Earthquakes - Directly Affecting Your Doors And Locks

Earthquakes are definitely increasing in regularity this year. Or perhaps, thanks to the power of the media, we are becoming more instantly aware about the quantity and severity of earthquakes.

The earth is constantly shifting and building construction has only recently taken these things into consideration, with building codes being modified to encourage better quality, safer constructions.

Weathering, is a common term in building trades, that often is rarely considered when purchasing or installing hardware.

I would call earthquakes a form of weathering too.

Often at the change of seasons, the earth moves slightly. As a consequence of weathering, timber constructions will expand and contract due to heat, cold and ground shifts.

Many builders fail to consider weathering when recommending or installing new hardware or doors in dwellings.

With the increasing demand for electronic and wireless locking systems, many products are developed with motor driven mechanisms. Often these mechanisms do not stand up well to weathering effects due to the door frames shifting, foundations moving etc. These small movements in the ground can and do often negatively affect the correct operation of your doors and hardware.

There are some techniques designed to minimize movement of frames etc, but in general, most people are unaware that a door has moved or that their lock is not working correctly, until it's too late.

I suggest that the thought about weathering needs to be considered when purchasing electronic motor driven locking devices, because if your door moves and the bolt mechanism doesnt line up correctly with the strike/frame, the lock will jamb or not lock, leaving you unsecure.

It's Bump Proof - Really!

It’s Bump Proof – Really!

The media and general public are having a field day with the whole Bump Key issue.

If you haven’t done it yet, make an internet search on “bump key” and see what shows up.

There are claims of lock bumping by children as young as six and seven. Locks from the US and all over the world are vulnerable. I even saw a video that showed how to do it with

a banana. Yeah, the fruit. Likewise the lock industry itself has become bizarre in its

claims. It seems every lock from KW1 and up is Bump Proof. I get calls all the time from locksmiths who remain confused by all of the claims.

What locks are really bump proof?

Here’s what I tell them.... There are only three technologies that I know of that are

absolutely Bump Proof – electronic or pushbutton locks that don’t have mechanical override cylinders, locks that use rotating discs (like Abloy), and locks with programmable side bars (like BiLock). These locks will stand up to anyone trying to bump them regardless how much experience or knowledge the thief has. Every other lock technology can be bumped. Each Side Bar has six fingers. The Side Bar can retract when the pins align.

There are 13 different pins in the BiLock pin Kit Bump Proof Really!

The next question is usually “Well what about ____? They are rated high security and

have a side bar?”

Unfortunately the side bar is usually the same for all keys in a master system. Most times locksmiths use the same sidebar for all of their installations too.

So if you have any of the keys in a master system or if you read the dealer’s decal next to a door,

you pretty much have the side bar issue solved.

“But we have angle cuts.”

I ask them back how many keys in the system have the same angles. After that you’re left with pins that can be bumped. These locks may be bump resistant from six year olds and people

who use frozen bananas to open their doors. But there are professional thieves and

experienced locksmiths who know better. Does the person down the hall or next door have

the same style key as your customer?

Bumping a high security lock may be one of the easiest ways to get in.

“But what about modifying the existing cylinder?”

There are tricks that can be played in some cylinders by adding ball bearings, different tension springs, special pins etc to add bump resistance. Unless your time is free, you are probably better off selling a production solution. Some manufacturers may soon add special pins to their locks to improve protection. In some cases it may make the lock more bump resistant, but probably not Bump Proof.

Today, most of the locks installed in America are not Bump Proof. That includes

everything from government housing to single family homes. How many government and

commercial buildings still only have a six or seven pin cylinder as their lock system? The

bump key issue is a locksmith’s opportunity to survey the facility and recommend a

package of solutions. However, if they demand Bump Proof you should sell them a high

security lock based upon a technology like electronics, Abloy or Bilock.

(source...)

Bilock - Baldwin Hybrid

Baldwin products are known for their impressive quality of manufacture and their limited lifetime warranty on most of their range.

Bilock products are known worldwide for their impressive bump proof and pick resistant/proof qualities.

We recently combined the two brands to enable Baldwin products to work using Bilock cylinders and keys.

The process is quite simple and maintains the Baldwin hardware, while using the famed, Bilock 100% bump proof and virtually pick proof system, combined with keys that are physically unable to be duplicated.

Bilock keys can only be produced as originals. Each key is numbered individually and can only be made using specialist machinery.

We recently installed Bilock for a customer who has Baldwin locks, but wanted to prevent any unauthorised key duplication and to guarantee against lock bumping.

The process was comparatively inexpensive and quite simple and effective to complete.

For further information on Bilock-Baldwin Hybrid lock systems, please contact us.

Baldwin - The Best Product For Obvious Reasons

Baldwin Hardware products are proud to announce the introduction of wireless access control products to their impressive range of residential and commercial entry solutions.

Now you can include the functional and easily accessible modern wireless control products to the Baldwin line.

Baldwin products have been reknowned since 1946 for their style, quality and lifetime guarantee on most products.

With electronics, it is very difficult to offer lifetime warranties. the average warranty with any lifetime product is 1-2 years.

Baldwin are introducing their Boulder and Soho series hardware initially, aimed at discerning residence owners and commercial developers, wanting to impress with the industry leading product quality, finish and compatibility with other leading products.

Baldwin is the product I recommend more often to customers, due to the quality of manufacture and the (in general) lifetime warranty, on most products.

Baldwin's technical services division is staffed by competent technicians, capable of helping just about anyone and everyone. Their desire to live up to their lifetime guarantee's differs this company from many competitors.

With the Home Connect service included, you can control access to your property using the internet or a mobile device with a secure connection. Everything to allowing temporary access to a technician or the cleaning lady, knowing when your children arrive home, SMS messages for notifications, you can even use the units as your alarm system switch, to disarm.

Coming Spring 2010

(source... )

Masterkeying One Lock In My Home

I receive the odd inquiry from time to time from customers who request for another key for a door, but one that doesnt work every other door in their property...like the front door.

Statistically, the front door is less likely to be broken into than virtually any other door. Creating a separate key that works just a particular door requires the actual door lock to be re-keyed. Re-keying the actual lock (where you insert the key) to allow a different and individual key to operate, requires master keying the particular cylinder in question.

Master keying a door lock involves replacing the tumblers in the actual keyhole of the lock in question.

In most locks, found in residential or commercial dwellings, the door lock is most often of the Schlage or Kwikset keyway. These simple every day pin tumbler cylinders are easily master keyed, but remember, master keying will make your locks significantly easier to pick or bump open, unless you decide to purchase Abloy or Bilock key systems.

Bilock is the first and truest guaranteed 100% pin tumbler bump proof and virtually pick proof lock system available today.

Surprisingly, Bilock systems are almost as inexpensive as everyday key systems. Why anyone would prefer to allow (and encourage anyone, potentially) to be able to acquire a key to their property is astonishing.

Is it not vital and important to you, to know whom else can get into your stuff?

Bilock can absolutely control access control to your stuff.

Digi 6600-301 Fingerprint Door Lock With Style

Introducing the new Digi 6600 Fingerprint Door Lock.

This sensational new style of digital fingerprint door lock with key override has been designed to suit the residential and office door market.

Available in 6 different finishes (colors), the technology is state of the art, wireless, standalone, alternative keypad password and can be keyed to many existing keys, simply by replacing the key cylinder with one that can be keyed to your key.

Features

• 150 Fingerprint capacity
• 75 Password capacity
• Suits both left and right hand doors (field swappable)
• Designed to replace other existing deadbolts, without drilling additional holes.
• Sliding cover protects the fingerprint scanner.
• Fingerprints can be removed without affecting other users.
• ANSI Grade 2 Certification

(source...)

Introducing the iKey: Apple's answer to the humble door key

Apple, the reknowned computer equipment maker and world changing technology company who brought out the sensational iPhone, has set it's sights on the humble door key.

The computer giant, that manufactures the iPod and iPhone, has plans to replace the traditional door key with a hi-tech alternative.

It is developing technology, already being nicknamed the "iKey", which will mean that rather than carrying around a bunch of keys, people will be able to use a single electronic device to unlock their car, front door and gain access to their office.

Users would simply have to enter a pin code and wave the device over an electronic pad fitted beside a door to open it.

The technology is revealed in a newly published patent application, which has generated speculation that the next model of the iPhone will contain this feature.

Apple filed the application with the US Patent Office. It states: "The device can communicate with an external device to open a lock. By way of example, the electronic device may be a model of an iPhone.

"The external device may be any suitable electronic device such as a portable media player, personal data assistant or electronic lock that may be used to access a door, car, house or other physical area."

According to the patent, Apple hopes to replace these cards and keyfobs by allowing the iPhone to be used instead to unlock doors to buildings and cars.

It would exploit a technology known as Near Field Communication, which allows electronic devices to transmit information between each other when in proximity.

In a home, householders would need to install electronic, computer controlled locks to their doors.

The iPhone would need to be registered with the locks so that they could communicate with each other.

By rotating the iPhone near the electronic lock, consumers then select their pin numbers on a dial displayed on the screen, as if entering a combination on a safe.

If the combination entered matched the one held by the electronic lock, the door would open.

If not, an alarm could be sounded or alerts sent to the householder to indicate someone was attempting to gain unauthorised entry.

The patent also proposes encrypting any information that passes between the iPhone and the computer-controlled lock to prevent hackers from "listening in".

The iPhone has become a huge success for Apple after combining their popular iPod with mobile phone technology, selling more than 40 million worldwide.

The iKey technology will take Apple one step further towards creating a ubiquitous mobile device that is the only thing people need to carry in their pockets.

(source...)

Trilogy - By Alarm Lock - Advanced Wireless Standalone Access Control

Alarm Lock Trilogy, a well known, high quality, superior access control solution for modern commercial premises, recently released their new advanced networking upgrade to their line of high class access control door locking solutions.

The benefits of this new addition to the product line, bring Alarm Lock Trilogy to the forefront of commercial access control solutions.

Known as Networx by Trilogy, Alarm Lock have all but solved the access control dilemnas of many and varied commercial applications.

This product is expertly designed to provide commercial properties with the most modern and easily accessed, managed and audited products of their kind available in todays market.

The ability to use the locks with a swipe card, physical key, numbered keypad or swipe + keypad, significantly increases the uses of this sensational new product.

The added ability of wired or wireless 802.11b/g protocols, enables controllers to modify, audit, control the keyless access to security entrances remotely by secured access via the internet.

There are multiple options available, tailored to the demanding requirements of everyone.

The products are Grade 1 quality and priced accordingly.

(source...)

Lost Master Keys?

Have you ever lost or misplaced your master key? Have you ever had your keys stolen? It can be a rather unnerving experience and a costly one at that.

One of the benefits of using a Bilock key system, includes the ability to replace the master key, without affecting any other keys in your system.

Of course, all your locks will still need to be altered, to remove that key from the system, but a properly constructed Bilock system, enables a painless and cost effective solution, minimizing the effect on other key holders (not master-keys).

Combined with the bump proof and virtually pick proof properties, Bilock also offers keys that cannot be duplicated or modified.

$ for $ there are few key systems that offer equivalent value for money, aesthetic appearance and security.

Galaxy - Taking Security To The Next Level

Australian Lock Company, inventors of the unique and ultra-secure bump proof and virtually pick proof key system Bilock, recently introduced this phenomenal advancement in locking system design.

Aptly named, Galaxy, it is the product of significant years of research and product development. It was developed in response to corporate and business demand for secured and safe work premises.

Manufactured using the very latest techniques and the highest quality materials, the Galaxy range provides a revolutionary approach to high security locking. With subtle technical improvements and considered design, Galaxy offers a host of previously unseen attributes to benefit both end users and locksmiths.

Distinctive Design features

The new and innovative Galaxy is designed and built for convenience and efficiency while maximising security.
Providing a greater depth of combinations than most other locks on the market, Galaxy's vast range of core options makes retrofitting existing locks simple and recombinating quick and easy.
Its streamlined design eliminates the need for tumbler pins and/or coded discs to create permutations. The unique simultaneous cutting of both key and codebar using a Computerised Numerical Control (CNC) machine increases production efficiency and reduces the likelihood of error and increases difficulty to duplicate.
Galaxy has incorporated a combination of 316 stainless steel and high speed steel to create a formidable lock. The versatile Galaxy key is super strong and offers wide-ranging colour options for quick and easy identification.

The patent life on the Galaxy extends to 2024. Australian Lock Company recognises the importance of patents to protect the client, agent and manufacturer from copying and therefore exposing the market to reduced security through inferior quality product. We are also protecting our Galaxy range with numerous Patent applications across the world.

Replacement of cylinders and keys

QUICK AND EASY TO RETROFIT AND RECOMBINATE

Galaxy boasts a myriad of advantages and benefits over other conventional locking devices on the market. Galaxy's uniqueness revolves around its ability to remove the centre core to change the programming of the lock, and that its factory built cylinders do not require pinning.

• Galaxy cylinders retrofit most new and existing applications.
• Galaxy cylinders use programmed holes on the codebar for coding.
• Galaxy reduces the cost of replacing cylinders as only the codebar needs replacing and offers the following advantages:
  • Reduced down time.
  • Reduced labour time.
  • Provides less opportunity for human error.

Security

SUPER STRONG, NOT EASILY REPLICATED AND PATENT PROTECTED

• Inbuilt security features are designed for anti picking, anti bumping and to ensure extreme resistance to malicious attack.
• Galaxy's additional locking pins and anti picking teeth on carriages prevent 'code hunting' while torque is applied.
• Galaxy is designed to resist impressioning.
• As Galaxy is only available through Authorised Dealers, the Galaxy key blank can only be reproduced by authorised Galaxy Dealers, offering additional security to the end-user.
• Stringent quality control and authentication procedures by factory technicians ensure manufacturing consistency of cylinders and keys.
• Cylinders and keys are Patent protected until February 2024.

Keys

STURDY COLOUR-CODED IMPRESSION-RESISTANT KEY

• Distinctively designed Galaxy operational keys are available in 21 colours.
• Keys carry authorised Galaxy Dealer details for easy reference and identification.
• If a system is designed correctly, when a master key is lost only the master key and code bars need to be replaced, not the entire range of keys within the system.
• Authorisation is required for additional keys. All keys are cut from code and not duplicated, and the key code is difficult to read from the key.
• Galaxy key strength exceeds Australian Standard. As they are made from stainless steel, keys offer increased wear resistance and the shorter design offers increased strength.
• Cylinder and keys have been cycle tested to 500,000 cycles regularly and with maintenance and lubrication can exceed 700,000.
• Galaxy offers a life-time guarantee on keys.

MADE FROM SUPER STRONG STAINLESS STEEL

Internal components are manufactured from Stainless and High Speed Steel.

• Keys are made from 316 stainless steel and most components are high quality Metal Injection Moulded (MIM).
• Side bars are anti drill and made from high speed steel.
• Cylinders have stainless steel face plate/cap.

The uniqueness of Galaxy revolves around its ability to remove the centre core to change the programming of the lock. Factory built cylinders do not require pinning and therefore offers more confidence for product installation and consistency.

Master Keying

SECURE AND SIMPLIFIED

The Galaxy Grand Master Key system's wide-ranging combinations with tightly controlled security and colour differentiation offers the end user unprecedented protection.
Superseding the traditional and more vulnerable 1 barrel keying systems usually found in today's marketplace, Galaxy has the capacity to carry 3 locks in 1. Inbuilt hidden codes offer further protection by deftly camouflaging the Galaxy master key within the system.

System Coding Capabilities
Access to our computerized master key generated systems allows authorised Galaxy dealers to build extremely complex and diverse Master Key systems to suit any requirement.Up to three separate security levels or locations can be secured using the same code and keys.
Expansion Potential
Galaxy's potential for expansion without having to change the existing system minimises further expense and disruption.
Galaxy has 3 key orientations available for placement of codes:
Left, Centre & Right

• Key blanks twist the Codebar to the desired orientation.
• Orientations are completely independent of each other.
• 3 dedicated key blanks.
• All 3 orientations can be programmed on the one Codebar at the same time.

Flexibility

• Retrofits most lock sets.
• Extensive product range.

Simplicity

• Quick replacement means time and cost savings for lost or stolen keys.
• Easy to use.
• Minimum maintenance.
• Coloured key heads for easy identification.

Security

• Restricted keying system by Authorised Galaxy Dealers only.
• Colour Coded Codebars available for Construction keying.

Durability

• 316 Stainless Steel key exceeds Australian Standards on key strength.

Tamper Resistance

• Tamper proof design of cylinder & key assures resistance to bumping, picking and impressioning.

Quality Assured

• Assembly of cylinders are 100% authenticated by factory technicians.

Legal Protection

• Cylinder and Key designs are backed by Patents which are valid until February 2024.

Lifetime Guarantee on Keys

• Internal components are manufactured from High Speed & Stainless Steel to maximise durability.

Australian designed, developed and manufactured

Galaxy stands out in the marketplace as an Australian designed, developed and manufactured product. Only the Metal Injection Moulded (MIM) components are manufactured for us by the world leaders in this field. Replacement of Cylinders and Keys

• Life time guarantee on keys, Super Strong 316 stainless steel exceeds Australian Standards for strength.
• Cylinder design guarantees resistance to bumping, picking and impressioning.
  
  
  (source...)

Comparative Crime Statistics St Louis County Zip Codes 2009

Another way to view the local crime statistics is to use comparison software. Included in the graph here are comparative crime statistics for the Saint Louis, Missouri zip codes of 63141 & 63131.

The accuracy of this report may or may not be accurate and should be verified independently. I believe they are quoting 2009 statistics.

We intend to include more comparative zip codes in future posts, stay tuned.

(source...)

Schlage Link - Saving Money, Peace Of Mind, Freedom From Worry

Schlage LINK is setting the standard for other companies to follow with the introduction of their LiNK product line.

Did you forget to lock the door? Perhaps you forgot to turn the lights out.

No problem! Thanks to Schlage...

Schlage LINK - Are The Kids Home Yet?

Schlage LINK products enable almost instant notification of the important events in our daily lives, like when the kids get home....

Schlage LINK - Convenience Is King

Schlage LINK products offer incredible convenience for everyday people like you and me. Especially difficult for all our working lives is planning our professional lives around the many contractors we require to service our homes and products. Like plumbers, electricians, builders, renovators, carpet cleaners, maid service, delivery drivers etc, it is often difficult and very frustrating to pin down a technician for an exact time.

Use of Schlage LINK products, alleviates these concerns.....watch...

Schlage LINK - The Future Of Home Security Is Here

Schlage are considered world leaders in the fields of commercial and residential security products.

A couple of years ago, they introduced a completely new system designed to revolutionize the home security and control world, known as LINK.

Using Z-Link technology, they have created a simple, yet functional, easy to install and operate system comprising door locks, cameras even lighting controls.

Here is one of their marketing commercials...

Crime Rate Statistics - Saint Louis County January 1 - January 31, 2010

Pictured here are the latest crime statistics as reported to Saint Louis County Police, for January 2010.

We are displaying only burglary and larceny reports filed with the police department.

Burglary = 82 incidents

Larceny = ~500 incidents

Remembering that these are only the incidents reported by officers, there are likely more significant numbers of crimes that go unreported.

The green dots represent the locations of those crimes.

We are only reporting these two types of property crimes, because these are the types of crimes we are primarily concerned with in regard to our business.

The site in the source below, actually provides the particular street location of each incident. For more precise information we suggest you click on the source.

(source...)

Child Safety - Door Limiter Protects Our Children

This unique securichain device is especially designed for residential or hotel/motel inward opening doors.

Simply installed and very easily operated, if it were mounted up high on a door, younger children would be unable to reach to unlock the device, preventing eager young minds from "flying the coop".

Easy to operate, simply push the toggle switch to lock or unlock the chain. There is an easy to identify color scheme to show you when it is locked or not, complying with ADA and life safety codes.

Simple and quick to install, the only tools required are a power drill, wood chisel, drill bits and a screwdriver.

Available in silver and brass/gold.

$49.99

Colors

Silver Brass/Gold

Laptop Computer Pullout - Lockable

Pictured here is a functional sliding tray that is key lockable, enabling you to secure your laptop to your desk, while it remains connected to power and communications.

Though similar to a keyboard slide, this retractable computer tray is designed specifically for laptop use. It will hold any laptop measuring up to 15-1/2" wide by 17-1/2".

The textured polystyrene tray has slots in the rear for cord management and a recessed front for unobstructed keyboard access. A small cam lock (includes two keys) is supplied for optional installation on the tray front, to secure against impulse theft. The 20" slides (16" travel) operate on quiet nylon rollers, install using four inverted "L" mounting brackets, and have positive hold-open and hold-closed features. Mounting instructions and hardware included.

Well made, it is an excellent retrofit for desktops short on space, and is a great method for concealing a laptop when not in use — an ideal combination for student dorm rooms or open floor office layouts.

Made in USA

$79.00

Baldwin Receives Four 2008 ADEX Awards

Baldwin Hardware Wins ADEX Awards

-Receiving Recognition at Platinum, Gold and Silver Levels-

Reading, Pennsylvania – Baldwin Hardware, manufacturers of architectural and decorative hardware

products for the home, announced that it has received four 2008 ADEX Awards (Awards for

Design Excellence), presented by the Design Journal, a publication geared toward interior designers,

architects and facility managers.

Baldwin received a Platinum Award for a new contemporary styled

stainless steel door knob; and, a Gold Award for its collection of decorative roses, an expanded

offering that coordinates with existing Baldwin knobs and levers.

The company also received Silver

Awards for its contemporary Houston entrance set and its new introductions of knobs, levers and

roses within the Estate collection.

The ADEX Awards, which have been honoring excellence in

design for 13 years, received more than 1200 entries from over 300 companies for consideration in

2008’s judging. Since Baldwin began submitting entries in 2003, the company has won 13 ADEX

Awards.

(source...)

History of Locks - Baldwin

Continuing with our series about lock companies and their history's, we present the history of the founding of America's foremost lock and door hardware company, Baldwin.

Baldwin products are often considered at the higher price range of hardware products, but for good reason. Most Baldwin products are warrantied for life.

Severin Fayerman, Baldwin Hardware’s Founder, Tells his “Story”

-Fayerman records “a day in the life” of being a prisoner during WWII

Reading, PA – Severin Fayerman, founder of Baldwin Hardware, recorded his story for

StoryCorps on September 19, 2008. Since 2003, the independent nonprofit oral history project,

called StoryCorps, has focused on “honoring and celebrating one another’s lives through listening.”

Across the country, tens of thousands have told their stories. Each of which will be archived at the Library of Congress, with a selection also being made available on public radio and the Internet.

Fayerman, who was born in Poland, began his story with a retelling of his experience as a prisoner held in several concentration camps during World War II. In the recording, he speaks of a typical day spent at Auschwitz.

Soon after immigrating to the US with his family in 1945, Fayerman began working at a tool and die shop in lower Manhattan. With aspirations toward owning their own business, he and his father began a search for companies for sale and negotiated the purchase of Baldwin Tool and Die Company, based in Newark, New Jersey.

As a result, in January 1946, Fayerman and his father co-founded what was to become Baldwin Hardware only one year after arriving in the US. Fayerman held an active, daily role in company leadership until the sale of the company to Masco Corporation in 1982, after which he assumed the position of honorary Chairman Emeritus, acting as advisor to Baldwin executives and serving as a key instructor at Baldwin University. The company celebrated Fayerman’s official retirement from Baldwin Hardware in June 2008.

Fayerman has chronicled his personal history in a short memoir called, A Survivor’s Story. He now resides in Reading, Pennsylvania and has been traveling since the start of his official retirement date.

Baldwin Hardware manufactures an extensive family of superior architectural and decorative products for the home in a variety of finishes, including its proprietary Lifetime Finish.

Baldwin Hardware products signify quality and innovation, with offerings that include hardware and locksets and exterior lighting, as well as bath and cabinetry accessories. All portfolios are available in a rich variety of finishes and textures.

The Reading, PA based company with more than 60 years of heritage, is part of the Black & Decker Hardware & Home Improvement Group, headquartered in Lake Forest, CA.

Black & Decker also own Kwikset Lock Co.

Profile of Severin Fayerman

Schlage Securekey - coming soon

Schlage, hot on the heels of Kwikset, introduce their own field re-keyable locksets.

I find it rather interesting that many of these types of products are finding their way to market (now - since bump keys, showed why the previous products were infantile)

To be honest, whereas there may be a market for these products, more often we locksmiths are finding that many homeowners do not know they have "that" kind of lock and still will call us to rekey their locks.

Wait until you lose your key.

I havent seen the specs on this product yet, but they say that it is bump proof and pick resistant, but I suggest that it would actually be rather easy to pick (given the quality of many modern day Schlage products) and someone could easily lock you out of your house.

The extra security may or may not be worth it to you, but if you want excellent security for a competitive price with all the abilities that this product brings, look at Bilock. It has been around for decades and has proven itself the world over for it's quality, aesthetic value, ease of use and reliability.

See also Schlage Securekey Problems

See also Kwikset Smartkey problems

(source...)

Medeco - Hmmmmm....

An interesting site has appeared on my radar.

I came across this independent site quite by accident, the other day and am delighted to see some other opinions about our signature product Bilock.

"Medeco locks are currently used in over 75% of the US high security market, with few users knowing that they may want to avoid Medeco locks. While worldwide their high security market share is much lower, in the US they still are the predominant high security lock. Unfortunately over the past few years, several vulnerabilities of this system have come into light. While the system certainly offers more protection over a standard pin tumbler lock, in the price range of Medeco locks there are far better security solutions. Keep in mind that most of the vulnerabilities listed here apply to standard Medeco Biaxial and M3 locks (like deadbolts, and padlocks) and not to their line of cam locks, which utilize a different mechanism and still appear to offer a decent level of security (as long as they are not overly master keyed, and some key duplication issues still exist)."

"If you are looking for something that offers more pick or force resistance and the many benefits of a traditional high security lock we currently recommend Abloy and BiLock. Both are very good high security locks, with the Abloy Protec being one of the few locks that has yet to have a documented method of picking, bumping, or imprisoning since it came out in 2001."

(source...)

Bypass Sliding Door Lock With Key

Another design, we hope to make available soon is this unique product tailored for securing the common bypass sliding doors, similar to those found on wardrobes and closets.

The first and only lock to insure security on by-passing doors. This specialty-design hook bolt positively engages the strike in the other door and eliminates possibility of prying doors apart. Only the cylinder face or thumbturn escutcheon and return of lock face is visible from room side.

Many applications exist with current floor plans designed by modern thinking, space saving architects. Enabling the ability to easily partition a large room or banquet hall and effectively secure the doors closed.

Installed similar to a drawer lock, requires precision fitting and is best done by seasoned technician.

I have sliding wardrobes in my house too (must be a '70's design) but mine are with full length mirrors. I'm still searching for a better alternative to secure them.

(price on application)

(source...)

Solid Brass Pocket Door Locks

Hot on the heel of our recent Pocket Door Lock With Key, we are happy to be able to bring you a different style of pocket door lock made from solid brass.

This product (we will make available soon) is fundamentally different in design, but offers the ability to install to an entry door. Using an inside thumbturn assembly, the lock can be easily opened from the desired side, or from both sides, if needs be.

Below, find the different style handles available, to suit every desired function. Using one body design allows for multiple applications, reducing cost to manufacture. This particular flip bolt feature is unique to sliding door locks and is widely known around the world as the best design for locking sliding doors.

Brass is a self-lubricating metal, requiring less maintenance than the pre-fabricated modern materials used in more mainstream products.

We will be able to provide these locks with different keyways, like Schlage, Baldwin, Kwikset, Weiser or Weslock and we will even be able to master key, if required.

(price on application)

Crime Statistics - Missouri 2008

There are multiple sources of statistics available online for statistics relating to crime. Another medium that provides some interesting statistics is in the source below.
This shows that in 2008, St Louis was ranked 7th in the whole state of Missouri for the quantity of property crimes reported in 2008.

It becomes confusing to understand any mean (average) statistic, when referring to multiple sources, but this particular resource shows that while Missouri is indeed a hotbed of property crime, St Louis is not the leading property crime location in the state.

While this doesnt necessarily reflect the quality of the local constabulary in fighting incidences of property crime, it is pleasing that the state's largest city, actually rates fairly low in comparrison to other cities across the state.

(source...)