The Schlage LiNK remotely-controllable door lock

January 25, 2009. Locksmithing, one of man’s oldest and most venerable professions, appears set to join the digital convergence mix with the first wirelessly-controlled door lock now on the market. It's also further proof that the device formerly known as the mobile phone will one day become the remote control for much of our lives. The Z-wave-enabled Schlage LiNK deadbolts and locks offer consumers the ability to remotely control and monitor access to their home 24/7 with any web-enabled mobile phone or computer. The locks provide keyless entry through 4-digit access codes that can be entered, activated, deleted or disabled on the lock's 11-digit push button keypad or via the Schlage LiNK web portal. This means never having to circulate multiple sets of keys, never needing to stay home to meet the handyman, and the peace of mind of having a listing of which codes (i.e. who?) opened each lock and when for the last 90 days. The $300 starter kits (and subsequently $200 locks) might also be suitable for real estate agents wishing to streamline their ability to show properties.

Via the Schlage LiNK online portal, homeowners can choose to receive text or e-mail notifications when specific user codes are entered on the lock’s keypad and track code activity over the past 90 days. These features deliver peace of mind to the parents of active families so they know exactly when people are entering their home. It also does away with the need to regularly replace locks for rental properties and second homes.

The Schlage LiNK locks are Z-Wave-enabled and will work seamlessly with more than 300 other Z-Wave-enabled home automation devices. Check out the Z-Wave alliance web site here and investigate the other possibilities for home automation here. Designed with plug and play simplicity, the wireless Z-Wave Bridge easily plugs into an Ethernet port on the home computer's Internet router, the light module plugs into any standard 3 prong electrical outlet, and the Z-Wave Bridge's RF signals are fully encrypted using AEC 128 bit encryption protocols.

Schlage LiNK deadbolts and locks can be used anywhere a traditional lock is used and are available in bright brass, satin nickel and aged bronze. The locks are powered by standard AA and 9-volt batteries and typically install in less than 30 minutes with only a screwdriver.

The Schlage LiNK Starter Kit costs US$300 and includes one Schlage LiNK deadbolt or lock, a wireless Z-Wave Bridge and a compatible light module, while additional deadbolts or locks are US$200 each.

There is also a US$12.99 monthly subscription fee for use of the Schlage LiNK online portal and mobile applications, which gives homeowner the power to control all Schlage LiNK locks and a wide variety of Z-Wave enabled home automation devices.

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Allegion Announce Acquisition Of Leading Australian Residential Hardware Manufacturer And Largest Australian Locksmith Company

Breaking News: Allegion, the parent company announced 30 days ago (May 13, 2018), their acquisition of leading Australian residential door hardware manufacturer Gainsborough and at the same time the acquisition of Australia's largest locksmith service provider API Locksmiths.















Gainsborough produce many leading residential door hardware among other offerings.

Gainsborough Hardware can be found in many dwellings and is even becoming a sought after offering to the wider USA market.





API Locksmiths are one of Australia's oldest and longest established locksmith companies. In fact, I completed my apprenticeship with AF Stewart Locksmiths in 1988 before they were later (much later) acquired by API Locksmiths.

This acquisition by Allegion is a major shake up of the locksmith market across Australia.






Allegion are well known in North America and around the world as the parent company behind brands like:

AD Systems

AD Systems are a company first established in 2013 specializing in upscale commercial sliding door entrance systems, tailored to hospitals, medical clinics and offices to meet the modern needs of doctors, architects and space conscientious builders and tenants.

Schlage F Series Knobset - New Improved Function Thanks To Overwhelming Demand

Pictured here is a typical Schlage F Series Plymouth design entrance knob set.

Schlage have been selling versions of this Grade 3 product across the market for about 15 years now.

The most common complaint, from an overwhelming quantity of purchasers of this product, is the ease of ability to get locked out.

You see, the typical F Series knobset was designed by someone without taking into consideration the pitfalls of the classic emergency escape mentality.

Until a recent product update that has dramatically changed this product (and all F series knobs too), Schlage, in their infinite wisdom, had allowed the inside turn button to actually lock the outside of the knob, while still allowing the inside of the knob to remain unlocked.

That poorly designed feature, was to maintain emergency egress (escape) function to comply with the International Building Codes demands. But so many people found themselves accidentally locked out of their homes as a consequence. It is not uncommon, to lock the door, using the little turn button inside and then "forget" that the lock is locked, when turning the handle to exit, effectively locking yourself out. (I have seen multiple instances of different people accidentally locked out in their underwear, from this).

Schlage have answered the demands of the market and converted the new F series line, so that turning the inside knob, actually unlocks the outside handle.

I expect that the thousands of locksmiths across the world who have made so much money over the years from attending to lockouts, are bitterly disappointed in this turn of events, but good on Schlage for stepping up and answering the call of the thousands of bitter customers who have used these products for so many years.

Schlage Securekey Fault

Was called to a real estate agents listing to gain entry, due to a supposedly faulty lock and this is what I found. (I apologise for the sideways video - still getting used to the camera)

I walked up to the door and found this exact scenario. A brand new Schlage Securekey deadbolt installed. The agent indicated that their key (inside the box) was not working. They needed entry and repair/replace.

Having seen the same entry technique used on Kwikset Smartkey locks, I thought I'd try the same technique.

Lo and behold!

Of course I replace the lock with a better quality lock (which by the way was considerably more competitively priced).

See Also:

Schlage Securekey Bumped

EDIT** 10/25/10

We dissected the faulty product to determine what failed. In this case, it appears that the correct key was withdrawn upside down, causing the internal parts to dislodge. The core is composed of pot metal combined with plastic. One of the two sidebars was worn out. I suggest this lock was no more than 2 weeks old.

EDIT** 11/04/10

Significant interest has been generated by this post recently. I should point out, that it could be that this particular product might have been faulty and might not necessarily be an across the board indictment against all the Schlage Securekey hardware line. I have heard recently of similar problems experienced by other users, but I cannot verify the accuracy of those comments.

EDIT** 11/07/10

I am receiving a significant quantity of hits here searching for master keying availability of Schlage Securekey products. Schlage Securekey products CANNOT be master keyed. It is physically impossible to key the locks to more than one different key.

Bilock (A Closer Look)

Interest in Bilock products certainly seems to be increasing, at least for me. I am seeing a significant increase in stock movements, which leads me to write todays piece.

Pictured to the left is Bilock's Schlage cylinder. This cylinder is designed to retro-fit in almost the entire range of Schlage products.

Schlage products use varying length and style connecting tail-pieces, to suit their broad range of products. In the residential market, the cylinders are generally all the same with varying types of connecting tails for the different models of deadbolts and entrance locksets.

Bilock's unique ability to design it's cylinders, maintaining the highest standards while using original hardware, offers customers a significant advantage and savings by negating the need to replace the hardware.

Example: Yesterday, I was called to a property to change locks. The customer required restricted keys to prevent unauthorized duplication of keys. All existing locks were Schlage brand. I was able to maintain using the existing hardware and simply replace the inner cylinders only, maintaining the existing character and aesthetics and significantly limiting the expense normally required for new locks. Result: 100% Fully secure, bump proof, pick proof locks with keys that can only be created after receipt of a correctly authorized letter.

Pictured to the left are the technical dimensions of the Bilock Schlage style entrance cylinder.

Bilock Schlage type entrance cylinders sell for about $70 each.

Schlage Primus and Similar High Security Key Profiles Beaten By 3D Printing

Schlage, one of this countries most well known hardware and lock manufacturers and creator of the High Security Primus key systems must be reeling from news released yesterday that a team of MIT researchers have written a simple program to decipher a Primus (and similar types) key from a photograph and send the information to a 3D printer to enable duplication of these once-thought of restricted key systems. (see the source below)

The Schlage Primus key system, once thought by locksmiths across the country to be non-duplicatable, and also identified a couple of years ago as NOT Bump Resistant, faces one of the biggest threats to it's platform with the public release of this breaking news story.

In many states across the country, Schlage convinced locksmith companies to take on their own outright keyways and dealer codes, to corner their own market preventing duplication of keys by hardware stores, cookie key cutters, shoe repairers and gas stations. Little did we know that Schlage were simply sharing key profiles across state, sometimes county lines and in some cicumstances sharing side pin codes (dealer codes) across state lines. The whole agreement appeared very shady, indeed.

3D printing technology has grown from it's infancy and is now being seen and used by small to medium sized manufacturing businesses.

UPS are rolling out a trial 3D printer in some stores in San Diego, hoping to cash in on the opportunity for customers to 3D print a sample or spare part of their choice.

With access to many print stores across the country, the potential loss to current Schlage Primus dealers could be huge. It means that virtually any Primus key holder could get a copy made for less than $5 at their local print store. Dont think for a minute, that the large players in stationery and printing like Staples, Office Depot and the like, with super large budgets wont get in on the action of on demand 3D printing. Hardware big box stores like Lowes and Home Depot will jump in too and offer 3D printing in their one-stop franchises.

Other brands that use a similar system to Primus, include Medeco, Scorpion, Twin and some other brands.

This realization that your key system is not actually secure as you expected will mean that you will need to find systems that do as intended. Our Bilock Extreme Security Key Systems are carefully designed to prevent unauthorised duplication and with the introduction of the 13th element, a trigger mechanism that is interactive, 3D printing of a useable key is just not possible (at this time).

Bilock is well known worldwide for being a premium quality high-security restricted key system that outperforms virtually all other systems. It's unique keyway and pinning system, combined with state of the art side-bar technology and interchangeable core functionality and color coded key heads, makes it a formidable partner in the security of your home and business.

We are the largest provider of Bilock Systems in the Mid-West, using state of the art master key software to create, design and build our own systems. We have nearly 25 years international experience in the product line and have installed many of the most complex systems to universities, hospitals, private schools, casino's and hotels across the world.

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Electric Door Strike for Schlage

Increase home security and let visitors in more easily with this electric door strike designed specifically for deeper, Schlage-brand locks. This 12VDC Schlage compatible door strike replaces your existing strike plate with an electro-mechanical release mechanism. Simply wire one in series with a low-voltage push-button switch, an X10 Universal Module or the relay release of an intercom system, and your visitors will be able to push or pull the door open when power is applied. You can also connect them to a keypad, alarm system or other entry system. 12-Volt DC Power Supply sold separately.

Unlock doors in other parts of the house without getting up

Great for homes where the front door is on a different level than the main living area

Designed specifically for Schlage-brand locks

Schlage specific electric strike

Schlage Securekey Bumped

The new style Schlage Securekey Lock is the subject of much discussion recently and our post on Schlage Securekey Problems is one of this sites most popular posts. As popular is this sites post on Kwikset Smartkey Problems.

The above video shows how easily the Schlage Securekey Lock can be bumped. It was believed that Schlage's motivation for releasing this lock was to thwart the bump key phenomenon and to also provide the owner with the ability to rekey their own lock, rather than calling the services of a professional locksmith.

The quantity of issues with this product are mounting daily and this new example of the ease in bypassing/bumping or manipulating the lock, should be an indication to prospective buyers of what not to purchase.

These locks are primarily available at big box hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowes. No self-respecting, ethical, honest retailer can offer this product for sale in my opinion.

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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Schlage Deadbolt - is this like on your door?

The quantity of interest in Locksport has definitely taken a major shift increase in recent times and equally the number of people purchasing lockpicks has also increased.

In the USA, there are only 9 states with any laws or licensing requirements for locksmiths. Consequently, many undesirables are now in possession of lockpick tools.

Should you be worried? Perhaps! Statistically, break ins reported with no sign of forced entry remain low, however there are increasing numbers because people who get broken into without any sign of forced entry, rarely report it.

Schlage, owned by Ingersoll Rand, have been manufacturing security products for a great many years in the United States. Schlage and Kwikset products are among the most common products found on most dwellings and businesses across the country. The following video shows a young person gaining entry to a common Schlage deadbolt, one similar to the ones found on many residential doors across the country.



Would you enjoy the benefit of a door lock that cant be picked? Especially if it were to cost only fractionally more than a Schlage deadbolt? Do you feel secure after seeing this video?

Master Key Systems America, a family owned company, proudly securing residents and businesses in the greater St Louis Missouri region, offer Bilock Extreme Security deadbolts that are guaranteed pick and bump proof. Add to that, no unauthorised key duplication and your choice of up to 9000 color combination (of keys) and you have the single best defense against lock picking available today.

For a no obligation Free Estimate Call Us on (314)266-1533.

Schlage Securekey Problems

Reports are coming in about significant problems with the new Schlage Securekey product line. Specifically, these problems include design manufacture inconsistencies and parts not performing the task for which they were designed.

Apparently, some of the internal pin tumbler workings are known to separate from the side bar element, causing keys to not work as they are supposed to.

There have been reports of the cylinders able to be re-keyed without the use of the special key provided.

People locked out of Schlage Securekey products have generally required the product destroyed and replaced, because of the apparent inability or difficulty to have a key determined.

We are looking into these claims and plan to report more as we find out.

See Schlage Securekey Fault

Schlage Securekey Bumped

Top 10 Searches for April 2010

This website has been very kind to me in the last few years with an average of 300-500 search hits every month since 2006. There are probably some good reasons for this luck, but I suggest it is likely because of the significant amount of original content included here-in.

I have decided to try to include a monthly post highlighting the 10 most popular searched for terms that led viewers to this site.

These search results are gathered from my Google Analytics reports.

As you can see, there are significant numbers of searches for keyword terms surrounding keyed pocket door locks.

Our Cowdroy P697 Pocket Door Lock with Key, is proving (not surprisingly) popular in it's genre.

Other popular keyword search terms in the past month, include Schlage Securekey Problems.

Schlage Securekey is a new product recently released by Schlage in answer to and to compete with Kwikset's Smart-Key product line. The widespread discussion and marketplace concern about the lock bumping phenomenon, has forced some lock manufacturers to update their product designs.

We have been conducting our own tests of the Schlage Securekey product and anticipate presenting some interesting findings in the not too distant future.

Strikemaster II seems to be continuing it's popularity in searched for terms. The product is beautifully designed to prevent door frame casing failure, effectively preventing the most common break-in method of door kick-ins.

Expect to see more articles about the popular searched for keyword phrases in upcoming posts.

Schlage Primus Picked Repeatedly And Easily

A well known member of the locksport community and in all likelihood a locksmith himself, recently displayed the ease by which Schlage's flagship High-Security product, Primus can be picked, keyed and picked again.

It should be noted that the conditions for picking the above lock are ideal and it is unlikely that such a feat can be as easily performed in a real world setting, although not impossible.

That the person above, shows in detail what he is doing and confirms this with the disassembly and reassembly, while on camera, proves that this is not a hoax or an elaborate set up.

There are many doubters and company line towers who continue to talk up the Primus product as a bump proof and pick resistant technology. We have proved in past articles that Schlage Primus is indeed NOT BUMP PROOF and now we further prove that the product is easily manipulated by a trained technician.

Schlage Primus is primarily found in North America. The product, like Medeco is not found as often in other countries or continents because it is far too expensive and does not offer the secure characteristics of many other brands.

We recommend Bilock Extreme Security products as our preferred high-security product line. It is competitively priced, good looking, retro-fits in almost all leading hardware brands, is 100% Guaranteed BUMP PROOF and virtually pick proof.

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

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Pigio And Combina By Meroni Now Able To Be Keyed Alike With Schlage C Keyway

 This is the Pigio 1 by Serrature Meroni. This product is now able to be keyed up to Schlage C keyway. this wll enable some users in the USA to combine their existing key systems with the fabulous range of Serrature Meroni push/pull handles they have become well known for.

The Combina by Serrature Meroni is another of their handle range that can be keyed alike with Schlage C keyways, further encouraging consumers in the broad American market to combine Meroni and their existing Schlage key systems.









Meroni have also produced some of their range that have been approved and certified by the respected Underwriters Laboratory for use with government or institutions installations. This is an important requirement for use by most public buildings subject to approval from local fire marshals and other authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ's).

One particular handle in the Pigio range surpasses the UL requirement for fire proofing and  is designed to comply with access and egress laws. (UL R9398)

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Bilock Cylinders For Schlage Products

Bilock Cylinders For Schlage Products

• Easily Retro-Fits into almost any existing Schlage Product
• Brass or Chrome Finish
• Connecting Tail-Pieces tailored to your specific product.
• Installation Instructions Upon Request
• $100.00
• *signature authorization required

source

Search Results for March 2011

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.

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™ Keyed Entry Lock - With Built-In Alarm

Schlage are widely considered one of the leading lock manufacturers in America today. They try to be at the forefront of design and perhaps they have achieved this with the introduction of their newest product The Schlage Keyed Entry Lock With Built-In Alarm.

Expect to see this product soon at major retailers and select locksmith companies across America.

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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.