Diamond certified COMPANY REPORT

First Lock & Security Technologies

(650) 204-4376

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Diamond Certified Company Report

First Lock & Security Technologies

Name: First Lock & Security Technologies
Address: US
Telephone: (650) 204-4376
Rating: 9.6

(650) 204-4376

(408) 341-9988

Contact

Diamond Certified Company Report

First Lock & Security Technologies

(650) 204-4376 | (408) 341-9988

Contact

Diamond certified ratings dashboard

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION i

Customer LOYALTY i

Helpful Expertise i

Company Credentials i

Workers Compensation
Liability Insurance
License Verification
Business Practices
Current Complaint File
Legal & Finance

Phone SURVEY RESPONSES FROM 383 VERIFIED CUSTOMERS i

Barbara J.

VERIFIED First Lock & Security Technologies CUSTOMER

1 of 383

Quality 10

10 10

Loyalty Yes

CRITIQUE

They were prompt, quick, very professional, and they were done in a short amount of time. There were 2 of them, which helped.

I haven't had to call them back, their work is still good.

Tischa L.

VERIFIED First Lock & Security Technologies CUSTOMER

2 of 383

Quality 10

10 10

Loyalty Yes

CRITIQUE

They are really reliable and they are expert locksmiths.

When I called them, they were available right away and they did great work.

Virginia N.

VERIFIED First Lock & Security Technologies CUSTOMER

3 of 383

Quality 10

10 10

Loyalty Yes

CRITIQUE

It seemed like it was a family-owned business and there was a dad helping a son or mentoring someone else, it seemed very sweet.

I like that they stuck with the price that they quoted me, even though it took a bit of extra time.

Read All 383 Survey Responses at Ratings View

Diamond certified VIDEO PROFILE

Diamond certified company PROFILE

Gary Lekan, Owner

First Lock & Security Technologies (CSLB #901913 as 7Krka, Inc.) provides a wide range of locksmith services for residential and commercial clients in the Silicon Valley. Its experienced technicians are trained to install, repair, and rekey all types and brands of lock systems. The company features high security, push button and smart locks, master key systems, storefront locks, exit devices, door closers, and decorative door hardware.

Owner Gary Lekan, CRL has been working in the locksmith industry for 40+ years. After spending time as a technician and manager at locksmith and security firms in the Bay Area, he established First Lock & Security Technologies to bring his dedication to professionalism, craftsmanship and attention to detail to all types of security projects. “We’re always striving for perfection,” says Mr. Lekan. “Our focus is on getting every aspect of every job done right. If we’re going to spend our time and effort, it will be to produce excellent results.”

First Lock & Security Technologies emphasizes the importance of customer service in every aspect of its operations. “The point of this business is to serve people and do whatever it takes to make sure they’re satisfied,” explains Mr. Lekan. “We give our customers what they want, but we also give them our professional guidance to make sure their projects are complete.”

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DIAMOND CERTIFIED RESEARCHED CAPABILITIES ON First Lock & Security Technologies

COMPANY CONTACT

First Lock & Security Technologies

(650) 204-4376

(408) 341-9988

EMAIL
905 North San Antonio Road
Los Altos CA 94022
Map Hours Website OPEN NOW

Locations

The Silicon Valley

Get Directions

SERVICES PERFORMED

Residential/Commercial Locksmiths - Locks Rekeyed
Installations
Repairs
Keys Fit to Locks
High Security Locks
Electronic Locks
Pushbutton
Cardkey & Smart Locks
Key Control - Do Not Duplicate Keys
Storefront Security
Push Bar Exit Devices
Door Closers and Master Key Systems

BRANDS Supported

Baldwin
Emtek
Kwikset
Medeco
Schlage
Schlage Primus

Company Name:	First Lock & Security Technologies
Website:	1stLock.com
Phone Number:	(650) 204-4376 (408) 341-9988
DCID Number:	DCID6509644040
Hours:	Service: Mon – Fri: 7:30am – 6pm After Hours: By Appointment Shop: Mon – Fri: 8am – 5pm
Areas Served:	Serving The Silicon Valley, including Palo Alto, Los Altos, Mountain View, San Jose, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Portola Valley, Atherton, Woodside
Managers:	Gary Lekan, Owner
Years in industry:	40+ (Manager)
# of Employees:	5
License:	LCO-4354, 901913
Insurance:	Liability Insurance, Workers' Compensation
Memberships:	Associated Locksmiths of America, California Locksmith Association, Los Altos Chamber of Commerce
Founded:	2007
Areas of Expertise:	Residential/Commercial Locksmiths - Locks Rekeyed, Installations, Repairs, Keys Fit to Locks, High Security Locks, Electronic Locks, Pushbutton, Cardkey & Smart Locks, Key Control - Do Not Duplicate Keys, Storefront Security, Push Bar Exit Devices, Door Closers and Master Key Systems
Key Brands:	Baldwin, Emtek, Kwikset, Medeco, Schlage and Schlage Primus
Customer Type:	Commercial, Industrial, Residential
Warranties & Guarantees:	Manufacturers' Warranties on Products
CC Accepted:

DIAMOND CERTIFIED RESEARCHED ARTICLES ON First Lock & Security Technologies

A First Lock & Security Technologies technician works on a customer’s door lock.

Company Profile

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Company Philosophy

“Simply put, we strive to always treat our customers right and provide them with high-quality work. By focusing on effective communication, we’re able to understand and take care of their needs to ensure total satisfaction.”

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Comparative Summary

Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for locksmiths that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For First Lock & Security, the key to achieving and maintaining customer satisfaction is ensuring every employee focuses intently on customer service and quality. “We expect a lot from our employees,” says owner Gary Lekan. “They understand that in order to keep our customers happy, they have to focus on doing things right the first time.”

First Lock & Security has been providing locksmith services for residential and commercial clients in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties since 2007. The company’s experienced technicians are trained to install, repair and rekey all types and brands of lock systems, including security and electronic locks, master key systems, storefront locks, exit devices, door closers and decorative door hardware.

Unlike less experienced locksmith companies, First Lock & Security considers dependability and consistency to be vital parts of the job. “Our customers appreciate us because of our reliability and the quality of our work,” says Mr. Lekan. “They know exactly what to expect when they call us–we’re going to show up, do a good job, clean up when we’re done and be ready when they call us again.”

Another distinguishing feature of First Lock & Security is the vast amount of industry experience Mr. Lekan brings to every job, no matter how large or small. “I started locksmithing more than 35 years ago, when I was 18, and I was general manager of six stores (managing 35 technicians) before I established this company,” he explains. “I share everything I’ve learned about products, training and customer service with my employees. Our collective expertise allows us to strive for perfection and achieve very high satisfaction on each job.”

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Industry Info

Maintain your door locks to keep them functioning properly and looking like new. Your door locks protect your home, family and property, so it’s important to keep them working as efficiently as possible. To maintain and improve the functionality and appearance of the locks in your home, consider the following tips:

Clean frequently. Dirt, grime and oils can build up on door handles, locks and deadbolts, especially when they’re used every day. To avoid this, regularly wipe down affected surfaces with mild soap and water and dry with a soft cloth. This will help keep the dirt and acids from your hands from corroding the surfaces.

Avoid scratching. “It’s common for frequently used locks to get scratched around their keyholes and faceplates,” says Gary Lekan, owner of 1st Lock & Security in Mountain View. “There’s really no way to avoid this—you just have to be careful whenever you put your key into a lock.”

Keep locks and door mechanisms from sticking. Everyday use and accumulation of dirt can cause door locks to open harder and even freeze up. A simple solution is to carefully apply a spray lubricant directly to the lock. “A lot of people use WD-40, but I don’t recommend it,” says Mr. Lekan. “Instead, you should use a product that’s infused with Teflon, like Tri-Flow—it’ll stay in the lock longer.”

Don’t rely on graphite powders to unstick locks. “Graphite powder can be a problem,” cautions Mr. Lekan. “If you put it in a keyhole, it can jam up the inner workings. However, experienced locksmiths may use graphite powder in certain circumstances, like when taking apart and reassembling a cylinder. Just a little bit applied to a lock’s interior components will keep it working smoothly over a longer period of time.”

Call a professional for regular maintenance. “The average person can do a lot to maintain their own locks,” says Mr. Lekan, “but after a while, they need to be taken apart and serviced, cleaned, lubricated at the contact points, reassembled and reinstalled. That’s not really a do-it-yourself kind of thing, so you should call a licensed locksmith to achieve the best results.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can you help me decide if my locks need to be replaced or if they can be repaired?

A: Absolutely. We’ll evaluate your locks and determine the best course of action. If you have a high-quality lock that’s manufactured well enough to be repaired, we can fix it and extend its lifespan at a cost that’s significantly less than replacement.

Q: I have to change the locks on my house. Are there any other solutions?

A: Yes. We can install a key system that allows you to operate everything with one key, and we’ll provide different keys that will operate in one or more designated entry points but not in the other entrances. You can issue those keys to employees, domestic workers, house cleaners and so forth. That way, if there’s employee turnover or someone loses their keys, only those locks need to be changed. Additionally, you’ll only have to reissue keys to the workers, not other household members.

Q: Can you work around my schedule?

A: Yes, we’ll provide services whenever it’s most convenient for your schedule.

Q: Will you recommend a product for me?

A: We can make recommendations once we see what you’re dealing with. Most consumers don’t know what to do because they’re not familiar with locks, so we can offer them advice and expertise in that area.

Q: What brands of locks do you offer?

A: We offer and service all types and brands of locks, including Baldwin, Schlage, Omnia, Von Duprin, LCN, Master, Falcon, Medeco, Schlage Primus, HES, Trine, Folger Adam, Adams Rite, Jackson Norton, OSI, SDC, IEI, Ilco and Alarm Lock.

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SELECTED PHOTOS FROM First Lock & Security Technologies

First Lock & Security Technologies
First Lock & Security Technologies
First Lock & Security Technologies can fit keys to all types of locks.
First Lock & Security Technologies
Owner Gary Lekan demonstrates a display piece.
First Lock & Security Technologies is conveniently located.
First Lock & Security Technologies
First Lock & Security Technologies
First Lock & Security Technologies carries a full line of accessories.
A look at some of First Lock & Security Technologies’ accessories
First Lock & Security Technologies carries a wide selection of keys.
Inside a First Lock & Security mobile workshop
First Lock & Security Technologies

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DIAMOND CERTIFIED EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR ADVICE & TIPS FROM Gary Lekan

Expert CONTRIBUTOR PROFILE

Gary Lekan is a 42-year veteran of the locksmith industry and owner of First Lock & Security Technologies, a Diamond Certified company since 2011. He can be reached at (650) 204-4376 or by email.

Gary Lekan: Locked In

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

LOS ALTOS – While many people enter a professional field with full intention, for some, the catalyst of a lifelong career emerges from a completely chance occurrence. When asked how he became a locksmith, Gary Lekan relates just such an account. “I broke the key off in my car’s ignition, so I took it to a local locksmith shop where a friend of mine was working. There was a long line of customers, so he handed me a couple little extraction tools and gave me a quick rundown on what to do. Within a couple of minutes, I got the key out and handed the tools back to my friend. He was impressed by my promptness and said, ‘You might be good at this!’ That was the beginning of what has been an interesting career to say the least!” Today, nearly 40 years later, Gary continues to impress as owner of First Lock & Security Technologies.

Originally from Chicago, Gary moved to the Bay Area when, just a year into his locksmith career, his employer made the impulsive decision to move the business west. “I had just been out to visit my brother-in-law, who was attending Stanford, and I really fell in love with the Bay Area,” he remembers. “When I returned to Chicago, my boss came up with an idea to move the business out to California. Within four months, I was back on the West Coast.” Almost four decades later, Gary still appreciates the attributes that first attracted him to the Bay Area. “The hills, the ocean, the year-round greenery—there’s just so much beauty around here and I absolutely love it.”

In his life and career, Gary espouses the value of integrity as the key to happiness. “Rather than taking the easy way out of hard situations, you have to take the time to patiently work through your problems,” he says. “Life has its ups and downs, but if you live with integrity, you’re likely to come out on top in the end.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he could retire tomorrow, Gary says he would employ his expertise to help educate others in his trade. “I would like to start a locksmith school. There’s a lot of demand for qualified locksmiths these days, and I enjoy passing on my knowledge.” However, he says retirement wouldn’t be all work and no play. “I’d definitely try to do more of the things I love. I’d go on more ski trips, play more golf and spend more time working in my garden.”
Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite band?
A: The Band.

Q: If you could immediately master a musical instrument, what would you choose?
A: The saxophone.

Q: What’s your favorite restaurant?
A: Napoletana Pizzeria in Mountain View.

Q: Do you do any celebrity impressions?
A: I used to do Louis Armstrong when I was a kid.

Q: What’s your favorite dessert?
A: Cherries jubilee.

Q: What’s the most memorable situation you’ve encountered on the job?
A: I was changing the locks at this guy’s house, when all of a sudden he brings out an armful of two-by-fours and says, “OK, I need you to help me barricade these doors. My wife is coming with the police and they’ll be here any minute.” I said, “I don’t think so, you’re on your own!” and got out of there as fast as I could!

Expert articles

Testing for Proper Door Lock Functionality

By Gary Lekan of
First Lock & Security Technologies

LOS ALTOS — If a door in your home is difficult to close, lock or unlock, it could be more than a mere inconvenience. In fact, a doorknob latch or deadbolt that isn’t functioning properly can actually make your home more susceptible to break-ins. To ensure greater security, it’s important to test all door latches and deadbolts for proper functioning and take steps to amend any malfunctioning components.

Testing a door latch
A doorknob latch consists of two parts: the main latch (the larger of the two) and the dead latch. When you close a door, the main latch falls into the hole in the adjacent strike plate, while the dead latch is held back. The function of the dead latch is to prevent would-be burglars from using a knife blade or credit card to push in the latch and open the door. However, sometimes both latches fall into the strike plate hole, which makes the lock susceptible to break-ins.

There are a couple ways to tell if your doorknob latch is functioning properly. First, listen for clicks when you close the door. If the latch is functioning properly, you should only hear one click. If you hear two clicks, that means the dead-latch is falling in as well. Also, check the strike plate on the door frame for wear marks, which can also indicate improper functioning.

Testing a deadbolt
The most important functional aspect of a deadbolt is its ability to “throw” fully, as it can’t be manually pushed back into its casing from a fully thrown position. Again, listen for a click—if you don’t hear one, it means your bolt isn’t throwing fully and your door’s security is compromised.

This issue often results when a contractor doesn’t drill a deep enough hole in the adjacent strike plate, which causes the deadbolt to be blocked from fully throwing. You can solve this problem yourself by further drilling or chiseling out this cavity until you’re able to hear a click when locking the deadbolt.
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Expert video tip

Video: Testing Your Deadbolt

With Gary Lekan of
First Lock & Security Technologies

Complete Video Transcription

LOS ALTOS — Gary Lekan: An important thing to check on your deadbolt at home is whether or not the bolt is throwing completely into the door frame. We see time and time and again the contractors have not drilled the hole deep enough for the bolt to extend completely and lock into place. The first thing you’ll want to do is open your door and turn the deadbolt so that it clicks all the way locked. You’ll notice that you cannot push it in with your thumb — that’s why it’s called a deadbolt. It’s locked dead in that position.

Now, go over to your doorframe. Put your finger in the hole. If your finger goes in past the first knuckle, they’ve drilled it deep enough. If your finger is only going in part of the way, your bolt is probably not being locked completely, it’s not being deadbolted, and it could slip back. So what you want to do is have that hole drilled deeper.
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First Lock & Security Technologies WEBSITE AND EXTERNAL FEED

COMPANY WEBSITE

1stLock.com

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