Linked In

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

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

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.

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Gravity Lid Lock - For Wheelie Bins

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

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?

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001 Touch By Assa Abloy Lockwood Products

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.

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A video demonstration is provided by Dibble Locksmiths

We are back!

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

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

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

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.

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New O'Fallon Bureau (636)614-4416

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

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

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".

Annual Vacation

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

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.

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A Carabiner Keyblank

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...

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.

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Rosslinear Wireless Electric Strike Installed to Cyclone Fence Gate

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

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

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

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Dewalt DS-100 Portable Alarm System

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)

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ATV Portable Alarm System

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.

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Rosslinear Wireless Electric Strike On Sale Now!

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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