Unique Security Products and Specialty Locksmith Services

Locks210.com - St Louis Locksmiths for Greater St Louis Missouri
'Securing America - One Door At A Time'314 266 1533
'Keep It Yours... Lock Your Doors!'
Showing posts with label Schlage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Schlage. Show all posts

March 8, 2022

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.


February 17, 2022

How To Re-key Old Yale Mortise Deadbolt Locks

How do you re-key old Yale mortise deadbolt locks? 
This week we completed a re-key project for a new customer that involved these 75 year old Yale double cylinder mortise deadbolts. Pictured here is the image of one cylinder installed to the outside of the back door. At the left of the image you can see where someone had deliberately drilled the connecting screw to remove the ability to unscrew the screw from outside.
To be able to remove the cylinders from these really old Yale mortise deadbolts, both inside and outside connecting screws require to come out before the cylinders can be removed for re-keying.

Getting the screws out is not difficult, but that's why we are called as opposed to a handyman or carpenter contractor.

Just about any locksmith with some experience will know the method and skill required to easily disassemble any lock that uses these type of blind screws or bolts, without destruction and enabling the ability to reuse the same screws or bolts when putting the locks back together.



 Pictured next is the image of the cylinder on my bench, already removed from the door. You can clearly see the connecting screw hole.


This image displays the reverse side of the Yale mortise deadbolt cylinder. This style of Yale Mortise deadbolt lock was designed using the original rim style of pin tumbler cylinder, originally patented in 1865 by Linus Yale Jr.

Rekeying these types of older Yale cylinders can be a trap for younger players or less experienced technicians and we will explain the method below to help you with disassembly.


My pointer here is aimed at the retainer clip that holds the tail piece and cover to the rear of the cylinder and core. It is necessary to carefully squeeze the ends of the clip together first.


The next image shows me applying pressure to the retainer clip to allow the clip to be withdrawn from the back of the core.


Here you can see the clip beginning to come out of the cover plate that holds the tail piece on. Carefully use an awl to lever the clip from the core.



This image shows the retainer clip, almost fully withdrawn from the tail piece cover assembly. If you're careful enough, you will not damage the tiny clip enabling you to reuse it for reassembly,



Next, we were also required to disassemble an equally as old entrance knobset to extract the cylinder core for re-keying. To be able to remove the core (plug) from the cylinder it is necessary to remove the rear tail piece and cap assembly and retainer circlip, before you can then remove the core (plug) from the cylinder and replace the tumblers.


Here is an image of the tail piece assembly and retainer circlip removed and the cylinder ready for re-keying.
Some technicians may choose to not disassemble the clip and tail piece, preferring to remove and replace the top cap from the bible (top pinning chamber).

We choose to not show the actual re-pinning method and combination of the re-keyed locks, to protect the customers interests.

Benefits Using Locks210/St Louis Locksmiths For Your Re-Keying Projects
  • Almost 40 years local, national and international experience
  • Qualified, knowledgeable and field-experienced technicians
  • Quantity discounts
  • High-quality product options
  • Quality Assurance
  • Family owned and operated local business
Are you concerned how many keys exist to your home?
When you purchase your new home or move into your new rental property, it is common to want to be the only ones to have keys to your place. You can choose to purchase complete new locks and door hardware or simply contact your local locksmith to simply re-key your existing locks at much less cost, while maintaining the existing products and aesthetics. Contact Locks210/St Louis Locksmiths today and experience the difference we are known for.


January 9, 2022

A Rough Year...

 2021 was a very rough year for us. Just like most others, we suffered measurably with the downturn in business thanks in no small part to the Covid 19 pandemic. Business has not returned to previous levels and the long term prognosis is not good at all. We are thankful to our clients who continue to use our services, especially for door and door hardware repairs. Actual locksmith calls has cratered significantly and we are modifying our products and services offerings as a consequence. 

We are still offering some services like:

  • Door Unlocks (if you are locked out)
  • Safe Openings (repairing and opening safes)
  • Lock rekeys (if you have lost a set of keys or are moving into a new place)
  • Door hardware repairs (if your handle or hinges are broken or out of alignment)
  • Key cutting (residential and commercial keys - not car keys)
  • Door closer repairs (if your door isn't closing correctly)
We have moved on from offering some hardware lines due to supply difficulties While we still carry a very small amount of these lines:
  • Meroni
  • Bilock
  • Lockwood
  • Schlage
  • Weslock
  • Kwikset
We are no longer competitive on many of them.

We have adjusted our hours tremendously too, because we have taken on additional employment during these difficult times. We are only available by appointment still and will be available more in evenings and weekends in future.

We are still offering free surveys and estimates. And our advice consulting services remain free too. We continue to refer to specialist colleagues for our customers needs that we cannot fulfill.

If you have need of door repair advice or a consultation, feel free to contact us at your convenience by Calling Us On (314)266-1533  You are also welcome to Email Us on sales@locks210.com


December 14, 2019

ADI Block Lock - Total Security Bolt Protection Unrivaled The World Over


This is the top security ADI Block Lock made by ADI Security, an Australian manufacturer of superb security products originally founded by Brian and Peter Preddy and being bought out by Locksmith Supply Company a few years ago. Locksmith Supply Company are the original Locksmith Industry supply house that has provided hardware, machinery and tools to the locksmith industry in Australia for almost 100 years. 

We recently brought in (to USA) a number of these specialty lock products for use as custom security products for our clients needs. We are negotiating with LSC to become an exclusive distributor for this product line in the USA.

We brought in their through fix bolt version with some extended bolts, which are particularly useful for doors or cabinets where the frame construction may be wider apart than standard frames.

We will post some images and a video of our installation in a follow up post.

As expected, quality security products like these are not cheap. Quality costs a fair price. These ADI products are very good quality. I have personally installed many of their varying products over the last 35 years in the industry and attest to their strength and reliability.

We have also written about some of ADI's other products over the last 10 years, like the ADI Cap Lock, a product designed for tradespeople like plumbers and electrians who often carry long rooftop containers on their vehicles to transport pipes, cables, rods etc that are too long to conveniently carry inside their secure vehicles. The Cap Lock secures the end of the tube, protecting from theft and unauthorized access.

Another of ADI's products we have written about is the Slim Line Patio Bolt, an especially designed and constructed product that is super strong and able to be used on narrow frames of doors or gates. Like other ADI products, the Slim Line Patio Bolt also uses an oval key cylinder that can also be converted to many differing brands of high security restricted key cylinders, like Bilock, Abloy Protec, Medeco, Schlage Primus, C123, Multilock among other brands (consult your local restricted key system provider for compatible restricted key cylinders to suit)

We welcome inquiries from interested consumers and fellow security professionals, who may find a use for these fantastic security products.


November 25, 2019

Master Key Systems Explained - How To Design Your Master Key System

Today marks 10 years from when we wrote an article about Master Key Systems and we revise that post today and include it here for your pleasure.....


We wrote (November 25, 2009):



As a blog author and locksmith, as a business owner and statistician, I keenly watch the results using Google Analytics, of the search terms people use while attempting to gather knowledge that may help them to be more aware when purchasing products or services.

I am noticing a significant number of searches recently about master keying although, it may be due to a cardinal lack of understanding about the principle.

It seems that many searches recently are from people who assume that all deadbolts are master keyed. This is simply not true. It is a fallacy.

A deadbolt, or any other lock for that matter, must be purposely master keyed.

There are no pre-fabricated master keys for residential or commercial deadbolt locks.

In bygone years, manufacturers of some bit-key type mortise deadlocks, did produce some of their ranges with a purposely designed flaw allowing for a "skeleton" key to operate. This skeleton key was often referred to as a Master Key.

There are some manufacturers of coin machine locks or cam locks, that routinely produce their locks to be master keyed. The primary benefit in using master keyed coin or cam locks is for commercial situations like an office complex that uses on-site maintenance to minimize the quantity of keys a janitor or other service person can be required to carry. (source...)


Many of the same things we wrote about 10 years ago are still true today.

We here at Master Key Systems America LLC/ St Louis Locksmiths are proud of our continuing longevity in the locksmith trade, currently just a tad over 35 years in the business.

We are lucky enough to have worked on 4 different continents and been exposed to many differing types and styles of key systems, that all have their benefits (and issues) for users in their respective regions.

We are one of the leading Bilock Extreme Security Dealers in the USA, having offered Bilock for the last 14 years, locally,

We have worked with the product regularly since 1983, when we first entered the trade. The product was first made available about 5 years prior.


We explain to customers when designing their master key systems, that our preferred method of creating their system requires establishing a list/spreadheet of doors in their property that they want to operate by key.

We usually survey the premise and will often mark all keyed doors with an individual number often on the hinge or inside of the door frame.
This enables each door to be recorded individually. We will often include details like, hinge location/size/make, door hardware (type of lock), color, kickplate (if required), strike plate type etc.
This allows us to immediately know what the original door products are, if ever asked in future. And allows us to know immediately which keys operate which doors.

On the spreadsheet, we will list each door and it's number across the top of the graph, separated into columns.

We will list the names/employee number of key holders in the left side column.

We will then check the name under the corresponding door each person requires to access.

This simple method allows us to accurately design each system and account for all users.

We prefer to offer all our master key systems using Bilock because it is a restricted keyway that is protected from unauthorized duplication. This means no one can get a key copy without the written permission of the designated authorized signatory. This prevents too may keys being out there and not accounted for. No one can get another key made without the owner/manager's knowledge and permission.

We color code all our Bilock keys for simpler identification. We also emboss the system number, key number and issue number on each key, that means each key is an original and NOT a duplicate.

The method of designing a master key system is important to control access to areas required and dramatically improves the security of a premise.

We still like to recommend mechanical access control key systems because they are virtually maintenance free, require no reliance on batteries or electricity, are significantly cheaper than electronic products and are specifically designed to last 25+ years.

Should you wish to know how master key systems can benefit you and your security, feel free to contact us or your local legitimate locksmith for more personal detail. 

June 12, 2019

Walmart To Offer Free In House Delivery Including Stocking Your Fridge

A new service by Walmart, introduced this week is set to compete with Amazon for home deliveries of products ordered. Except that Walmart will have their couriers unlock your door, enter your kitchen, open your fridge and stock your purchased groceries on your behalf.

All you have to do is install a wifi operated lock to your entry door, give permission to Walmart employees to enter your home and to stock your fridge.


That all sounds wonderful, doesnt it?

Amazon introduced a similar service last year after successfully merging their acquisition of Ring and Bleep into their company, We wrote a few articles about Amazon Key and related services here.

Are you owner or resident,willing to allow people you dont know, permission to enter your home when youre not there, have access to your kitchen and pretty much the run of your house?

Are you prepared to pay the increased insurance premiums that will no doubt be incurred?

Even if these companies compel their employees to wear body cameras, so you can view them as they enter your private home, are you really going to open yourself to the privacy concerns?

Modern technologies are great in idea and sometimes in practise. But some ideas are just plain silly.
As a locksmith security specialist, experienced technician and appraiser, I continue to explain to my customers the pitfalls of some modern electronic battery operated security products. Many will agree with me once they understand the potential security and privacy concerns.

I often discuss with clients about their current push button battery operated deadbolt they may have fitted. In many of these discussions, the client points out that, after the third or fourth time replacing the batteries, they will go back to using the mechanical key. The most common reason, is they did not expect the regular and repeated need to replace batteries, adding significantly to their cost of their chosen product. Combine this with they being locked out of their residence when they least expect it and still requiring to call a locksmith to pick their lock open due to not carrying their key.

Electronics do indeed improve our quality of life. But at the exhorbitant cost of a ~$250+ electronic lock, that is more prone to power failure, weathering, house and door movement etc, requiring increased maintenance over the mechanical products that have been around for hundreds of years, the cost differences alone, one might think to keep using and relying on maintenance free security.

(source...)

November 2, 2018

We Recently Acquired The Inventory Of A Closing Bilock Dealer - New Discounted Inventory Coming Up For Sale

 We just acquired the entire inventory of a closing Bilock dealer in USA.

We will be contacting their clients soon to maintain their security systems and continue to offer them parts and services.

Being the largest Bilock dealer in the Midwest, we continue to supply these sensational 100% bump proof and virtually pick proof, copy proof keys and locks to discerning buyers intent upon maximizing the security of their homes and offices.

We will soon be offering a steep discount on some of the acquired inventory.

 Bilock continues to provide up to 1.7 million key changes in a master keyed system. Color coding the keyheads enables simple and quick identification and separation between doors, locks, buildings etc.

Using the unique Quick Change Core technology, users will not require to disassemble and reassemble any cylinders or hardware, when the need arises to have your locks rekeyed.

 The 21 different colored keyheads allows us to design unique color coding for systems that allow users to quickly identify the correct color used for the correct door or for different levels of master keys to operate separate key cylinders.

The 21 colors and shades, comprise 3 separate parts allowing potentially over 9000 color combinations by mix and matching pieces. This can be of benefit to users significantly.
 The unique OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) product pictured in the diagram here, displays the Slam Cam deadlatching cam lock. Perfect for steel cabinet doors or drawers, it allows for unparalleled cabinet and drawer locking strength. The added ability to include these locks in your Quick Change Core system, makes this product a sought after item. With the key only able to be withdrawn in the open position, losing your key or leaving it unattended is virtually avoided.


 The 4 main cylinder types include key-in-knob cylinders used in entrance sets and deadbolt locks, padlocks other OEM products.
The Rim cylinder is seen in surface mounted panic bars, surface mounted nightlatches, surface mounted deadlatches, jimmy-proof deadbolt locks, gates locks (see image below) among other uses.

 The Grade 2 Deadbolt offers high quality security in a competitively priced package. Typically the OEM Bilock Grade 2 deadbolts are available in Polished Brass, Satin Stainless Steel, but we also happily provide cylinders and cores that will suit other brands of harware including (but not limited to) LSDA - Antique Brass, Bronze, Chrome Plate, Yale, Schlage, Arrow and other leading brands.
 This is a closer image of the typical rim cylinder.
 Here is an image of a Bilock Rim Cylinder installed to a Hurricane Fence gate. Combined with a hardened steel blocker plate that doubles as a gate stop, this very strong gate lock is virtually indestructible,
The wide range of Key-in-knob cylinders allows use in deadbolts, entry knob sets, lever handle entrance sets, storeroom door lock sets, classroom door lock sets, sliding patio door lock sets among other uses.
 This image displays the common core that will fit into many different and separate cylinder housings. See the key inside the core? That core will fit into all the surrounding styles of cylinders, meaning you can have 1 single high-security bump proof and virtually pick proof key system that will operate across multiple brands and hardware needs. Padlocks, Oval Cylinders, cam locks, Entrance Sets and Deadbolts, Mortise Locks, Rim Locks, even electrical switches. The unique Bilock system is almost limitless in it's applications.


Knobs, levers, almost any application can be supported using Bilock

 The Bilock Range is quite vast and useful in display case security, Euro cylinders, cupboard deadlocks and latches, padlocks of differing sizes and materials, all conveniently controlled by one unique bump proof and virtually pick proof key.
 See the 3 sections of the key head? we can put together separate colors to help you identify your keys easily.
Even push projection locks can be used to secure hard to lock wooden drawers, Bilock products leave no options out.









We have been continually offering Bilock products throughout the world for almost 35 years now, having installed this fabulous system to casinos, hospitals, clinics, universities and colleges, private and public schools, bars and restaurants among many and varied applications.

Customer choose Bilock for it's unique looking key and the wide range of products that can be secured.

Many modern day electronic security providers also choose to include Bilock Extreme-Security key cylinders in their ranges of offerings. One such company is Salto. (click on the link to learn more about Salto)

June 14, 2018

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

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















Gainsborough produce many leading residential door hardware among other offerings.

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





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

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






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

AD Systems

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

March 19, 2018

How Much Does It Cost To Change Locks

Many enquiries that locksmiths receive, are about the cost to change locks. (UPDATE: Our first cost Increase in six years charges $17.50 per keyhole, nowadays)

Often, clients are meaning to inquire as to just changing the combinations of their existing locks, so they can maintain the same hardware on their doors.

Or when the keys to their house, office or automobile have been misplaced, stolen or even copied unknowingly (suspected), they have the need to re-code their locks.
Also many new home buyers or new tenants want to make sure that previous residents of their property can no longer gain entry.


Locksmiths across the country vary greatly in their fees. There are accepted industry averages published in locksmith publications like The National Locksmith magazine and the Locksmith Ledger magazine annually, but the going rate can vary from around $5.00 per keyhole to as much as $20.00 per keyhole for residential or commercial door locks and from $10.00 to $35.00 for automobile locks. Often this does not include labor for the removal and refitting of locks. (prices determined circa 2012)

Master-keying is another charge that most locksmiths charge slightly higher fees for. Often, specialist products like Medeco or Multlock or Primus or Best or Assa or Abloy or Bilock products can incur significantly increased fees due to the higher cost for the pin or disc tumblers.

Locks210.com charges a standard fee of $17.50 per keyhole to re-key a standard residential or commercial door cylinder sometimes including labor for removal and refitting. Master-keying is $25.00 per keyhole.

We can offer automobile re-keying services but prices are subject to application. There are many and varying brands and manufacturers of automobile lock cylinders, requiring multiple different keying kits. Stocking all possible kits to service all makes and models of foreign and domestic vehicles requires significant amounts of warehousing that directly impacts costs.

If the products are brought to us, we charge the same fees without labor of course.

Most locksmiths will provide the first 2 keys at no charge. For residential or commercial doors (not automotive) we provide the first 3 keys.

As a guide, we charge $29 to attend your site (within 25 miles of our workshop) and $70 for the first hour labor on site, which usually includes up to the first four (4) keyholes rekeyed.

One point to remember, when it comes to selecting the most suitable service professional to complete your project, "if you only want to pay peanuts, expect to get monkeys!"

For an obligation free estimate contact us today on (314)266-1533.


February 28, 2018

Breaking News: Ring Acquired By Amazon

Ring, the IoT (Internet of Things) company who manufacture a unique doorbell product in the Smart category of home furnishings products space, have announced their acquisition by Amazon.

Amazon continue to diversify their portfolio of companies, in attempt to upgrade their delivery services, with the purchase of Ring. Amazon developed a system recently called Amazon Key to help with the delivery of orders to customers without leaving packages outside homes or offices.

We recently wrote an article about Ring and their relationship with Skybell, the inventor of the technology and holder of integral patents that form the basics of the technology. The article describes a patent infringement lawsuit filed by Skybell, that now increases the interest in this story with this news about Amazon's takeover.

We have written a few articles articles over the last 10 years, informing about various peepholes and camera products aimed at the entry door markets. Some of these products have seen market success, but few on the level that Ring have achieved.

The IoT phenomenon has seen a great many new products enter the marketplace over the last few years and the physical and electronic security industry has become an area that many new producers are flooding the markets with all kinds of products, aimed at simplifying our lives.

A great many manufacturers are producing many varieties of digital electronic deadbolts and door locks, many of them battery powered and wireless. The functions and appearances of the various products vary considerably and likewise the quality.

Products like Yale, Lockitron, August, Kevo, to name a few have made deciding on the appropriate product for your home or office use, tricky indeed.

New wireless and battery powered products appear to be coming to market almost everyday lately. The Smart Lock industry is valued at $30 Billion + and it stands to reason that many providers are aiming for a slice of the pie.

Not to devalue the burgeoning industry, we have found that many of the available battery powered lock products suffer from power issues. Specifically the continuing requirement for end users to regularly replace batteries to keep their products in perfect continuous operation. We find that a great many customers, who installed the latest battery powered products, tend to replace batteries about twice in the early use of the products and then revert back to using the mechanical key portion (override) because they get tired of the constant need to change batteries, adding significantly to the cost to maintain their products, effectively diminishing the value of their expensive battery powered lock product. Mechanical and key operated products are largely maintenance free.

Other issues not considered before purchasing can include, door and frame weathering, where doors and frames move with the changes of season preventing their motor driven products from aligning correctly into the strike hole (frame), adverse weather conditions - hot or cold temperatures affect battery life of externally mounted products.

Many users enjoy the ability to continually operate their locks, manually (mechanically) by using the mechanical operating key.

Many locksmiths across the world continue to supply and install great quality hardware that stand the tests of time and continue to provide almost maintenance free operation.

I realize that many homeowners like the idea of keyless lock systems, but in reality a keyed lock system provides increased security over combination entry systems especially when you cannot control the number of people who may have shared or continue to share your door entry codes.

What type of product have you on your doors?

(source...)


October 24, 2017

New Digital 'Hurricane' Churns Gathering Strength To Land Blow On The Internet



In a follow up to our post earlier this month about the KRACK hack, an article yesterday in The Sacramento Bee titled "New Digital 'Hurricane' Churns, Gathering Strength To Land Blow On The Internet" describes a paper by Check Point Software, an Israeli Cyber-Security company, that suggests, " The next cyber-hurricane is about to come".

According to the article (in the source below), Several cyber-security researchers Monday confirmed Check Point’s findings, saying the botnet could replicate, and perhaps dwarf, the Mirai botnet that almost exactly a year ago took down major websites on the Atlantic Coast, crippling a part of the internet’s backbone and slowing traffic to a crawl.

The botnet, which has been named either “Reaper” or “IoTroop,” was first detected in mid-September. A Chinese cybersecurity firm, Qihoo 360, says the botnet is swelling by 10,000 devices a day, forcibly recruiting foot soldiers in an ever-larger invisible rogue army.
Cybercrime gangs form botnets by infecting internet-enabled devices, often wireless cameras or routers with weak security features. Once corralled, controllers can send commands for the botnet to overwhelm a target, knocking its website off line or crippling the internet.
The new botnet has spread across the United States, Australia and other parts of the globe, researchers say, although Check Point notes that “it is too early to assess the intentions” of those propagating the infection.
“It could be something that’s meant to create global chaos,” Maya Horowitz, threat intelligence group manager at Check Point, said in a telephone interview from Israel. “But it could be something that’s more targeted,” perhaps aimed at a country or industry.
She said it is unlikely that cybersecurity experts will be able to halt an eventual attack.
“The chances are pretty low for that,” Horowitz said, adding that like an epidemic of infectious disease, “each infected device is looking for other devices to compromise.”

The article goes on to discuss recent events that took down the internet this year.
We continue to advise our clients to be vigilant about their security products and especially the many internet controlled door locks currently on the market. 
More specifically we are advising consumers to prefer to use mechanically keyed products that do not connect to the internet, to adequately protect their properties.

While we see and agree, that "connected" products can help to offer some access control parameters, we feel that, at this time, the security protocols incorporated in many of the "cheaper" consumer products, are not up to speed and security and could potentially be an easily bypassed issue that will affect the security of your home or office.
Being in the lock and security product industry for the last 35 years and having plied the trade on 4 continents, we continue to advise our clients that mechanical "keyed" operated security products offer substantially better security than many of the current breed of IoT products coming to market.
Even with the many brands of digital code locks currently available, many consumers fail to understand that sharing of access codes presents a greater security issue than having and using a mechanical key. A code once shared, means that you really do not know how many different people have access to your property. Unlike the mechanical key, which requires to be duplicated, a code does not. Sure, you can just change the code, but how is that different from rekeying a lock cylinder?
The difference is that locksmiths have been providing high-security restricted key systems for many years that almost completely prevent unauthorised duplication while providing better quality - higher security components to thwart picking or bumping or other non destructive methods of entry.
Bearing in mind that the cost for a mechanical key operated security product is substantially competitively priced, compared to 'digital' code locks, you can be virtually assured that your property is significantly more secure, while still being affordable.
The video above describes what a bot is and why they are becoming increasingly troublesome to our society today.
Contact your local professional locksmith for competitive options that can increase your properties security at minimal cost.






October 19, 2017

Breaking News - August Lock Acquired By Assa-Abloy

Breaking News:

August Lock Co. acquired by Assa-Abloy.

In a shake up of the lock manufacturing industry, reports are surfacing about the August Lock Company being sold to the worlds largest lock product manufacturer Assa-Abloy.

The sum of purchase is as yet undisclosed and the expectation is that regulatory approval will happen before the end of the year.

The August company launched in August 2013 after a crowdfunded campaign by it's inventor Yves Behar. The company led by CEO Jason Johnson will continue to operate independently until fully absorbed by the Assa-Abloy behemoth.

Yale, one of Assa-Abloy's oldest purchases and the company who first patented the modern pin tumbler lock system back in 1865, have also manufactured some high quality, yet competitive priced "smart" lock products in recent years. Many of their offerings are fairly reasonable quality and we like to recommend their products for their longevity, ease of use and aesthetically pleasing properties.

August modified their product offerings in the last couple of years, adding complimentary products to their initial door lock line up.

August were one on the first in a large group of crowdfunded inventors, to go to market with their door lock. Initial bumps appeared, as is common with many electronic products today, but they seem to have dealt with the issues along the way, professionally and quickly. That is a sign of an engaged operation, passionate about their offerings and concerned with the customer experience.

Many of the other large lock product manufacturers have released wireless electronic lock products to compete in this continually expanding market and we expect to see a number of additional startups get swallowed by the major industry players, before long.

(source...)

August 31, 2017

Cnet Article Attempts to Forecast The End Of Car Keys

A new article and video on Cnet has surfaced in an attempt to forecast the end of mechanical car keys.

As a locksmith, who has worked in the key and access control industry for over 30 years, both stateside and internationally, I have heard similar tired stories of the end of the auto car key, yet they are still here and while they are indeed becoming fewer, across more modern vehicles, they are a long way from being eliminated.

In fact, manufacturers still produce some vehicles using mechanical car keys because it is actually cheaper, longer lasting and better quality with less issues than nouveau app controlled access control components.

About 25 years ago, the first iterations of "chip" keys or "transponder" keys began to surface in an attempt by automobile manufacturers to "better secure" vehicles.

View the video and article in the source below...

August 4, 2016

Sting Operation In Australia Reveals Simple Hack That Renders Electronic Security Swipe Key Systems Ineffective

Electronic security devices are quite the rage today in the security field with many companies offering variations of key fob and card key systems aimed at supposedly increasing the security access control of residential buildings and where we live, work and play.

Notorious current affairs program on the Nine Network in Australia, A Current Affair, recently produced a video segment where they caught up with a perpetrator, operating a scam to copy and reproduce the electronic key fobs and swipe cards that are supposed to be restricted and giving them to customers all across the Sydney and other metropolitan centers for a fee.

The issue presents a moral and ethical quandary because, as residents or dwellers of abodes, people often want to share access to their residences where many management companies often refuse to provide additional copies of electronic access control fobs and cards or,if they do, charge outrageous prices for even legal tenants of these dwellings to obtain working duplicates.

Tenants are often coerced to find more nefarious means to bypass the legal owner/operator of these security products and gain access to desired locations.

The legitimate locksmith industry across the world has been repeating similar messages for many years, that the perception of these "electronic access control products" providing better security and access control, is nothing but a fallacy. Yet the legions of building contractors and management companies simply turn a blind eye because they want their cake and to eat it too.

Legitimate locksmith companies have been offering restricted mechanical key control systems for decades. Systems like Abloy, Bilock, Evva, Primus, Multlock, Medeco etc, that produce operating mechanical keys that are virtually impossible for non-authorized people to obtain duplicate keys.

In the source below find a link to the video of this particular video segment where a reporter is hot on the tail (literally) of a scam operator who is selling inappropriately obtained duplicate tags for operating access control systems. The same systems where many people think they are in a secure building but unfortunately, as this video proves, they are not.

how safe do you feel?


(source...)

May 24, 2016

Why Is Re-keying Your Home Locks Vital And Important For Home Security?

Pictured here is a typical front door entrance set found commonly across the United States.

Many customers we visit, ask us to re-key their locks. It is one of a locksmiths principal service offerings.

But why is it a vital and important project upon buying, renting or moving to your new home, to re-key locks?

In our vast 35+ years of experience across four continents, we have re-keyed a great many lock systems for our customers. The obvious reason for re-keying your locks, is to lock out a key holder.

We attend many customers who rarely think to re-key their locks when they first move in to their new home or office. Many seem to think that previous owners or tenants have returned all the operating keys and that full disclosure indicates there are no additional operating keys "out there".

But time and again, we find that many homeowners are unaware that many of their new locks, installed by the building contractor, are in fact master-keyed. The reason their locks are master-keyed is often a building contractor or home construction company, will build more than one or two or three houses in a new locality and to minimize the number of different keys that each of their tradespeople are required to carry, to access each different property, the builder will order direct from the manufacturer, all their locks keyed to their master system. The builder will obviously hand over the individual operating keys for each new property to the new owner or agent, but many new homeowners are unaware that their new locks are actually master-keyed and will often delay or forget altogether to ensure no-one but they have keys or copies to their new home. Perhaps they are lured into a false sense of security that their new home is secure because they have original keys in their possession?

There are some builders who operate with integrity and install Construction Keyed locks to doors. And these builders will also instruct the customer to insert their individual operating key to all their new locks and in so doing, their construction keyed cylinders will naturally and automatically "switch off" the construction keying function.

We just came from another customer where we re-keyed their locks. In dismantling the cylinders we discovered master pins in multiple chambers, indicating (most likely) that these locks have never been changed, since original installation.

Now, here is the rub!

March 8, 2016

Meroni Combina - Character Personified

Meroni Combina





Combina is becoming known as the new flagship product for Serrature Meroni with it's modern appeal and wide variety of color choices, materials, even company embossed personalized logos on door knobs.


We posted a video on the front page of the Meroni section here, that was taken at a trade show upon it's introduction.


There are so many and varied color options with this fabulous product, we will try to include as many as possible below. 
With Meroni Combina, you can choose the color and material of the bottom part of the handle, separate from the top cover. Top covers can be embossed with a company logo or personalized design that will differentiate you from other companies and homes and can even add a unique personal touch that your customers, colleagues and guests will appreciate.


The Meroni Combina product line has been developed into 3 distinct styles. Colori, Idee and Stile

Meroni Combina COLORI

Bottom Body

Matte Chrome

Picture
Code: US26D
Material:Zinc Alloy
Color: Satin Chrome

Dark Grey

Picture
Code:DG
Material:Zinc Alloy
Color:Dark Grey

Matte Nickel

Picture
Code:US15
Material:Zinc Alloy
Color: Matte Nickel

Top Cover

Rubber Blue

Picture
Code:LB
Material: Resin
Color:Rubber Blue

Rubber Dark Green

Picture
Code:GG
Material:Resin
Color:Rubber Dark Green

Rubber Orange

Picture
Code:OR
Material:Resin
Color:Rubber Orange

Rubber Red

Picture
Code:LR
Material:Resin
Color:Rubber Red

Blue

Picture
Code:BV
Material:Resin
Color:Blue

Yellow

Picture
Code:GP
Material:Resin
Color:Yellow

Lobster Red

Picture
Code:AV
Material:Resin
Color:Lobster Red

Amaranth Metal

Picture
Code:AM
Material:Resin
Color:Amaranth Metal


Application code: K11
Usage: For passageways
Both pushbuttons are always available as free passage.

Application code: K12
Usage: For bathrooms
Locks with push-button that turns on the occupancy indicator if provided. It can be opened on the outside with an emergency key, screwdriver or other similar tool.

Application code: K13
Usage: For entrances and offices
It can be locked or unlocked on the outside with the key, on the inside with push-button.

Application code: K14
Usage: For entrances and offices
Outside knob without pushbutton with security plate. Opens only with key. Inside pushbutton always available as free passage.

Application code: K15
Usage: For entrances and offices
The key from the outside or from the inside locks or unlocks both pushbuttons.

Application code: K17
Usage: For classrooms and offices
It can be locked or unlocked on the outside with the key. Inside pushbutton always available as free passage.

Application code: K24
Usage: For hotel rooms
Outside knob without pushbutton, opens only with key. The push-button turns on the occupancy indicator if provided.

Meroni Combina IDEE

Bottom Body

Polished Chrome

Picture
Code:US26
Material:Zinc Alloy
Color:Polished Chrome

Polished Gold

Picture
Code:US3
Material:Zinc Alloy
Color:Polished Gold

Matte Gold

Picture
Code:4K
Material:Zinc Alloy
Color:Matte Gold

PVD Black

Picture
Code:TN
Material:Zinc Alloy
Color: PVD Black

Top Cover

Polished Chrome

Picture
Code:US26
Material:Resin
Color:Polished Chrome

Polished Gold

Picture
Code:US3
Material:Resin
Color:Polished Gold

Maple

Picture
Code:RA
Material:Resin
Color:Maple


Polished Veneer

Picture
Code:RR
Material:Resin
Color:Polished Veneer

Wenge

Picture
Code:RW
Material:Resin
Color:Wenge

Acid Green

Picture
Code:VA
Material:Resin
Color:Acid Green

Pearl Green

Picture
Code:VP
Material:Resin
Color:Pearl Green

Meroni Combina STILE

Bottom Body

Black

Picture
Code:NE
Material:Zinc Alloy
Color:Black

Dark Grey

Picture
Code:DG
Material:Zinc Alloy
Color:Dark Grey

Natural Aluminum

Picture
Code:NA
Material:Zinc Alloy
Color:Natural Aluminum

White

Picture
Code:BO
Material:Zinc Alloy
Color:White

Top Cover

White

Picture
Code:BO
Material:Zinc Alloy
Color:White

Clear Grey

Picture
Code:CG
Material:Zinc Alloy
Color:Clear Grey

Dark Grey

Picture
Code:DG
Material:Zinc Alloy
Color:Dark Grey

Black

Picture
Code:NE
Material:Zinc Alloy
Color:Black

Light Blue

Picture
Code:AZ
Material:Resin
Color:Light Blue

Green

Picture
Code:VV
Material:Resin
Color:Green



Select Attributes below And Click Add to build your shopping cart


Meroni Premiapri Combina
$18.00
Body Type: 
Function: 
Body Color: 
Cover Color: 
Rose: 
Latch Mechanism: 
Strike Plate: 
Quantity: 


Home Advisor (formerly Service Magic) Testimonials And Sites That Recommend Us

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Testimonials

Danny was very professional and friendly at the same time. He not only gave me the quote and fixed the exterior door and explained his work. He was prompt and upfront about the work and did the work. He came in time took care of it on the same day. (Sasheethn K St Louis MO) June 2018d out problems but assured not urgent. Please feel free to have Danny pass out my number for my total experience review 314-351-5553

Charlie M. (St Louis, MO) November 2015


Danny was pleasure to meet and was very knowledgable. He explained several lock replacement options but I decided none of them were a good fit for a storm door, however, I did replace a lock on my entry door with a type of lock I had never seen before. I would highly recommend this company.
Patricia J (Bridgeton, MO) March 2014
They were prompt and showed up when he said he would show up. He knew his stuff. I had ordered new handles and he was honest enough to say that we don't need them that he can fix the doors and he did. Made me lock and unlock my doors to his satisfaction so that I knew what to do. Am very, very pleased with the service and cost.
Joyce K (Glencoe, MO) May 2015

Showed up on time for appointment. Was very knowledgeable about the project and offered a solution beyond what I asked to be done.
Stephen G (Chesterfield, MO) May 2015


Daniel was right on time, assessed the problems I had with two doors, made the repairs, and explained what caused the problems to begin with .... He is a "door expert" and a true professional. I highly recommend him.

Vince V (St. Louis MO) May, 2015




Danny was fabulous! He went over my concerns and he provided me with more than a fair quote. He was there when he said he was going to be there. I would highly recommend Danny. Cheers!
Denise S (Imperial, MO) May 8, 2014

Hired Danny to re-key locks on "new" house purchase. He advised to replace with new deadbolts & door knobs on 3 entry doors instead which I agreed with. All doors have 1 matching key & the safety of excellent quality product & workmanship. He also added new strike plate to door frame to complete project.. I recommend as your 1st & only call to a Locksmith.

Denise F (St. Louis, MO) April 3, 2014


Danny was very helpful in solving a pretty complex problem involving many lock.
Scott C (Eureka, MO) March 27, 2014




Needed patio door track to run smoothly. Arrived early, fixed door and explained what he was doing during repair. Quick and easy. Door works great, my wife will now speak to me, and I've become a better dancer.

Mike W. (Arnold/Oakville MO) July 2013


The owner spent a longtime with me on the phone helping diagnosis the problem. He was on-time, friendly and helped resolve my issue. I will definitely use him again!

Chris C (Lake St Louis, MO) July 2013


I had a very pleasant experience with Master Key Systems. They came out, did the job (which took longer than expected) and they did not change the price they quoted me. Now, I am not certain that it was a great value for the money because I don't have a comparison, but they did what they said, when they said, for the price they said. Enough said!!!

Antonio B (Saint Louis, Missouri) March 2013


Professional.. Upfront about charges. Fixed the sticky door within 20 minutes. I will recommend Master Key for exterior door issues.
Muthu R (Ballwin, MO) July 2012


Danny was a master craftsman, knowledgable and professional. I will be calling on him again in the future as well as passing on his services to friends and family.

Marsha L (Saint Louis, MO) July 2012


Danny was excellent! I called him on a Monday to fix a sliding glass door. He happened to have the exact part we needed (and it was not an easy find - we had looked everywhere) and he came over Tuesday evening. He stayed until 8:00 until the job was done, and cleaned up afterwards. He was courteous, professional, and efficient! I could not be happier!

Rachel P Maryland Heights, MO (July 2012)


He did an excellent job. Got there on time and quickly solved the issue. Was very pleasant and explained the situation and how to keep the door from sticking in the future. Would definitely use Master Key LLC again!

Neil F. (Saint Louis, MO) April 2012


Danny was very friendly and knowledgeable, although his apprentice seemed to do most of the work, Danny kept an eye on him to make sure it was done right. He had very reasonable pricing for re-keying.
Greg D (St Louis, MO) October 2011


He was extrememly fabulous and helpful and did a wonderful job. He was very professional.
Shannon M. (Arnold, MO) October 2011


Growing up spending so much of my time in Italy, the uniqueness of the Nova Classico left quite an impression on me. To be able to have and enjoy them in my own home here in the states is a nostalgic indulgence I'm enjoying beyond words. Thank you Danny for coordinating this transaction.

Joseph M (Chicago, IL) September 2011





great job. hired on the spot and he did job right then at great price

Ron B (Arnold, MO) July 2011







I searched the internet and found your services. I received three phone calls within several days. A service call was scheduled. Two gentlemen arrived promptly, analyzed the problem and fixed it.
James & Florenc M Saint Louis, MO July 2011

The repairman was on time and did an excellent job of fixing a very stubborn door lock. He was persistent and cleaned up the work area afterwards. I would use this service again.

Brenda F (Saint Peters, MO) June 2011


Danny at Master Key Systems has succeeded in making the purchasing of our Meroni door locks, from Italy, an absolute breeze. Even though I live in Australia with a 16hr time difference and was ordering door knobs from Italy that weren't in stock, the whole process was faultless. Danny was prompt and efficient with all his emails and made sure we had covered every possible variable so that the product I received was exactly as required. I would have no hesitation in recommending Danny for your next purchase.
Patrick Carr (Canberra, Australia)


Your product really helped because I needed to secure a nurse's station adjacent to a waiting room and needed a pocket door. Unfortunately, no real options were available to lock a pocket door effectively that would keep me compliant with HIPAA and secure an area that stores medical supplies. This was vitally important as this particular waiting room was for "waiting detox patients". Thank you very much.
Randall R The Fritz Clinic (Birmingham, Al) March 2011


Danny was very polite and knew what the problem was and how to fix it. He also gave me some information about other issues that could arise with my door and locks. Will hire again if I ever need that type of work done.
Jason M Imperial, MO March 2011




I had an exterior basement door that dragged when opening and closing. The hinges were not fitting properly and the door frame had shifted, probably due to the age of the house.The screwswould not go far enough into the wall without hitting stone...even using a special drill bit. Dan worked a long time drilling and sanding to shore up the door as best as possible. I know it will never be perfect. He could have easily sold me a new door and the same issue would happen. He was honest, thorough, and did an excellent job without charging me a fortune. I'm satisfied with the door now. If you want an honest, experienced man, Then Dan is the man

Roger M Saint Louis, MO March 2011


I purchased the Cowdroy P697 Pocket door lock with key over the internet. I emailed questions before my purchase and was provided with the answers quickly by return email. The purchase was quick and easy and the lock was shipped immediatly. Installation is quick and easy. But you do need to convert millimeters to inches (use the internet) in the installation instructions. And the lock looks great and works great. I will do business with them again. THANK YOU

Ed D (February, 2011)





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.

Shipping and Returns

All products are sent in manufacturers condition.
All products are subject to sales tax where applicable.
All products are dispatched within 10 business days of remittance.
All products are subject to manufacturers warranties.
All products returned within 30 days, will be 95% refunded less shipping.
Prices are subject to change without notice.
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