safety must be a priority; if possible, keep firearms locked in gun safes to prevent any accidents.

Improve Classroom Security: Finally, each classroom should be as secure as possible. For classroom doors, consider fire-rated and/or bullet-proof options. Make sure they lock from the inside or even have an automatic locking system. Windows should be able to be covered, as well. These are just a few of the basic security measures to keep in mind, though there are a plethora of classroom safety options, including barricade devices.

As school starts, Cothron’s hopes you all have a safe and successful year! And if you are looking to boost security on your school’s Austin Area campus, contact us here.

7/12/2023

Top Things To Do In Austin This Summer

If you’re traveling and find yourself in the ATX, the capital of Texas, we have your itinerary ready for you!

Summer is here, meaning it’s time for vacations, getaways, adventures, and roadtrips…and we highly suggest coming to Austin, Texas, y’all.

We’re the capital city of the state and the Live Music Capital of the World, and we like to keep it weird. We kind of have something for everyone, whether you’re into shopping, the great outdoors, history, or food. And our top suggestions of things to do in ATX include:

Eat Barbecue: Austin is full of amazing, award-winning dining options, including lots of breweries, food trucks, and tex-mex restaurants. However, our main claim to fame is barbecue at places like Interstellar, Stiles Switch, Black's Barbecue, Salt Lick, Cooper's, The County Line, and Franklin Barbecue.
Visit The Capitol Building: The Texas State Capitol opened in 1888, and even if you don’t care about politics, this pink granite landmark is quite the sight to see.
Take A Dip: Pool water from underground springs, a 50-foot waterfall that leads into a canyon, a fully submerged cave, natural pools…We have it all and more. Try to beat the heat by spending time at Blue Hole, Barton Creek Greenbelt, Jacob’s Well, Krause Springs, Barton Springs Pool, and Hamilton Pool.
Hike: In addition to watering holes, this city is full of hiking trails. You can walk or bike around the city on the Ann & Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail, watch the sun set atop Mount Bonnell, birdwatch at the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, or see the falls of McKinney Falls State Park.
See The Bats: The Congress Avenue Bridge is an iconic spot in Austin, and if you visit at just the right time, you can see the Congress Bridge Bats fly out just before sunset.
Learn Some History: The Bullock Texas State History Museum tells the "Story of Texas." One of the museum’s most notable pieces is the Goddess of Liberty, which stands sixteen feet tall and was originally on top of the Capitol building!
Have An Instagram-Worthy Picnic: Zilker Metropolitan Park offers over 350 acres of space for frisbee, reading, playing, flying kites, napping, and picnics, all with views of the city skyline. There are playgrounds, concession stands, a botanical garden, a theater, and a miniature railway, too, and this is where the Austin City Limits Music Festival takes place.
Do Some Shopping: South Congress is full of unique boutiques, hotels, and restaurants, as well as several recognizable murals. It’s a must-see stop for any tourist.
Play Putt-Putt: Peter Pan Mini-Golf has been around since 1948, and the courses feature whales, dinosaurs, castles, and other magical barriers. It’s also BYOB!
Visit A Cathedral: The Cathedral of Junk is an attraction like no other. It’s made with over 60 tons of, well, junk. Just go…Trust us…Visit it.
Do Some More Shopping: The Domain is an outdoor shopping mall that offers retail, restaurant, and residential space. You can shop, you can eat, and then you can do it all again!
Get Dirty: Last but not least, there is Sixth Street (aka Dirty 6th), a historic and famous street, full of entertainment, where you never know what you’ll see.

This is just a sampling of all that’s offered, and we hope you get to visit ATX soon. But wherever your summer travels lead you, remember to have a safe/fun time…and remember to call Cothron’s at 512-472-6273 if you need a locksmith!

5/30/2023

How To Protect Your Home While Traveling

While off on summer adventures, smart locks, security systems, and other safety features can keep your house protected.

School’s out for the summer, and this Memorial Day weekend marked the unofficial start of summer. Soon, people will be heading out on family vacations, to summer camps, and for lake days, all to soak up some fun in the sun.

While we fully support taking a break and getting away, we urge you all to do something before you leave for your trip: secure your house by following the tips below.

1. Tell Someone You’re Leaving: Before you head out, make sure at least one person knows where you will be, for how long, and how to reach you (just in case there’s an emergency). You may also want to have someone come over in order to feed the animals, water the plants, and check the mail. If you’ll be gone for a while, you may even want to pause/postpone any orders (such as autoships or subscriptions) and have the post office hold your mail.

2. Make It Look Like Someone Is Home: Having someone check in while you’re away is smart. If no one will be coming and going, though, you can still make it look like there’s someone inside by, say, having lights come on with timers and/or keeping a vehicle in the driveway.

3. Don’t Tell Everyone About Your Trip, Though: For many, getaways are full of Instagram-worthy moments, and you can definitely show off online…just wait until you get back. If you share a real-time post about leaving, it notifies anyone and everyone that your house is sitting empty.

4. Inspect Current Safety Features: Now is a good time to check doors, windows, and locks, in order to make sure everything is working properly. If not, we know someone you can call to have any/all of this repaired/replaced.;)

5. Upgrade Your Security System: Think about ways home security can be enhanced even further, as motion lights, surveillance cameras, door/window sensors, and video doorbells are just a few of the most popular options.

6. Pretend You Beefed Up Security: A yard sign with a security notice and/or the name of your security company can help deter burglars…and these can be put up whether you have a security system or not!

7. Consider Smart Locks: A security camera or a doorbell camera may not be for everyone, but now is a good time to think about a smart lock. These have increased in popularity, due to features like monitoring activity from your phone and allowing temporary access, and we’re constantly installing them (especially Yale Home’s DoorSense™).

8. Draw The Curtains: Another way to help decrease the chances of a robbery is to make sure window curtains are closed and concealing whatever treasures you may possess. Plus, the valued belongings you do have should be placed in locked safes.

9. Hide Your Keys: Under the doormat, in a hanging plant, disguised as a rock…There are many places to keep a spare key, but while traveling, you may want to keep them all inside, take them with you, or hide them in better places (just in case).

10. Take A Cue From A Classic Movie: If all else fails, you may just want to leave your kid home – equipped with paint cans, a tarantula, nails, tar, a blowtorch, and ornaments – and let them take care of it!

No matter what your summer holds, we hope it’s a fun and safe one. And if you need to enhance your home security before (or after) then, contact Cothron’s today.

3/29/2023

Gun Safety / Storage: Stats & Solutions

Most gun owners don’t lock firearms up securely…and firearms are the leading cause of death in American children. Practice gun safety, and – if you haven’t already – invest in a gun safe.

In other countries, the leading causes of children’s deaths are vehicle accidents and cancer. In the United States, it’s firearms. This is especially top of mind, due to the recent school shooting in Nashville and the one-year anniversary approaching of the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

When looking at this age group’s mortality in other countries, guns are not even in the top three nor the top four leading causes, and since 2000, child firearm deaths have increased in the U.S. while decreasing everywhere else.

Also in America, around 45% of households own at least one gun, and out of that number, more than half store firearms unlocked. With 58% storing at least one unlocked and hidden and 18% storing at least one unlocked and unhidden, gun owners tend to think locks will slow them down in the event of an emergency.

When firearms are stored securely, most people turn to gun safes. There are a variety of selections, such as:

fire-rated safes
those that can be rented
in-wall / in-ground safes
vaults
under-the-bed safes
those that open by key, PIN code, dial, or biometrics
plus a variety of colors, financing options, and the opportunity to have safes delivered, installed, and repaired

After hearing recent news and reading recent studies, consider the following gun safety / firearm storage tips:

Talk about gun storage and firearms safety. This is especially important if there are any in your household and/or if you have children.
Treat all guns like they are loaded. This is a wise way to practice caution.
Store firearms unloaded. The previous step should be kept in mind at all times…even though everything should be kept empty.
Store ammunition elsewhere. A child or an intruder could find your firearm, which is why bullets, accessories, and so on should be kept somewhere else.
Lock guns up securely. If there is a gun in your house, your place of business, your vehicle…Make sure it is in a lock box or a locked safe like the ones offered by Cothron’s.

With so many people owning guns…With so many mass shootings taking place across the country…With firearms being the main contributor to child mortality in America…Know this firearm safety information, share it, do it, and get a safe and secure gun storage solution.

As a reminder, Cothron’s sells safes in Austin, Texas, with an array of ratings, sizes, colors, materials, and locks. We offer safe delivery, safe installations, safe repairs, and financing options, as well. Learn more here, and visit us at one of our shop locations to browse/buy.

3/3/2023

10 Interesting Facts About Locks / Locksmiths

Do you know what material was used to create the first locks? Do you know who invented the first automatic door bolt? Do you know how Cothron's got its start? Our latest blog post covers this and more

Locks and keys have been around for thousands of years, and the history associated with the industry and some of its main players is fascinating. From early wooden locks and the reasoning behind certain security features to famous locksmiths and family-owned businesses, read on to learn 10 neat facts about the world of locksmiths.

1. Locks have been around for more than 6,000 years, as an early version was found at Nineveh, the capital of ancient Assyria. These security features started out with carved wooden designs and became more advanced in the 18th century, due to metal works.

2. Famed escape artist Harry Houdini was a locksmith, and Nick Hoffman, the chief curator at The History Museum at the Castle (previously The Houdini Historic Center), spoke on the topic. "This bobby pin from his collection has clearly been adjusted, bent open, and maybe he was using it to sort of practice an escape. So this is just a really, really neat thing to see…this manipulated bobby pin to pick a lock." Hoffman continued, saying, "One of the things he loved to do is palm the keys to make some sort of lock pick. So he would put some sort of clay in his hands and then very carefully, when he had the key, push it down into his palm and then that clay would take the form of the key and then he could have his carpenters and other assistants make a pick."

Via The History Museum at the Castle

3. Linus Yale Sr. opened a lock shop in the 1840s, leading to the creation of a pin tumbler lock. His son, Linus Yale Jr., joined him, enhanced the design, patented the Yale cylinder lock, and then started Yale & Towne in 1868.

4. In 1857, James Sargent started the James Sargent Lock Company and went on to provide the U.S. Treasury Department with safe locks and to invent products like the first time lock for bank vaults.

5. Originally, Samuel Segal was a police officer, which led to the original Segal lock in 1912, as a way to help protect people from "jimmying" doors open.

6. In the early 1920s, the Master Lock Company was established by Harry Soref, known for his laminated steel-cased lock patent.

7. The first automatic door bolt was created by William F. Banham in 1926, due to break-ins he and his wife experienced. After that, he started up his own company – which later became Banham Security – and agreed to pay people £25 if they could pick his new lock.

8. Cothron’s was founded by Mr. Olen Cothron in 1948, and it started out as a small kiosk on Congress Avenue. Today, the company is one of Central Texas' premier security providers and is still family owned and operated: Olen’s son, Steve, serves as the CEO; Steve’s children, Angela and Andy, are head of accounting and high security, respectively; Angela’s husband, Daniel Powers, is the brand’s operations manager; and Daniel’s cousin, Vanessa Len Herrera, is the dispatch supervisor. There are several parents/children and siblings (not related to the Cothrons) that are employed by this business, too!

Olen Cothron

9. As a leader in locksmithing and security, did you know that Cothron's also makes and sells custom tools? These can be used for installing latches, swing bolts, locksets, paddles, and levers, as well as for opening door knobs and lever sets.

10. Many think locksmiths just help people get into their locked cars and houses. While that is certainly part of the job, services go far beyond this. Cothron's, in particular, provides:
--a wide range of commercial doors and frames, with a specialized crew that tackles everything from new installation and construction to remodels, repairs, and replacements.
--safes of all types, which can be delivered, installed, rented, serviced, and repaired.
--electronic security options ranging from alarms and video surveillance cameras to keyless entry and employee access.
--a hardware counter with supplies like keys, mechanical & electrical door hardware, and door frames.
--locksmithing, which – in addition to lockouts – includes rekeys, lock replacements, door realignments, installations of exit devices, door closers, fire-rated hardware & automatic door openers, and much more.

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