D-Link 3G Video Door Phone

Breaking News!

D-Link will be introducing a new security device at CES2010 in Las Vegas.

This device occupies a small footprint and can be connected to your front door, enabling a wireless peephole type device.

It is designed to communicate with a home computer system or directly to a 3G enabled smartphone.

Operating like a doorbell, you will be able to even use it to sneak a peak out your door at night, without leaving your bed or chair.

More details are sketchy, but expect to hear more in the next few days.

Lock Repairs In St Louis

I find it interesting, but not surprising that lately I am being called more and more often to repair locks for customers in and around the St Louis region, who have obviously had another person come in before me to try and repair the same thing.

More often it seems to be that the person before me, either didnt carry replacement parts or didnt know the methods to dismantle and reassemble the lock in question.

Simple things like, 2-3/4" Kwikset Latches (Backset), or replacement strike plates for entrance sets or mortise locks, replacement spindles for connecting handles together, replacing delicate sized machine screws, etc.

Now, I dont carry replacement parts for everything, simply because the cost to repair an item as opposed to replacing the item is labor intensive. Many people seem to live with an attitude that they want to continue paying peanuts for products and services, yet expect those products and services to last.

It is simply untrue. If you pay peanuts you will get monkeys. The reason that Baldwin Products are guaranteed for life, is because they are manufactured from extremely high quality components and built to standards that surpass most industry minimums. They are priced at the upper end of the spectrum of course, but rarely do you hear of a Baldwin Lock breaking down and parts being unavailable. One simply has to contact the Baldwin Factory, speak to a trained operator and order their replacement part. The factory will, in all likelihood send it to you including shipping, for nothing.

In coming articles, we plan to expand upon repair techniques for various lock products, so you can begin to understand the types of things locksmiths do to repair locks in St Louis, Missouri and across the world.

Making The Grade - Classifying Locks

Many people make the mistake of thinking that one lock is as secure as the next. And coming from the standpoint of the consumer, it may look like the only real choices fall into the categories of color, brand and style. The appearance will be a factor but the primary focus of any lock purchase should be: will this protect me, my family and our property? And in that respect some locks don’t cut it. Does it really make since to try to protect your $150,000+ house with a $10 lock?

ANSI (American National Standards Institute)and BHMA (Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association) are two companies that regulate and test lock hardware to verify that the manufactures can live up to their claims with regard to strength and usage (cycle) promises. The companies issue 3 Grade levels: Grade 1(Heavy Commercial), Grade 2 (Light Commercial/ Heavy Residential) and Grade3 (Light residential.) The cycle requirements for the Grade 3 status is 200,000, which means it should withstand 200,000 cyclesbefore failure. The Grade 2 requirement is 400,000 cycles and the Grade 1 requirement is 800,000.

Along with the cycle standard there is also a strength standard. The strength standard regulates how much pressure or force the lock is designed to withstand during use before failure. The Grade 3 requirement for a door knob is 120 lbs of force and for a lever set 180 lbs. The Grade 2 knob is 150 lbs and the lever set is 225 lbs. And the Grade 1 knob is 300 lbs and lever set 450 lbs. The strength standards are designed to provide minimum levels of durability to guard against rough usage and vandalism.

Most of the locks sold at hardware stores are of the Grade 3 variety designed for residential use, quite often in a construction version with a part-plastic latch. So even within the Grade rating there is a variance between one Grade 3 and the next. For instance: A lock that’s made out of pot metal could meet the minimum strength and cycle standards. But who wants a lock that fails on the finish line when for a little more you get a Grade 3 lock made out of higher quality metal that can meet and exceed the minimum standards; and look good doing it?

Many locksmiths carry the higher quality locks that will better secure your home or business, and yes they tend to cost a little more. The question isn’t: “Can I afford better locks?” the question should be: “Can I afford not to have them?”

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Pro-Magic Lubra-Gel

Pro-Magic Lubra-Gel, is a high-pressure penetrating lubricant that is dispensed as a penetrating oil, then sets up as a grease like lubricant.

It is tailored for institutional and industrial use.

About 12 months ago, we completed a job for the local manufacturer of this incredible product. We were extremely lucky to be given 2 cans of this product. This product is not found on retail/wholesale inventories, but it is sold to companies that purchase from Cobitco Inc. Their Chesterfield, Missouri office is the only manufacturer of it.

I have been extolling the virtues of another teflon based lubricant for some time and this product is of a similar value, but made locally. I used it today to lubricate a frozen lock. With one tiny squirt, the lock was like brand new. I have been using it for quite some time now, to help with various job requests and it hasn't failed me.

Lubra-Gel will penetrate hard to reach areas, then set up as an excellent lubricant. Solvent evaporation is designed to provide this needed penetration.

As far as I know, it is not sold retail or wholesale, but if I can convince the company to start, you will be the first to know.

(my apologies for the poor picture - it is my last can)

Palindrome - Once Every Thousand Years

01022010

Do you know what a Palindrome is?

According to Dictionary.com a palindrome is:

a word, line, verse, number, sentence, etc., reading the same backward as forward, as Madam, I'm Adam or Poor Dan is in a droop.

Today is a once in a thousand year event. In the USA, the common method for writing todays date is 01/02/2010.

Our once in a thousand year sale is on today only for any product we sell. Find any product we stock and we will let you have it for it's wholesale cost price + 33% + shipping. This special is today only for any orders received before 00:00 on January 3, 2010. Only email orders will be considered. Please email us today for your discounted product.

As an example our Pocket Door Lock With Key, regularly sells for $85.00 + shipping. Today only we will let them go for $65.00 each + shipping.

This is a never to be repeated sale (at least in our lifetime), that you could benefit from.

Act quickly. There are only 21 hours to go!

Kaba - Ilco Simplex 5000 Mechanical Pushbutton DoorLock

This is the world reknowned Kaba - Ilco Simplex 5000 Mechanical Pushbutton Doorlock, that can be installed on almost any door.

I recently installed one of these locks in a high-trafficked door that requires keyless access.

This lock is a Grade 1 lockset that features a really easy entry method, options for passage function (to leave it unlocked), key override for selected keyholders.

It is relatively simple to install in place of most existing door locks and the installation can be completed in about 1 hour.

We recommend our Bilock Extreme Security cylinders be used in conjuction, to offer bump proof, pick proof and copy proof keys, preventing unauthorised duplication of keys.

$499.00

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2oz bottles of Triflow on sale

We previously posted about the Tri-Flow product on November 22, 2009 and now make it available to all our customers. From 2010 on, all new Bilock customers will receive a complimentary bottle with their first order. (Previous article below)

Having worked in the locksmith trade over a quarter century, I have worked with many lubricants over the years. My favorite lubricant and the one I recommend to all my customers is Tri-Flow.

Many tasks I perform for customers often involve repairing locks due to the wrong product having been used, in attempt by an unknowing homeowner or handyman to DIY (do it yourself).

While the DIY industry is one of the biggest, often the advice given may not be correct or may be given by someone with no real experience.

The most common lubricant (and I use the term loosely, here) found in most hardware stores is WD-40.

WD stands for Water Displacement and 40 is the fourtieth formula that achieved it's purpose.

When you displace water, you effectively dry out the application (remove any lubrication).

WD-40 was designed to dry the points on wet motors. It is designed to "dry out" wet metals. It is a penetrating fluid that can temporarily lubricate metal parts, but will dry out (and gum up) as it is designed to do.

I strongly recommend that customers think twice before using WD40. I cannot tell you the number of times I have seen or see it used in locks. Whenever I ask a client, "did you use something to lubricate this lock?" and they answer with "WD40", my standard reaction is "Uh Huh!". This often has them asking what they should use and I always recommend Tri-Flow.

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Locksport - The New Testing Laboratory

Schuyler Towne is a hobbiest with an unusual hobby. He is a member of Locksport International, a non-profit club of people whose interests include solving the mechanical puzzles of lock and key mechanisms.

Schuyler is not an unusual person, but a ethical and modern thinker, whose goal it is, to identify weaknesses in mechanical key (puzzles) locking systems.

This is why various nouveau manufacturers are seeking out the services of Schuyler and other locksport enthusiasts, to test their products before they come to market.

Police departments and other law enforcement offices across the United States, had hoped that Locksport International was a passing fad. According to Jim Pasco, National Executive Director of The National Fraternal Order of Police, lockpicking and other manipulation techniques are freely available to anyone and everyone through instructional video's on Youtube and other online mediums.

This can represent a serious concern for home owners and tenants, offices and corporations, concerned with everyday people's abilities to covertly bypass the security of their properties.

Schuyler and his fellow locksport enthusiasts, maintain strict adherence to their cardinal principle, "Never pick a lock you don't own, and never pick a lock that's in regular use," but the same cannot be said for other on-lookers.

Bilock products represent a thorn to many lock pickers and locksport enthusiasts because the product is so difficult to pick or bypass. Bilock cylinders are tailor made to retro-fit many existing hardware brands, so even if you have a Schlage, Baldwin, Arrow, Corbin-Russwin, Yale, Assa, Abloy, Medeco, Mul-t-lock or Lockwood product (and many others), you can convert them all to one of the industry's few 100% bump proof and virtually pick proof and copy-resistant key and locking products, without the expense of replacing hardware.

Combined with the almost 9000 color key head combinations, you can easily identify your keys, improve use by arthritically challenged or even sight impaired users.

An article appeared today on National Public Radio.

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Biometric Ignition Lock System

We are pleased to announce an upcoming product we will soon make available.

The Biometric Ignition System is a DIY installation, although we do recommend a professional auto-electrician complete the install.

We do believe that the future of car security products will be heading this way.

This complete systems offers fingerprint recognition/access to vehicle systems, GSM communications port and standard car alarm style audio alerts.

This powerful device combines a primary and secondary security system that allows only authorised fingerprints (Primary) to deactivate the guard, in turn allowing an authorised key holder to operate the ignition.

The benefit here is that even if your keys are stolen, the perpetrator can still not steal your car because their fingerprint will not be enrolled.

The system also uses a shock sensor to indicate attempted unlawful entry or to alert when objects hit the vehicle. Do you like to know when those pesky neighborhood kids kick their ball and it hits your car? Now you can be alerted with a text message to your cell phone.

The unit houses a GSM SIM card that can connect to the carrier of your choice. This enables 2-way communications with the security system on your car.

Has your car been stolen? Use your cell phone to switch off the fuel system, effectively making the thief run out of gas.

Taken your car to the mechanic? Temporarily disable the fingerprint controller, remotely until the mechanic's work is completed.

(coming soon)

Bioaxxis BD-1 Fingerprint Deadbolt

We spoke about this product about 2 years ago and have installed and sold a number of them.

The only pitfall we have found with fingerprint products, is the age related issues.

Specifically, it seems that elder people (>60) have difficulty operating many fingerprint activated readers/devices. This is due to fingerprints wearing as we age. What we need to do in this case is lower the sensitivity of the reader.

We can achieve this simply, but the possibility of unauthorised prints being recognized is only marginally increased.

We believe that the product is by far, the best of it's kind and continue to offer them.

History Of Lock Companies I

Corbin Russwin

The Russell & Erwin Manufacturing Company originated in 1839 when H.E. Russell, Cornelius B. Erwin, and Frederick T. Stanley formed a partnership to produce locks and builders' hardware, under the name of Stanley, Russell & Company. When Mr. Stanley withdrew from the partnership in 1840, Smith Matteson and John H. Bowen were added, changing the name of the company to Matteson, Russell & Company. In 1846, with the death of Mr. Matteson and the expiration of the partnership terms, the company's name changed to Russell & Erwin. In 1851 the partnership was reorganized as a joint stock company and was from that time known as Russell & Erwin Manufacturing Company, until its merger with P.& F. Corbin in 1902. Cornelius Erwin served as president of the company from 1851 until his death in 1885. The company is best known as the pioneer of the wrought steel lock industry.

P. & F. Corbin originated in 1849 when brothers Philip and Frank Corbin, and Edward Doen established the firm of Doen, Corbin & Co., to manufacture ox balls. The company's name changed to P. & F. Corbin in 1851. In the last half of the 19th century they broadened their products to include coffin trimmings, knobs, and stove handles. In 1868 they began specializing in the manufacture of builder's hardware and locks.

108 years old and still going strong, Corbin Russwin products are an American institution. Owned now by the Assa-Abloy group of companies, they continue to innovate.

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Bluetooth Controller - For Door Locks etc

We are negotiating with a very talented USA based manufacturer of an exciting and useful new product aimed at cellphone users, to enable users existing cellphones to be used as their entry key.

This technology is very close to official product release and will enable either free entry or PIN code entry to door strikes, magnetic locks, garage doors and almost any other device that uses power to activate a switch.

This amazing product is speculated to sell for less than $200.00, is made in the USA (mid-west), has a range of up to 30' (or less possibly due to obstructions, like solid walls etc).

We are also talking to another manufacturer (overseas) of a RFID/Bluetooth embedded antenna used in a door lock to enable virtually unlimited access control.

I would love to provide a link to the companies involved, but I have been sworn to secrecy.

Stay tuned for updates.

Pocket Door Lock With Key - Available Now

Our new product, the Cowdroy P697 Pocket Door Lock With Key, arrived on Wednesday December 23, 2009. This sensational product is specifically designed to fit in place of other brands of pocket door locks and allows you to secure that door from both sides. It is easy to install, occupies a small footprint and comes with at least 2 keys.

We have a total of 100 units, 50 in brass and 50 in silver. All locks are individually keyed.

First in - best dressed.

We have been inundated with inquiries lately for this excellent product and anticipate selling out quickly.

We request email contact with quantity requested and your name.

$85.00 each + shipping.

Thank You for your patience.

Colors

Silver $85.00 Brass $85.00

Upcoming Features

In the coming months we hope to bring you more information on products from the above series of manufacturers.

While we prefer not to stock quantities of these brands, we sell virtually all brands of locks, but custom order to our clients desires. Turn around can average 3-5 days.

Of course, you can also purchase many of the above product lines elsewhere, but rarely at an equally competitive price.

We also recommend Weslock and Weiser Products for equally competitive prices and hopefully will be able to bring more information about their various options, in the next few years.

Stay Tuned!

Meroni UFO

Here is another sensational product from Serrature Meroni.

This amazing product is designed with security in mind. The body, common to all applications, contain 4 steel drill-proof spheres that foil any attempt at forcing.

(from the site)

The UFO is unforceable and extremely versatile: by using one of the four kits of accessories available it can be installed to protect any environment both in the home and the workplace:

— 3381/A – Padlock kit for normal or sliding doors, ideal for the protection of gates and windows

— 3381/B – Protection kit with internal plate for the protection of entrance doors

— 3381/C – Universal defender protection kit for security doors

— 3381/GL – Glass door kit — high security without perforating the glass

UFO provides excellent protection, and can be used in conjunction with an existing lock system. It can also be used as a standalone lock, for example on gates or truck loading doors. The applicability of UFO is limited only by your imagination!

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Meroni - An Italian Legend (Now in USA)

Not many colleagues in the locksmith industry here in the USA will be familiar with Serrature Meroni products.

I have been exposed to the product line in Australia, many years ago and in Europe as well.

The line is incredibly advanced compared to similar products in it's genre.

Meroni has finally made an appearance in the USA, courtesy of the 33rd Annual Conference & Exposition of the Door & Hardware Institute, one of the most prestigious American Door Institutions, recently held in Boston, Ma.

Expect to see this modern, stylish and secure product line available in select retailers soon. (I'm hoping to be one too)

The market in the USA seems to be forever captivated by the simple key-in-knob entrance set. The entry of Serrature Meroni will only help to increase the security and quality of options that provide aesthetic value and modern appeal.

The products use an advanced system, whereby the latch mechanism is activated by a push button on the top of the handle. There is nothing to turn, making this excellent for arthritis sufferers or other physically challenged persons. The knobset is always fixed, which eliminates the "wrenching" effect that many other similar genre products suffer from.

They comply with ADA and fire and building codes automatically, there is no need to have a lever function.

They can be keyed to many standard keyways found in the United States.

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Lockwood Nexion - In The Field

Lockwood Nexion in the field.

Here is a field picture of a recent installation of the Lockwood Nexion door lock.
We wrote about it on December 8, 2009

The remote (1/20)

Indicator Status

Only available in Australia (currently)

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New CEO Master Locksmiths Association of Australia

Hot Of The Press!

The MLAA has just announced the appointment of their new CEO. Tony Duggan has been appointed CEO to take over mid-January from retiring CEO Alan Jones.

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Garage Shadow - Bluetooth Door Operator

Last year we talked about a new product soon to be released, enabling the use of bluetooth equipped mobile devices to operate your garage entry door.

Apparently, the company producing these wondrous contraptions, have extended their release date, to enable perfection. It is pointless to release a product that might contain bugs. We are fortunate that these guys have taken it upon themselves to correct their bugs prior to release.

I spoke with their sales department today and was informed that they will be releasing the updated and improved version at CES2010, in January and their tentative market release is due shortly thereafter.

Our previous article has generated a significant amount of traffic and interest. Below, you can see a video of the unit in operation.

Face Recognition Security - For Doors

I have been touting the use of biometric access control systems, especially residential fingerprint controlled door locks, for quite some time.

Recent experience installing some of these products has lead me to understand some of the pitfalls of the technology, especially age related syndromes that affect interface operation by elder users.

Here is a new product, recently released that adopts a variation in biometric access technology.

Facial recognition technology is still in it's infancy compared to other existing biometric systems (like fingerprints etc). Embrace the world of advanced time attendance systems. Beautifully designed to compliment any imaginable décor, this facial identification time attendance system recognizes faces in 3D by utilizing the internal dual sensor and dual camera that allows it to establish an incredible facial recognition algorithm in a fraction of a second.

At a Glance...

• Lock and unlocks doors
• Face recognition technology
• Record employee attendance
• Time keeping and data logging
• Export and Import from a TXT file
• Download recorded data via USB or TCP/IP
• Included software for detailed record keeping and analysis

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Email Marketing (About Time!)

After a number of years arguing with myself about email marketing and the pro's and con's, I decided that the time has arrived for me to modify my thinking and join the email marketing brigade.

Numerous customers have contacted me, requesting updates and product release notifications and until now, I have been reluctant to pursue email marketing due to the issues (primarily) of unsolicited email. I always have been an opponent of email marketing, because of the abuse of the email system when it comes to (that ugly word).

This is a new direction for me and as I explore these new waters, I hope you (my readers) will stick with me.

I decided to use Constant Contact, because they made the system sound painless and me being a novice in the computer systems arena, I wanted a simple easy to use general user interface.

If email marketing is a focus for you, try them, you might be pleasantly surprised.

Oh! (before I forget) Sign Up to receive updates, tips and tricks, that might help you to feel more secure.

Wireless Key Locator - FOFA

There are many and varied products available today, designed to help you locate your misplaced keys (and other items).

I purchased this one for myself and some customers, for it's simplicity of design, it's small, appropriate appearance and it's super competitive price.

I have had it, about a year now and it has certainly proven useful to me. The battery life is excellent and the range seems appropriate.

At home, my cable TV remote, recently decided to hide at the bottom of my sofa, without telling me (of course). But thanks to my FOFA and the easily attached slimline version, it was soon whistling it's location to me.

I think this is one excellent holiday season gift. I would love to sell them, but why when they are so inexpensive direct from the manufacturer?

$24.95

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Slim Line Patio Security Bolt

I have been an avid user of ADI Security Products, over the years. I find their excellent hardware, a most useful and functional product line. I have installed many of their products to many and varied applications

The Slim Line lockable bolt pictured here, is another of their latest products that expands their product line and provides another product for slimline extrusions on doors or windows. Often one has difficulty locating suitable products designed to secure narrow frames.

USES
- Shop Fronts
- Community Halls
- Schools
- Hotels
- Aluminium & Wooden Doors
- Sliding or Swinging

FEATURES
- Narrow Applications (32mm wide)
- Easier to Fit/Rekey - no Sellock Pin
- Reversible Pin for top of door application
- Smarter Styling
- Zinc Construction
- Classic Finishes

PACKAGING
- SL5 Lock Bolt
- 4 x 2½ x ¼ Snap-off bolts
- Allen Key
- Striker
- 2 x Keys
- Template
- Installation Instructions

DIMENSIONS
- Length: 144mm
- Width: 32mm
- Height: 64mm
- Weight: 1067g
- Throw: 45mm

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ADI Cap Lock

ADI Security Products are a well known Australian manufacturer of unique and high quality security products and accessories designed for the Australian market.

But their products are also sought after in many other countries as well, because their forward thinking and excellence in quality and design are virtually unsurpassed anywhere.

Their latest product is this simple yet functional product tailored to suit the tradesperson or camper market.

Locking up the tool tubes found on electrician, plumber and other technician vehicles has been awkward until now.

The ADI Cap Lock is a simple yet effective and inexpensive method to secure those tools that are too long to carry inside many vehicles.

We have previously discussed ADI products in recent articles, but ADI have recently upgraded their website and this is one of their sensational new products.

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