Showing posts with label Curio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Curio. Show all posts
September 3, 2026
December 7, 2024
Raynor Garage Door Rekey - Post Revisited from February 2019
Raynor Garage Door Lock - Rekeying Procedure Without New Tumblers
About 6 weeks ago we took a call from a customer who requested service that no one else would provide,
The customer has an old Raynor brand garage roller door on her garage and wanted to have the lock rekeyed.
This door is about 75 years old and all the companies she called (before me) would not work on the existing product, preferring to instead attempt to talk her into buying a new automatic roller door.
After becoming annoyed at not having her needs met, her search for service led her to find me.
This first image shows the Raynor Operating handle and key cylinder from the outside.
You can see in this second image, the configuration of the inside mechanism and how the lock and handle attaches to the door.
The chains on each side are attached to spring loaded "latches" that firmly hold the door when closed, into the running tracks.
It is not necessary to remove the lever handle to work on the key cylinder, simply remove the four screws to pull the lock casing from the frame.
We set the plug up with the new keyblank inserted, into our vise after switching some tumblers around to "alter the combination" making it different to the original key.
Next, we marked each corresponding spacing of each pin tumbler using our impressioning file.
A different angle shows the progress being made in forming the new key
Slow and steady processes, are important to maintain meticulous and exact work. We only file a little at a time and constantly check and recheck our work, so we dont "mess" it up.
This helps to make sure we do not ever need to replace parts if we accidentally lost them because we wont.
Constantly rechecking our work to ensure the best quality.
The completed "new key" is the brass one. The old key is the silver one we are changing
Completed and rebuilt without the need to replace anything.
Now, you can purchase after market cylinders still for these doors, but I am old school and prefer to keep as much original as i can.
One reason is that manufactured items in previous years were often produced to a higher standard and designed to last.
Unlike many of the products found in the modern era that are deliberately made using inferior raw materials and streamlined processes that often punch out significantly greater quantities while giving up quality control, in the sole intention of making sure consumers are required to constantly be purchasing new and replacement parts. (thereby keeping manufacturers in business).
The art of the craft of locksmithery can be very interesting to us old time trades people. This is just another example of the types of requests we locksmiths receive.
The customer has an old Raynor brand garage roller door on her garage and wanted to have the lock rekeyed.
This door is about 75 years old and all the companies she called (before me) would not work on the existing product, preferring to instead attempt to talk her into buying a new automatic roller door.
After becoming annoyed at not having her needs met, her search for service led her to find me.
This first image shows the Raynor Operating handle and key cylinder from the outside.
The chains on each side are attached to spring loaded "latches" that firmly hold the door when closed, into the running tracks.
It is not necessary to remove the lever handle to work on the key cylinder, simply remove the four screws to pull the lock casing from the frame.
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| The rim cylinder is quite old and still functioning well for it's age even though it appears to be slightly corroded. |
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| The tailpiece is secured with a roll pin through the back of the cylinder plug/barrel |
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| Here is another view of the rear of the cylinder. You can see the roll pin sitting through the tailpiece and the back of the barrel |
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| This is an image with the roll pin and tailpiece removed |
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| This image shows the plug/barrel with each pin tumbler removed |
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| Measuring the new key blank and the existing plug with the new combination pins correctly inserted |
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| Using the impressioning file to "cut" the new key directly from the pinning |
This helps to make sure we do not ever need to replace parts if we accidentally lost them because we wont.
 |
| Careful processes lead to positive results |
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| The key is almost completed |
Now, you can purchase after market cylinders still for these doors, but I am old school and prefer to keep as much original as i can.
One reason is that manufactured items in previous years were often produced to a higher standard and designed to last.
Unlike many of the products found in the modern era that are deliberately made using inferior raw materials and streamlined processes that often punch out significantly greater quantities while giving up quality control, in the sole intention of making sure consumers are required to constantly be purchasing new and replacement parts. (thereby keeping manufacturers in business).
The art of the craft of locksmithery can be very interesting to us old time trades people. This is just another example of the types of requests we locksmiths receive.
December 6, 2024
Locksmith Industry News
Locksmith industry news
The locksmith industry is undergoing significant transformation, driven by advancements in technology, changing consumer needs, and increased focus on sustainability. Here are the key trends shaping the locksmith landscape in 2024:
1. Technological Integration and Smart Locks
• Smart Locks and Biometric Systems: Demand for smart locks that use Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and biometric authentication (e.g., fingerprint or facial recognition) is rising. These systems offer enhanced security and user-friendly features like remote access via smartphones .
• IoT-Enabled Security: Internet of Things (IoT) integration allows real-time monitoring and control of locks alongside other home automation features. This innovation caters to a growing market for interconnected security systems .
2. Cybersecurity in Locksmithing
• With the shift toward digital and keyless entry systems, locksmiths must address vulnerabilities in cybersecurity. Many professionals now offer services to protect against hacking and unauthorized access, using encryption and blockchain technology .
3. Mobile Locksmith Services
• Convenience is a key factor driving the growth of mobile locksmithing. Customers prefer on-demand services for lockouts and repairs, prompting traditional locksmiths to expand their reach with mobile operations .
4. 3D Printing and Customization
• The advent of 3D printing has made it easier to create intricate, custom lock components, reducing manufacturing costs and allowing locksmiths to offer more tailored solutions .
5. Sustainability Efforts
• Eco-conscious practices, such as using recyclable materials and energy-efficient technologies, are gaining traction in locksmithing, aligning with broader consumer and industry shifts toward environmental responsibility .
6. Market Growth and Opportunities
• The global locksmith market is projected to grow significantly, with new opportunities in high-security locks, cybersecurity integration, and smart home solutions. Specialization and continued education will be vital for professionals to stay competitive .
Locksmiths looking to thrive in 2024 and beyond must embrace these trends while focusing on innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainability to meet evolving demands.
November 6, 2022
Sure Fit Concealed Door Closer - New Product by D&D Technologies
A new product by D&D Technologies, the well known Australian gate and door hardware manufacturer, perhaps best known globally for it’s superior gate locks and hinges surprises the market with its latest release product that now provides a unique door closing system for residential and commercial doors.
The video above shows just how this new product operates and the type of applications it is suitable for.
Architects and builders rejoice because this intelligent design provides a seamless concealed fit that offers increased security with its tamper proof design while providing an adjustable speed and latching action to suit multiple desires.
Traditional surface door closers are the industry standard worldwide, having been available for over a hundred years.
While they continue to provide quality closing options, this product and the offering by Serrature Meroni with their FS980 series concealed fit floor closer, now provide discerning and aesthetically inclined home owners, hospitals, schools, colleges and universities, virtually all commercial buildings, storefronts etc with a different alternative to the mainstream door closer market that combines functionality and aesthetics for a beautiful finish.
Be sure to inform your architect, builder or locksmith that you’d like to use this product as an affordable and sightly alternative to the standard run of the mill door closers you would usually find.
August 7, 2022
Invisible Door Closer Redfines Closing Your Door
Meroni FS980 Invisible door closer
The FS980 Door Closer System is a unique product that makes your door closer virtually invisible, while still maintaining the aesthetics of your doors.
The product is expertly created and straightforward to install, operate and adjust.
Door closers are a very sought after product, especially in commercial settings. Where the FS980 shines, is that it becomes the hinge as well as the door closer.
Below find an installation instruction video for this fabulous product,
We are the North American Distributors for most of the Meroni product lines, but we dont keep much product in inventory. Most Meroni products are purchased custom built to individual customer requirements
If you wish to learn more about any Meroni products, feel free to call or email us and we will respond as soon as possible.
March 22, 2022
March 11, 2022
Male Chastity - Personal Security Protection that's Different
We originally posted the article below in January 2011 and it has gathered thousands of views online. The sellers have updated their product offerings in due course and we highly suggest checking out the source for their updated products.
Male Chastity - Unusual Security Product
I thought long and hard (forgive the pun) about whether or not to post this article, for obvious reasons.But I decided that it fits into the unusual and unique security products category, if you open your mind a bit.
This product was originally tailored to women but could be considered by any chosen persuasion, keen on keeping their male partners from straying.
Of course you can choose your own preferred brand of padlock.
March 8, 2022
What Is Your Preferred Door Hardware Color Finish?
What Is Your Preferred Door Hardware Finish?
The stock photo above is an image of a piece of nickel. We include it here because of the sudden rise in the market price of nickel ore, just in the last 2 days. We suspect there are obvious reasons for this sudden spike, given the political and economic upheavals our world is currently experiencing, but this story made me think about the most common request for color finishes of door hardware, knobs, deadbolts, lever entrance sets. thumbpress entrance locksets, hinges, peepholes, door sweeps, blocker plates, wrap-arounds etc, among some of the products we have sold, serviced and installed over the years.
The common finishes in the market in the USA and other countries around the world are pretty much similar even though some places choose varying preferences, which could be regional among other reasons.
I'm sure people across the industry and around the world, decorators, interior and exterior designers, locksmiths, builders, retailers etc would enjoy understanding why some color selections are made over others and if you would like to share your preferred color finish choices in the comments below that'd be great.
According to our deep dive into our books, the preferred door hardware color finishes are topped by the Satin Nickel choice.
Antique Brass comes a distant second followed closely by polished brass, with venetian bronze and florentine bronze bringing up the rear. Black is finding more traction in recent years but is still farther down the list of preferences.
We have been representing a few manufacturers over the last 15 years, including Serrature Meroni products, Assa-Abloy Lockwood, Schlage, Kwikset, Weslock, Hooply, to name a few.
Many contractors and retailers will offer a variety of color options to fit the unique tastes of clients. Simply ask your chosen contractor if your desired door hardware color finish is available.
If you want to know more about door hardware color finishes and styles of door hardware, Contact Us on 314-266-1533 or by email and a customer service person will be glad to help.
March 2, 2022
Sliding Patio Door Repairs - Continuing Requests for our Experience
We have been operating in the lock and door hardware and door repair industry for most of the last 40 years across four continents and continue to service and repair doors and door hardware for our clients today. Sometimes we receive requests to install new hardware and lock and key systems, unique door furniture that is also of a more pleasing aesthetic nature
Today, we attended to a returning clients needs after about 5 years, where the particular sliding door we worked on, had a new issue.
Previously (5 years ago) the door was incredibly difficult for the homeowners to operate because the sliding door rollers fitted to the bottom had seized up. At that time, we removed the door and carefully cleaned the sliding door rollers of the build up of animal hair, dirt, grime and other blockages, that were contributing to the problems. We used our preferred brand of lubricant to lubricate and protect the existing sliding door rollers ensuring continued use for many years to come.
Yesterday, the customer called us after 5 years requesting additional service to the same door but not for the same issue. This time the actual handle had snapped on the inside. As luck would have it, we actually had one left of the same design handle mechanism, in the same color finish and made the appointment to attend today to complete the necessary repair.
Upon our arrival onsite, the customer explained that the handle snapped yesterday because the door was slowly becoming increasingly harder to operate and slide and the handle was becoming more loose over time.
We try to be pedantic about our repair methods and after replacing the broken handle, also decided to lubricate the track and sliding door rollers again (after 5 years). The resulting repairs allow the door to slide like butter on a hot fry-pan again.
Benefits Of Using Lock210/St Louis Locksmiths For Your Sliding Patio Door Repair Projects
- 40 years local, national and international knowledge and experience
- Qualified, knowledgeable and field-experienced technicians
- Unique Security Products and Accessories
- Bonded, Insured and Quality Assured
- Cost-effective solutions to fit any budget
- local family owned and operated
If you are in need of quality and experienced professional technicians to complete your unique and discerning installation project, Contact Locks210/St Louis Locksmiths today on (314)266-1533 and enjoy a similar experience that our customers continue to rave about and call us back for, for years to come.
February 20, 2022
Securing Church Sacristy - Installing New Lock
A long time and continuing client of ours contacted us last week to install their provided cam-lock to their church sacristy and wanted it keyed to suit their existing key, that operates other locks across their facility. The church already had their maintenance person install a barrel bolt to the fixed leaf of the proposed cupboard.
The difficulty was, they currently use a Ronis brand of cam-lock system in many of their other cupboards across other parts of their facility. They decided to purchase the particular cam-lock from a big box hardware, hoping it could easily be just keyed alike to their existing key. Ronis brand hardware is not a common brand of hardware found in many general supply houses or big box hardware stores and it can be difficult to re-key any old lock to their desired key.
A professional tradesperson will understand the requirements to be able to convert another brand of lock to operate with a different brand of key and often there is no way to perform the miracle and purchasing the same brand of lock is required.
In this case, we immediately discovered that their desired key would not enter the key-way of the new lock. Being the trained and field experienced tradesman I am, i was able to modify the core to accept their desired Ronis key and could then re-key the core to the Ronis key combination.
We are choosing to not show the method we use to modify the chosen brand of core and below we will show you the installation procedure.
The first step in any installation project is to always protect the contents of the cupboard where you are working. Now, you can obviously empty the cupboard if you want, prior to beginning your work or you can choose to cover the contents with drop/cover sheets.
By using covering material to protect the contents of the cupboard, the valuable contents are protected, ensuring continued usability and cleanliness.
Again, the choice is for the installer or the site manager to make but in this case, they chose to just get it done and let the installer choose.
It's very important that any installer of anything, be sure to accurately measure and mark before drilling anything at all. A professional will not just measure once, but probably 2-3 times, to ensure they are being as accurate as possible. It makes no sense to just do anything by eye or just wing it, as some DIY'ers might choose. If your customer is paying for a professional service, then do it the right way please.
I choose to pre-drill my first holes with a smaller drill bit, to enable me to make sure of my accuracy. If I'm out a bit, by using a smaller drill bit, i can still relocate my first hole if needed.
I like to start with a small hole drilled from the inside in the right location before switching to the outside and drilling too. This way I make a nice clean hole, generally without cracking the edges of the nicely finished and painted door.
After drilling a small hole from each side, I then can either use a spade bit or a hole saw of the appropriate size to drill the hole required for the case of the lock assembly.
Then put the collar ring and lock case into your hole, attach the appropriate cam, in this case an off-set cam that butts against the fixed leaf (other door).
Dont forget to clean up all your mess and test to finish.
Benefits Of Using Lock210/St Louis Locksmiths For Your Lock Installation Projects
- 40 years local, national and international knowledge and experience
- Qualified, knowledgeable and field-experienced technicians
- Unique Security Products and Accessories
- Bonded, Insured and Quality Assured
- Cost-effective solutions to fit any budget
- local family owned and operated
If you are in need of quality and experienced professional technicians to complete your unique and discerning installation project, Contact Locks210/St Louis Locksmiths today an enjoy a similar experience that our customers continue to rave about and call us back for, for years to come.
January 24, 2022
Auto Door Bottoms and Sweeps prevent Cold Air Coming In and Save on Heating and Cooling Costs
The video here shows a common DIY method to deal with cold air coming in through your external doors.
How To Stop Cold or Warm Air From Coming In...
There are many DIY options in the wider market that offer some interesting and sometimes odd methods to control the flow of air through entry doors on our homes. Often, homeowners choose to contract a professional door repairer like ourselves to provide them with a solution that is professional and permanent, without they having to repeatedly perform a task.
We here at St Louis Locksmiths and Door Repair continue to provide our customers with unique solutions that meet their needs and exceed their expectations. We provide solutions that not only secure your properties but also contribute to reducing your heating and cooling costs.
Another innovative product that we recommend is the Pemko range of automatic door bottoms and sweeps. These awesome products are uniquely designed to provide relief from cold air or warm air that enters under your door during winter or summer seasons.
The first image above displays the full mortise version of a Pemko Auto Door Bottom. Unlike common door sweeps found today on many entry doors, these Pemko Auto Door Bottoms are uniquely designed to automatically seal the bottom of your doors, only when the door is closed. This unique feature extends the life expectancy of a door sweep because the seal only activates when the door is physically shut. When the door opens, the seal rises to prevent the typical wear and tear you see from other brands and types of door bottoms and sweeps. This mortised door bottom and sweep, requires your door to be removed to install.
Benefits St Louis Locksmiths and Door Repairs provides:
- Unique Security Products and Services
- 40+ years of local and international experience
- Widespread Knowledge of Unique and Diverse products
- Experienced, Qualified and Bonded Technicians
- Cost Conscious professionals
- Labor and Parts Warranty
Want to Learn more about how to save on your heating and cooling costs?
If you are ready to save on your heating and cooling costs, Contact St Louis Locksmiths and Door Repairs Here and our technicians will provide you an obligation free on-site estimate.
January 20, 2022
Meroni Nova Locksets ON SALE...
In answer to a recent customer inquiry about some color finish options, to replace the locksets installed on their doors at their home we decided to put together actual live images photographed ourselves in our home studio light box. Not being professional photographers we hope the images below sufficiently display the actual colors you will see if you fit the lock sets to your doors at home or the office....
Click on the image for larger pictures.
Code: N11 Passage Set
Color NA
Also available in N12 Privacy (bathroom) function
Code: N11 Passage
Color: PE
Also available in Privacy (bathroom) function
Code: N11 Passage
Color US2B
Also available in Privacy (bathroom) function
Code: N12 Privacy
Color: BO White
Also available in Passage function
Code: N12 Privacy
Color GG Gun Metal White
Also available in Passage function
Code: N12 Privacy
Color: GW Gun Metal Grey
Also available in Passage function
Code: N12
Color: US4 ALIA
Also available in Passage function
Code N12
Color US4 Satin Brass
Also available in Passage function
Code N12 privacy
Color US26 Alia (chrome buttons and face caps)
Also available in N11 passage function
Note that the color is very similar to the first image above although it is slightly different.
Code: N12 privacy
Color US26 Satin Chrome (with black buttons and face caps)
Also available in N11 Passage function
The colors displayed above are just some of the available colors we have in stock.
We also have Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, Brown, Polished Brass and others.
Many of the colors listed above can also be special ordered in:
N13 - Keyed Entry Version
N14 - Hotel Room Function (outside handle without push button) key only releases latch, inside handle always unlocked for emergency escape,
N15 - Double cylinder (key unlocks from either inside or outside),
N17 - Entry (key unlocks outside button, inside always unlocked),
N20 - Fixed Dummy Knobs (like for a cupboard door that doesnt require locking),
N21 - Outside fixed knob (no button)
N24 - Hotel Indicator Function (outside knob without push button, unlocked only by key; inside thumbturn activates occupancy indicator if provided)
Normally, all Meroni hardware is custom built to order.
Be aware that there are varying length latches: 60mm (2-3/8"), 70mm (2-3/4"), 80mm (3") and 127mm (5"). latches are available in round ended or square ended faceplates, rebated (rabbited) version, most latches can be ordered with a security deadlatching function too.
Also, there are varying styles and colors of roses too. The standard rose (pictured in the images above) is black nylon. Other roses are available in black metal, satin stainless steel, polished chrome plate, satin brass, brown, antique brass (corinthian).
We do have sufficient stock of most colors in privacy and passage function.
Prices vary based on your custom requirements, contact us for individual pricing.
As a New Year Special, we are offering all Non-Keyed privacy and passage locksets we have in stock, in multitudes of colors, for $9 each. When you order 5 or more we will throw in shipping too
Email us your preferred color and quantity and we can send you an online invoice and shipping time.
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Who Are We?
Welcome to Locks210.com.
This site is to inform about historical and modern approaches to Keys and Physical Security products and services.
Locks210.com, established in 2006, offers residents and businesses of St Louis Locksmith premium quality products and services. As the Premier Bilock Extreme Security Dealer in The Mid-West,
Our conveniently located workshop and service vehicles are uniquely designed to offer trade qualified, bonded, insured tradespeople with knowledge and experience spanning multiple countries and product lines.
