Master Key Systems America LLC - St Louis Locksmiths - (314)266-1533 O'Fallon. MO (636)614-4416

2012-01-28T03:40:00.002-06:00

Silca are the world leader in manufacturing of locksmith keyblanks, key duplicating and originating machines, engraving mechines and software tailored to the key making industry

I personally have used their products for much of the last 30 years in the business and have no hesitation in recommending them as the number 1 source for locksmith machinery equipment and inventory.

The range of keyblanks manufactured far surpasses many competitors in the field. The quality of product is second to none. In fact, many of the available machines sold in the USA are often re-branded Silca machinery.

If you are in the locksmith business you will be aware that Silca are indeed the most respected manufacturer in the field.

From hard to locate keyblanks, to exquisite and precise machinery, to modern electonic keys, Silca are well known and respected worldwide as the standard setter in the field.

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NFC Enabled Door Locks

2012-01-26T15:49:00.003-06:00

Yale Lock Co., a subsidiary of Assa-Abloy, the worlds largest lock manufacturer are testing this concept residential door locking system designed to modernize the way we use our doors.

NFC is an acronym for Near Field Communication. Companies like Google have been at the forefront of introducing this technology to enable our mobile phones to be used as mobile wallets, keys and other access devices for a few years now.

Perhaps the future of mechanical keys is limited although, with respect, I believe that maintaining the mechanical key option will ensure you can still operate your lock in the event of electronic or battery failure.

With the world starting to embrace wireless electronic security, it is still not as green or environmentally minded as pure mechanically operated keyed locks and handles.

Many consumers may enjoy the convenience of not having a key to use or lose, however the ongoing maintenance cost and service costs massively outweigh the little cost option of mechanical keyed systems.

So - You Want To Buy A Safe? Are You Sure?

2012-01-23T22:44:00.004-06:00

Back in January 2011, we posted this video and received a significant number of hits and emails about it.

This interesting video in German (subtitled in English) shows exactly why you should purchase a quality safe from a quality specialist lock or safe provider.

Many of the types of safes found in this video are available at main stream big box vendors like Home Depot, Lowes, Costco, Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart, Harbor Freight, Ace Hardware etc.

Basically the video in itself helps to explain the value of purchasing your safes at specialty retailers like locksmiths and dedicated safe companies.

Face it! Too many people have decided to keep their cash and valuables at home rather than the bank. At home you are less protected but have the benefit of convenience and around the clock access to your valuables.

Worse still is that most burglars know this too.

I think it is especially troubling how easily the expert found the mans safe in the first place he looked.

If you want to have and use a safe, isnt it worthwile to spend more to protect your valuables than $50-$100?

Meroni Luccotto Padlock Securing A Residential Garage Door

2012-01-23T16:45:00.002-06:00

My video skills are not too impressive but these short clips show you a use for the Meroni Luccotto modern day padlocks.

These excellently designed padlocks are quite unique in their design and can be used in many varied applications.

The Meroni Luccotto range come in 2 sizes (lengths) and are keyed using a tubular pin tumbler key system. They can be ordered keyed to differ or keyed alike.

Other uses include but are not limited to

Bicycle Chains
Bicycle Rotors
Motorbike Rotors
Refridgerators/Freezers
School Lockers
Gym Lockers
Tow Bars
Gates
Lifting Chains
Tool Boxes

We are proud to include Meroni Luccotto Padlocks in out inventory of unique and specialty security products

Preventing Smash And Grab Entry - Smash Proof Glass

2012-01-23T15:35:00.003-06:00

We have been extolling the virtues of Shatter-Gard window film products for a short time lately and are still conducting our own tests on this fabulous product.

Saf-Glas are a manufacturer of world leading modern polycarbonate glazing products that are so tough that they can virtually prevent any window from being smashed.

Window smashing is well known as one of the primary methods of entry in burglaries. There are a few manufacturers of products designed to reduce the likelihood of this security breach, one being ShatterGard, that we are proud to offer. But if you were to install these type of secure windows during construction of your buildings you will mitigate the potential for suffering a break in from this method, almost completely.

The video above is an excellent example of how and why polycarbonate glazing products are so good.

Many window manufacturers today build double glazed windows with an Argon gas layer between the frames. This is to reduce the heat or cold from getting in. But these windows need to be sealed correctly too. We receive a significant number of calls from people who need seals replaced because of moisture getting between the frames. We do not provide this service.

We also receive numerous leads from people who experience glass breakage due to a stone thrown from a lawnmower that breaks the sliding patio door window. We do not replace glass. Many customers think that replacing the glass in a sliding door is a simple and quick task. Unfortunately it is not, especially when you consider that most windows today are the Argon filled double glazed types. Most replacement windows require to be custom built to suit the application, hence why windows and frames can be quite expensive.

Consider installing polycarbonate glazing as an alternative to typical windows. It may be more expensive initially but in the long term you will save considerable pain and anguish let alone replacement window costs.

The tornado that hit parts of St Louis, Missouri at Easter last year, smashed many of the glass windows at St Louis Lambert International Airport, effectively closing down part of a terminal for close to 6 months. This could have been prevented if builders had used smash proof and tornado resistant polycarbonate glazing products as opposed to glass.

If only we could have the benefit of hindsight to give us 20/20 vision.

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Reinventing Neighborhood Watch

2012-01-20T02:29:00.002-06:00

Village Defense, an Atlanta based startup have recently modernized the neighborhood watch program system, popularized at the end of the last century. Remember when we actually knew our neighbors well enough to watch for suspiscious activities in our neighborhoods and worked together to protect each other?

Well, Village Defense is the brainchild of Nathan Black, a Georgia Tech engineering graduate who straight out of school created his vision for modernizing the ages old Neighborhood Watch program that was so popular last century.

Simply put, Nathan devised a system that combines modern communications technology with concerned neighbors action. The system is designed so that if or when a neighborhood resident witnesses or hears a crime in progress, they first call 9-1-1 and then the Village Defense hotline. Village Defense then contact all neighbors in the program to inform them of the criminal activities using cell phones and email alerts.

Would you even know if a crime happened in your street? How do we find out about crimes in our neighborhoods? Usually it is through the local newspaper or police bulletins and quite often, at a significantly later date.

This kind of physical security product is an important weapon in defending our homes I think, because it immediately alerts us of criminal activity and can allow us to be better prepared to protect ourselves, no?

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Keyed Pocket Door Lock - To Be Recontinued

2012-01-20T02:00:00.003-06:00

Our very popular Cowdroy P697 Keyed Pocket Door Lock has been selling like hotcakes. We recently revealed our discovery of 3 more units hidden in our inventory. We are down to 2 units left now.

Due to significant demand and various customers contacting the manufacturer we have negotiated a new deal and expect to recontinue this product offering in the very near future.

Pricing details will follow soon, but we expect to have new inventory within 3 months.

Serrature Meroni Combina Hardware Installed In Canberra Australia

2012-01-15T17:26:00.004-06:00

Early last year, we communicated with a discerning customer from Australia intent on purchasing and installing Meroni hardware on their new home.

We communicated back and forth over a period of time, to determine suitable options and solutions, tailored to their specific tastes and desires.

Being a considerable distance away made it difficult to accurately see the site to determine solutions easily .

The result of thorough questioning, enabled us to find a suitable solution to their needs and we transacted a solution that made them very happy.

We recently received an email from them with some pictures of the completed and installed product, that we attach here. As you can see, the product looks amazing and is easy to use and fully functional.

Pictured above is a Serrature Meroni Combina K13 Entrance set in US26D (Matte Chrome) with an LR (Kelon - Red) cover button. This is the inside of the door.

Here (above) is a picture of the outside of the same door.

Pictured above is a picture of the house's entry door with another Serrature Meroni Combina Entrance set in US26 (Polished Chrome), both body and upper cap. The deadbolt above the Meroni is a Lockwood 005 Paradigm deadbolt.

Neverwet Anti-Icing Technology

2012-01-13T17:21:00.003-06:00

Brrrr.....winter has hit Missouri and it's been snowing for most of the last 36 hours.

The cold weather snap has reminded me about a recent article I posted here about Neverwet Solutions. The Neverwet product is due to be released in early 2012, commercially.

A few years ago, shortly after moving here and not being familiar with such a cold climate, I experienced the calamity of power failures due to extreme ice and snow during a winter blast that tormented the whole region.

With power lines coming down and electrical transformers blowing due to excessive ice buildup, the power and emergency services were run off their feet trying to repair and allow consumers to warm up. Some counties were without power and heat for days to weeks.

Neverwet have produced another solution that may allow for similar episodes to never be repeated, if the power companies coat their electrical circuits and boxes in their anti-icing solution.

Check out the video of how it works....

http://www.neverwet.com/videos/anti-icing.html

The benefits of this product will change people's perspectives on waterproofing and protect doors, roofs, power transformers and lines from the harsh realities of the wintry forces of nature.

I post this here because I believe that protecting our doors from the elements is a variation on security design. Not only should we protect ourselves from break ins, but also protect ourselves from the elements of nature that can threaten our health and comforts.

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Furniture Locks By Meroni

2012-01-13T16:46:00.002-06:00

It is no secret that we have become the source in the USA for Meroni locking system products. We have been extolling the virtues of some of the unique range of Meroni handle designs like the Combina and Pigio and Nova handles.

But do you know how Meroni first developed their market?

A little over 60 years ago, Meroni began developing it's range of products in the Brianza area of Northern Italy, widely known as the epicentre of the Italian furniture industry. Meroni capitalised on their early entry to market by developing long term relationships with many of the leading Italian furniture manufacturers. Italian produced furniture products are known internationally for their quality of workmanship and leading style designs. Adopting Meroni products became an excellent fit for many of these companies and the relationship continues today.

In fact, many of the furniture locks you see by other manufacturers worldwide are based on the original designs that Meroni produced over the last 60 years.

It is no wonder that Meroni continues to be the undisputed leader in it's field with most of the leading furniture companies still preferring Meroni locks for use in their pieces.

We recently provided a range of master keyed cam locks to a discerning buyer for use on an oil platform, that required to be made to very exacting keying specifications. Sure there were many choices on offer for this company, some that were even considerably cheaper. But with the depth of Meroni's expertise and reputation for quality, we were able to provide the perfect solution in the required urgent timeframe. Another satisfied client.

The Meroni catalogue today lists over 7000 items designed for the furniture sector. The enormous choice allows for furniture producers to find ready-made solutions for virtually every need, in a product range that offers a vast spectrum of sizes, materials and finishes.

Some of the Meroni solutions include:

Cupboard and Wardrobe Doors
Sliding Doors
Bureau Doors
Filing Cabinets
Drawers
Tall Boys
Dressers
Basquill locks etc.

Serrature Meroni's long experience in producing furniture locks and its close

cooperation with the marketing and design departments of its customers in the furniture sector have enabled them to develop a exceptional capabilities in the analysis and resolution of every kind of design problem. Being able to grasp design requirements immediately, propose solutions and introduce rapid adaptations are key competencies of the Meroni design office.

For this reason, in those cases in which the extensive choice of existing products is not able to meet particular needs, Serrature Meroni's technical centre is always available to create a tailor-made solution. This flexibility is one of the company's strengths and a source of competitive edge for those companies that approach Meroni looking for a creative work relationship and a complete range of design and marketing services.

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Pocket Door Lock With Key

2012-01-12T16:18:00.003-06:00

We recently discovered a few more of these wonderful and highly sought after pocket door locks, in our inventory shelves.

I have 3 silver ones left available for sale.

They are $150 each and shipping in mainland USA is $15.

Please contact me by email if you are interested and I will send an online invoice.

Guardian II - Simplified Access Control

2012-01-06T17:09:00.002-06:00

An interesting solution just came across my desk that purports to be one of the simplest and most competitively priced access control systems in it's class available today.

The Guardian II is a stand alone system enabled to work with electric strikes, magnetic locks and other door entry products. There are four options as explained in the video, to suit multiple different application parameters.

One of the better options with this simple system is the localized audit trail abilities. An administrator can easily determine who and when a controller has been operated.

These products are available from leading access control and locksmith companies.

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ShatterGard - Security Film

2012-01-03T15:17:00.002-06:00

We recently received our test sample of this fabulous product and are putting it through our internal tests.

So far, it seems to be the real deal.

The incidence of break in is rampant across America and due to many Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ's) insisting on property owners NOT using double cylinder deadbolts to secure entry ways that have glass near the door locks (life safety and building code regulations), products like ShatterGard, that actually prevent the smash and grab technique, are being sought for more widely.

If you have ever been broken into, more than likely you have suffered either a smashed window or a door kicked in. The likelihood of having your locks picked, bumped or destroyed, while certainly increasing across society, is much lower than experiencing a kicked in door frame or glass breakage.

Using the ShatterGard product and combining it with a Strikemaster II Pro door frame casing reinforcer, significantly decreases the likelihood of these two primary methods of entry.

We are still testing ShatterGard and are looking to include in our inventory in the very near future.

Stay tuned!

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Seat Recognition Technolgy To Replace Facial Recognition Technology In Cars Of The Future

2012-01-01T16:35:00.003-06:00

Japanese researchers have developed new technology aimed at preventing the incidence of automobile theft.

Seat recognition technology employs a range of sensors embedded in a car seat designed to measure key attributes of the driver. The technology is still in it's infancy but could lead to other advancements is security product design that passively protect our precious auto property.

"The way the technology works is pretty simple. The seat is retrofitted with 360 different sensors. Those sensors take into account things like your weight, the highest value of pressure on the seat, and where you come in contact with the seat. The idea is that we all sit in car seats relatively the same way each time, so the seat should be able to tell who is sitting in it, ensuring that the person is the owner of the car rather than a car thief."

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Camlock Systems Merge With Bilock North America

2011-12-21T23:19:00.004-06:00

Bilock North America recently announced details of it's merger with Camlock Systems.

This brings together 2 specialty product manufacturers of high security lock and key systems.

Camlock Systems will be now based out of Connecticut instead of Illinois.

Pictured here is the Camlock Systems Series 35 new age high security cam lock. This advancement in cylinder design adds another unique product to dealers inventories.

These locks are available keyed to differ or keyed alike. With around 750,000 different combinations and factory restricted keys, users can be assured their security is well maintained.

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Wrench Handle - Concept Door handle

2011-12-13T03:22:00.003-06:00

This concept door handle design by Tirdad Kiamenesh is a lever handle that might look great on the office doors of the local mechanic's workshop, no?

Discerning tastes provide greater markets for designers to develop concepts that might appeal to different customers.

Here is a concept that just might appeal to a mechanic with taste. It certainly would be a talking point in your workshop.

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Off - A 2011 Red Dot Award Winner

2011-12-13T02:59:00.003-06:00

The Red Dot Design Awards date back to 1955. They are acclaimed worldwide as a world leader in recognizing talented engineering and design for concept designers of promise.

The Off product is a concept exterior door lock system designed to enable you to control your gas and electricity mains from your door lock.

I believe this is simply a convenience switch that enables total control from your entry door, negating your need to re-enter your premise to manually switch on or off electricity, gas or other appliances. It is not designed as a physical security device (so you will still need your deadbolt to secure your door)

The merging of electronic and mechanical technologies continues to stun the world with ever increasing design concepts being produced that could have far reaching potential to make our lives easier.

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Fosters Locksmith Commercial

2011-12-04T19:34:00.003-06:00

A friend recently pointed me to the above commercial for the very well known Australian beer Fosters Lager. He sent it to me because I grew up in Australia.

I love satire, dont you?

To keep sane, I find that the ability to laugh at yourself is important, even in these trying times.

Ignition Key Transponders Explained

2011-11-29T02:18:00.002-06:00

We will soon be introducing Automotive Key origination and duplication to our inventory of products and services.

We spent many of our formative years in the locksmith trade concentrating on automotive locksmithing and have an excellent grounding in manufacture, fabrication and repair of car keys, motorbike keys and truck keys. We also trained extensively in repair of auto locks, especially Asian and European brands.

We have been reluctant to offer this service locally because we believed the high cost of specialist machinery and tools required, couldn't justify the necessary price we would have had to apply, to be able to remain solvent.

We decided a couple of years back to slowly build our inventory and machinery to be able to offer these products and services, due to the increasing numbers of calls we receive.

We believe that it is necessary to have sufficient supply of suitable tools to service our clients and prefer to be prepared, hence our delay to bring this to market. We are not quite ready yet to begin, but thought it might be prudent to post an easy to understand video of Transponder Systems Explained to enable future clients to understand the complexities of their car keys and why they cost so dang much.

UltraSECURE - A Revolutionary Security Product

2011-11-27T19:00:00.002-06:00

UltraSECURE™ is the first fencing system of its kind. The system features unique steel panels fixed between each pale providing an extremely strong and secure perimeter.

The system is available in two forms, solid panels for applications requiring total privacy or perforated panels where good surveillance of the premises is required.

The patented design of the UltraSECURE™ Fencing System offers heightened levels of defence against the four most common breaches:

UltraSECURE™ panels deter the use of hack-saws as intruders have to cut the whole of the panel to gain entry.

UltraSECURE™ panels are fixed securely in place to help prevent fence pales being levered apart.

Rail to post fixings are hidden by the UltraSECURE™ panels to avoid tampering.

UltraSECURE™ panels strengthen the framework of fence and therefore reduce the opportunity to bend pales.

In addition to being lightweight and easy to fix, UltraSECURE™ utilises a unique slot fixing that has been designed to provide a raking installation that conventional mesh fencing systems find difficult to achieve, therefore eliminating the need for stepping of individual bays.

Perforated infill panels are supplied Polyester Powder Coated only.

Solid infill panels can be supplied either Polyester Powder Coated or Galvanised.

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Odd Spot: NYPD Officers Locked Out Of Squad Car

2011-11-27T13:06:00.002-06:00

A rather odd predicament for some of New York's finest. Being locked out of your vehicle can be troubling even for authorities. Why didn't they call a locksmith? Perhaps the NYPD doesnt have a slush fund for unusual emergencies of their own creation.

Notably, the vehicle is a Chevrolet brand. Isn't Onstar available to Chevrolet? Why wouldn't the NYPD have Onstar too?

We regularly attend to vehicle openings in our region and rarely does it take more than a minute or two to unlock a vehicle. The methods employed by these officers, generally do not work on more modern vehicles, due to auto makers improving the designs of vehicle door mechanisms.

As locksmiths, we have deliberately trained to work with modern tools and methods of entry, so that the inconvenience caused by this scenario can be easily mitigated.

iKey 2 - Smartphone Connected Door Locks

2011-11-27T04:53:00.002-06:00

Leave it to the Dutch to design another intelligent advanced lock system that works with iPhone and Android smartphones.

The iKey2 is a unique system designed to operate similar to the Salto systems we recently wrote about, however instead of using proximity cards or fobs, all you need is your smartphone with the suitable app installed.

It looks like a straightforward approach to bringing lock and key technologies into the modern smartphone era.

Check out the source below for more details.

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Neverwet Waterproofing

2011-11-20T19:16:00.005-06:00

As locksmiths and door repairers we are regularly called to customers who suffer from water damage to their doors and frames. In many cases, the door and frame usually requires complete replacement due to rot having set in.

A new technology has surfaced, produced by Ross Nanotechnology is about to change our perception of waterproofing techniques.

There are many options on the market that claim to increase water resistance to different surfaces, but this company have produced what may appear to be the creme de la creme of waterproofing technology.

The applications for this product are likely to be huge and varied. I think that many customers would like to solve their water damage issues with such a simple and effective solution. Dont you?

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The Today Show on MSNBC

2011-11-16T23:28:00.005-06:00

Locksmiths finally hit prime time, but it is a national warning to all consumers about the growing problem of illegitimate scammers continuing to prey on unsuspecting consumers. We have warned people before about the practises of some who choose to defraud the marketplace with less than ethical business practises. Now NBC highlights the problem with an indepth expose. This problem cannot be resolved through regulation and licensing unless enforcement is seen to bite. Not all locksmiths are like that, obviously. A professional locksmith will know how to perform the desired task at legitimate prices, offer insurance, usually arrive in a professional work truck and in uniform. The practises of some less than desirable "foreign" scam artists are bringing the entire industry to disrepute. This problem is being seen and repeated across the country in increasing numbers. (source...)

United States Commerce Association Award

2011-11-09T15:49:00.001-06:00

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Master Key Systems America, LLC Receives 2011 St. Louis Award

NEW YORK, NY, November 2, 2011 -- Master Key Systems America, LLC has been selected for the 2011 St. Louis Award in the Locksmiths & Keys category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

This is the first year that a business has qualified as a Four-Time Award Winner. Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2011 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

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Quirk Of Nature - The Answer Is Tin Foil...

2011-11-08T02:06:00.002-06:00

I read with interest about a locksmith in another city who a few years ago did a job for a lady who had contacted him 5 years earlier.

Originally he had hosted a visit in his shop from a lady who was convinced someone was trying to kill her by sending X-Ray's through her walls....

"Without missing a beat, I told her in my most professional and serious voice, that the only way to avoid this was by putting tin foil on all the walls and ceiling. This seemed to calm her down and more importantly got her out of my shop. Fast forward 5 years. I get a call to change a cylinder due to lost keys that was out of our service area. I explain that we cannot be competitive in price and tried to turn the job down. No, they'll pay to have us go because they like our work. I send a tech up to the job. 2 hours later the tech returns and he looks like he's about to bust from laughter. You guessed it! This was the lady I told to put tin foil on her apt. walls! She did it and the WHOLE apt. was lined with TIN FOIL. She explained to the tech that I was the only one who took her seriously and after my suggestion, they weren't able to x-ray her apt!!! She had been living with the tin foil on her walls for 5 years. It gave her peace of mind (isn't this what we do)and got me a customer. We laughed about this for years afterwards."

Quirky consumers are the nature of the game in locksmithing. An intelligent locksmith will provide a solution, no matter how odd.

You never know!

Giobert Keys- Another Serrature Company

2011-11-07T18:27:00.002-06:00

The fabulous Serrature Meroni product line, that we proudly bring in to the USA is seeing significant traction in the local market. Discerning buyers are realizing that the Meroni product line are an innovative and aesthetically pleasing and competitively priced, easy to use alternative to other mainstream lock systems.

Serrature also are the major shareholder in another well established Italian company that specialize in the manufacture of locks and keys for the highly specialized Italian car manufacturing sector. Giobert Keys were established in 1953 by Giovanni Bertolino in the city of Turin.

In the 1960's through '70's Giobert Keys manufactured locks and keys for the well known car maker Lancia. They began producing locks and keys for car maker Fiat in the mid '80's.

Many of today's high security keys and locks, found across many car brands are attributed to the research and development of Giobert Keys.

In 1997 they were one of the first auto lock manufacturers to supply RFID programmed keys built into the keyheads.

In the noughties, they developed newer products that found their way into the Fiat 500 production cars and they also developed lock and key products for motorcycle makers too.

The locksmith industry has used Italian made lock and key products for many years because their quality is first class. Companies like Silca, became a locksmith industry stalwart, producing many top quality key machines and key blanks found all over the world.

With Fiat owning a significant portion (majority) of USA car maker Chrysler, expect to find more Serrature made products in local car options.

We find it interesting that some Chrysler dealerships have had their interest peaked by the offerings of Serrature Meroni commercial and residential lock and key products recently too.

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GPS Shoes - Securing Elder Statespeople

2011-11-05T01:55:00.002-05:00

This site is about informing readers about products and services that physically protect properties and people. Security products are constantly evolving over time and emerging technologies are allowing some forward thinking companies like GTX Corp to produce an innovative product line aimed at helping to track and secure elder citizens who suffer from age related ailments.

Alzheimers disease is widely known as one of the more common age related disorders affecting many elder people. Alzheimers disease can be a difficult disease to manage. Many children are required to nurse their ailing parents as they age. With aging comes dementia and other related disorders.

A very common issue that occurs with many aging relatives is the affected person being known to wander off. This can create much unanticipated anxiety for carers who want to care for their patients but not restrict their movements. To be able to do this effectively, in the past we have been required to almost "leash" our loved ones to prevent them from wandering off. Some of my customers have asked me to install double cylinder deadbolts to their doors to prevent a disoriented relative from wandering off. I always have to refuse because the installation of double cylinder deadbolts to primary entrance doors is not legal.

Many people find they cannot effectively devote the necessary time to watch their age related disordered relatives and tend to push them into retirement homes and villages, into the care of around the clock carers whose sole duty is to care and protect our loved ones from coming to harm.

GTX Corp have released the GPS Shoe. A real time GPS chip embedded in a running shoe that enables online tracking of the wearer. This is especially helpful to carers because it reduces the need to constantly watch and monitor patients. If a wearer happens to wander off, locating them is simple thanks to GPS technologies. Now, children of age related disorder sufferers can have a smart and efficient tool to help them care for their relatives that is unobtrusive, intelligent and cost effective.

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B-Hook By BuggyGuard

2011-11-01T22:27:00.003-05:00

Buggy Guard are a company that specialize in products designed for people who might push a stroller/pram.

Their latest product is this sensational securing carabiner that can attach to your stroller handle to help you secure your pocket book or purse from running away.

An intelligent solution designed to protect your belongings when taking baby out for a stroll.

Hook the carabiner around your handle bars, attach your handbag/pocket book/purse and lock the combination. Your personal stuff will be secure from the smash and grab type of theft or crooks who ply their crimes of opportunity trades.

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Choosing an Electric Strike

2011-10-27T09:22:00.002-05:00

Tom Rubenoff is a locksmith and technician with many years experience. he is an author of training manuals and systems. The next article was written by him and published at Hubpages.

Criteria for Electric Strike Choice

The first thing you need to know in order to choose an electric strike is what kind of lock you have. A couple of good clues to help you find out what kind of lock you have are the kind of strike and the size of the lock front. Below are some pictures of strikes and lock fronts and a rim exit device.

HES 5900 Electric Strike Installation

Choices

The top-most illustration shows an "ANSI" strike with a centered keeper. That is hardware-speak for, 'The strike is 4-7/8" high and has the latch hole in the middle." This type of strike usually means you have a cylindrical lock and a hollow metal frame. You can confirm this by comparing the latch front in your door to the second illustration from the top. If it is a cylindrical lock it will most likely match. For this type of application, I would suggest the HES 5000 series electric strike with 501 option faceplate, the Adams Rite 7240 electric strike, the Von Duprin 6211, or the RCI 4114.

The third picture down depicts a mortise lock front and its corresponding strike. Notice how the keeper (hole) is offset toward the bottom of the strike. If you have a mortise lock your choices are much more limiited. For ease of installation I would suggest the Von Duprin 6210, the HES 1006 with K, KD, or KM faceplate option, or the HES 4500.

The next picture down shows a mortise lock with a deadbolt. Your best bet is to change out your mortise lock so it looks like the third picture. Typically storeroom function mortise locks are used with electric strikes.

For a rim exit device on a wood or hollow metal door, the easiest installation is the HES 9600 on a single door. A more durable strike is the Von Duprin 6111 or 6112. Less expensive alternatives include the Adams Rite 74R1 and the RCI 0161.

If the rim device is on an aluminum storefront door, your choices are more limited. You would need a strike with a thinner faceplate such as the Von Duprin 6113 or an Adams Rite 74R2.

The last picture above is a little misleading because it depicts an exit device in a double door installation. For a double door you would need a surface mounted strike such as the Von Duprin 6121.

The video above shows the ease of installation of the HES 5900 electric strike. This can be a real time saver for installations with cylindrical locks on hollow metal doors and frames.

Basic Electric Strike System

(source...)

Gloating...I Know....sshhh

2011-10-26T00:38:00.004-05:00

Testimonials by neighbors or even others in your town, especially if they are unprompted and genuine, sometimes help another consumer decide to choose that company for service.

Many of the testimonials you might see below are from customers who have used our local services and there are a number from satisfied customers across the world who have also written.

We try to make available different products, previously unavailable elsewhere that are intelligent and suitably priced problem solvers.

You might see some of these testimonials repeated.

Danny was very friendly and knowledgeable, although his apprentice seemed to do most of the work, Danny kept an eye on him to make sure it was done right. He had very reasonable pricing for re-keying.

Greg D (St Louis, MO) October 2011

He was extrememly fabulous and helpful and did a wonderful job. He was very professional.

Shannon M. (Arnold, MO) October 2011

Growing up spending so much of my time in Italy, the uniqueness of the Nova Classico left quite an impression on me. To be able to have and enjoy them in my own home here in the states is a nostalgic indulgence I'm enjoying beyond words. Thank you Danny for coordinating this transaction.

Joseph M (Chicago, IL) September 2011

great job. hired on the spot and he did job right then at great price

Ron B (Arnold, MO) July 2011

I searched the internet and found your services. I received three phone calls within several days. A service call was scheduled. Two gentlemen arrived promptly, analyzed the problem and fixed it.

James & Florenc M Saint Louis, MO July 2011

The repairman was on time and did an excellent job of fixing a very stubborn door lock. He was persistent and cleaned up the work area afterwards. I would use this service again.

Brenda F (Saint Peters, MO) June 2011

Danny at Master Key Systems has succeeded in making the purchasing of our Meroni door locks, from Italy, an absolute breeze. Even though I live in Australia with a 16hr time difference and was ordering door knobs from Italy that weren't in stock, the whole process was faultless. Danny was prompt and efficient with all his emails and made sure we had covered every possible variable so that the product I received was exactly as required. I would have no hesitation in recommending Danny for your next purchase.
Patrick Carr (Canberra, Australia)

Your product really helped because I needed to secure a nurse's station adjacent to a waiting room and needed a pocket door. Unfortunately, no real options were available to lock a pocket door effectively that would keep me compliant with HIPAA and secure an area that stores medical supplies. This was vitally important as this particular waiting room was for "waiting detox patients". Thank you very much.

Randall R The Fritz Clinic (Birmingham, Al) March 2011

Danny was very polite and knew what the problem was and how to fix it. He also gave me some information about other issues that could arise with my door and locks. Will hire again if I ever need that type of work done.

Jason M Imperial, MO March 2011

I had an exterior basement door that dragged when opening and closing. The hinges were not fitting properly and the door frame had shifted, probably due to the age of the house.The screwswould not go far enough into the wall without hitting stone...even using a special drill bit. Dan worked a long time drilling and sanding to shore up the door as best as possible. I know it will never be perfect. He could have easily sold me a new door and the same issue would happen. He was honest, thorough, and did an excellent job without charging me a fortune. I'm satisfied with the door now. If you want an honest, experienced man, Then Dan is the man

Roger M Saint Louis, MO March 2011

I purchased the Cowdroy P697 Pocket door lock with key over the internet. I emailed questions before my purchase and was provided with the answers quickly by return email. The purchase was quick and easy and the lock was shipped immediatly. Installation is quick and easy. But you do need to convert millimeters to inches (use the internet) in the installation instructions. And the lock looks great and works great. I will do business with them again. THANK YOU

Ed D (February, 2011)

We were very please. Didn't take that long and was glad to have this task checked off as done. Danny was great! Professional and knew just what to do

Marshall S (Chesterfield, MO) January 2011

Key Cutting VS Key Originating

2011-10-21T19:23:00.002-05:00

American Key Supply are a San Francisco based locksmith supply company who specialize in the supply of automotive key machines, supplies and automotive locksmithing knowledge. They serve the locksmith market primarily. To use any or some of their products you need to be a locksmith or affiliated with an industry organization.

The video above shows just how easy and accurate, duplicating a Schlage standard key is. We note here that the operator is actually originating the duplicate key instead of just copying it, using one of the industries latest and greatest key code machines.

The 3D Pro is fast becoming the industries sought after machine because it includes in it's range both automotive and residential/commercial key types. Instead of the traditional duplicating method, this machine is designed to read the actual depth of a lock's working key and then copy the recorded depths on to a keyblank, effectively creating an exact duplicate of the tendered key.

This method of key origination can help consumers to get exact duplicates of their keys, except that their new keys are in fact cut to factory specifications. This can help to protect the lock cylinder from unavoidable wear that occurs when an incorrectly duplicated key enters the key cylinder.

As you would expect, keys that are originated as opposed to duplicated, can be slightly more expensive but having correct original factory specified keys that operate your locks consistently and repeatedly might be more valuable than the down time created when duplicating keys at the independent or big box hardware stores (that often do not work).

This particular machine is definitely on my wish list.

(source...)

Bicycle Lock - A New Adaption

2011-10-20T19:32:00.005-05:00

The bicycle has always been a favored transport vehicle by green minded individuals.

Securing your bicycle has been a chore in the past, with chains and D locks and versions that are bulky to hold in a backpack or around the bike frame. And that is not considering the actual padlock in some cases.

Kuat (pronounced koo-at) have released a modern take on the bicycle lock with this innovation that houses the cable inside a regular bicycle drink bottle.

Secured with a key lock on top of the bottle, cyclists can rejoice in having their lock already fitted to the bottle clip. Unobtrusive, simple, intelligent and easy to use, this product may make life easier for cyclists.

But where do we put the drink bottle?

(source...)

Vehicle Motion Sensor By EMX Industries

2011-10-19T15:55:00.004-05:00

EMX Industries is a leading supplier and manufacturer of high quality electronic access control operators designed to maximize efficiency, reduce downtime and make updating programming and maintenance a chore that is simple and quick to complete.

Their newest Driveway Sensor, for operating gates or beams or doors comes with a plug in remote control to allow for the buried sensor (pictured below) to be easily programmed by onsite maintenance without the need to call an expert technician.

The advanced design of this sensor means it can be powered by multiple power supplies, like even a 9v battery to offer up to 6 months wireless use. So, now even remote properties with gates on the outer edge of the land can have automatic sensors without the extra cable power infrastructure required to run other variations.

There is also an option to be able to power the unit using Solar Power.

Access control is often considered expensive to install because usually power needs to be supplied to remote locations requiring significant trench digging to run the needed cables. Whereas many options are available at competitive prices, these prices do not reflect the labor cost to install (sometimes in awkward locations).

(source...)

Autoslide - Automatic Sliding Door Opener & Closer

2011-10-17T00:29:00.004-05:00

Autoslide is a unique and modern product designed and manufactured by some talented Australians.

Many readers here are aware that I have a fascination with sliding doors, especially pocket or cavity doors. We recently sold out of our very popular keyed pocket door lock.

At last, the automatic sliding door technology that has been the domain of supermarkets, banks and other high profile office buildings and complexes comes to everyday residential and commercial applications at a super-competitive price point.

I am often asked by clients about sliding door closers and in the past have recommended a hydraulic (water powered) device designed for sliding screens. Now I am happy to see that this new product may be the Rolls Royce of sliding door operators.

Bloody good stuff!

(source...)

EDIT January 24, 2012

Enquiries are flooding in about this product. In the USA you can get it from http://autoslide-usa.com/

Codehandle By Assa Abloy

2011-10-16T14:36:00.002-05:00

Union Lock Mfg Co. in the United Kingdom have been producing locking hardware for a great many years. They are well known for their filing cabinet locks and their residential bit key mortise locks.

This Assa Abloy owned company also produce some innovative entrance handles like described above in the video.

We wrote about a variation of this idea a couple of years ago when it was still a concept.

As the video shows, this design is tailored for internal, light commercial applications. It gives the ability to secure a room with wireless, battery powered technology that is convenient, aesthetically pleasing and simple to operate.

Securing private rooms, cupboards, storerooms etc. would be much simpler thanks to this intelligent solution.

(source...)

Battery Electric Strike

2011-10-14T14:26:00.001-05:00

The interest in this sensational product is phenomenal. At last, a solution to quality access control at a fraction of the cost of comparable solutions.

Crime Report Creve Coeur MO

2011-10-14T13:43:00.005-05:00

Here you see the last 14 days crime report for the Creve Coeur locality in September 2010.

We show here just the Breaking & Entering, residential and commercial Property Crime, Robbery and Theft incidents.

There were a significant number of Alarm incidents too (not pictured) but many were more likely false alarms with unit attendance.

Alarm - 81

Breaking & Entering - 3

Robbery - 0

Theft - 27

(source...)

Luccotto - Modern Padlock Design

2011-10-05T01:07:00.003-05:00

Serrature Meroni produce a modern take on the ages old padlock. This sensational product does away with the conventional brass/metal padlock body that sits beneath a U shaped staple (found in more common padlocks across the world.

This Luccotto padlock comes in 2 sizes (lengths) 22mm and 36mm. It is available in different colors to suit discerning tastes. It is secured using a tubular key cylinder (similar to Coke machine keys), that can be keyed alike, keyed differently or even master keyed. It is made from stainless steel components with the shackle resistant to sawing and drilling.

We are now stocking this line of modern padlocks.

This is a highly sought after product for securing bicycles, motorbikes or even the simple hasp and staple or even for chains.

The cost varies depending on your desired color, length and keying preference.

Price on Application.

(source...)

Contagion

2011-10-01T22:41:00.004-05:00

Just last week my wife and I went to see this movie. I found it to be one of the most entertaining suspense filled films I have seen in ages.

It stars Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Lawrence Fishburne and a gaggle of other big name stars.

The storyline involves a woman who returns home to the USA from abroad who has been in contact with someone who passed on a virus to her. Anything or anyone she came into contact with seemed to also contract the contagious virus.

To make a long story short, many millions of people become infected and die before a cure is found.

The realism in this fictional movie was astounding. The film director makes the audience feel that the whole scenario is entirely plausible and probable.

The recent bird flu and H1N1 virus' that the world contracted in the last couple of years, makes this film even more realistic and topical.

Why do I post this review here?

I am the exclusive USA importer/distributor of the sensational Serrature Meroni brand of locks and door and cabinet hardware from Italy. Serrature Meroni, a few years ago introduced a unique line of inventory that includes especially designed anti-bacterial polymer door knobs. These handles minimize the potential impact of transferring disease between people.

Virtually all people touch a door knob to operate a door at home or work or the doctors surgery or a hospital or any other public building, in order to enter or exit a room or the building. All people rarely consider the likelihood of catching and spreading germs from unknowingly touching a surface that a possible infected carrier has also touched.

Remember when those recent well known virus' (Bird Flu and H1N1) were breaking news all over the media? Pharmacists, grocery stores and merchants everywhere suddenly began selling notoriously huge amounts of hand sanitizers and similar products. Many institutions enacted strict policies forcing people to use hand sanitizers as often as possible and some even required employees to wear face masks to minimize the potential spread of airborne diseases.

The realism of the movie Contagion, made me think about how easy it would be to spread disease.

But thanks to forward thinking companies like Serrature Meroni, we can now rest easier with the assurance that forward thinking home owners, hospital management, doctors surgeries, chemical research laboratories and other concerned proactive people, are taking steps to protect their customers, staff, friends and families from the potential deadly side effects of unknown or even known virus'.

Linked In

2011-09-26T11:24:00.002-05:00

I have never been happy about Facebook, a social networking company that originally catered to the social society of university students, becoming the behemoth that has blurred the lines between business and social networking.

Typically, socio-economic groups have tended to keep their business and social lives separated. You can no longer do this thanks to Facebook and it's network of members who decided for everyone that your social and business life are one and the same.

I certainly agree that Facebook capitalized at the right time and produced a modern communication medium that caters to the social existence of people.

But I strongly believe that business and pleasure activities need to be separated otherwise emotions can invade smart professional business decisions that should be decided logicallly instead of emotionally.

Linked In, on the other hand fills the void that would be left by Facebook if they chose to just support the social aspect of peoples lives.

Linked in provides opportunities for like minded professionals and people of similar ilks to interact professionally in an environment centered around business and employment.

I have been a member of LinKed In since it was founded. It is the original business networking site, in my opinion.

It would be fun to hear people opinions on this.

Locking Up Expensive Custom Built File Cabinets

2011-09-23T20:16:00.004-05:00

We completed a project today for a customer that has had major difficulty finding anyone to install a suitable locking system to their custom made file cabinets.

These rather expensive cabinets had conventional drawer slides found in most cabinet hardware but had no space in front to adequately install locks.

We used Bilock Push Locks (pictured above) because these locks include longer bolts that protrude from behind and installed these into the side wall of the cabinet. We were required to extend the length of the bolts using 4mm x 30mm long metric machine bolts (that screw on to the end of the bolt) to enable the bolts to extend into the wall of each drawer.

I suggest few other installers wanted to work with these cabinets because they are very expensive and custom made, meaning any mistake could be costly.

Suffice to say, we completed the project in a little under 4 hours and the locks look and operate great. The customer can only lock and unlock the drawers with the key, so locking the keys inside is just not possible.

Being Bilock, the keys cannot be duplicated by anyone other than us. In the case of lost keys or extra copies, we maintain all Bilock key systems using professional master keying software and systems. All keys are coded with their system number enabling future key requests to be fulfilled by cutting original keys to their corresponding system number.

Being Bilock, these locks are truly bump proof and virtually pick proof. Combined with the inability to duplicate keys, make this product a true access control solution at economical cost.

Strikemaster II Pro - Product Update

2011-09-19T14:03:00.004-05:00

A Safe Homes International has recently released some exciting new upgrades to the Strikemaster II Pro line of Door Frame Security products.

We have been selling this terrific product, well over 4 years now and have installed numerous units to people whose homes have suffered a break in due to door frame casing failure.

The updated product line, now includes a patent pending model designed to secure french (double) doors.

Also included in the line is a Door Edge Pro, designed to further strengthen the mechanism on the door edge. These simple, yet ingenious improvements further bolster the product line and to top things off - they have reduced the price for these fabulous products.

In this economy, where many manufacturers seem to be increasing their prices for their products, when the market is still suffering from economic sticker shock, along comes a quality inventor/manufacturer who releases product at lower pricing.

The incidence of break & enter is increasing across the world, as shown in our periodic crime statistics posts. Strikemaster products are purposely designed to offer the protection you need at a fraction of the prices that other makers want to charge.

Beware of copy cat products. Strikemaster products are proudly designed and manufactured in the USA.

View their new website in the source below for explanation videos and demonstrations of the new products.

(source...)

Gravity Lid Lock - For Wheelie Bins

2011-09-19T13:24:00.002-05:00

We recently received our first sample of this brilliant device. It is simple to install and provides the intended security for the application.

How does it work?

The unit is installed to the body of the bin, with the catch installed to the lid. When the bin is picked up by trash collectors, the trucks will use their special grips that lift the bin and invert it so that the lid falls open and the trash escapes into the waste collector.

The action of inverting the bin, causes the gravity spring inside the lock unit to "fall" to the side, unlocking the catch. When the bin is returned to the ground, the reverse action returns the lock to the "locked" position.

This product would be well suited to medical centers, hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, trash collectors etc. The medical fraternity would benefit because you can safely dispose of syringes and used medical apparatus' and be assured that unauthorised use of the bin is avoided.

Crime Statistics - Saint Louis, MO 63146 September 1-14, 2011

2011-09-14T14:33:00.003-05:00

Here is a map of the incidents of crime reported in the Saint Louis, MO neighborhood of the 63146 zip code, for the period September 1 - 14, 2011.

There are about 124 incidents that we list here including

Theft

Alarms

Property Crimes

Breaking & Entering

Many incidents can be avoided if consumers are proactive in protecting their properties.

Locksmiths have deliberately trained in installation and service of suitable devices aimed at minimizing incidents of property crime, theft etc.

If you are serious about suitably protecting your properties and families, your first port of call should be your local locksmith.

Many consumers choose to shop at the big box hardware stores today. In reality, it is rare that you will find experienced and knowledgeable locksmith and physical security tradespeople, that can recommend appropriate solutions, in those environments.

If your security and peace of mind is important to you, wouldnt the advice of an especially trained locksmith technician be of more value to you than the average shop assistant?

(source...)

001 Touch By Assa Abloy Lockwood Products

2011-09-08T11:07:00.003-05:00

Assa Abloy Asia Pacific - Lockwood Products recently update their iconic 001 product line.

This leading product in the Asia Pacific market can be found on more homes and commercial offices than virtually any other product in the region.

The new product is made to the very exacting requirements that the consumer market demanded.

The 001 is a surface mounted RIM product. Essentially secured to the door with six (6) fasteners. The strike plate (keeper) is secured to the door frame with five (5) fasteners. The use of this many fasteners significantly increase the strength of both door application and frame (jamb) virtually preventing the door from being kicked open.

The use of modern electronic controls, updates the product in line with many competing products worldwide.

Simple to operate and classically designed, this updated edition of the iconic 001 will become the new norm in the residential and commercial entrance door market.

(source...)

A video demonstration is provided by Dibble Locksmiths

We are back!

2011-09-08T10:55:00.002-05:00

We return from abroad with a renewed vigor. More new products to be reviewed in coming posts, will focus on products designed to wet your whistle. Stay tuned.

Bilock Plug Update

2011-08-30T06:39:00.004-05:00

Our signature product Bilock, are now producing stainless steel sidebars that increase the drill protection of all cylinders.

Not only is this product bump proof and virtually pick proof but it is also extremely drill resistant and thanks to the inclusion of stainless steel sidebars, more so.

The ability to master key these cylinders without using pin stacks greatly improves the security and pick resistance of any master keyed cylinder. All locksmiths will explain to consumers that general or mainstream branded pin tumbler cylinders, when master keyed, greatly reduces the security and increases the pickability of the cylinders.

Bilock continue to push the boundaries of modern mechanical key systems and are constantly looking for micro improvements that protect the marketplace.

Pigio By Serrature Meroni

2011-08-28T18:54:00.002-05:00

We have been extolling the virtues of the fabulous Meroni product line recently and we now continue with a deeper look into the brilliantly designed and extremely easy to operate Pigio line.

The first picture shows an active example of a Pigio in use.

There are three (3) versions of the modern Pigio line. Pigio 3 pictured next is a sleeker more streamlined oval shaped handle that is slowly becoming the sought after alternative to lever handle hardware.

Pigio 2 is another version of the hardware that may appeal to discerning consumers.

Pigio 1 is the classic original that is more rounded is design.

We are the exclusive importer of these products in the USA.

All these products surpass the rigid ADA rules and regulations for commercial and residential doors.

Pushing or pulling the handle operates the mechanism. Simple design, intelligent idea and simple to operate. All versions are available in multiple colors and finishes, to suit the most discerning tastes.

Crime Statistics - O'Fallon, Missouri August 14-28 2011

2011-08-28T18:22:00.002-05:00

Here is a mudmap of the crime statistics reported by the O'Fallon Police Department for the 14 days August 14 - 28, 2011.

We found 54 incidents for this time period.

There are multiple different incident layers to choose from displaying incidents, we choose to look at Breaking and Enterings, Theft, Vehicle Theft, Robbery, Alarms, Commercial & Residential Property Crimes and Community Policings.

Break & Enter - 6

Community Policing - 1

Commercial & Residential Property Crimes - 10

Robbery - 1

Theft - 30

Theft From Vehicle - 6

These records are for only a 2 week period, but they do indicate an escalating crime rate compared to other localities.

Whereas there are only 6 Break & Enter records, the Commercial and Residential Property Crimes and incidents of Theft could have occurred with no sign of forced entry. That could indicate possible inside access from dishonest keyholders. Do you know who has all your keys to your home or business? If not, wouldnt it be fair to want to restrict the quantity of keys floating around that could potentially get into your property?

Master Key Systems America LLC are securing American doors, one at a time. Our technicians are especially trained to provide services that enable property owners and tenants to feel secure by using premier quality products and services.

All estimates/quotations are FREE. Please call us to arrange a no obligation security assessment and estimate.

(source...)

New O'Fallon Bureau (636)614-4416

2011-08-28T18:02:00.003-05:00

We recently started training a new person who resides in the O'Fallon, Missouri area. He is a very capable trainee and learning very quickly. The quality of his work is excellent (in some ways better than mine).

We are pleased to make our locksmith services available to clients in the surrounding areas for the still competitive rates we have become known for.

Now, serving customers in St Charles county will be quicker and more easily gotten to.

For emergency unlock services in O'Fallon, St Peters, St Charles, Lake St Louis and surrounding areas please call our sattelite bureau on (636)614-4416.

Search Engine Statistics For July 2011

2011-08-28T17:45:00.003-05:00

Okay! here are the statistics from Google Analytics that indicate the top 10 popular search terms people used in search engines that lead them to this site, during July 2011.

Kwikset Smartkey Problems leads the field during July followed closely by Schlage Securekey Problems. However Schlage is mentioned 5 other times in the top 10.

The knowledge that Schlage has decided to discontinue their Securekey line omens well for consumers. No more trash can quality product will spell a more content marketplace.

Nearly 2000 searches in July with a bounce rate of 72% indicates that many people are finding suitable answers to their search queries here.

We have noticed a slight uptick in projects completed in July and August has proved stellar too.

We put this down to consumers becoming more savvy in their searching and realizing that we at Locks210.com can actually complete their requested projects in more timely and cost effective methods than many of our competitors.

Supposed Uncrackable Safe Cracked by SOPL Member

2011-08-25T11:15:00.002-05:00

Tom Gorham, a fellow member of the Society Of Professional Locksmiths has achieved what no one else was able to. He opened this 130 year old antique safe.

This safe is located in an old cannery in Washington DC. It hadnt been opened for many years and the owner refused to have it drilled open. Many supposed experts tried and failed. The owner was almost convinced it was not going to open.

That is until Tom from Lock Doc came along. He succeeded where all these other supposed experts failed and with no damage.

The Society Of Professional Locksmiths is an organization of locksmiths dedicated to providing first class education and training to locksmith trainees. The society also promotes fellowship between locksmiths. It is fast becoming the preferred organization for locksmith professionals.

There are other locksmith organizations that have existed for many years, but this relatively young group of like minded professionals is giving locksmith professionals, opportunities to interact with peers unlike the other "clubs".

Cowdroy P697 Pocket Door Lock With Key - To Be Discontinued

2011-08-24T23:59:00.003-05:00

Due to significant price increases from the manufacturer, we have decided to discontinue our representation and offering of this product.

At the price the manufacturer is seeking, we can no longer provide this product at competitive prices.

When our inventory is sold out, we will no longer be carrying the line. Congratulations to the early adopters and apologies to those who missed out on this problem solver.

We count 4 only in brass and 4 in polished chrome left in our inventory. (2 in chrome are promised to a customer pending funds remittance).

Thank you for your interest.

Annual Vacation

2011-08-16T18:37:00.002-05:00

We will close August 30, 2011 for vacation. We will reopen September 8, 2011. We apologize for any inconvenience.

As we will be traveling abroad, we will be completely out of touch for this time.

Your custom is important to us. Please contact us to schedule future projects.

Breaking News: Schlage To Discontinue Securekey Line

2011-08-09T00:36:00.003-05:00

August 1, 2011 - Schlage manufacturing have announced they will discontinue the Securekey product line Deecember 31, 2011.

According to an Ingersoll Rand manager involved, Schlage will replace all their product line with the tried and tested conventional pin tumbler system in use for over 90 years.

Securekey will continue to be supported until December 31, 2011.

There have been reports in the media, over the last couple of years, of a patent suit brought by Kwikset against Schlage for infringing certain aspects of the Smartkey technology.

Perhaps this contributed to Schlage's decision to dump the product in the face of mounting criticisms about the insecurity, ease of bypass and bumping that this product was supposed to have countered.

Consumers might begin to see big box hardware chains discounting the product to clear the shelves.

(source...)

A Carabiner Keyblank

2011-08-08T08:54:00.002-05:00

A new keyblank has surfaced invented by an enterprising young fellow that solves the ages old dilemma of broken fingernails and tough to install/remove keys from your favorite keyring.

The keybrid is an especially made keyblank with a spring loaded arm that acts exactly like a carabiner.

It is my understanding that this product will be produced in various key profiles and will likely be a much sought after alternative for fashionistas who wish to protect their nails.

(source...)

Let Lockwood release the future...

2011-08-06T17:17:00.003-05:00

Assa Abloy Asia Pacific, who own internationally reknowned Australian lock manufacturer Lockwood, recently delivered the future Australian standard commercial mortise lock.

The revolutionary design is a vast improvement from previous models.

(source...)

Rosslinear Wireless Electric Strike Installed to Cyclone Fence Gate

2011-08-05T21:24:00.002-05:00

We recently completed the installation of the Rosslinear wireless battery powered electric strike by Lock Focus for a customer who required communal access to a parking lot, but was frightened by the monumental cost of installing a hardwired access control point.

This particular installation was difficult because the fence/gate builders had constructed it using heavy gauge wrought iron (1/4" thick) and it took substantial time to cut out the material.

When you consider the average cost of other stand-alone battery powered access control locks (~$800) prior to installation, this new product allows you to maintain a conventional entrance set with key override but still enjoy the convenience of superior access control. With up to 200 user codes (depending on code length), the ability to temporarily lock out all users (except administrator), a passage mode, adjustable time delay (length of time before unit re-locks) and other optional extras. At less than $460.00 this is a suitably competitively priced alternative.

We are the exclusive dealer of this product in the North American market.

(resale opportunities for dealers available)

Serrature Meroni - Combina Hardware From Italy

2011-08-01T22:25:00.005-05:00

Our new product line the fabulous Serrature Meroni - Combina, direct from Italy was showcased a few years in Europe. See how easy it is to operate this handle? It will surpass ADA requirements in both commercial and residential markets. The simplicity of design ensures easy operation by anyone.

No more twisting your hand to open your door, this stylish design is surprisingly, competitively priced compared to mainstream products available elsewhere.

We also offer the entire range of Serrature Meroni products. The choice of colors and styles is impressive.

We will be showing their range in upcoming features!

Wholesale opportunity for fellow locksmiths only.

Jobar Portable Infra Red Alarm

2011-07-29T16:31:00.002-05:00

The Jobar portable infra red alarm unit is an ultra inexpensive way to provide portable alarm capabilities.

With a piercing alarm and remote panic button and remote controls, it can offer a novel and inexpensive way to provide that temporary alarm protection when you need it.

Available at Bed Bath & Beyond ~$8.00

(source...)

Dewalt DS-100 Portable Alarm System

2011-07-29T16:09:00.002-05:00

While on the subject of portable alarm systems, here is a product produced by the highly respected Dewalt tool manufacturing company.

The DS-100 is designed for work sites etc, to offer a portable sensor alarm and siren in one complete package.

Unfortunately, Dewalt recently decided to discontinue it's production due to low demand.

But it is available here. (I hope you're sitting down - LOL)

(source...)

ATV Portable Alarm System

2011-07-29T15:58:00.002-05:00

A few years ago we posted about a portable alarm system that was available at the time called the YETI YT-100.

In recent days we have been fielding a significant number of calls from across the country, seeking to purchase this product.

It appears that the product has been discontinued.

I recently came across a different brand of similar product that appears to be of much better quality and (as far as I know) still available and at a similar price point.

The ATV/UTV Portable Alarm is a stand alone unit requiring 12 volt constant power to operate. It comes with 2 remote controls and looks to be of high quality.

Check the source below for further details.

(source...)

Rosslinear Wireless Electric Strike On Sale Now!

2011-07-22T21:19:00.003-05:00

The product has arrived and is available now.

The Battery Powered Electric Strike - By Lock Focus.

Wireless, battery powered access control at a fraction of the cost.

$459.95

Made In Australia!

Package contains 1 x electric strike

1 x code pad

Batteries Included!

optional accessories (Price On Application)

Exit Button
Exit Button Cable
Replacement Batteries
Strike Extension Cables up to 3M long
Codepad Extension Cable up to 3M long

(we do sell to the trade too. send us an email if you are interested becoming a reseller)

When You Call A Locksmith, Will A Con Man Answer?

2011-07-20T12:43:00.002-05:00

National Public Radio, in this mornings Morning Edition radio show played a story about the continuing saga of scam locksmith companies infiltrating the industry.

Sandy Hausman, a respected reporter with NPR wrote a story and interviewed some locksmith companies discussing the continuing drama that is affecting many sections of the trade in the greater Virginia regions.

In the story, Sandy writes about locksmiths across the country joining ALOA (The Associated Locksmiths Of America) to finance the fight against illegal immigrants and scam companies that are directly affecting the livelihoods of locksmiths and the security protection of consumers at the same time.

Where as I would like to think that ALOA is doing something about the issue, the truth is they are not. Yes they have a lobbiest on their payroll. But ALOA have been more about convincing governments to enforce greater regulations on the locksmiths across America. Licensing locksmiths has never been a successful method to rid the industry of these scam operators. Licensing only increases the cost for legitimate companies to exist. The end user or consumer is forced to pay increased service charges for projects. There is little to no enforcement by authorities of illegal/scam operators. What is the point of licensing if there is no enforcement?

Check out and listen to the radio spot in the source below.

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Swann Wireless Door Mat

2011-07-17T20:47:00.002-05:00

Swann are a well known manufacturer of quality advanced security products.

They have recently released this unique security product that can and does sound an alarm or door bell surreptitiously.

No more need to install a wired or buttoned door bell. Simply place the mat underneath your carpet or other entry mat, program your choice of melody or alarm and you now have a unique and sight unseen security product monitoring your entry doors.

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Bluetooth Keyless Entry System

2011-07-17T20:32:00.002-05:00

A new product has recently surfaced that brings together Bluetooth wireless technology with an electric strike to enable bluetooth access control solutions.

The Phantom Smart Home Hands-free Keyless Home Entry uses any Bluetooth-capable cell phone as a key to unlock your door automatically. The Keyless Home Entry detects and authenticates your phone as you approach without having to take it out or press a button.

Simple, safe, and secure, the Hands-free Keyless Home Entry provides a new level of convenience. You no longer have to trouble with keys. The Keyless Home Entry is perfect for coming and going in a hurry or with your hands full.

Our new battery powered electric strike is due to arrive this week (we believe) and while it does not have this bluetooth functionality it is fundamentally more secure. The new arrival is being updated next year to include an RFID remote release switch.

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RT Wave Elevator Surveillance System by Draka

2011-07-13T01:41:00.002-05:00

Draka Elevator Products, a revolutionary modern company specializing in all things elevator recently introduced this 'first-of-its-kind' wireless elevator surveillance system.

Designed to work at distances up to 200 floors (far exceeding previous iterations), this unique product allows discerning building owners, concerned about the security of their elevators to have 'an eye in the sky' so to speak.

Installation is straightforward although I suggest an experience elevator technician be called in to install them to minimize difficulties.

Now you can enjoy total protection including your elevators. In this age of increasing crime due to a floundering economy and high unemployment, building managers are often seeking quality products that provide top notch security for competitive prices.

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Invue Security Products

2011-07-13T01:02:00.003-05:00

Invue Security Products make specialty products tailored to the retail industry. Many of their products are designed to minimize potential losses from shoplifters.

Pictured here are two versions of their unique hook lock.

This forward thinking company, also produce some very unique security stands designed to display products like cellphones, tablets etc while minimizing the "ugly" factor. Their unique stands come in alarmed functionality too but primarily their sleek designs manage to display a products features while minimizing the security factor.

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Google Search Algorithm Loophole Exploited

2011-07-11T23:54:00.003-05:00

David Segal, a reporter for The New York Times recently wrote an article of interest about a locksmith in Seattle WA who is suffering a similar affliction to many other locksmiths across America.

Online Lead Generation Services have discovered a loophole in Google's local search algorithm and they are exploiting it as a result. This has led to a huge distortion in the search results that a user might find, when searching for their service of choice.

Lead Generation services are simply rehashing the ages old exploitation that Yellow Pages and other search directories, suffered from for many decades prior to Google.

'Doug Pierce of Digital Due Diligence, an Internet research firm based in Brooklyn, was asked to look into it. Mr. Pierce found that lead gen sites use some interesting gimmicks to charm and hoodwink Google’s algorithm. Some basically hijack the local addresses of other entities in or near the middle of town.

Other sites, Mr. Pierce found, are just tricked out for maximum Google visibility. In particular, lead gen sites are good at spreading their name, address and phone number — NAP, as it’s called in the search business — around the Web, which is apparently a superb way to curry favor with Google Places.'

Mr Segal wrote, 'Lead gen sites dominate Google results for locksmiths in many cities nationwide, and in more than a few towns. And it’s not just locksmiths. Other service industries, like roofing and carpeting, have a similar problem. If Google is the new Yellow Pages, then lead gen sites have perfected the same game that companies in the predigital age played when they started their names with combinations like AAA1 to land atop printed listings.

But because few people search beyond the first page online, snookering Google might be far more effective, especially because many people assume that the company’s algorithm does a bit of consumer-friendly vetting.

A Google spokesperson, Gabriel Stricker, made this statement recently: “We’re aware of the gaming practices happening in the locksmith industry — practices which long predate Google and have affected the Yellow Pages for decades. We’ve implemented several measures to combat this issue, including improving our spam-detection algorithms and working with the locksmith industry to find solutions.”

Mr Segal wrote, "Thousands of people spend all their workdays devising novel ways to fool the world’s most popular search engine. Fighting this tech-savvy horde can’t be easy.

Yet if the example of locksmiths is any indication, the horde has the upper hand in certain service sectors, and it all but owns Google Places."

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Basquill Antique Furniture Cupboard Lock

2011-07-10T18:45:00.002-05:00

Many antique furniture pieces are designed with long/tall double doors. Many of these doors are difficult to lock and secure.

Major Manufacturing Inc., a well know specialty manufacturer of locksmith and security products and tools, produce this unique product called a Basquill Lock.

It is designed to install in the normal position, use customizable length rods (locking bars) to secure the door at both top and bottom.

Simple to install and inexpensive, this product can help to maintain the antique piece while securing the cupboard doors easily and effectively.

Price On Application.

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Keyless Ingition Warning

2011-07-08T18:20:00.004-05:00

Most of us today drive cars and trucks post 1999.

Many newer cars are arriving with push button ignitions.

We have to remember to switch it off before exiting the car.

Pretty sad, no?

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Introducing The Invincible Meroni UFO....coming soon

2011-06-29T18:26:00.004-05:00

Advanced orders are now being taken for this sensational product.

This factory authorised clip runs about 10 minutes, but illustrates the security potential.

How much protection do you want?

Can Schlage Securekey Locks Be Masterkeyed?

2011-06-27T21:09:00.004-05:00

Schlage Securekey Locks cannot be masterkeyed.

Likewise, neither can Kwikset Smartkey locks.

In fact, none of the current crop of self-rekeyable products on the market can be masterkeyed.

There is one exception, however.

The fabulous Matrix key system invented by a talented locksmith engineer in Australia, can offer rekeyable attributes (limited) while also being part of a master key system.

Making Automobile Keys - A New Direction For Us

2011-06-27T19:54:00.003-05:00

We have decided to make our foray into the world of Automobile Key origination and duplication.

Personally, I cut my teeth in automotive for most of my first 20 years in the locksmith trade so it is not really that new for me.

When I started my business here in Saint Louis, I decided initially to not offer Automobile Key creation services due to the steep prices for purchasing, maintaining and keeping inventory of parts, key blanks, machines, keying kits, transponder programming equipment etc. The extreme cost to set up, maintain, educate/train and manage the wide intricacies of offering car, bike and truck duplication and origination services, means that clients will be forced to pay significant monies to have these services performed for them.

However, everyday I field increasing numbers of calls from customers intent on finding a trained professional, with field experience to offer the services they are seeking. Sure there are a few operators in this region with knowledge and experience who are providing these services, but to constantly receive inquiries from customers, when we actually advertised in the past that we DO NOT make car keys, indicates that the local needs are not being met or serviced properly.

We therefore decided that we would slowly build up suitable machinery, programming equipment and inventory supplies and begin catering to the needs of our market.

A true business, measures the market potential of it's products and services and makes incremental changes to it's initial business plan as time progresses, to attempt to provide product and service solutions to meet potential clients needs.

We being a proactive, forward thinking and evolving company, are constantly looking for new unique and specialty products and services to provide to our customers.

We just received some new programming machinery to enable us to originate and duplicate car key transponders (chip keys). We recently purchased special machinery to duplicate the high security 2 & 4 track car keys. We purchased top of the line computerised code key cutting machinery for conventional automotive, commercial and residential key originations, about 18 months ago.

We are continuing to build our infrastructure before we make automotive key making another product and service of our business and we look forward to your custom soon.

Combina Display Samples - Just Arrived

2011-06-22T22:12:00.005-05:00

I just received my current order of the sample Combina handles. I have been showing around a display model that is attracting significant interest. Architects, Interior Designers, Aged Care Homes, are liking the product.

I recently sold some Combina designer handle sets to a discerning customer in New York City, tailored to suit his exact taste. They are totally white in color and look terrific.

I showed to an aged care home recently and they loved it. No more handle to turn, simple design, easy to use. Perfect for arthritis sufferers.

I am blown away by the choice of options this product is available in.

From the home of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Fiat, Maserati, Da Vinci, Michelangelo this stylish and impressive handle continues the 35 year tradition of use in Europe.

The design options to suit virtually any decor are impressive.

Color coding is a brilliant innovative way to identify individual taste.

In the United States, the common residential door (interior or exterior) backset depth (the distance between the edge of the door and the center of the handle) is 2-3/8" (60mm), while the common commercial backset depth is 2-3/4" (70mm). The common cross bore (the hole in the door for fitting knobs or levers) diameter is 2-1/8" (51mm). Meroni handles are built to very exact 40 mm (1-9/16") cross bore diameter. For this reason, Meroni also provide wider diameter rosettes to allow installation to the common diameter found in North America. Meroni provide your choice of backset depths including 60, 70 and 80 mm depths. The strike plates are available in brass or silver, come in rounded or square forends (as do the latch mechanisms - backsets).

Many of the product lines can include your choice of color rosette to match the selected finish, although many customers tend to like the contrasting color rosettes.

We can now personally display working models to clients, to gain a feel for the end product.

As a special bonus, selected clients can now enjoy their company logo embossed on the cover plates to further personalize their product selections.

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Pickbuster - BUSTED

2011-06-22T11:46:00.002-05:00

Pickbuster is a product made by UAP in Great Britain. It was especially designed to combat the bump key phenomena that presented itself a few years back. The entire marketplace felt betrayed by pin tumbler lock manufacturers for not providing protection against the most simple form of covert entry.

Well, Pickbuster was released as the solution to treat all locks without replacing cylinders with true bump proof locks like Abloy or Bilock.

Unfortunately, the product is nothing but a hoax.

[EDIT: 6/24/11 We recently posted a video proving so, but the videographer has since removed access to it.]

Meroni UFO - Installation Instructions

2011-06-17T12:20:00.006-05:00

We appear to be receiving numerous hits and inquiries about this fabulous product - The Meroni UFO.

Many inquiries include the desire to see the installation instructions.

The kit comes with an installation instruction page that includes standard installation and for thin sheet metal (to 2.5mm).

Essentially the instructions are the same, just that for thin sheet metal applications, there are a few extra steps.

We are happy to include the following factory installation instructions for your benefit. These instructions are for the thin metal application. NOTE: The instructions are written in Italian and English.

CISA Not Servicing USA anymore.

2011-06-13T15:37:00.003-05:00

Pictured to the left is the CISA CS9800 Smart Lock. We previously posted about this product last year. While we still believe that CISA make unequalled quality products for the hotel market, it is most unfortunate that another Ingersoll Rand company has chosen to not support it's products in the US market.

There are other manufacturers of superb quality hotel RFID locks. One we like to recommend is SALTO. Salto produce modern super-high quality access control solutions, especially designed for hotels, schools, hospitals and condominium complexes. Their simple, wireless designs employ virtually impossible to hack card/rfid reader systems, that reduce the cost for installation, maintenance and service.

While it would have been nice to see CISA return to the USA market, there are other companies who see the value in servicing this market with products and services that are more competitively priced, aesthetically pleasing, using installation services that are more user friendly, economical and ultra-modern.

Good bye CISA. It was fun working with, installing and servicing your products, but it is time to look to the future instead of burying our heads in the sand buckets of the past.

Battery Powered Electric Strike - By LockFocus (Test Model Arrived)

2011-06-04T18:22:00.003-05:00

Well it certainly has been a busy 2 months for me. No time to sit and write new articles for this site.

We are happy to announce, we just received our display and test model of this newest addition to our inventory.

The Battery Powered Electric Strike - By Lock Focus appears to be of excellent quality and functionality.

It operates on 3 "watch type" lithium long life batteries that are easily available at just about any battery retailer, so purchasing additional or replacement batteries will be a cinch (pronounced sinch).

We are currently putting it through it's paces and plan to start offering them for sale very shortly.

Metal Ink Pen On Your Keyring

2011-05-24T17:50:00.006-05:00

A new product hitting the Market thanks to our friends at ThinkGeek is this sensational inkless pen.

It happens to me quite often, being without a pen to write down that number but this product may be the answer to many prayers.

The unique product offering comes attached to a keyring, uses a metal ink product (to write in metal) that never needs refilling or sharpening.

Additional pictures below.

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Pocket Door Lock With Key New Pricing

2011-05-23T08:43:00.006-05:00

Due to overwhelming demand (outstripping supply) and cost increases from the manufacturer, customs and international freight forwarders, this product is now costing $105.00 + shipping, effective immediately.

All existing orders (ordered prior to this update) will be honored at the advertised price.

It seems that I grossly underestimated the popularity of this product.

With demand currently outstripping supplies, we count less than 20 units (7 in silver and 12 in brass) left in inventory.

We apologise for the inconvenience and congratulate the early adopters for their wise and early buying decisions.

HM Cowdroy also produce similar shaped cavity door pulls and dummy handles as well as privacy sets. We anticipate a small inventory will be available in due course.

Bi-Pad Touch - Remote Operated Bump Proof Wireless Touchpad Deadbolt

2011-05-19T01:14:00.003-05:00

We will soon be releasing a new product to entice discerning customers. A wireless, bump proof and virtually pick proof (thanks to Bilock) remote control operated touchpad deadbolt lock that easily replaces almost any existing tubular deadbolt on the market. The product will come with 3 Bilock keys and 2 remote controls (standard), and is weather resistant. This product would suit computer rooms or communal office entries without the need to hand out keys. Up to 10 remotes can be purchased and 200 user codes can be programmed.

Pictures and pricing options will be uploaded soon. Stay tuned!

Battery Powered Electric Strike - By LockFocus

2011-05-18T02:33:00.009-05:00

LockFocus, the well known Australian lock products manufacturer have done it again. They have produced an update version of a battery powered electric strike.

We have received numerous inquiries about our past article on the now discontinued IR Microlock - Battery Powered Electric Strike and have been attempting to source a competitive alternative.

We are happy to announce that we may have found that product.

This product may indeed provide the solution that many of our clients are seeking.

The perfect alternative to wirefree access control. The battery powered electric strike by Lock Focus offers an economical alternative to apartment complexes, pools, communal access doors without the need to run expensive cabling and power hook up.

Designed to offer a potential 30,000 uses (3 years use), it is the perfect alternative to high traffic access control without necessarily issuing keys. Up to 200 user codes can be input.

Stay tuned for availability options.

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UPDATE 5/19/2011: We have arranged some samples from the manufacturer and a small quantity of inventory. We expect to have them in about 3-4 weeks. We are estimating the price at around US$475.00 each, but this is not confirmed at this time.

UPDATE 5/24/2011: We are now accepting pre-orders for this sensational product. We are expecting 24 units to arrive in about 30 days. Please email us with your desire to purchase and we will contact you privately with further details.

UPDATE 7/22/2011: Product is available now!

Combina - Serrature Meroni from Italy

2011-05-04T19:41:00.009-05:00

I'm quite excited about the Combina handles that are arriving soon. I have been showing around a display model that is attracting significant interest. Architects, Interior Designers, Aged Care Homes, are liking the product.

I showed to an aged care home recently and they loved it. No more handle to turn, simple design, easy to use. Perfect for arthritis sufferers.

I am blown away by the choice of options this product is available in.

From the home of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Fiat, Maserati, Da Vinci, Michelangelo this stylish and impressive handle continues the 35 year tradition of use in Europe.

The design options to suit virtually any decor are impressive.

Color coding is a brilliant innovative way to identify individual taste.

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Master Digital Keypad Deadbolt Installation

2011-04-24T04:30:00.003-05:00

I was recently employed to install a couple of these Master combination deadbolts for a customer. These deadbolts perform a keyless entry function for mutual access to authorized staff, but they also are available to be keyed to the customers existing master key system. I always recommend customers purchase the key override function, to provide entry in case batteries go flat or emergency mechanical access is required.

The installation was quick, straightforward and painless except that the weather started to get rough.

This is how the installation went...

Search Results for March 2011

2011-04-22T00:02:00.003-05:00

It is said (somewhere) that a website is best measured by it's success at being found.

I use Google Analytics to measure the depth of this sites penetration into the world wide web. GA gives an unbiased statistical report of your site's effectiveness at being found.

It does seem that this site is beginning to be found more often by searchers seeking answers to their inquiries or questions. This makes me happy to see the fruits of my labor (writing the content) actually benefiting someone.

March 2011 proved an interesting month with some varied results from last month.

As popular as ever and continuing to increase it's presence, is our article on Schlage Securekey Problems.

This month, Koowy starts to become more popular.

Kwikset Smartkey Problems continues to impress with it's hierarchy in our statistics although the quantity of searches in comparison to Schlage is significantly less. I suggest that this may be because the Kwikset locks appear to suffer from less problems. Whereas I am loathed to recommend the product line because it is NOT secure, I think it is better than the Schlage comparison.

As you can see in the table, our articles on Pocket Door Locks With Key continues to impress. It is most likely because competing product lines are not as stylish, simple and easy to install or as competitively priced.

The results for March are indeed impressive, in my opinion. 1627 visits : 2.19 pages per visit : 45.91% bounce rate. The bounce rate is an important indicator because it proves that searchers are not just staying on the landing page, rather they are finding the landing page of enough interest that leads them to visit other pages.

April is proving slightly different results, wait and see.

Breaking News: Many Manufacturers Raising Prices In Next Few Months

2011-04-17T15:12:00.003-05:00

Breaking News: Many leading manufacturers of security products in the USA are planning to raise prices in the next 3 months. Master Lock, American Lock, Sargent & Greenleaf and HATA are just a sampling of manufacturers raising their prices.

Concerned consumers should consider pushing up their planned purchase date for these product lines to beat the price increases.

The weakness in the US Dollar is partly to blame, but I think it is more to do with oil prices. Oil and oil derivatives are used in many materials and machinery required to produce many parts.

Unfortunately, if and when oil prices do decline, manufacturers rarely reduce their prices, so the new prices are most likely to stay (if not, continue to increase).

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Ultralatch by Soss

2011-04-10T19:14:00.003-05:00

The Ultralatch by Soss, is another design similar to our popular Meroni entrance hardware. Soss products are proudly manufactured in the USA.

Similar to the award winning Italian door hardware manufacturer Serrature Meroni, Soss have developed their own version of the ergonomical entry handle.

As the above video displays, the hardware is easy to use, convenient and aesthetically pleasing.

Soss Maufacturing company was founded by Joseph Soss in the late 19th century. Born Joseph Schloss in 1863 to Romanian parents, he decided to pursue his dream abroad and emigrated to the America's.

A bricklayer by trade, he began in Montreal in construction. He saved up enough money (working for $2 an hour) to eventually bring his wife and infant daughter over. They migrated to Cleveland Ohio in the 1890's after the birth of their second daughter. The Cleveland immigration officials renamed him Joseph Soss.

At that time, Cleveland was a rapidly growing city but after hearing about the State of Montana's desire to build a capitol building, he eagerly bid for the project, winning the bid and moving to Montana.

In 1902, after completing the Montana State Capitol building, he decided to move his family to Butte to build schools for the rapidly growing city. In later years he pursued business interests in the Philippines, but after the sudden passing of his business partner, he packed up and went home to Butte. While aboard ship, he stumbled on a protruding hinge and came up with the idea of concealed hinge. He patented the hinge and built a manufacturing company to produce it.

Soss Manufacturing ceased being a family business in 1939 and eventually the company was renamed Core Industries. Core Industries was later swallowed up by United Dominion Industries in 1997. That same year, Neil Marko of Universal Industrial Products in Pioneer Ohio bought the rights to the Soss hinge and today continues to produce it to the same quality that has seem the product installed at pre-eminent buildings like The White House and Buckingham Palace. Neil Marko is the great-grandson of Joseph Soss.

The Ultralatch is a new product that they developed and now produce in Ohio.

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The Door Club

2011-04-03T11:55:00.003-05:00

The residential security market is an ever changing and growing market. More and more unique products are surfacing that may enable residents to better protect themselves, their families and their properties.

In past articles here, we have discussed a number of products that are designed to prevent door kick ins.

The Strikemaster 11 Pro is our favored product for securing a residential entry door from the instance of door frame failure, the symptom that occurs when someone tries to kick the door down. It allows the door to be secured when you leave your home or dwelling.

A few days ago we posted a video about the OnGard door brace. A unique product designed primarily to thwart door kick-ins, while you are home, effectively thwarting home invasions. While the product is indeed a revolutionary idea and made from the highest quality materials, we recently came across another variation of the product from a well known manufacturer of other security products. The Door Club (pictured above), effectively does the same thing as the OnGard brace system. It is a competitively priced option that may appeal to consumers for it's aesthetic appearance and simplicity of use/storage.

It is easily installed by drilling one hole into floor surfaces such as wood, ceramic, carpet, tile, marble and granite. The Door Club is designed to withstand two tons of direct force, enough to keep would be intruders from kicking the door open.

Easily installed, the device comes with all installation hardware and instructions, including the mounting storage bracket that attaches to the door itself.

$24.99

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MinuteKEY - Self-Service Key Machine

2011-03-30T19:54:00.003-05:00

A new machine is being released to the world that might make key duplication a simpler experience for consumers.

The minuteKEY self service machine is specifically designed to be simple and easy to operate, offering a limited array of home and office keys in standard brass or designer keyblanks.

This revolution in the key duplication market will change the face of the hardware/key duplication market, speed up consumer wait times and in all likelihood reduce costs as well.

It is my understanding that Walmart is soon to be trialling these in select stores.

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Search Results for February 2011

2011-03-29T00:18:00.005-05:00

Time for the updated search results that led searchers to this site. February 2011 Top Ten search terms across multiple search engines.

Schlage Securekey Problems takes the lead this time but it was a close race with Kwikset Smart Key Problems not so far behind.

These indices might also indicate that more consumers are experiencing problems with Schlage Securekey products than Kwikset Smartket Products, but that is not a given.

Koowy, our article about a small piece of software that we have been involved with as a beta tester has taken third this time.

Pocket Door Locks, continue to be an often sought for term, that also lead people here. Sales are through the roof for the product and no wonder. We are expecting replenishing supplies through in a few months, but there will likely be a price rise due to all worldwide costs having increased significantly.

Meroni, the highly respected European lock manufacturer gets a mention too. We are expecting hard copy samples very soon. One of the last remaining independent lock manufacturers left in Italy, Meroni is well known across the continent for it's quality and consistency.

Window Security Film - Preventing Smash & Grab Entry

2011-03-23T21:08:00.004-05:00

The above video shows a clear example of how and why window security film is a necessary and wise investment. Protecting property is one of the principle intentions that locksmiths provide. In many neighborhoods across America, residence's front doors are the primary entry point that burglars attack. Secondly, windows are another entry point that burglars attack.

Doors that include glass in them or in the sidelights, next to the door, are often only single pane light windows, that can be easily smashed by a would-be intruder and the front door deadbolt turnbutton can be easily unlocked.

In most towns across America, the local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) is usually the local fire marshal or building inspector. These AHJ's base their decisions on the policies and provisions tabled in the International Building Code and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), Life Safety Codes and insurance company requirements.

Many consumers think that it is okay for them to install double cylinder deadbolts to their primary entrance doors. In most cases this is a fallacy. The law, as determined and judged by the local AHJ, requires all primary entrances in dwellings to use single cylinder deadbolts.

The fire departments frown heavily on the use of double cylinder deadbolts because they are a severe impediment to residents easily escaping a fire or emergency.

I am asked often and repeatedly by customers to install double cylinder locks. Most often I will refuse and explain in detail why, according to the above.

Once explained, the customer usually agrees that complying with the law is far more beneficial and life sustaining than having an insurance claim denied for failing to comply, or worse still facing a possible negligent homicide charge from authorities, simply by having double cylinder door locks installed.

So, how do we find a solution that will keep everyone happy?

Window security film is definitely the answer. Applying window security film to your vulnerable glass windows can prevent the incidence of smashing entry. It makes your residence comply with the building code, life safety codes, ADA and also sometimes insurance companies may offer a percentage discount on your premium.

The security of our families, colleagues, properties is of ultimate importance to us all. Alarm systems cannot protect, they can only inform. How can we feel secure and protected?

Shattergard is a product that is especially designed to be installed on windows to prevent the windows from shattering. A new package is being developed to provide this product through the locksmith channel, effectively reducing the price for this ultimate security protection product and providing homeowners, residents and shopkeepers with increased security while still complying with all local rules, laws and ordinances.

Spring Loaded Butt Hinges - Replacing The Door Closer

2011-03-22T22:46:00.005-05:00

Door closers have been around for a great many years, providing the ability to automatically return a door to the closed position. Door closers are a very intelligent piece of technology that are often quite expensive.

Spring loaded hinges have been around for a little while, but are starting to find their feet in an already crowded door closer market.

The intelligence of using a spring loaded hinge makes complete sense, doesn't it? Replaces the existing hinges on doors. Is hidden. Gives the self closing ability without the extra expense and hardware of a door closer. Works on all types of swinging doors including commercial, industrial, residential, hotels, dormitories, gates etc. anywhere a need arises for a self closing door. It is advised to always use at least 2 spring loaded hinges on a door to minimize the strain on just one hinge.

Many of the newer types of hinges are tension adjustable, to modify the closing speed and latching action. They are easily installed, usually directly in place of existing hinges. They come in multiple sizes and finishes. They comply with ANSI codes and some are even fire rated to UL listings.

There are all sorts of hinges for different applications and with the ability to not have a purpose door closer, can greatly enhance the aesthetic appearance of an entry. Not surprisingly, they are significantly less expensive than purpose built door closers.

Service and parts are minimized because they are a very low tech idea. There are very few moving parts meaning replacing worn or broken springs are significantly cheaper than purchasing a new door closer when the fluid leaks or the arm breaks or the adjustment screws cannot be loosened or tightened anymore.

I know what I'll be recommending in future.

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OnGard - Preventing Home Invasions

2011-03-22T17:52:00.004-05:00

A very interesting and unique security product recently released is making the instances of home invasion virtually impossible.

The OnGuard product is a combination of solid materials that when installed correctly virtually renders your door impenetrable.

Installed simply and easily by anyone, it is one of the more cost effective security protection devices you will find today.

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Madison WI convicts Locksmith Scammer

2011-03-22T17:19:00.002-05:00

A Madison WI judge has seen fit to convict a dual citizen of both Israel and the USA, for felony ID theft and other related charges.

The defendant was also denied a last minute request to leave the USA to return to Israel to care for his ailing father.

The charges against Burlin were detailed in May 2009 Wisconsin State Journal articles that tracked his company’s use of phony addresses to attract lockout victims to expensive emergency service, using false names to file negative comments about competitors and putting Capitol Lock and Security, a competitor, up for sale on the Internet.

In interviews, Burlin explained that the use of multiple addresses and business names was part of his marketing strategy.
The pending civil charges seek unspecified restitution, forfeitures and costs.

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Koowy Lives Again

2011-03-17T02:41:00.006-05:00

Koowy, the new version of the classic video web communication system Mebeam, is back in use.

Now with improvements to the back end and an additional HD quality P2P GUI, allowing high-quality one on one video web conferencing via desktop/laptop.

It is suggested that you maintain a fast connection.

I tested it this morning using my Samsung Epic 4G connected to wifi. While it still is waiting for the Android 2.2 update (Froyo), it still works reasonably well. You still cannot transmit video from the mobile though.

We'll see what happens when and if the 2.2 update ever gets released.

The picture below shows it in action.

On your desktop, the HD p2p connection quality is superb. Being flash based, allows less demand on RAM, although does require broadband for best results.

Once the mobile version is perfected, an app will be developed to take care of the backend. This will show the world, the true purpose of mobile video communication and make it accessible to absolutely everyone with a smartphone.

You can choose to send chat messages to your network, with the included chat function.

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Cal-Royal - Bilock Hybrid $140

2011-03-12T01:10:00.003-06:00

Pictured to the left is the Cal-Royal LSD-01 Grade 3 Residential deadbolt.

Construction Features:

Mounting screws 8-32 X1 1/2" (Sgl cyl.)8-32 X 2" (Dbl cyl.)
2 1/2" dia. tapered cylinder guard and solid metal insert, turns free with any removal attempt.
2 1/2" dia. tapered cylinder guard and solid metal insert, turns free with any removal attempt.
One-piece solid brass housing for extra strength.
Hardened steel tail piece.
Pick resistant solid brass 6 pin tumbler plug "C".
Brass keys.
Sturdy, all steel latch case and mechanism.
Full 1" throw deadbolt.
Latch and strike screws are 8-32x1" combination wood/machine for applications on wood, metal or fiberglass doors and frames.
Strike and box.

As the largest Bilock Extreme Security dealer in the mid-west, we are now producing limited numbers of our Hybrid Cal-Royal/BilockGrade 3 deadbolt. By replacing the standard cylinder that comes with the LSD-01, with a Bilock Extreme Security Cylinder and 2 keys, we can offer a totally bump proof and virtually pick proof lock with keys that cannot be duplicated for about $140.00 (depending on the color).

When you compare the different brands of deadbolts currently on the market, most will vary in price due to the ANSI grade, the brand name and the quality of construction.

Many front or back doors on homes across America, already use Kwikset or Schlage Grade 3 deadbolts as the common product. The average price for these brand name products are between $35 and $70. Considering they do not offer any protection from key duplication, bump or pick attempts, makes this Bilock/Cal-Royal Hybrid combination, a very affordable solution to protecting your family and property.

Yes, it is comparably expensive, but your property is worth it is it not?

Dont be fooled by other advertisers claims that their comparison product is pick proof or bump proof or copy proof. There is tons of media out there that proves they are not, but Bilock is the real deal.

Crime Statistics Creve Coeur, MO February 2011

2011-03-12T00:37:00.004-06:00

Pictured here is a map of the Creve Coeur, MO municipality and the statistics of crime reported in the source below. from the Creve Coeur Police Department.

The Creve Coeur Police Department is well known in the west county region for it's effectiveness on reigning in crime. They are a credit to their funding.

In February 2011, according to the picture here, there were 265 incidents reported to police.

These incidents include at least 200 alarm responses that police attended.

Police attended to 5 incidents where they wrote Breaking & Entering as the incident.

Police attended to 16 incidents where they wrote Property Crime as the incident.

Police attended to 39 incidents where they wrote Theft as the incident.

There are many reasons that crimes occur. Many of the incidents can be prevented by increasing your security preparedness.

An alarm system is one method, but prone to many false alarms. Police attend to monitored alarm calls, but there is usually a cost, borne by the homeowner or resident. Often police will allow 1 or 2 a year free, but regular false alarms add up to significant manpower hours, that are billed to residents.

Cost effective security products like door frame strengtheners and quality deadbolt locks are essential to improving the security of your properties. Often these small purchases can protect you and prevent crimes like break and enter.

Equally as important are key control systems. Key control systems, restrict the ability of authorized key holders to duplicate keys. Many incidents are happening because owners or managers are unaware of who may have a copy of their key. Preventing unauthorized access to your property significantly reduces crime of opportunity.

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Key Points To Consider For Key Locking A Clients Door

2011-03-06T17:27:00.004-06:00

Choosing the suitable key lock for your door is a process that doesnt really require much thought however, sometimes it can be rather daunting to sort through the literally thousands of options in the marketplace.

Many customers choose to source their information online these days and there are many and varied opinions out there offering personal, sometimes biased opinions on what to choose.

For these reasons, I decided to write an article about the key points to consider when choosing the suitable lock for your chosen door.

Is the door a front or rear primary entrance?

- Many AHJ's (authorities having jurisdiction) require dwellings to comply to the international building code, when considering the form and function of a desired key locking product.

- A primary entrance is usually considered the feature point of entry into a dwelling.

- Authorities having jurisdiction are usually the local fire marshal or local government building inspector.

Is the door construction, metal, wood or another material?

- Different entrances can be built from different materials, sometimes due to fire regulations or distances to or from another entry point or due to the types of materials or objects stored within that entrance.

- There are different grades of hardware measured by ANSI (American National Standards Institute), that are designed to guide people to choosing the suitable quality product that meets or exceeds the customers desires, the building code bylaws, life safety codes or ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) bylaws. The three common grades are Grade 1 (high quality commercial use), Grade 2 (medium quality commercial and residential use) and Grade 3 (low quality residential use).

Aesthetic value or importance

- Matching the unique style, color or ambience of a doorway is sometimes an important consideration to customers, intent on maintaining a certain status quo of their chosen entrance/s. There are many differing options available to choose from and many hundreds of different manufacturers that make similar or slightly different variations of the same product.

Is the ability to limit who can duplicate keys of importance?

- Many customers are unaware who has a copy of their keys. Restricting or controlling who can be authorized to duplicate your keys can protect you from potential loss. A key that can be duplicated at any hardware or key cutter means that you cannot control access to your doors.

-Locksmiths have been producing key control products for many years that provide the consumer with a level of protection that other hardware suppliers cannot.

Locking Functions

- There are different functions provided by different models of locks, tailored to many discerning requests. Sometimes it is vital and important for a key lock to only be operated on the outside. Sometimes it is important to be operated from inside too. Sometimes a push or turn button is desired inside, that locks the outside handle. Sometimes a lock is requested that the key can only be withdrawn when locked.

- With so many variables, it is important that you explain your desire to the locksmith to allow them to offer suitable solutions.

French/Double Doors

- Securing double doors requires making the inactive leaf (one door) to be closed and secured prior to the active leaf being able to be locked. There are many choices of product designed to secure the inactive leaf, like surface mounted bolts, flush mounted bolts etc.

Door Frame Protection

- Securing a door with a key lock is often only half the battle against would be unauthorized users. In many cases, the actual door frame and jamb (where the door closes into) are constructed from light grade, thin materials that offer very little to no protection from kicking or ramming.

- Securing the hinge side of a door is sometimes of value too. Installing hinge bolts can prevent a door from being removed when locked after having the loose pin in the hinges withdrawn.

Bump Resistant or Pick Resistant Key Locks

- The increasing discussion online about the truth behind the perceived security of key locking systems has led many well known manufacturers to attempt to offer products tailored to combat these known covert entry techniques. Truth be told, there are very few products that can be considered bump or pick proof or even resistant.

- Whether or not lock bumping or lock picking is a consideration for the average customer, depends sometimes on the statistics of crime, measured by statisticians. It is very difficult, even for a trained forensic investigator to determine if a key lock has been bumped or picked, with absolute accuracy.

- Many authorities, who measure the statistics of crime, often find that instances of lock bumping or lock picking are far too few to measure accurately. Moreover, crime statistics tend to indicate that entrances being defeated are often the result of door frame failure (kicked or pried open), windows smashed or pried or doors being left unlocked.

In most places your trained local locksmith is often the best person to consult about suitable options tailored to your individual needs or desires. Most often a locksmith that is affiliated with a known professional organization, has proven credentials supporting their training.

Weeding the professionals from the wannabe's is sometimes a difficult task. Choosing your professional is accompanied by risks, but often the best recommendations are those of your neighbor or friend. Checkable references/testimonials from third party online agencies are often considered a worthwile guide to helping you choose your preferred vendor.