St Louis Home And Garden Show - March 3 - 6, 2015 Booth #3511

We are very pleased to invite our many customers and friends to come and visit with us at the St Louis Home And Garden Show, to be held at the America Center in downtown St Louis from March 3 - 6, 2015.

This 4 day event provides local and interstate homeowners, residents, architects, home builders, interior designers and renovators with the opportunity to view, in person, many of the time tested and latest products and services available to improve your home, garden and office environments and buildings. The ability to chat with experts about their offerings can help to learn first hand, the benefits of many modern products and services available in the greater St Louis region.

We will be very pleased  to greet you at our Booth #3511, located to the right of the main entrance as you walk in.

We will be particularly showcasing our range of modern contemporary Meroni Door Hardware displaying many color options and styles including...

Nova

Combina

Forma

Pigio 1

Pigio 2

Pigio 3

many of the above products can also be embossed with personalized logos or artwork, further increasing the unique and personalized look of your chosen hardware.

The Nova, Combina and Forma models can also be ordered in SC1 keyway, making them compatible with standard Schlage products. That means you can use them with some of your existing house keys.

Bump Keys Made With 3D Printer - Criminals Going High Tech

Happy New Year and welcome to 2016.

Bump keys have been in the news for a few years now and the increasing sales of our Bilock Extreme Security products attests to this.

As pictured here, the Bilock New Generation core is truly the first 100% bump proof pin tumbler product of it's kind.

Australian Lock Co PTY LTD are the manufacturer of this high security range of cylinders, expertly designed and produced to be able to fit in many leading brands of hardware.

That means, if you currently have or own a Schlage, Marks, Corbin, Lockwood, Yale, Sargent and many other quality brands of hardware products, you can purchase Bilock cylinders that will fit into these brands.

We offer a range of high quality LSDA brand deadbolts, knob sets, lever sets in ANSI/BHMA Grade 1, 2 and some 3 level quality. We choose LSDA because they are produced by an American lock and hardware distributor who offers up to 10 year warranties on many of their products and because the products are very well made. We install our own hand built Bilock cylinders within the hardware. We build all our Bilock systems in-house using state-of-the-art computerised master keying technology.
All cores are keyed up by hand, for quality assurance. All products are tested completely prior to leaving our workshop.

We recently came across a video on Youtube that shows a fellow, presumably in Europe, who proceeds to bump open a typical high-security pin tumbler cylinder found there. He shows the actual working keys first, then shows the bump key he created on a 3D printer and bumps the cylinder in his hand multiple times. View the video after the break.

Goji - Crowdfunded Wireless Smartphone Controlled Deadbolt Fails To Launch

I'm not sure if you have seen or know about the Goji Smart lock that was being crowdfunded via multiple separate crowdfunding sites in the last couple of years, but a report out a couple of days ago indicates that this particular product has failed to launch.

The Smart Lock market has been evolving for a number of years now and according to sources, is expected to rise from the current fledgling $8 Billion market to $120 Billion by 2025.

There are a number of entrants that have evolved in recent years and we have written about a few of them. Products like the August Smartlock, the Lockitron and others. We have found that many of these "new breed" of stand alone wireless smart locks are being developed by entrepeneurs who lack industry knowledge, experience and longevity.

The large industry players like Assa-Abloy, Yale, Schlage, Kwikset, Master and others who have been in the security product manufacturing industry for a great many years, are also firmly entrenched in the Smart Lock market. But the difference between these industry stalwarts and the current breed of new entrepeneurs has much to do with their successes developed over many years of R&D, interaction with their customers and tried and proven manufacturing practises that continue to produce the high-quality requested by the consumer driven market.

Goji, obviously was seen to have merit and raised about $800,000.00 through multiple crowdfunding sites including Indiegogo and Fundable.

This news is not surprising really. there are many entrants to the smart lock market that appear to not have done their due diligence and market feasibility studies prior to launch. Goji had developed a promising looking product that operated with Android and iOS operating systems, but I suggest that the actual integration of these sophisticated smart phone operating systems proved too much for the Goji team to master.

Goji CEO Gabriel Bestard-Ribas is quoted in a letter written earlier this week,

Schlage F Series Knobset - New Improved Function Thanks To Overwhelming Demand

Pictured here is a typical Schlage F Series Plymouth design entrance knob set.

Schlage have been selling versions of this Grade 3 product across the market for about 15 years now.

The most common complaint, from an overwhelming quantity of purchasers of this product, is the ease of ability to get locked out.

You see, the typical F Series knobset was designed by someone without taking into consideration the pitfalls of the classic emergency escape mentality.

Until a recent product update that has dramatically changed this product (and all F series knobs too), Schlage, in their infinite wisdom, had allowed the inside turn button to actually lock the outside of the knob, while still allowing the inside of the knob to remain unlocked.

That poorly designed feature, was to maintain emergency egress (escape) function to comply with the International Building Codes demands. But so many people found themselves accidentally locked out of their homes as a consequence. It is not uncommon, to lock the door, using the little turn button inside and then "forget" that the lock is locked, when turning the handle to exit, effectively locking yourself out. (I have seen multiple instances of different people accidentally locked out in their underwear, from this).

Schlage have answered the demands of the market and converted the new F series line, so that turning the inside knob, actually unlocks the outside handle.

I expect that the thousands of locksmiths across the world who have made so much money over the years from attending to lockouts, are bitterly disappointed in this turn of events, but good on Schlage for stepping up and answering the call of the thousands of bitter customers who have used these products for so many years.

Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock - Price Reduction

Sales of this product are off the charts. Thanks to a more favorable exchange rate and lower fuel costs, we have reduced the cost of this sought after product to only $95.00 plus shipping.

We are only stocking the Satin Nickel (pearl) color option at this special price.

Our modification kit for use on 1-3/4" doors is nearly ready for commercial release. (estimated May 1st, 2015)

This modification will allow for Schlage SC1 keyed cylinders to be used as an option and consequently many other brands of similar keyways. This will allow for keying alike with many existing key systems in the marketplace and also 6 pin cylinders (enabling the product to operate on high-security and design protected master key system key profiles).

Click on the picture to the left to purchase.

EDIT (December 2015): this product now sells for $125.00 plus shipping

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Smartphones To Open Doors For World's Biggest Lock Company As It Eyes Deal With Telcos

Assa Abloy is the world's largest lock manufacturing company.

Last year alone it made more than $300 million, across multiple different manufacturers.

There has been a continual, albeit modest push to introduce more and more electronic smartphone enabled lock systems across their diverse range of products. 

technology companies like Samsung, Apple and Google have been at the forefront of research and development of all things smartphone, ever since Google beat Apple to market with the first Android mobile operating system.

Many startups have entered the market, touting their own novel products aimed at the residential home security market.

Products like Lockitron, August Lock, Yale Real Living and Schlage or Kwikset Z wave, to name but a few.

The automobile industry has long used the transponder chip technology to better secure our cars and trucks, but the residential entry door market has lagged behind this disruptive technology, only due to the issue relating to electricity.

You see, the reason electronic technologies work on vehicles is because vehicles already use batteries to start, run and power vehicle systems.

Most doors in a dwelling are free standing and most often NOT connected to a power source. This has lead to a surge in the number of battery powered products, like the brands listed above, entering the market. The primary drawback with these products, is the need to constantly be replacing batteries on the units to maintain operability.

There are many dwellings that use electric strikes and hardwired electric lock systems, but that technology, even though it has been around for over 100 years, is expensive to install and consequently maintain.

The market is heating up and demanding better electronic technology for use in our homes, but there has been little productive solutions to the issue of the lack of power.

Whereas the market will continue to develop and no doubt grow, I just cannot conceivably fathom the perfect or best solution to this power predicament. When the power dilemma finally gets solved, perhaps electronic and smartphone technologies will provide a benefit to us home owners who dont want to spend the required arm and leg to hard wire our doors, when a totally mechanical, environmentally friendly, green mechanical key operated hardware solution continues to provide ultimate comparative security and convenience for our homes.

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After Almost 2 Years Of Patiently Waiting - It Is Here Finally!

Well, after 2 years of patiently receiving updates from the company, of unexpected delays, of production issues, of inferior components, of re-coding of software, our Crowd-Funded Lockitron product has finally arrived.

We received a 3-pack, in Bondi Blue, Obsidian Black and Pearl White.

We will attempt to video the unboxing of the product in a later post and hopefully capture the installation to an apartment door  on video soon too.

We already have 2 units sold to customers (who we are please have waited patiently for almost 2 years for this product, that they will be able to use with their iPhones) and hopefully (if the product lives up to the hype) receive significant more orders in future.

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 - 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.

Magna Latch Series 3 - New Visibility Indicator

Magna Latch products are well known worldwide for their specialty security products designed for swimming pool gates and fences.

We have talked about Magna Latch products by D&D Technologies before.

This new design continues the products world leading design and construction while improving demanded visibility. D&D Technologies consulted the market, asking what their customers wanted. In the greater majority of responses, instant visible knowledge of whether the gate is locked or not, is the most desired option.

This Australian designed and built product has served swimming pool owners worldwide for over 20 years.

The locking system has also been updated to allow for key cylinders that can be swapped with other brands of keyways, like Schlage, Yale etc. This means that high security key control systems can be added to pool gates, simply and cost effectively.

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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.

More On Bilock

More and more demand for simpler control of key systems is increasingly leading people to the intelligent purchase of our Bilock product line.
The Australian designed Bilock Extreme Security locking system.
Now manufactured under license in the United States, this competitively priced product CANNOT be picked or bumped.
The unique key design is available in your choice of almost 9000 color combinations.
The key system can be used in almost all existing lock hardware products in the market.

New Generation BiLock offers the security concious an innovative new look, twin bladed key which operates a 12-pin program of tumbler pins, six on either side. These pins, in turn, activate two side-bars to provide the end user with up to 16.7 million possible lock combinations. In addition to a space age moving element within the key an extraordinarily shaped, horizontally positioned security rod has been built into the cylinder core to activate the 13th locking dimension. Without the moving element, this 13th dimension cannot be activated, this adds yet another feature to BiLock's already exceptional level of security.




BiLock is the only one that is bump and virtually pick proof.

Rekey your own locks when you lose a key.
Rekey your own locks when you fire an employee.
Rekey your own locks on the spot.
Send the old cores back for rekeying and use again

Front Door, Back Door, Cabinets, Cages, Drawers, Showcases

Masterkey all of your stores with BiLock
     Employee Key - front door only
     Manager Key - entire store
     District Manager - territory stores
     Regional Manager - all stores in the state
     Corporate -  every lock in the chain


Bilock also provides a unique construction keying option, enabling construction facilitators 
and project managers to easily manage and secure properties during the different and separate stages of a construction project.

Clearly identifiable keyway inserts matching to respective colored key heads, can allow for secure access to particular trades at particular times. This means that a project requiring electricians access only could, say, be colored RED. Only RED keys will work the required access doors to the project. When the electricians part of the project is completed, the project manager can simply swap out cores themselves to, say, BLUE cores allowing access by plumbers. All others besides the plumbers and project manager are locked out until completion of their works. When the plumbers work is completed, the project manager can then use their core removal keys to swap cores to GREEN cores, say, for allowing access to finish carpenters.

All the while maintaining complete and total access control to the project, using conventional mechanical locking products. This directly reduces costs during the construction phase of your project and protects all parties from potential losses arising from unauthorised access.

Project managers can then re-use the color coded cores and keys on other projects and if they continue to use the same sources of tradespeople, can easily manage their other projects by knowing which stage each project is at, by the color of the keyhole and reducing costs by not constantly requiring to hand out new keys for future projects. 

Schlage Primus and Similar High Security Key Profiles Beaten By 3D Printing

Schlage, one of this countries most well known hardware and lock manufacturers and creator of the High Security Primus key systems must be reeling from news released yesterday that a team of MIT researchers have written a simple program to decipher a Primus (and similar types) key from a photograph and send the information to a 3D printer to enable duplication of these once-thought of restricted key systems. (see the source below)

The Schlage Primus key system, once thought by locksmiths across the country to be non-duplicatable, and also identified a couple of years ago as NOT Bump Resistant, faces one of the biggest threats to it's platform with the public release of this breaking news story.

In many states across the country, Schlage convinced locksmith companies to take on their own outright keyways and dealer codes, to corner their own market preventing duplication of keys by hardware stores, cookie key cutters, shoe repairers and gas stations. Little did we know that Schlage were simply sharing key profiles across state, sometimes county lines and in some cicumstances sharing side pin codes (dealer codes) across state lines. The whole agreement appeared very shady, indeed.

3D printing technology has grown from it's infancy and is now being seen and used by small to medium sized manufacturing businesses.

UPS are rolling out a trial 3D printer in some stores in San Diego, hoping to cash in on the opportunity for customers to 3D print a sample or spare part of their choice.

With access to many print stores across the country, the potential loss to current Schlage Primus dealers could be huge. It means that virtually any Primus key holder could get a copy made for less than $5 at their local print store. Dont think for a minute, that the large players in stationery and printing like Staples, Office Depot and the like, with super large budgets wont get in on the action of on demand 3D printing. Hardware big box stores like Lowes and Home Depot will jump in too and offer 3D printing in their one-stop franchises.

Other brands that use a similar system to Primus, include Medeco, Scorpion, Twin and some other brands.

This realization that your key system is not actually secure as you expected will mean that you will need to find systems that do as intended. Our Bilock Extreme Security Key Systems are carefully designed to prevent unauthorised duplication and with the introduction of the 13th element, a trigger mechanism that is interactive, 3D printing of a useable key is just not possible (at this time).

Bilock is well known worldwide for being a premium quality high-security restricted key system that outperforms virtually all other systems. It's unique keyway and pinning system, combined with state of the art side-bar technology and interchangeable core functionality and color coded key heads, makes it a formidable partner in the security of your home and business.

We are the largest provider of Bilock Systems in the Mid-West, using state of the art master key software to create, design and build our own systems. We have nearly 25 years international experience in the product line and have installed many of the most complex systems to universities, hospitals, private schools, casino's and hotels across the world.

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Push, Pull, Rotate - Brinks Locksets Take On The Fabulous Meroni Premiapri Mechanism

We are the North American distributors for the high quality Serrature Meroni product line, which includes a wide range of nouveau push/pull and press button lock sets that require no twisting of the wrist or clenched fist grasping of a knob or lever to operate a door lock.

The 2012 International Building Code states in section B 1008.1.9.1 Door Operations; Hardware:

"Door handles, pulls, latches, locks and other operating devices on doors required to be accessible by Chapter 11 of the International Building Code, shall not require tight grasping, tight pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate."

Brinks, a well known manufacturer of light duty security deadbolts, padlocks and entrance hardware recently introduced their new Push, Pull, Rotate line of door entry sets, that are a new take on the successful Meroni product line, available throughout Europe since the early 1970's. Fundamentally different in their design, from the Meroni, these handle sets offer another look at the convenience of the push/pull mechanism but with the addition of a twisting option.

Essentially, Meroni lock sets exceed the International Building Code requirements for entry and egress. The product line is considered in line with Grade 1 hardware found in the USA, although has not yet applied for such status, keeping the product line moderately priced.

The Brinks product displayed in the above video is exclusively available at Lowes hardware stores and is relatively inexpensive.

The quality of the Meroni product line is significantly stronger and this is felt in the weight and feel of the product. Meroni products are available in a significantly larger range of finishes and color options.

Most municipalities and states and counties have adopted and ratified (or are about to) the 2012 International Building Code, as the core guidelines for construction, renovations or refurbishment of dwellings and public use buildings throughout the world. Compliance to these core principles means that your building contractor accepts and adopts their responsibility for life safety as a fundamental principal in their business.

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.

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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.

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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.

Pigio And Combina By Meroni Now Able To Be Keyed Alike With Schlage C Keyway

 This is the Pigio 1 by Serrature Meroni. This product is now able to be keyed up to Schlage C keyway. this wll enable some users in the USA to combine their existing key systems with the fabulous range of Serrature Meroni push/pull handles they have become well known for.

The Combina by Serrature Meroni is another of their handle range that can be keyed alike with Schlage C keyways, further encouraging consumers in the broad American market to combine Meroni and their existing Schlage key systems.









Meroni have also produced some of their range that have been approved and certified by the respected Underwriters Laboratory for use with government or institutions installations. This is an important requirement for use by most public buildings subject to approval from local fire marshals and other authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ's).

One particular handle in the Pigio range surpasses the UL requirement for fire proofing and  is designed to comply with access and egress laws. (UL R9398)

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Schlage Touchscreen Deadbolt

Schlage recently introduced their new Nexia Touchscreen deadbolt that provides multiple options contained inside one smart looking product. The ability to store up to 30 different 4-8 digit codes, auto-locking feature, built in alarm and wifi - Z Wave controllable, this new product is able to be used with a conventional mechanical key overide. This wireless, battery powered product will modify the landscape, providing users with nouveau access control technology combined with state of the art security protocols.

The video (after the jump) gives an overview of this new product.