What Most Boston Businesses Get Wrong About Building Security (And How a Commercial Locksmith Can Help Fix It)
In a city like Boston—where historic brick buildings meet cutting-edge commercial spaces—it’s easy to overlook one crucial part of your business:
your physical security. Most business owners assume that a few strong locks are enough.
But in our work across Boston’s offices, retail shops, schools, and clinics, we see the same costly mistakes over and over again.
If you're relying on outdated keys, flimsy door hardware, or budget locksmiths, your business might be more vulnerable than you think.
Here’s what most Boston businesses get wrong—and how a true commercial locksmith like Astro Locks can help you fix it.
Mistake #1: Assuming Residential-Grade Locks Are "Good Enough"
Your office isn’t your living room.
Yet we constantly find Grade 3 residential locks installed on commercial doors across Back Bay, Allston, and Downtown Boston. These locks weren’t designed to withstand the wear-and-tear of hundreds of daily uses—or the brute force of an attempted break-in.
What to do instead:
Use
ANSI Grade 1 or 2 locks, specifically made for commercial use. At Astro Locks, we recommend and install high-security locks from
Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, and Schlage Commercial—all built to resist tampering, drilling, and bumping.
Mistake #2: Forgetting to Rekey After Staff Changes
It’s more common than you’d think.
A business fires an employee… and forgets they still have a key. A cleaning company is replaced… but they kept a copy. Leasing ends… but the keys are never changed.
Especially in shared workspaces and multi-unit commercial buildings in Boston, this oversight is dangerous and expensive.
Fix it:
Astro Locks offers fast, discreet rekeying and
master key system setup so you stay in control. We recently helped a South End gallery rekey all four exterior doors within 48 hours after an internal theft incident.
Mistake #3: Relying on Physical Keys Alone
Boston has become a hub for innovation—but too many businesses are still using keyrings like it's 1995.
In offices with multiple employees, vendors, or visitors, physical keys are a liability. They get lost, copied, or passed around. We’ve seen this in tech startups in the Seaport and medical clinics in Brookline alike.
Better solution:
Install
electronic keypad locks or full
access control systems with audit trails. Astro Locks installs cloud-connected access systems that let you:
- Grant or revoke access instantly
- Track who entered and when
- Eliminate rekeying for every personnel change
Mistake #4: Ignoring the Back Door (Literally)
Most break-ins don’t happen at the front entrance.
We’ve secured side alley doors, basement entries, and loading docks in neighborhoods like Jamaica Plain, Dorchester, and the North End—often after a break-in. These overlooked entrances are frequently the weakest points in your business.
What to do:
A commercial security assessment can identify your blind spots. Astro Locks will recommend reinforcement for:
- Steel and fire-rated doors
- Smart lock integration
- Panic bars and code-compliant egress hardware
Mistake #5: Hiring the Cheapest Locksmith
Let’s be blunt: Boston is flooded with locksmiths who claim to do everything—and do very little well.
If you’re hiring someone who handles car lockouts, 24/7 emergencies, and installs residential locks, they likely don’t have the expertise needed to secure your business properly.
Why Astro Locks is different:
We don’t do car keys.
We don’t do 24/7 emergencies.
We specialize in
commercial locksmith services only—so your building security gets the focused expertise it deserves.
Why Boston Businesses Trust Astro Locks
From biotech labs in the Longwood Medical Area to law firms downtown, we help companies protect what matters most. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Licensed & insured professionals who understand commercial-grade hardware
- No distractions — We don’t take residential or auto work
- Fast, clean, professional installations
- Experts in access control, smart locks, rekeying, and master key systems
- Proudly serving Boston, Brookline, Newton, Sharon, and surrounding areas
Bonus: Building Code + Lockdown Compliance for Boston Businesses
Boston’s older buildings can be tricky. We help ensure your locks and exits are compliant with:
- Massachusetts Building Code
- ADA regulations
- Emergency egress requirements
- Insurance standards
If your building hasn’t had a security compliance check in the last 3 years, now is the time.
Ready to Secure Your Business?
Let’s walk your space, identify weak points, and design a tailored commercial lock system that works for your team—not against it.
👉 Contact Astro Locks now to schedule a free business security consultation in Boston.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between commercial and residential locks?
Commercial locks are built for higher traffic and stronger security. They typically meet ANSI Grade 1 or 2 standards, which means they’re more resistant to tampering and wear. Residential locks (Grade 3) aren’t made to withstand the daily use and potential threats common in business settings.
How often should I rekey my business locks?
You should rekey your locks:
- Any time an employee with a key leaves the company
- After a break-in or lost key incident
- At least once a year for general security
Rekeying keeps your business protected without replacing the entire lock.
What kind of access control system is best for a small business in Boston?
For most small offices, a keypad or smart lock system is the most cost-effective solution. It lets you manage entry codes, track usage, and avoid rekeying with every staff change. For growing teams, a cloud-based access control platform offers even more control and flexibility.
Do I have to switch to keyless entry to improve my security?
Not at all. If you prefer traditional keys, restricted key systems like Medeco or Mul-T-Lock offer enhanced protection. These keys can’t be duplicated without authorization, making them much more secure than standard copies.