Why Choose M. Spinello & Son for your Card Access Control System?

The Trusted Access Control Experts Since 1905

When it comes to protecting your business, school, church, healthcare facility, industrial plant, apartment complex, or commercial property, your access control system is one of the most important investments you can make. The right system provides convenience, accountability, security, and peace of mind. However, choosing the right company to design, install, and support that system is equally important.

For over 120 years, M. Spinello & Son Locksmiths Safe Security Experts has been helping businesses and organizations throughout Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin protect what matters most. As a fourth-generation family-owned company, we offer something few companies can match—we are both a full-service commercial locksmith company and a full-service electronic security company.

Unlike many security companies that only install electronics or locksmith companies that only replace locks, M. Spinello & Son provides a complete turnkey access control solution. From the initial consultation through installation, programming, training, and long-term service, we manage every aspect of your project without the need for subcontractors or multiple vendors.

A Complete Turnkey Access Control Solution

One of the biggest frustrations businesses experience during an access control installation is coordinating multiple contractors. One company installs the access control system, another replaces doors, another installs electric strikes, another repairs door closers, and another handles the lock hardware.

At M. Spinello & Son, we eliminate those headaches.

Our experienced technicians address the entire door opening, including:

Cloud-based and on-premise card access control systems
Key cards, proximity cards, key fobs, mobile credentials, and PIN access
Electronic locks and keyless entry systems
Electric strikes
Panic hardware with electric latch retraction
Door closers
Restricted key systems
Door hardware replacement
Hollow metal doors and frames
Continuous geared hinges
ADA-compliant automatic door operators
Video intercom systems
High-definition video surveillance integration

One phone call is all you need before, during, and after installation.

Mechanical Security Is Just as Important as Electronic Security

Many companies focus only on installing card readers and electronic hardware while overlooking one of the most critical security vulnerabilities—the existing mechanical locks.

Imagine installing a brand-new cloud access control system that tracks every employee entering your building. Everything works perfectly until a former employee uses an old key to unlock the door.

Your access control software records nothing because that individual bypassed the system entirely.

This is one of the most common and costly mistakes made during access control installations.

M. Spinello & Son recommends replacing existing lock cylinders on access-controlled doors with high-security restricted cylinders and restricted keys. Once the new system is operational and all authorized users have received their credentials, we replace the lock cylinders so all previous keys become immediately invalid.

This important step provides:

Complete employee accountability
Accurate audit trails
Elimination of unauthorized key access
Better key control
Improved overall building security

It's a simple upgrade that significantly improves the effectiveness of your investment.

Smarter Door Hardware Means Better Long-Term Reliability

There are several methods of electronically securing a door, but not every method is ideal for every application.

Whenever possible, M. Spinello & Son recommends using:

Electric strikes
Electrified panic hardware with latch retraction
Electrified lock hardware

These solutions typically provide greater reliability, cleaner installations, and easier emergency operation than magnetic locks.

Magnetic locks certainly have their place, especially on all-glass storefront doors or applications requiring readers on both sides of the opening. However, installing magnetic locks on every opening can create challenges if an emergency override system has not been properly designed.

Our experienced technicians evaluate every opening individually and recommend the best locking solution based on:

Fire codes
Life safety requirements
Building occupancy
Existing hardware
Daily traffic patterns
Emergency operation
Long-term serviceability

Our goal is not simply to install equipment—it is to design the most dependable system possible.

Protecting Your Investment from Electrical Damage, Power Surges and Line Spikes

One of the leading causes of access control failures isn't defective equipment—it's electrical damage.

Power surges, voltage spikes, electrical noise, lightning events, and inductive loads can damage access control panels and connected hardware if they are not properly protected.

M. Spinello & Son incorporates protective design features that many installers overlook, including:

Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
Surge suppression
Isolation relays
Proper grounding
Dedicated power supplies
Battery backup systems
Electrical isolation for high-voltage devices

We also separate power supplies for access control panels and locking hardware whenever recommended by the manufacturer. This reduces electrical stress on sensitive electronics and helps maximize long-term system reliability.

These details may not be visible after installation, but they can dramatically reduce future downtime and expensive repair costs.

High-Security Credentials That Protect Against Cloning

Not all access credentials offer the same level of security.

Today's criminals have access to inexpensive devices capable of cloning older proximity cards and fobs.

That's why M. Spinello & Son offers modern encrypted credential technologies designed to resist unauthorized duplication.

Depending on your application, we can provide:

Encrypted smart cards
Secure key fobs
Mobile phone credentials
Multi-factor authentication
Biometric integration
Advanced encrypted readers

These technologies help protect employees, visitors, inventory, equipment, and sensitive information from unauthorized access.

Factory-Trained Technicians

Technology changes rapidly.

Our technicians receive manufacturer training to ensure every installation follows current best practices, programming standards, and manufacturer specifications.

This training allows us to deliver reliable installations while qualifying many projects for enhanced manufacturer warranties.

We stand behind our work with professional installation, ongoing support, and responsive customer service long after your project is complete.

We Help Secure Every Door Opening

An access control system is only as strong as the door it protects.

During every site survey, our experienced locksmiths inspect:

Door alignment
Hinges
Panic hardware
Exit devices
Locksets
Door closers
Replacement hollow metal door and hollow metal frames
Weather seals
Fire-rated openings
Code compliance

If problems are identified, we recommend solutions before installation begins. Correcting mechanical issues first ensures your new access control equipment performs reliably for years to come.

Detailed Proposals That Leave Nothing to Guess

Many access control proposals simply list equipment and pricing.

Our proposals go much further.

We provide clear, organized, and detailed quotations that explain:

Equipment included
Installation procedures
Hardware recommendations
Optional upgrades
Security improvements
System operation
Future expansion opportunities

Our attention to detail during the proposal stage reflects the level of professionalism you can expect throughout the entire project.

Battery Backup Keeps Your Business Running

Power outages happen.

That's why every professionally designed access control system should include battery backup capability.

Our systems continue operating during utility power interruptions, helping protect your facility while maintaining controlled access.

We also educate customers on battery maintenance and recommend annual battery replacement to ensure dependable emergency operation.

Integration Creates a Smarter Building

Today's security systems work best when integrated together.

M. Spinello & Son can integrate your access control system with:

High-definition video surveillance
Audio/video intercom systems
Automatic door operators
Intrusion alarm systems
Elevator controls
Electronic gate operators
Visitor management systems

Integration allows your security systems to communicate with one another, providing improved efficiency, enhanced security, and easier management from a centralized platform.

Experience You Can Trust

Few companies can match the depth of experience offered by M. Spinello & Son.

Our company has served Northern Illinois since 1905, and our owner brings over 47 years of hands-on access control experience. We've designed and installed systems ranging from a single secured door to complex multi-building facilities.

Whether your project involves one entrance or hundreds of credentialed users, we have the knowledge and expertise to design a solution tailored to your needs.

Why Businesses Continue Choosing M. Spinello & Son

Customers continue choosing M. Spinello & Son because we provide:

Over 120 years of trusted experience
Fourth-generation family ownership
More than 500 five-star Google reviews
Factory-trained technicians
Complete turnkey installations
No subcontractors
Locksmith and electronic security expertise under one roof
High-security restricted key systems
Reliable cloud and on-premise access control solutions
Fast estimates and responsive communication
Long-term service and support
Complete door opening solutions
Service throughout Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin

Protect Your Facility with Confidence

Your access control system should do far more than unlock doors. It should improve security, simplify employee management, provide accountability, protect valuable assets, and give you confidence that your building is secure.

At M. Spinello & Son Locksmiths Safe Security Experts, we design complete security solutions—not just access control systems.

Responsive Service Before, During, and After the Installation

At M. Spinello & Son, we believe outstanding customer service is just as important as the quality of the equipment we install. From your first phone call to years after your system is installed, our goal is to provide an exceptional customer experience every step of the way.

When you contact us about a new card access control system, you can expect same day business responses to your inquiry, free onsite security evaluations and estimates, and a detailed written proposal delivered within one week in most cases. Our comprehensive proposals clearly explain our recommendations, equipment options, installation process, and pricing so you can make an informed decision with confidence.

Once your project is approved, our experienced technicians provide professional, code compliant installation using industry’s best practices and attention to every detail. We take pride in completing projects correctly the first time while minimizing disruption to your daily operations.

Our commitment doesn't end when the installation is complete. M. Spinello & Son is known throughout Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin for providing five-star after the sale support.

Whether you need additional credentials, employee changes, software assistance, future system expansion, maintenance, or emergency service, our knowledgeable team is only one phone call away. Our long-term customer relationships are built on responsive communication, dependable service, and standing behind everything we install.

If you're considering a new card access control system or upgrading an existing one, contact M. Spinello & Son today. We'll evaluate your facility, recommend the best solution for your needs, and provide a detailed proposal designed to protect your employees, your property, and your business for years to come.

Trusted Since 1905. Protecting Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin with Complete Locksmith and Electronic Security Solutions.

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