New Inventory - Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock

We just received new inventory of the fabulous Lockwood 7444 keyed Pocket Door Lock.

We have both colors available at this time.

As we informed previously, the manufacturer was forced to increase their prices due to unfavorable exchange rates and the increase in manufacturing materials cost. We are forced to increase the cost of the item, as a consequence.

The new price is $120.00 each.
Standard ground shipping via UPS is $22.00 (3-5 days, lower 48).

\We apologize for the delay and we expect this new inventory to sell out very quickly, so if you have been waiting to order, please get your order in quick to avoid delay. Thanks for your understanding.

To purchase, click on the picture to the left.

Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock - New Inventory Arrived Yesterday

I decided not to post another picture of our most popular selling product. Suffice to say, we just received our next supply of the Satin Pearl (satin nickel) product.

We have a few units to go out that were back ordered before we will be updating the purchase page.

Thank you for your patience.

Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock - Demand So Strong, We Sold Out Quickly

I apologize for yet another post and picture of the Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock but this product continues to defy all our sales records.

We are now sold out of all colors.

New inventory is not expected for another couple of days (of the Satin Nickel) and we expect that most of them will be gone next week, due to covering back orders and the speed in which this product sells.

It is not that we are unhappy selling them, but keeping up with demand is a challenge.

We apologize for the inconvenience and hope you will continue to visit our site often to keep abreast of the latest news.

Thanks for your understanding.

Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock - Price Increase

Due to unfavorable exchange rates and increased materials cost, the manufacturer in their infinite wisdom are forced to increase the cost of this especially popular product.

We have not determined the new price yet for the product, but we anticipate a 15% price increase will be necessary.

We are currently sold out of the satin pearl color option as it is the most popular requested option.

We have about 15 units left in polished chrome that we will maintain at our original price of $115.00 + shipping. Compared to other competing products in this class, the Lockwood 7444 keyed Pocket Door Lock is still the most competitively priced option for use on pocket/cavity sliding doors.

If you are not concerned about the color, hurry and order today while the current price remains!

We are expecting a new delivery of the satin pearl option in about 2 weeks time. We appreciate your patience and thank you for your understanding.

EDIT 3/21/14 We only have 10 units left in Polished Chrome.

Electronic Locks - Wireless Or Wired Are Not A Very Green Oriented Product

 It seems that wireless or wired electronic locks are all the rage today in this rapidly progressing tech-electronic age we are in. Products like the Lockwood 001T, pictured here use a battery pack to offer keyless access control options.

But in recent years, many discussions continue to be held about green, ecological alternatives that cause no drain on power or grid electricity supplies.

Many customers seem to be considering the use of wireless battery powered products or even hard wired lock systems to add so called "convenience" to their lives.

While it is understandable that some systems can add convenience and access control to our homes and offices, the available products are not really "green" alternatives.

 The August Lock, came out a little while back, offering the ability to have a keyless/smartphone connected access control solution.

The product is very intelligently designed and may offer concerned customers the alternative they are seeking, however it is worth remembering that batteries require replacing every so often. What happens when your smartphone battery has run out? What happens when the products battery pack loses power?
How do you operate the product without a mechanical "keyed" back up?

The increasing evidence of smartphone theft and the quantity of known hacks, presents problems that many consumers may not have considered.

 At least Kwikset, are including their mechanical "keyed" cylinder in many of their Bluetooth and wireless battery powered products, even though the Kwikset Smartkey product has a poor track record of quality and is too easily compromised.

The Kwikset Kevo product was released last October. It is a Bluetooth, battery powered deadbolt that can be operated by a connected Bluetooth device (smartphone). It also comes with the Kwikset Smartkey cylinder, enabling a mechanical backup solution, even though there are many published records of the Smartkey problems, in the news.

Certainly there are many and varied options for wireless, keypad controlled, keyless solutions, but the quality of manufacture still leaves much to be desired in terms of quality and sustainability.

Many manufacturers continue to bring out ever increasing product options to whet the appetites of consumers.

But not too many are including the necessary mechanical keyed component as a backup.

I realise that many customers are impressed with the ability to grant access to certain people and then change that access on the fly, but the use of electronic products is not a "green" consideration, is it?

Keyed Pocket Door Lock Will Soon Work With Thicker Doors Using Easy To Install Modification Kit - Exclusive Supplier

Our fabulous keyed pocket door lock is especially designed for 1-3/8" thick doors.

Until now, that is.

We are in the final stage of production of an expansion kit that will allow you to use this fabulous lock on 1-3/4" thick doors.

You can now even get cylinders that will allow you to re-key to Schlage (or almost any key-way) 6 pin tumbler key-ways.
We were the only dealer in the USA until recently, but we are the only dealer with the modification package allowing installation up to 1-7/8" thick doors without the difficult modifications offered by other dealers.

The modification kit will be able to be purchased in almost any brand key-way, so you will be able to use Schlage, Yale, Kwikset, Sargent or just about any restricted key or high-security key control systems like Bilock, Primus, Abloy etc.

We are the exclusive manufacturer of this modification kit. It is not quite ready for public release but we expect to make it available in about 2 months.

To maintain our exclusivity on this modification kit, we will not be tabling our technique for using this fabulous product on thicker doors, much to the angst of our wannabe competitors.

EDIT 2/22/14: Lockwood just informed us of a price rise of 15% for the product, effective immediately. This may have to be carried over to our next inventory orders. If you want this product, now is the time to order it prior to the expected price increase.

Keyed Pocket Door Lock Arrived 32 Hours Early - Available Now - Hurry

The Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock we had been expecting to arrive tomorrow night has arrived early and is now in stock and available for purchase. We just updated the order page and suggest to our customers to place their orders quicksmart to avoid missing out.

This product is super popular and sells extremely quickly.

Thanks for your patience.

Keyed Pocket Door Lock - New Inventory arriving January 28, 2014

We have been inundated with additional requests for this popular and fabulous product. It is challenging to maintain sufficient inventory to meet customer demand.

We expected our last shipment to go in about 4 weeks and were spot on with our prediction.

We are currently out of stock completely until next week, when we will update the shopping page and make them available again.

We appreciate our customers patience and thank them for understanding.

Kwikset Kevo - Bluetooth Enabled Deadbolt

Kwikset are soon to release (October 31st, 2013) a new version of their electronic deadbolt entry system.

Called Kevo, this new product is especially designed with an included Bluetooth transceiver, enabling hands free and wireless key-free access control to residences.

In keeping with other modern electronic deadbolt systems, Kwikset have chosen to include their patented Smartkey technology cylinders into the key portion of the lock.

It is quite well understood across the locksmith and residential security products markets that the Kwikset Smartkey products have some inherent faults that render the security of their products, ineffective. We have mentioned in this blog before and repeatedly about some of these faults and issues. We receive a significant and increasing number of hits to this site about Kwikset Smartkey Problems. Recently an issue has surfaced that allows the locks to be bypassed with absolutely no visible damage to the mechanism, without picking or bumping the locks.

We include a video of this new product after the jump...

Lockwood 7410 Pocket Door Passage Set With Latching Option - Update

Lockwood 7410 Pocket Door Passage Set With Latching Option - Update

 

Reactions:

Lockwood just released a new version of the Pocket Door Passage Lock in the 74 series of pocket door locks.

There has been justified demand for a version of the passage function to include a latching passage function, where you can have a turn button on both inside and outside that operates a latch to hold a passage door in the closed position.
The Lockwood 7410 Passage Latching Pocket Door Lock is now available in North America too.

$105.00 plus shipping (last button on page in source)

(source...)

Price Rise Season Is Again Upon Us

Some of our product manufacturers are increasing their prices at this time as we see Lockwood increase their cost price by 10%.

This means that our wildly popular Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock is likely to increase next month.

We are trying to absorb this rise thanks to a stronger $US and will let you know if situations require us to increase the cost. We apologize for any inconvenience.

(you will notice if you do a search online, across multiple search engines that the price advertized for the same product is around $AU45.00 + shipping. That price does not include international shipping and customs duties. We endeavor to get the best possible price from our international freight forwarders, hence why it looks like it is 3 times the cost in North America)

Kwikset Smartkey - More Problems

Kwikset Smartkey Problems is one of the leading search engine keywords that brings people to this site.

Many people get to this page and leave a comment or read other pages within.

Mark Tobias and his team of researchers just released an updated story (see Source below) about a new hack that renders the security of almost any Kwikset, Baldwin or Weiser lock system, that essentially use the Smartkey platform, easily defeated with virtually no damage.

I am not sure how long the video will be active, but if you are a Kwikset Smartkey owner or are contemplating buying one, you really need to be made aware of this products shortcomings.

(source...)

August Lock - A New Bluetooth Key System

This is the August Lock Adaptor. It is a product similar in concept to the Lockitron product we have mentioned before here.

This classy looking gadget works similarly to the Lockitron product, using Bluetooth to pair with your selected mobile handset.

This is an add on product that installs to the inside of your existing deadbolt lock. It offers convenient keyless access to your entry. It is designed to work with many existing brands of single cylinder deadbolt locks.

Similar to the much touted Lockitron product (which is currently 6 months overdue for release), you simply replace the inside turn button with the August Bluetooth adaptor. The product works just like your existing turnbutton.

Here you can see a depiction of what it will look like on the inside of your door.

Once programmed, you can invite selected users to use their personal phone to access your door. No more handing out keys or worrying about surreptitious duplication.

The product uses a proximity sensor to detect an authorised user's presence and automatically unlocks the lock.

It is important to remember that this is only designed for the deadbolt. many people also use a locking handle or knob on their entry doors. If you do use a locking knob, the August product becomes irrelevant.

Realistically, locking knobs are not a secure product anyway and often the only real security you have on your door is through the use of a deadbolt lock.

While the merits of keyless entry are obvious, I think that many people will forget to lock the door as they exit, leaving your property unsecured.

Other features of this product include notifications (logs) of entry and exit that you can view on your computer or mobile phone.

(source...)

LokkLatch Magnetic - By D&D Technologies

LokkLatch Magnetic

Hot on the heels of our recent post about the fabulous Serrature Meroni - Auto Magnetic latching technology, D&D Technologies from Australia are proudly introducing their patented magnetic latching technology for outside gates.

You will notice in the attached video that this product is designed with a keyhole on both inside and outside.

In a commercial location, this may not be allowed by local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ's). It is vitally important that you check with your local building inspector prior to purchasing this product, to confirm you will not break any laws or life safety codes.

D&D Technologies are well known globally

Shloosl - Duplicating Keys Made Fun And Convenient using Your Cell Phone Camera

Shloosl is an interesting idea that has been created by some designers in San Francisco, California.

Shloosl are not locksmiths and state as much on their website. They are simply a key duplication service. They completely recommend you to visit your local locksmith for all things lock and key related.

The way it works is.

1. Hold the key in your hand, in front of an untextured wall or table

These are great pictures

2. Take a sharp picture of the entire key from about 4 inches away

Focus the camera on the blade. Capture the entire key, including the head.

3. Email pictures to keys@shloosl.com

Send the highest resolution available. Send several pictures just in case.Hint: if you're viewing this page on your phone, click the link above and attach photos to the email.

Of course, there is no better method than taking your key to a professional local locksmith, but sometimes you either dont have the time or the desire to hunt around to find one near you or, reputeable locksmiths that do quality work may be few and far between.

I am a little dubious as to the quality of this product offering, primarily because many keys offered for duplication to locksmiths are already quite worn and often difficult to decipher accurately by photo.

Plus, a significant quantity of key duplicators (like the ones found in hardware stores) are rarely adjusted for accuracy. Most locksmiths, like me, regularly re-allign our machines to have them continually optimized for correct and accurate key cutting.

(source...)

Kwikset Smartkey Problems Continues To Lead Researchers Here...

Our post from a few years ago about Kwikset Smartkey Problems, continues to send a great many visitors to this site.

Essentially, the post includes a video of the primary issue, with some customers comments included. I'm sure if you continue to search the web, you will find numerous other web logs from people who also commented on the increasing number of problems.

I have determined through trial and error and talking with many clients, that the primary issue people face, is the ability to get duplicate working keys for their Kwikset Smartkey Locks.

If you require duplicate keys for your Kwikset Smartkey Locks, be sure to visit your local locksmith and deliberately ask for factory produced original Kwikset keyblanks. And then ask to have your key originated, instead of duplicated. A new factory originated Kwikset Smartkey blank, cut to code on a code machine will work simpler and easier with much more reliability than any duplicated copy.

Be sure to ask for original factory Kwikset keyblanks and not after market copies (like Ilco or Axxess or similar).

Now, I realize that it may not be convenient for you to look for your nearest locksmith shop, but you already decided to purchase your Kwikset Smartkey product from somewhere other than a locksmith and most probably because you intended on saving some money.

You know what that says, right?


Paying Peanuts, Gets You Monkeys!

Doorbot - The Best Doorbell I Have Seen Yet

Doorbot is an intelligent product that will make life so much easier for homeowners.

There are many search inquiries by people looking for a wireless peephole and in the past we have written some articles that have shown different ideas and products available around the world.

We posted about the fabulous Lockitron wireless deadbolt converter a while back and we are expecting our first three units any day now. The Doorbot has been carefully designed to incorporate a separate model that will work alongside the Lockitron. this means that you will be able to see who is at your door whether you are home or not and unlock your door remotely if you so desire.

Perhaps a little on the expensive side, for a glorified doorbell, but this is a product that will appeal to many and varied homeowners.

See video after the jump.

Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock - Cost Increase

As mentioned last week, we have recalculated our costs on the fabulous Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock and determined a marginal increase due to the exchange rate and the increase in shipping costs.

This product now sells for $115.00 each + $22.00 shipping inside continental United States.

For delivery to outside the continental United States, please be aware that customs and duties at your end are your responsibility and often incur a slightly higher fee. Please contact us for individual pricing.

We currently are holding 34 units in satin pearl and 9 units in chrome plate.

All orders placed prior to this increase will be honored at the previous price.

Creative Locksmithing - Keying

I am often called to repair and rekey projects from customers who have relied on poorly made copies of their existing keys.

 It probably isnt realised by most, that when a key is duplicated in a conventional key copying machine, every new copy is cut marginally deeper thanks to a tiny layer of metal on the selected for copying key, that is removed as the duplicator guide scrapes and measures the object key. This can also lead to the object key gradually becoming deeper and deeper consequently affecting the quality of all keys duplicated in future. Then, to make matter worse, more people take their copy of the original key to get that duplicated too. The ensuing domino effect happens here. Copies of copies of copies of original keys eventually producing keys that do not work as they are supposed to.
But how and why does this happen to me? is the cry usually heard.

The solution is to try to record the original factory specific key code or depths and store them safely so you can go to a professionally trained locksmith and ask for an original key manufactured to the factory specifications. Often this will be marginally more expensive than just duplicating a key would be, but the benefits of less wear on both keys and locks will save you money and heartache in the long term.

This rather long winded intro to Creative Locksmithing - Keying, probably is a bit much but I thought it might be interesting to know the reasons many duplicated keys dont work (besides the key cutters not knowing how to correctly service and adjust their machinery).

I attended a job site the other day

Master Bump Stop - Not Bump Proof Like Bilock, But A Promising Alternative

As you can see in the above diagram, Bilock's unique design and use of only bottom tumblers combined with dual-action sidebar technology and an extra interactive moving element that blocks the sidebars, is a radically improved design of the common pin tumbler mechanism, making it the first 100% guaranteed bump proof pin tumbler mechanism on the market.

Bilock is only available from authorised dealers and that makes the duplication of keys very difficult significantly enhancing the key control aspect of your system. Combine this with it's bump proof feature and you have a fully controlled and pick resistant/bump proof tumbler mechanism.

Master Lock Co. released their own patent pending bump resistance feature, a few years back, that they have been installing across their range of products. In the video after the jump, you can see an explanation of bumping and how the Master solution improves against the bumping technique.