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.

Triteq Lock And Security - Leading American Vending Security Manufacturer

Triteq Lock and Security Inc, are a local St Louis Missouri owned designer, manufacturer and distributor of the leading electronic vending machine and cabinet security products, that are proven as the top echelon of products in their genre.




In the informational video here, you can see a well produced explanation of the benefits that Triteq products provide.

Incorporating modern technology, including keyless remote access, cellphone access, audit trail and simple to operate access control management, this local American company are producing the most innovative products and services that are protecting their clients vending machines, secure cabinets, refrigeration equipment and related products.

Selecting American made security products, interests many/most local customers and users who understand the continuing benefits that buying local, stimulates and protects American jobs and their own security requirements while enjoying timely, paramount local American backup and support.

We in the locksmith trade, as harbingers of security protection for well over 4000 years, continue to source the latest and greatest security advancements on offer, to protect the interests of our customers.

Triteq Lock and Security Inc products, are providing the types of security products demanded by commercial and industrial customers, who desire to protect their investments while providing the services to their users.

Look no further for a great American Security product manufacturer, who has only your individual interests in mind.

(source...) 

Post Revisited - November 25, 2008 - Safes - How To Choose

The post below was first published here November 25, 2008 and has racked up a great many views during that time.

Explaining the attributes of safes can be a chore to the uninitiated. The CDOJ (California Department Of Justice) put together their own list of attributes to consider when purchasing a safe.

Today, many of the items advised herein, still apply, It is up to the end user to decide for themselves, the attributes required to suit their individual needs...

Pictured above is just a random image selected online of a safe.

Choosing a safe is often difficult. 

I have been asked many times over the years to make a recommendation to customers wishing to purchase a safe.

Before making a recommendation, I feel it necessary to ask some specific questions to a customer to help in determining a suitable product to recommend.

Many people do not understand the ratings systems for safes, probably because there is no written industry standard.

In the early 1990's, I worked for one of Australia's oldest manufacturers of quality safes, Kelly Safe Co PTY LTD. (they closed down in 1995, I believe). Kelly safes were considered a staple of the Australian landscape for about 100 years previously. They manufactured impressive quality safes for many of Australia's institutions, banks, high-society clubs, hotels etc.

The increasing competition from foreign products combined with the significant increase in raw materials cost, saw Kelly become less competitive in later years.

I learned much from my short time with them about how to grade safes.

There are many classifications of safes that are determined by each individual country/locallity as suitable for local conditions. The leading tester in the world (most respected) is known as the Underwriters Laboratory.

The questions I like to ask my clients are:

1. What approximate cash value of personal documents, jewellery, bank notes etc are you looking to secure?

This determines what grade of safe would be suitable for the contents.

2. Approximately how big (dimensions) would the individual pieces of content be for storage?

This determines the necessary internal dimensions of the recommended safe.

3. Are you looking for Burglary Protection, Fire Protection or both?

4. Would you prefer a bolt down facility, free-standing, on castors, wall-mount, floor mount, vault etc?

5. How much are you looking to spend?

The most important question is question #1, because this separates the designations of safes from each other and directly guides a professional to make the most suitable recommendation.

In California, the CDOJ (California Department Of Justice) uses the following terms:


California Department of Justice Burglary Rating (CDOJ)
Regulatory Gun Safe StandardsDOJ regulatory standards require a gun safe to meet either: 
All of the following requirements:

1. Shall be able to fully contain firearms and provide for their secure storage.
2. Shall have a locking system consisting of at minimum a mechanical or electronic combination lock. The mechanical or electronic combination lock utilized by the safe shall have at least 10,000 possible combinations consisting of a minimum three numbers, letters, or symbols. The lock shall be protected by a case-hardened (Rc 60+) drill-resistant steel plate, or drill-resistant material of equivalent strength.
3. Boltwork shall consist of a minimum of three steel locking bolts of at least ½ inch thickness that intrude from the door of the safe into the body of the safe or from the body of the safe into the door of the safe, which are operated by a separate handle and secured by the lock.
4. Shall be capable of repeated use. The exterior walls shall be constructed of a minimum 12-gauge thick steel for a single-walled safe, or the sum of the steel walls shall add up to at least .100 inches for safes with two walls. Doors shall be constructed of a minimum of two layers of 12-gauge steel, or one layer of 7-gauge steel compound construction.
5. Door hinges shall be protected to prevent the removal of the door. Protective features include, but are not limited to: hinges not exposed to the outside, interlocking door designs, dead bars, jeweler’s lugs and active or inactive locking bolts.

or All of the following requirements:

1. Is listed as an Underwriters Laboratories Residential Security Container;
2. Is able to fully contain firearms;
3. Provides for the secure storage of firearms.

BURGLAR SAFES:
Burglar safes are usually made of solid steel plate or a combination of solid steel and composite fill material such as concrete. These safes are divided into categories based on the level of protection delivered and the testing endured. Here we will discuss only seven classes: B-Rate, U.L. RSC Rating, B/C Rate, C-Rate, U.L. TL-15, U.L. TL-30 and TL-30 X6.

B-RATE SAFES (ALSO U.L. RSC, RESIDENTIAL SECURITY CONTAINERS):
B-Rate is a catchall rating for essentially any box with a lock on it. The safe industry had an unwritten standard of ¼ inch body, ½ inch door. As steel prices (and shipping costs) increased manufacturers tried many things to reduce their costs. No tests are given to provide this rating. When buying a B-rate safe, look at things such as lock work, hard plates, and relocks.
U.L. Residential Security Container rating (RSC) - This UL rating is based on testing conducted for a net working time of five minutes, on all sides, with a range of tools. See U.L. TL-15 and TL-30 descriptions below for "net working time" description.

B/C-Rate Safes

This is a catchall rating for safes with at least a 1/4" steel body, 1/2 inch door PLUS additional 10 or 12 guage metal layers where composite fire resistant material is also deployed. No tests are given to provide this rating. Look at the lock work, relocks and other features when making your decision.

C-Rate Safes

This is defined as a ½ inch thick steel box with a 1-inch thick door and a lock. As before, NO tests are given to provide this rating. Look at the lock work, relocks and other features when making your decision.


The Underwriters Laboratory information:
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) Ratings
http://www.ul.com

TL-15

Safes given a U.L. TL-15 rating have all passed standardized tests defined in UL Standard 687 using the same tools and usually the same group of testing engineers.Construction Requirements

• U.L. listed Group II, 1 or 1R combination lock.
• 750 lbs. minimum or comes with instructions for anchoring in a larger safe, concrete blocks or on the premises where used.
• Body walls of material equivalent to at least 1" open hearth steel with a minimum tensile strength of 50,000 P.S.I.
• Walls fastened in a manner equivalent to continuous 1/4" penetration weld of open hearth steel with minimum tensile
  strength of 50,000 P.S.I.
• One hole 1/4" or less, to accommodate electrical conductors arranged to have no direct view of the door or locking mechanism.

The label means that the safe successfully resisted entry (i.e. opening the door or making a 6" square opening entirely through the door or front face) for a NET working time of 15 minutes using "…common hand tools, drills, punches hammers, and pressure applying devices." Net working time means simply "when the tool comes off the safe the clock stops". There are over fifty different types of attacks that can be used to gain entrance into the safe. Usually they will try only 2 or 3 based on what they know about the product, and they know a lot.

TL-30

Construction requirements are identical to the TL-15 above. Tests are essentially the same as the TL-15 tests except for the net working time. Testors are allowed 30 minutes and a few more tools (abrasive cutting wheels and power saws) to help them gain entrance. The label signifies the testors were unable to open the door or make a 6" square opening entirely through the door or front face within 30 minutes. Keep in mind these engineers have the manufacturing blue prints and can disassemble the safe being tested before the test begins to see how it works. They know their stuff. TL-30 x 6 - The TL-30 (30-minute) test is conducted on all six (6) sides of the safe.

Other Considerations

When you begin the search for a safe it is a good idea to speak to your insurance agent and see if a particular type of safe will reduce your insurance costs. Many times you can justify the additional expense of a higher security safe because of the premium reduction. Remember no safe is burglar proof, you are buying time. The longer it takes to break in the greater the chance to be caught, and thieves don’t like to get caught.

---

10 Things You Didn't Know About UL's Safe Testing

1. The best safecrackers in the business never steal a penny. They work for UL.
   
2. UL has been testing and certifying safes for more than 80 years. The first safe tested for burglary resistance was in 1923 and the first bank vault in 1925.
   
3. Chisels, wenches, screwdrivers, power saws, cutting torches, crowbars, abrasive cutting wheels, jackhammers, even specified amounts of nitroglycerin are just a few of the "tools" UL technicians use during a safe attack. The idea is to test safes to worst-case scenarios. They use tools that could be found at any construction site or hardware store. They also analyze blueprints as if the burglar might have blueprints of the design and attack its weakest points to evaluate the safe for certification.
   
4. UL's safe attack tests are conducted by a two-person crew. The object is to create an opening large enough to withdraw "valuables" (anywhere from 2- to 6-square-inches on a safe and up to 96-square-inches on a vault), activate the locking mechanism so the door opens or to cut as many bolts from the door as necessary to pry it open before the time specified in the rating requirement expires.
   
5. Safes are rated for their resistance to attack against specific tools for a set period of time. There are a dozen different ratings, everything from ATM machines, to gun safes to bank vaults. For example, a safe that bears a Class TRTL-15X6 rating, which might be found in a jewelry store, should resist a hand tool and torch attack for a minimum of 15 minutes. A TRTL-30X6-rated safe, which would protect important documents or store money, should withstand an attack for 30 minutes. The ultimate safe rating-a TXTL60-should withstand an hour's worth of attack that includes the use of 8 ounces of nitroglycerin.
   
6. Because of the size and weight of certain safes and vault doors, it is not always practical to have the product shipped to UL's laboratory locations. UL's burglary protection staff has traveled to destinations such as Japan, France, Israel, England, Finland, Taiwan and India.
   
7. In addition to burglary protection ratings, UL also rates safes for their fire resistance protection. Class 350 safes protect paper documents, Class 150 safes protect magnetic tape and photographic film, while Class 125 safes protect floppy disks. In addition to the Class Rating, safes obtain an hourly rating for fire resistance-anywhere from 30 minutes to four hours.
   
8. Another cool test UL runs on safes is an impact test. This test simulates a safe falling though multiple stories of a building-resulting from a fire that has weakened the structure. After the safe is heated to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit in a furnace, it's raised three stories and dropped onto a pile of bricks. In order to meet the requirement, the safe can't pop open. Temperatures inside can't rise to above 300 degrees Fahrenheit and sample papers left inside have to be readable.
   
9. The specialized suits you sometimes find technicians wearing are not just for show. Their entire ensemble, including protective coat, helmet and gloves, protects the crew against the adverse effects of sparking. After all, safety can't be taken for granted, even within the walls of UL.
   
10. Safes are just one of the 19,000 product categories that UL tests and certifies. While UL's burglary protection team cracks combinations, shatters glass and fires .44-caliber bullets at body armor, other UL engineers and technicians keep busy testing everything from TVs, coffee makers and holiday light strings to fire extinguishers, medical CAT scan equipment and building materials.

(source...)

United States Secret Service Warns Of ATM "Jackpotting" Scam

Breaking News: Secret Service Warns Of ATM "Jackpotting" Scam...

The United States secret service warned yesterday that American banks need to be on high alert to ATM "jackpotting", a scam that has proliferated throughout Europe and Mexico, the last few years.



Essentially, "jackpotting" is known as a method that thieves use to contravene an ATM's security by opening the cabinet, putting in a laptop with a certain "skimming" program connected to the port and closing the machine. Then a "dove" comes by to operate the ATM, calls the first thief who activates the code remotely to allow the machine to empty it's cash dispenser, sometimes up to 23 notes per second.

The thieves often work in pairs, often dressed up like electronic repairmen, with sign written uniforms and vehicles, easily conning staff at ATM locations to let them in.

A large issue stems from the manufacturers of the ATM cabinets that are apparently using a uniform standard key lock on all cabinets. All locks are keyed alike, allowing for many different people to have access to the key and the locks.

About 25 years ago, I worked for a large metropolitan security patrol company that were contracted by banks to refill empty ATM's. The security control center monitoring station would send three (3) patrol cars to every ATM refill request. Each ATM was housed in a solid cabinet and controlled with two (2) separate mechanical dial combination locks, that also had lockable dials. One patrol officer would have the dial lock keys, one patrol officer would be given the combination to lock A and the other patrol officer would be given the combination to lock B.

The security was taken very seriously and using multiple people provided multiple required credentials and physical presence to complete the ATM refilling task.

These days, I see it often where a lone technician is often called to perform an ATM service at a bank or a convenience store or a bar etc. I think that it is especially important to have multiple people in attendance for security reasons, especially where hard currency is involved.

Often, locksmiths and safe technicians would maintain contracts with financial institutions to regularly attend the ATM site and change the dial combinations regularly, to prevent unauthorised knowledge of combinations to be reused over and over.

Perhaps a new opportunity for would be locksmiths and safe technicians exists to set up maintenance contracts with financial institutions to regularly alter the combination locks on ATM machines.

(Source...) 

Lock Focus - Lock Manufacturing Simplicity For Over 40 Years

We are but one international partner for Lock Focus, concentrating our sales efforts across North America.

We are proud resellers of various unique products of theirs like their Gravity Locks for residential and industrial waste bins.

Gravity Opening Bin Lock

Ideal for wheelie bins, designed to automatically unlock when tipped upside down by garbage collection truck. Also features key access with a stainless steel capped barrel.

MSDS

Manual Opening Bin Lock

Suitable for use on wheelie bins, features key access with a stainless steel capped barrel. (this is not gravity operated)

MSDS

Industrial Gravity Bin Lock

Designed to suit industrial waste bins ranging from 1.5m ³ to 3.0m ³ front lift. Gravity opening eliminates need for driver to unlock container before collection

MSDS

We also sell the Lock Focus Battery Powered Electric Strike.

A simple solution for keyless entry, the EL100 consists of an electornic strike, codepad, and exit button. Featuring an intelligent and secure microprocessor and IP66 rating.

MSDS

There are many other products that Lock Focus make too. Above are just a few of the unique products we resell. 

If anything in their site interests you, please dont hesitate to contact us for additional information.

(source...)

Steel Desk With Non-Removeable Drawers - No Match For An Experienced Locksmith Using Meroni Cabinet Furniture Locks

 One of our regular customers, an ongoing account customer that has been using us for about 10 years now recently contracted us to devise a system for securing a metal desk in a very busy upmarket car dealership.

The application was a steel built desk with non-removeable drawers.
There is a lockable tray directly under the midst of the desktop they had also lost the keys for, but the lock didnt secure the drawers too.

They wanted a system that allowed them to lock the side drawers.

Because of the weight and construction of this type of steel desk, conventional cabinet lock products would not easily install to the application.

 You can see that the drawers fit into relatively thin metal walls, that are strong but thin. The issue was being able to secure the new locks but not having enough material to install with metal thread self-tapping screws. We couldnt remove the drawers to access the internals of the desk drawers so that made using nuts and bolts impractical either.

The drawers, when open would pull out somewhat, but not enough to completely withdraw the drawer to enable easier access to the insides.

We would have been required to flip this heavy desk over to be able to work on the project, meaning the customer would have had to remove everything from the desk and all it's contents in advance of completing the project - a task not heavily favored.

 You can see the insides of the drawer and desk body where the position/location of a lock would have been difficult to install.

With thin but strong steel walls, we determined that using a push lock with an extension threaded bolt, we could rivet the lock body to the outside of the desk, in such a position to miss the drawer walls and channels.

But due to the distance between the back of the bolt and the actual drawer itself when locked, the bolt was not long enough for many other brands to accommodate.

You can see here that by using the Meroni 2224 Push Lock with Brass Cylinder Body, with a threaded hole at the back of the bolt, we were able to extend the length of the bolt sufficiently using a stainless steel screw. This enabled us to have a conventional cabinet lock that could be mounted externally and have enough distance to secure into the body of the drawer wall itself.

Installation to the outer body of the steel cabinet, under the desk makes an almost hidden locking feature to secure each individual drawer separately.

We simply drilled the appropriately sized hole in the steel body and secured the cabinet lock with rivets.

The benefit of riveting instead of using screws or nuts and bolts in this situation, is that the lock is mounted permanently and there is less likelihood of fasteners coming loose over time.

This means that little to no service will ever be required in future.

Meroni Wooden Drawer Lock - Simple Installation And Security

Meroni, the famous Italian manufacturer of stylish and purposeful locks and access control products continue their long tradition of classic yet noveau design expertise with products aimed at making the cabinet makers life simpler and more profitable. This product is designed to be installed in typical wooden drawers and whereas it's simplicity of design and it's ease of use/operation is radically different from competitors offerings, it's price point, combined with it's ease of installation and the ultra-competitive pricing, separates it from it's competitors offerings.

The benefit of this offering includes various length locking bars, that can offer cabinet makers and drawer lock installers an edge where competing products fail.

The technical drawings below offer an interpretation of the use and the easy installation.

 The technical relief drawing here, shows measurements of the lock.

The application drawing here shows how the product is installed and used. Rather than having a hole drilled right through a drawer, you simply drill a hole about half way through your material. Drill a hole for the bolt mechanism to line up with the connection to the lock mechanism, screw the bolt to the lock and that's it. Simply drill the strike hole in your furniture/cabinet/drawer frame and the installation is complete. This means no screws are needed to be used at all.

Available keyed separately, keyed alike, master keyed and keyed alike in groups, the product is available in minimum groups of 20 units.

Available in Pickled Brass (US4) or Nickel Plated Brass (US14) and comes with a collar to protect the external hole (and cover a wayward hole).

As the North American distributor for the whole range of Meroni lock and access control products, we can usually provide requested orders within about 4 weeks.

With the currency conversion rates at their cheapest in many years, owning high quality European manufactured products, usually reserved for higher-end products is now within further reach of discerning customers.

(source...)

Smart Armor Cube - Wireless Technolgy Meets Drawer Cupboard Locks

There are a number of electronic locks already on the market that serve the needs of corporate and residential uses.

Many of the leading  lock producing companies already offer quality products that are competitively priced, that serve functions already demanded by customers.

But this does not stop new entrants to the market. This new product attempts to improve upon drawer/cupboard safety and security by integrating the humble smartphone with a new type of cupboard lock.

Uses for this product include but are not limited to child safety, waiter/server access control, hospital pharmaceutical carts, refrigerators etc.

While the Smart Armor Cube looks like a worthwile addition to our lives, perhaps this first of it's kind version will open the market to more aspiring inventors to improve upon it's basic design.

(Source...)

How To Secure A Double Door Cupboard Using Only One Lock

CompX, a maker of a wide range of cabinet furniture lock products and hardware recently came out with this novel modern approach to securing double casement cabinet doors.

The product is straightforward to install and operates natively without the need to operate an elbow spring or necked bolt, which were the traditional ways for securing cupboards of this type.

I recently installed a few of these for a client who understood the benefits immediately. I also installed a number of Meroni 2630 Screw On cupboard locks keyed alike.

The combination of these products look professional and are extremely simple to use and operate.

The Meroni 2630 Screw On Cupboard lock is available in Nickel Plate Or Black finish with a 20mm (1-5/8") long cylinder that will fit a standard cupboard door.

Able to be keyed alike, keyed to differ or master keyed.

They cost about $17 each and are quick to install.

C.Q.R.I.T. - Key Control On Steroids

I happened to stop into my local supplier IDN Hoffman in Creve Coeur the other day when in walks Scott with Ian Cooke in from Canberra, Australia with CIC Technology.

Now, two Aussies in St Louis is a rare treat in the same room. We got to chin-wagging and he introduced me to this fabulous Australian designed and manufactured C.Q.R.iT range of electronic key cabinets and lockers. He opened the door and there was a Bilock key inside. We are the leading Bilock Extreme Security dealer in the Midwest. We have continually dealt in Bilock products for 25+ years worldwide.

The first version is the key cabinet above.

The locker here is state of the art.

Especially tailored to hospitals, schools, colleges, car dealerships, institutions, corporate security is now enhanced to it's finest.

Watch the video to understand the benefits of key control and how it helps you.




The options are endless with this multi-authentication product.

(source...http://www.cictechnology.com/)

Zephyr 3310 - User Reset-Able Mechanical Combination Locker Lock

Pictured above is a Zephyr 3310 Mechanical Push Button Locker Lock. 

This lock is quite unique in it's design, in that it has a user reset-able combination. This means it is another inexpensive solution for use in gymnasiums, schools, staff locker rooms etc.

Using a unique over-ride key (25 different combinations available) so that manager access can be granted easily.

below is the Zephyr 3310 in the locked position.

Locks are unlocked by default and set by the user at the time of use. Totally mechanical means no batteries and therefore no ongoing maintenance (unlike comparable electronic/battery powered versions)

Certainly there are other uses than just lockers for these locks, but that is the market it is aimed at.

(source...)

2014 MLAA Conference And Trade Exhibit

The annual Conference and Trade Exhibit for the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia (MLAA) was recently held at a hotel and conference facility in Twin Waters Queensland.

The weekend event was held about 2 weeks ago.

Here is a short time-lapse video taken by one of my colleagues as he walked the exhibit floor.




This annual trade show and conference is the pinnacle event for the locksmith industry in Australasia, where products, classes and new releases are displayed to attendees.

Special thanks to Trevor Miliken from Albany Lock Service in Western Australia for the video.


(source...)

Price Rise Season Is Again Upon Us.

It is unfortunate that price rises are a natural part of life in a capitalist economy. Due to increasing costs of raw materials and shipping and taxes, many companies are forced to increase their prices to remain solvent.

Listed below, are some companies that have announced price rises effective immediately.

Olympus Lock

Dynalock

Schlage (Commercial & Residential)

Von Duprin

LCN

Ives

Glynn-Johnson

Steelcraft

Schlage (Electronics)

Dexter Brands

Belwith

Not all companies are announcing price rises at this time. Our Meroni product line continues to maintain 2012 price structures. The fabulous Meroni products service the residential and commercial markets with their wide range of specialty door hardware, handlesets, cabinet locks, door closers and specialty Automotive security solutions .

(source...)

Couchvault - A Gun Safe With A Difference

The patent pending Couchbunker system manufactured by a leading Texan based manufacturer Heracles Manufacturing Corporation is a sensational and aesthetically pleasing modern alternative to gun safes.

Essentially it is a high quality safe/vault built into a couch/sofa base.

The difference between a regular gun safe and this sensational new product is the expertly designed and protected seat cushions that are especially designed to be used as personal shielding, in the event of nefarious attack.

The safe is expertly packed into a couch, the size of half a queen sized bed. It is 78" long, x 29.5" wide x 14" deep. It is lined with a 2 hour firewall protecting the contents from fire. The use of 2 high security key operated locks that are keyed alike offer significant pick resistance and key duplication resistant key control.

The perfect addition to the hunting lodge or school or office environment, this appealing sofa/couch is expressly designed to offer aesthetic pleasing decor combined with a state of the art gun safe that can house up to 30 rifles and other valuables requiring protection.

Visit the company website in the source below, for pricing details and ordering and watch the embedded video of the cushions resisting a .44 magnum gun attack at close range.

(source...)

Molson Beer Fridge - Canadian Security At It's Finest

The Molson Brewing Company, a well known Canadian brewer, recently released a novel advertising campaign across Europe to showcase their brand of beverage.

The reason we include it here is because they have designed a fridge that will only open with a Canadian passport.


An interesting and novel approach to securing your most prized collection of Canadian lager.

(video after the jump)

Canon Security Products - Radio Vault

Canon Security Products recently introduced their new Radio Vault, which is a smart looking clock radio speaker system that includes an iPod/iPhone dock, enabling a high quality speaker sound system combined with a hidden biometric vault drawer.

Features

• $349.99 in Black
• Biometric Fingerprint Scanner
• Hidden Drawer for securing your valuables
• High Contrast LCD
• Easy to use Keypad
• Visual display of date
• FM Radio with Presets
• Dual Alarms
• Superior Sound Quality
• Time Sync
• WORKS WITH MOST MP3 DEVICES

(source...)

IQ - Intelligent Key Management Alternative

The IQ Key management system is a robust and superior key control and access management system similar to the Traka product that is used widely by many automobile dealerships and hospitals.

Simple to configure and competitively priced to Assa-Abloys product, the IQ system offers an alternative that concerned security management controllers should look into to compare possibilities.

The video (after the jump) shows how simple the system is to use. It includes options for proximity card access and/or PIN access control.

Flame Retardent Flush Handle - By Lock Focus

Lock Focus, the manufacturer of our fabulous Rosslinear Battery Powered Electric Strike, recently introduced a new product into their line.

The Flame Retardent Flush Handle is especially designed for use on electrical cabinets. The black pan and grip have a warm-to-touch surface and the plastic is self-extinguishing in case of fire.

This lock system is ideal for metal cabinet enclosures that use a 3 point locking rod mechanism to secure the doors

Application tools for installing the snap-in rods are available on request.

(source...)

The Gun Debate Rages On and On and On...

The debate that is raging across the country today regarding gun ownership and availability, appears to be causing significant stir and spin across the political divide. Whether or not you agree or disagree with opinions being raised is pointless while the constitution allows for almost any citizen to "bear arms".

While the politicians continue to bicker over principles, mostly in reaction to recent deplorable events in schools, perhaps a better approach might be to require (with suitable legislation) all gun owners to own a suitably manufactured security safe, especially designed to comply with deliberately specified standards.

Back in November 2008 we posted an article here about safes and some regulations according to the state of California.

I came across an excellent video on Youtube that gives a really great explanation about gun safes It runs about a half an hour and is well worth watching, especially if you own firearms. See the video below.

Whether or not you personally choose to enter into the gun debate, realize that changing the USA constitution will be a monumental task that i suggest will be difficult at best.

My opinion (or just about any opinion) is irrelevant while the constitution protects the "right to bear arms".

I personally think that governments across the country should implement rigid legislation requiring gun owners to own a gun safe

Meroni Camlock 2C256 - Camlock Security At A Fraction of The Usual Price

 The 2C256 Camlock, produced by Serrature Meroni is a simple and inexpensive model that is used in varied applications. It is clip (horseshoe) mounted inside with provisions for different width drawers or doors.

 Here are the measurements of the size of these locks. This might assist cabinetmakers and owners with the required dimensions for their choice of cabinets/drawers.

Pictured here, is a type of application it can be used for.

















Meroni are one of the most well known manufacturers of cabinet and furniture lock systems in the world. Proudly manufactured in Italy, to the highest industry specifications, many fine European furniture and cabinet makers continue to source their locks from Meroni, not just because their price is super-competitive, but the quality and reputation for quality is second to none.

We are proud to represent Serrature Meroni products in the lucrative North American market.

For inquiries about this or any other Meroni product please contact us for special pricings.

(source...)