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.

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What Is Your Preferred Door Hardware Color Finish?

 What Is Your Preferred Door Hardware Finish?

What is your preferred door hardware color finish? We have been taking a long look through our invoices over the last 15 years and determined the most popular and preferred color finish selections from our vast list of clients.

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.

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.

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.

 This color finish is Nickel Aluminum finish

Code: N11 Passage Set
Color NA

Also available in N12 Privacy (bathroom) function

 this finish is PE or Pearl Grey (off white)

Code: N11 Passage
Color: PE

Also available in Privacy (bathroom) function

 Interior view

 This image displays the US2B Satin Stainless Steel color

Code: N11 Passage
Color US2B

Also available in Privacy (bathroom) function

 inside view

 This is the white handle with black buttons

Code: N12 Privacy
Color: BO White

Also available in Passage function

 This image displays the N12 Privacy in GG Gun Metal White

Code: N12 Privacy
Color GG Gun Metal White

Also available in Passage function

 inside view

 This image displays the N12 Privacy (bathroom) function in Gun Metal Grey

Code: N12 Privacy
Color: GW Gun Metal Grey

Also available in Passage function

 Inside view

 This image displays the N12 Privacy (bathroom) function is satin brass ALIA (brass buttons and face caps)

Code: N12

Color: US4 ALIA

Also available in Passage function

 inside view

 This image displays the N12 Privacy (bathroom) function in US4 Satin Brass (with black buttons and face caps)

Code N12
Color US4 Satin Brass

Also available in Passage function

 inside view

 This image displays the N12 Privacy (bathroom) function in US26 Alia, Polished Chrome

Code N12 privacy
Color US26 Alia (chrome buttons and face caps)

Also available in N11 passage function

 inside view

 This image displays the N12 Privacy (bathroom) function in US26D Satin Chrome

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

Inside view


















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.

PullBolt - By D&D Technologies

You may be familiar with D&D Technologies, a rather well known Australian manufacturer of the worlds most sought after gate hinge and superior locking technology specified widely, the world over for securing swimming pool gates, commonly known as the Magnalatch.


Another product that has been a central tenet of the shopfront security market for many years is the PullBolt, expertly produced by D&D and has been available in some countries for many years.

As seen in the video above, the product is very straightforward to install and very strong.

Featuring:

• 316 Grade Stainless Steel Quality
• Wont Rust, Corrode or Stain
• Resistant to Hacksawing or Tampering
• Fits Left and Right Handed Doors and Gates
• Face Mount or Side Mount Models available

Key operated and lockable open or shut, this small yet incredibly strong security product offers fabulous security for it's competitive cost.

It can be supplied keyed alike, keyed to differ, master keyed and with the key cylinder removeable, you can replace it with a high security key cylinder from a range of different manufacturers.

I have personally installed a number of these during my 35+ years in the locksmith industry and can attest to their strength and usability, first hand.

Available primarily in Australia, we are trying to become a distributor for this enticing product in North America.

Stay Tuned.

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Accuride - By Hafele

As a locksmith craftsman (artisan), I believe the trade can be a craft where skilled and trained quality technicians service, manufacture, install and maintain almost anything that opens and closes.

Projects might include residential and commercial doors, cupboards, furniture, safes, cars, trucks, cabinets among other products.

Many consumers need and want better or more advantageous products and methods that contribute to making their lives easier and the Accuride products by Hafele, certainly do just that.

Hafele are quite well known, world wide as one of the leading manufacturers of quality locks, hinges and door and cabinet market products that are unique, easy to operate, install, service and maintain. A great many cabinet makers will swear by their continuing quality across many years.

The product shown here is a range of cabinet hardware where a cabinet door opens and then slides into a pocket to enable a more efficient use of space. The product contributes to better aesthetics (interior design and look), while being not too complicated to install.

The product uses some unique hardware as shown here. With not too many parts, a talented tradesperson can install them in about an hour or two.

There is no reason a DIY'er could also install, provided they have the necessary tools and follow the instructions correctly.

The diagram here displays a breakdown of how the product is attached. It doesnt appear too complicated.

A video of the product and installation is included below.




Available in differing sizes, the product is worth considering to help increase usable living space in a residence or office or hospital or anywhere that quality cabinetry is desired.


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Welcome To Our New Normal - Sanitize - Protect - Clean

The new reality, we face today as a consequence of the worldwide pandemic, forces us all to modify how we conduct business.

As an onsite service company and essential service worker, we find ourselves on the frontline in this new changed environment.

We still require to provide services to our vast range of clients but the new normal requires us to cover up and protect our clients and their dwellings, even more than before.

Wearing a face mask and gloves is part of our new reality, but also being sure to sanitize all surfaces in advance of touching them.... and then after we complete our services is an important and vital act to ensure the safety of our clients and their families and their possessions.

We find ourselves requiring to sanitize constantly, all surfaces including locks, keyholes, door surfaces, walls and other hardware and surfaces in close proximity to the applications we intend to work on. And then again after we complete our tasks.

Carrying spray-on sanitizer and hand sanitizer is a new part of our new normal, a requirement that we take very seriously. We believe that the safety and security of our clients, their staff and customers and especially their loved ones is of paramount importance moving forward.

In the image above you can see me with my face mask on, using surface sanitizer to clean after completing a re-install of door hardware.

We hope and pray that everyone accepts this new responsibility to protect themselves and each other until such a time where personal protections are no longer required.

Since this pandemic and new normal rules have been brought in, we will not perform any works on our customers property without first sanitizing. If the customer requests us to NOT perform these necessary tasks, we will walk away from the project. Your lives and our lives depend on total compliance with our new shared reality.

Thank You!

Airlock - Tire Pump And Bike Lock Merged

 Continuing on the bicycle lock subject.....
Here you can see a new product currently on Kickstarter that combines a typical bicycle air pump with a bike lock included all in the one product.

A great idea that not only respects the frame of your bike with its size and shape but also doubles to secure your bike when you are not riding it.

Pumping your tire from completely flat might take about 200 strokes to get it pressurised correctly but having the same product also be able to protect your bike from theft, seems like a no-brainer,

The few parts required to build this product contribute to an affordable cost and a low weight ratio while generally fitting in place of most bicycles existing air pump. The hardened cable doubles as the air tube and is locked by a secure keyed cylinder when using it for security.

Available through Kickstarter for only $50, get in now before it goes viral and skyrockets in price.

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Bicycle Locks - Comparison List

The information below is based on a reader-supported website where the site may earn affiliate commissions.

We here at Master Key do not earn anything from the information and present the content for informational purposes only.

You can view the complete details about the products in the source below.



According to Coolest-Gadgets, a reader supported website, the best bike locks of 2019 are as follows.

Best Overall: Onguard Brute
This U lock has been voted as the readers choice number one overall best U lock in its category for overall strength, security and ease of use.

Premium Choice: Abus Bordo

A clear choice for readers/users but probably not equal to the security of the Onguard Brute, is the Abus Bordo Folding Lock.

The is not a typical U lock as it folds up to a compact form and uses a dial combination mechanism.
Manufactured by leading German manufacturer Abus Security, the product is backed by the solid reputation of one of Europe's longest surviving security product manufacturers.

Foldylock is another variation on the Abus Bordo except that this one is key operated.
I decided to post this one as I really like the look of it compared to others in it's genre.
It is a more compact product that is also lightweight but extremely strong.
Here is what it looks like attached...

The compact yet nouveau take on a U lock appears well made and easily attached/stored on your bike when not in use. It's lightweight is a strong pro in my opinion that doesn't strain the weight of your bicycle and looks cool too.

Kryptonite bike locks have cemented their reputation for quality offerings backed by their significant longevity in the bike lock manufacturing business and their latest New York U-Lock is no exception.
They improved their designs to include 4-point locking and strengthened shackle and a heat resistant coating.

My personal favorite from this reader-contributed list is the Wearable Hip Lock.

This unique design is not attached to your bike while riding, meaning it doesnt get in the way like many other types of bike locks can.
Designed to wear around your waist, you can understand the definite advantages in such a product.

The product may be limited to only 44 inch waist lines, but this should encourage you to ride your bike more often (jk).

It is easily applied, see...

The close shackle padlock is designed to prevent bolt cutter attack. The shrouded body protects from smashing/grinding.


For more information on these and the other recommended products visit the source below.

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Gate - All-In-One Wifi Deadbolt

The world of Smart Locks, sees a new entrant to the market with an all-in-one product that allows for WiFi control, smart phone control, temporary user codes, video door bell and intercom, mechanical key operable all in one small and unique footprint that looks classy while maintaining a high level of security.

Gate is available from a range of suppliers, the product is priced at the upper end of the range of similar offerings.

The product is available in 3 distinct service plan options.

2-Year Premium Plus Service plan sells for $349. It includes 1 lock and 2 years unlimited Premium Plus Service which includes:

• Receipt Of All Notifications
• Real Time Video Streaming
• Real Time 2-Way Audio
• Remote Lock And Unlock
• Unlimited Admin/Permanent Access Control
• Unlimited Scheduled Access
• 30 Day Video History
• 30 Day Video Sharing

There is also a 1 year Premium Plan which is effectively identical to the Plus plan but only allows for 10 users on scheduled access and 5 days worth of video history storage and sharing.

The basic plan offers no scheduled access control and up to 4 permanent users, FREE.

It is an interesting idea I think. One that might meet certain users needs.

Personally, I am not enamored with many battery powered smart locks, because batteries fail at the most inopportune times and weathering (shifting door frames, house settling etc) is an all too common occurrence with todays changing climate,

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Door Repair - Replacing Broken External Frame Part

 We havent written in our blog for over a month, although we still have been busy with projects.

One project we completed recently, was for a returning client that requested a door repair.

A powerful wind storm had taken hold of his storm door and the door closer failed because the screws that hold the bracket to the frame were not long enough to effectively hold the door to the frame.

The result is what was pictured here, the frame breaking in half, exposing the poor workmanship that contributed to the problem.

 You can see in this second image, where the door frame broke away from the rest of the frame and the exposed hole in the top corner underneath the brickwork.

When we arrived initially to survey the project (free quote), we advised the client that the usual practise was to completely replace the door and frame.

The client inquired as to the cost and we informed them that the average cost in the St Louis region was between $1500 and $2400 depending on the selection of replacement door and frame.

The average cost for a standard external door and frame (no glass window in door) in this region, at discount hardware chains like Menards can be ~$480-$700 depending on color, style and preference. Average installation by a trained and qualified technician can be ~$800 - $1200.

 Notice the shape of the protruding cinder blocks and brickwork.

You can also see how the original door frame is constructed,

The use of round wooden splints to connect the outer part of the original frame to the other section of the frame displays the 'cheapy" construction of an average door and frame.

 This image shows the bottom portion of the brickwork and cinder blocks and the threshold.

The client did contact a few other door installers at our advice to compare costs and called us back because we were the only ones to offer a solution that did not require complete door and frame replacement.

Our cost effective solution was to provide a single piece of hardwood 4x4, custom shaped onsite to the shape of the brickwork and cinder blocks, enabling complete coverage of the exposed cavity.

Because the house was still settling and the foundations shifting (after 50+ years since original construction), the door cavity was crooked and we were required to carefully carve the inside of the hardwood piece to accurately fit around the different protruding bricks and cinder blocks. We used our orbital saw, our power file and hand chisels to expertly carve the inside of the new piece to the required shape of the fitting.

We then attached the outer piece to the inner existing frame with 4" countersunk wood screws and embedded them deeper into the new hardwood single piece, so we could fill the holes after and provide a satisfactory look.

We made sure to have enough length to shape around the threshold too, but the shape of the brickwork still revealed a significantly different size gap at the bottom from the top.

The finished result is not perfect, but significantly improved from before and much longer lasting.

Way more competitively priced than complete door and frame replacement, the total end cost to the client was $870 including all parts and labor.

We caulked around the top and sides of the new trim and frame with water-resistant Silicone caulk (to protect from future wet weathering).

We suggested the client to paint the frame themselves at their convenience (as we are not professional painters). 

An interesting yet time consuming repair, that saved the client a lot of money and looks and operates great,

Remembering back to the beginning of this post, where we mentioned about poor workmanship often being a cause of future issues......

"if you only want to pay peanuts, expect to get monkeys"

and

"the pain of poor quality lasts long after the pleasure of cheap price is obtained"

Keyless Security Has Turned The Corner - No External Interface Means Nothing To Attack

VL464 Versatile Deadlock

Pictured here is the fabulous Versatile Deadlock from Outlocks, the distributor of Knock-N-Lock technology, we have previously discussed here over the years.

Knock-N-Lock technology is an upmarket Israeli designed and manufactured, high-security lock system that is virtually impregnable.

Why?

Because there is no external keyhole. No keyhole means nothing to attack.

This version of the deadbolt lock is available in hardwired or wireless (battery) operated versions.

It is rather industrial looking but is extremely secure because a would-be attacker will have no knowledge of it's location inside your door.

All Knock-N-Lock products operate with the use of a unique external keyfob

This keyfob is the only way to operate the product.

Following is a video that explains the unique locking system uses and how the technology works.

We have been receiving numerous inquiries from customers lately desiring the highest form of security, due to attackers finding methods to beat virtually all other systems they have installed.

There are a number of products made that we can show you after the break.
All operate with the use of the unique fob.

The product is in use in many Asian countries and is finding traction in North America too.

ERA Bolts Makes Securing Unusual Doors A Painless Yet Simple Exercise

 A project we completed this week for a medical surgery was to help them comply with modern HIPPA codes that many AHJ's (Authorities Having Jurisdiction) are requiring medical surgery centers, across the country to comply with.

The call was received to find suitable and cost effective locking solutions to secure cabinets in patient examination rooms that hold drugs and supplies that need to be secured from unauthorized access.

Also requested was a solution to secure a set of double doors on a closet used for the centers computer server. The double door closet was unusual because the doors had been split in two, effectively creating four (4) separated leaves. We suggest this was done to minimize the space being used inside the server room, which also doubled as another patient examination room.

Era Bolt Installed Into Upper Leaf

Installing the ERA bolt, which is a door security bolt that uses a standard STAR type key and mortising it into the bottom of the upper door, allows a simple method for connecting the top leaf to the bottom leaf.

The upper leaf on both sides already have roller bolts that hold the top leaves into the steel door frame.

The ERA bolt is a simple install into the bottom of the upper door on both sides.

Chiseling The Strike Plate Into The Bottom Leaf

The bottom leaf of each door already had flush bolts installed to connect the bottoms to the floor beneath, so all that was required was a simple solution to connect top and bottom leaves.
Many other technicians choose to use surface mounted barrel bolts that sit on the inside surface of each door and while this is a simple and cost effective solution also, it means a user is required to reach around the rear of each door to operate the barrel bolts. The ERA bolt solution allows front operation using a standard key and is painless to perform easily.

In the first image above, you can see we installed a lever storeroom lock to match the upper door. Use of the locks individual key is required to open the lock and the handle cannot be left unlocked.
rather than simply providing the operating key to the authorized computer server technician, we decided to install a Supra mechanical combination key box to the metal frame of the door, to house the operating key. This onsite container means that the server technician is not responsible for possessing the operating key and potentially losing it, requiring the lock to be rekeyed. A user with the combination can access the mechanical key box onsite to operate the door lock. This also offer a significantly inexpensive option to battery operated door locks that require the constant need to replace batteries.

Supra Mechanical Combination Key Box Installed To Door Frame

The actual original request was to install cupboard locks to selected cabinets. We used CompX Double Door Hidden Cupboard locks to provide simple security to double door cabinets and simple cupboard locks on cabinets in each patient examination room.

View the attached link for more details on the simplicity and effectiveness of the CompX double door locking solution

How To Secure A Double Door Cabinet Using Only One Lock