Meroni, Lockwood, Bilock And Invisible Door Stop - On Show At The St Louis Home And Garden Show, March 3-6, 2015

We are pleased to announce that we will attend our first trade show March 3 -6, 2015 at America Center in downtown St Louis Missouri. (Booth #3511)

There we will be displaying some of the fabulous products that we sell across North America.

Products like

 Meroni Luccotto Padlocks





 Meroni Combina Door Hardware

 Meroni Combina Anti-Bacterial Door Hardware

 Meroni Forma Door Hardware

 Meroni Nova Door Hardware

 Meroni Pigio 1 Door Hardware

 Meroni Pigio 2 Door Hardware

Meroni Pigio 3 Door Hardware

 Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Locks

 Bilock Extreme Security Key And Lock Systems



The St Louis Builders Home And Garden Show is an annual exhibition of products and services aimed at educating discerning home owners about the new and traditional products that help to make your home better.

This 4 day show, now in it's 39th year continues to improve and display modern and traditional approaches to buying, building or renovating your home.

Our newest addition to our line of Unique Products is the fabulous Invisible Door Stop. This ingenious product is created and manufactured in America (Oregon)

This simple DIY product is an answer that solves all our door stop issues, including (as displayed in the video below) unsightly spring stops that often fall off or get kicked, the plastic wall mounted bumper plates that are supposed to prevent the knob from hitting the wall behind and prevent the damages that can occur from handles hitting the wall or traditional hinge mounted door stops that leave ugly marks or holes in door and frames.



They come in different sizes and construction including for 3-1/2" hinges, 4" hinges and 4-1/2" industrial/commercial hinges. Made from high quality poly-carbonate  and modern carbon-fiber and soon to be released in different finishes, the invisible door hinge is the most affordable and intelligent DIY product of it's kind to surface in a great many years.

We plan to have a limited quantity on sale at the show.

We look forward to greeting many of our customers at the St Louis Builders Home And Garden Show March 3-6 2015. See you at Booth #3511

D&D Technologies Release New Magnalatch ALERT - Fence And Gate Swimming Pool Safety Lock With Alarm

D&D Technologies, that fabulous Australian manufacturer and world leader in gate hardware proudly release this new addition to their innovative line of gate an fence hardware.

The Magnalatch ALERT is an updated version that includes an audible alarm designed to signal attempted gate openings, further enhancing swimming pool safety, protecting our children from drownings.

The video installation above, explains in graphic detail the ease of installation of this innovative product.

The product still uses a keyed cylinder (standard KW1 keyway) to lock and unlock the product. It also uses concealed fixing plates to prevent tampering with the fittings.

The magnetic latching system assures correct latching every time.

Features

Visual “unlatched” alarm

Flashing LED lights give visual notification if the latch is opened and/or the gate is left unlatched.

Audible “unlatched” alarm

Hear from a distance if a gate is
opened or left unlatched. After 15 seconds, an opened gate beep warning will turn to a full alarm.

Disarm feature

The touch-sensor disarm feature allows you to temporarily disarm the ALERT for up to 15 minutes. DO NOT use the disarm feature on pool or safety gates.

Safer, ergonomic lift knob

With its new design, the lift knob is now more conveniently shaped and child resistant than ever.

Visible Lock Indicator

Shows you at-a-glance whether MagnaLatch is locked or unlocked. Simple peace of mind.

Rekeyable Security Lock

The 6-pin lock can be rekeyed to match other locks around the property making safety more convenient.

Product traceability

Proven superior quality manufacturing.

T-track innovation

Both latch body and striker offer superior fixing strength and unsurpassed quality.

Built-in post cap spacing

No more need for separate post cap spacers.

Industry leading magnetic technology

Tested to 2 million cycles

Easier adjustment

The innovative vertical and horizontal adjustment makes MagnaLatch even simpler to install and adjust for ground shift or gate sag.

Permanent magnet sealed from the elements

Alignment indicators

Now you know when your gate is in proper alignment and makes adjusting for gate saf even easier.

Improved drainage in latch & striker

Sloping feature channels water out.

High collar under light knob prevents water entry.

Industry's greatest gate/post movement tolerance.

Protective shroud

Shroud over key helps prevent water entry into the lock cylinder.

Space under lift knob

Helps prevent freezing to top housing.                                                                               

(source...)

Bilock Single Cylinder Deadbolt - Bump Proof, Virtually Pick Proof With Copy Proof Keys

The Bilock Single Cylinder Deadbolt we are offering here is a Grade 2 (ANSI) deadbolt with 3 keys.

Available in Polished Brass, Florentine Bronze, Antique Brass and Satin Nickel (Stainless Steel).

We proudly supply the first 3 keys FREE with any new system.

This popular product is sought after by many discerning customers desiring to prevent hobby pickers or even professional locksmiths from non-destructive entry.

• The First 100% Guaranteed Bump Proof Deadbolt Available
• Brass, Silver, Brown, Antique Brass Finishes
• 3 Keys Standard Supplied with 1st Lock Ordered
• Adjustable Backset Mechanism (2-3/8" - 2-3/4")
• Virtually Unlimited Master Keying
• Designed to fit in place of existing installations
• ADA Compliant for Primary Entry Doors
• $185.00 each
• ​Additional keys are $10.00 each on initial supply

We can provide the keyheads in varying colors. There are 20 colors to choose from. There are 3 parts to the keyhead which means, potentially 8000 different color combinations.

We have built systems for customers that allow for each different key holder to use a different key. That means, if a key is lost or stolen, just that key can be removed from the system without affecting the other key holders.

You could rekey the locks without the need to hand out new keys to all key holders, saving time, money and the inconvenience. A similar function to a swipe card access control system but totally mechanical and non electronic.

To purchase this product, click the source below.

(source...)

Knock-N-Lock Padlock - The Ultimate Keyless Padlock Prevents Picking or Bumping

This is the Knock-N-Lock PL554 padlock. This super-intelligent product is designed to work with the unique Knock key fob that allows opening only by authorised fob users.

The unique method of operation requires the technician to contact their home base for their access code, which is usually texted to their cell phone. They enter the code into the knock key and place the fob against the padlock body.

The designated knock pattern signals the padlock to unlock.

Pictured next is the Knock key fob. This is the device used for operating all of the products in the Knock-N-Lock range. Simple to operate and totally secure.

The fob uses a 10 digit keypad and an Enter button. The user contacts their control center who confirms their identity and proceeds to send their unique opening code to the user.

One fob can be used to access multiple devices, so carrying one fob only minimizes the need for multiple devices.

The fob is about 2-5/8" long x about 3/4" wide x about 1-3/4" thick, not much bigger than a typical automobile remote control.

The increasing quantities of interested users of these fabulous new-age products has taken us by surprise. Other products in the range include hardwired safe locks, cabinet locks, Euro style key cylinders, Swiss style entrance sets and a unique wireless standalone deadbolt for versatile uses.

More pictures to come in future posts here. Stay Tuned!

(source...) 

Knock-N-Lock - New Horizons In Access Control

We have talked about Knock-N-Lock a few times in the last year and we see this technology as the future in access control for the obvious reason. No keyhole or visible access.

Coming Soon : Meroni Wireless Hidden Access Control System

The Knock-N-Lock revolution is starting to blossom with more and more facilities converting to this unique access control technology that combines cutting edge technology with superior physical locking components to provide the ultimate in security and access control.

Imagine being able to secure your entire office using one control key to operate the hidden keyhole that lets you in.

Preventing burglars and stopping home invasions is the aim of the rapidly improving quality of wireless access control technology that can also benefit discerning homeowners wanting to lock out unwanted intruders while not alerting them as to your secret keyhole.

If you dont know that there is a lock on the door, how can you determine the easiest non-destructive method of entry?

Stay tuned for more updates on this fabulous technology

Masters Home Improvement Centers To Close 63 Stores Across Australia - Big Box Retailer fails To Capture Market Share

Masters Home Improvement Centers, the joint venture between Australian based Woolworths (supermarkets) and USA based Lowes Home Improvement Stores, announce the closing of their stores.

According to a survey by Canstar who surveyed more than 2000 consumers, the quantity of complaints has proven insurmountable for the joint venture to succeed.

Some of the complaints include...

‘THE STAFF ARE UNHELPFUL’

• Staff can be very vague about products and where they are in the store.

• It is sometimes hard to find staff to help you in our local store.

• Staff unhelpful and don’t know their products

• Staff are not that helpful, can be hard to find things.

• Mistakes at check-out with a mistake made on most visits.

• Some of the staff in the gardening section need horticulture experience, especially to give advice about plants.

• It can be hard to find staff for advice on hardware products.

• Customer service is poor. Not as helpful or available as Bunnings.

• Not enough staff in the late afternoon, evenings.

• Not enough staff.

• No staff to help you.

• Couldn’t find a salesperson to help for ages.

• It was difficult to find what I was looking for and no staff were available to help me, so I had to roam around until I found what I needed.

• The staff there are not helpful. They are good at talking or consulting but don’t help to lift or move the goods I bought. They are so lazy. At last I have to move the BBQ and furniture I bought by myself. Nobody helped me. They gathered together talking and chatting. They are so lucky to get this kind of job.

• Not a lot of assistance.

• Checkout operator was not particularly friendly.

• Trying to find a staff member to help took a very long time.

• Some of supervisory staff are autocratic.

• Was hard to find a staff member.

• Staff service is very poor below standard.

• Service can sometimes be slack.

• Staff rude — don’t understand sizing.

• Sometimes difficult to find a staff member.

• Not enough floor staff help.

• Have had a problem with click-and-collect once because staff couldn’t find the order. Would have been much quicker to find it myself in store.

• Occasionally can be hard to find someone to help me.

• Sometimes check-out service is not so good.

• The item was delivered at 8pm at night after several phone calls to see where it was — put on the wrong truck.

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,

Bilock Exclusive™ - New Improved Bilock Releases To The Market

Bilock Extreme Security products just release the newest addition to their product line.

A completely new rendition of the fabulous extreme security mechanical key system.

This new update to the well-known Bilock high security restricted key systems, answers many of the criteria discussed industry wide by customers, hobbiest forums, locksmith industry forums, engineers and government and military experts.

The new line is called Bilock Exclusive™.

This new design, actually increases the security of each new cylinder while removing the trigger interactive element.

Colors for the key heads are still pretty much the same, with 21 color choices comprising 3 parts, effectively offering about 9250 color combinations.

A new style of head with the three interlocking parts is still used.

The product still uses the innovative Quick-Change-Core technology that Bilock is famous for.

Dealers will probably need a little retraining in the construction of the new cylinders, but key creation is identical and used with existing machinery, so no new tool equipment to purchase other than the new keying kit and cores/cylinder bodies.

We believe that existing cores (from older systems - New Generation) can be used in the newer cylinder bodies, but the new cores cannot fit into the older cylinder bodies.

This new product increases the patent protection for the Bilock product for another 15 years while increasing the security of each core by doubling the side-bar blocking pins, directly making the ability to pick, impression or bump the lock virtually impossible.

The introduction of Mifare™ chips into keyheads is also now possible for connecting with electronic access control products that might exist in different customers networks.

Release date to the USA and North America markets are unclear at this time, but we expect to offer the newer system by next summer.


(source...)

Seatylock - Minimalist Bicycle Security

Many of us like to pursue bicylce riding as our hobby and passion. Often gearing up involves expensive equipment purchase so we can enjoy this fun and healthy passtime.

There are many iterations of products available in todays market that provide solutions to our need to secure our bicyles, but once in a while, a product surfaces that ticks off many of the criteria sought by so many but not available by so few.

The SeatyLock is one such product. You can hang a chain and padlock around your bicycle frame, that dangles as you ride, attach a D lock to the frame, use a bottle lock, or any multitude of bicycle security products that we have written about previously.

Intelligently designed and simple to install, the Seatylock might be another game changer that appeals to the billions of bicyclists among us




(source...)

Kuna - Smart Security Camera And Wireless Peephole

The Kuna is a sensational new product recently released to the mass market that can become your video peephole, a product that fills a wide and unfulfilled market segment.

We have posted about wireless peepholes and closed circuit camera systems in the past and received some interesting feedback about these products, but once in a while along comes a product that singularly changes the perspective. And does so for a realistic entry price.

The Kuna system offers distinctive styling while appealing to both the nouveau and rustic styled home owner.

This intelligent product combines the benefits of real time security with convenience, in our wired/wireless lifestyle.

Simply replace your current outdoor light with the easy to install Kuna. Connect to your wifi and app and that's it. Because the unit is hardwired to our residence (in place of the current light fixture), no batteries are required. Low voltage application means no electrician is required to complete the install. It is a real DIY product.

(source...)

Crime Reports - St Louis Metro Region (last 30 days)

 Pictured below are some maps provided by Crime Reports that show 3 regions within the St Louis Metropolitan Area that identify the locations of Property Crimes, Robberies and Break & Enters, that have occurred in the last 30 days.








Many home buyers like to research information about their desired neighborhoods to live in and knowing the number of crimes reported recently in those areas, provides valuable data when determining the price they want to pay for a home in a particular neighborhood.

Pictured to the left are the Maryland Heights/Creve Coeur areas.








 Pictured to the left here are the Florissant/Hazelwood/Bridgeton areas.

 Pictured to the left here are the downtown/south city/Webster Groves areas.










We selected to only show the last 30 days activity of reported crimes, that are specifically Robberies, Property Crimes (which can include instances of theft or damage etc) and Break & Entering. You can determine your own reports by visiting the Crime Reports website (in the source below), where you can select fine details including particular street names and different crime types, that might fit your chosen criteria.

This information will prove helpful to real estate professionals, home buyers, property valuers as well as security system providers.

(source...)

Meroni Nova Passage Sets In Multiple Color Options - Now Available

We are pleased to announce a new "Buy Now" link on our sister site that enables you to purchase the Meroni Nova Passage Set.

There are multiple color options available at diferrent costs, but essentially we have a considerable inventory of varying colors.

Each passage set comes with your choice of latch mechanism, a square strike plate and your choice of nylon or metal roses.

We have included some of the colors we have in stock but we also have many other varying colors that might appeal to differing tastes.

The prices listed therein are the list prices for the products per unit. We will be pleased to offer substantial quantity discounts to customers who choose to contact us directly.

The Meroni Nova product is exceptional quality made by an established Italian company, Serrature Meroni. We are the North American distributors for this fabulous product line.
Premiapri Nova handlesets are the original line produced by this famous Italian company for over 45 years. The unique functions and operations are unlike any other product you may have seen before. The handle/knob doesnt turn. The button on top is the activator of the latch mechanism. This can be especially helpful to consumers who may be physically challenged or arthritis sufferers. 

Other versions will be coming online soon, including keyed entrance, privacy/bathroom, hotel/motel functions.

In the very near future we will announce a new product that will change the Smartlock market too.

In March 2016, we will be displaying the fabulous Meroni Product Line at the St. Louis Home And Garden Show to be held at America Center in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. We cordially invite our customers and all interested parties to attend and see in person these beautifully designed products, have a play and feel the quality and view the other options including Premiapri Combina, Premiapri Forma and the amazing Pigio range of premium quality lever style handlesets.

View the link in the source below to see the options available.

(source...)

Holiday Season - Increases Theft Opportunities

Denver Police recently released a video they made with a former thief about the pitfalls of holiday season shopping.

The fellow in this video highlights excellent points that all shoppers, especially holiday shoppers require to be aware of and take precautions to avoid.





The person in this video informs us that we all need to be much more vigilant and self protective, because there are a great many nefarious characters just waiting to prey upon our negligence.

I believe it is my responsibility to provide information and education about products and services that increase your and your families personal and property security.

The locksmith profession is one of the oldest professions, dating back to medieval times. Locksmiths came about because consumers have a need to find someone who can provide the better lock system to protect our properties, our dwellings and our families from the continually increasing instances of burglary and theft.

As "Dave" points out, the thief doesnt discriminate. The thief doesnt care whom he causes harm to.
The thief is always "casing" the parking lot for the opportunity to commit a crime.

As a consumer or a parent, it is only our own responsibility to protect ourselves and our families, by taking preventative action to thwart attempts to steal, damage or cayuse harm to us, our friends or our families.

Sometimes there is little that can be done to stave against some of the methods that these nefarious characters ply. By contacting your local locksmith or consulting with an industry approved locksmith with accreditation from notable associations like the SOPL (Society of Professional Locksmiths), ALOA or a couple of other notable groups, the consumer might find ways and means to protect themselves, their friends, their families and their properties, this festive season.

Providing security advice and offering quality security products and services are the principal aims of the locksmith trade. Not all locksmiths, just make keys to cars.

We wish you the happiest and least stressful holiday season. We wish you a happy, healthy and secure festive season.

(source...)

Apple Withdraws August And Kevo Smart Locks From Its Shelves

According to an article in Techhive, a tech industry online magazine, Apple have pulled the popular August and Kwikset Kevo Smart Locks from their stores.

Apparently Apple have decided to only include products that adhere to their chosen HomeKit Smartphone platform.

While this may be interesting news for Apple iPhone users and existing owners of August and Kevo products, I think it is not surprising.

Apple is a forward thinking tech giant that offers premium quality products at premium prices and aligning themselves with cheap stuff doesnt really seem an appropriate fit for America's leading company.

We have posted articles about the August Smart Lock and also the Kwikset Kevo in the recent past and we continue to remain totally unimpressed by the products.

There is no doubt that electronics embedded in door locks is here to stay. But the quality of door lock, you choose to have on your home or office can say much about you. Choose wisely.

(source...)

Audi, BMW And Mercedes Targeted - Bold Thieves Operating Smash And Grab Pattern

Many car owners feel pretty secure leaving their car keys in a bowl when they get home from work. Yet, statistics show that the increased boldness of thieves to break in while you are home, is increased. According to a recent report in the Herald Sun newspaper, Sgt Ferguson, of the Moorabbin Police force said, "“We’re seeing a trend where people are breaking into houses while you’re there, "

Forget picking locks for a minute.
Burglars know that the most productive method of entry is to smash their way in.
As locksmiths, it is our desire to create the simplest yet secure product meeting our customers budgets.

We offer simple, cost effective products aimed at stopping the "Smash and Grab".

From preventing Door Frame Failure to preventing Glass Breakage we can protect against the smash and grab.

According to the article thieves are targeting Audi, BMW and Mercedes owners among many luxury brands. They lurk nearby waiting to pounce when they see your vehicle. Often these thieves will use your car to cause mayhem.

(source...)

Pocket Doors Are The Future Of Building - Maximising Internal Living Space Actually Increases The Value Of Your Home

Our best selling product, the fabulous Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock, continues to outsell almost any other product in our inventory.

The ease of installation and the smart/modern look, is sought after by many and varying customers across North America.

We are receiving increased interest and orders from builder-contractors too, who sometimes call me and say that they are tired of being "sold to" by an number of supposed "experts", who suggest that their product recommendation is the only choice to solve an obviously simple problem of just securing a pocket door.

The increasing number of property owners who rent out their properties, yet want to keep one cupboard full of their tools and other housing necessities secured from community use. Many are building cupboards that use a pocket door because pocket doors minimize the space requirements often required by typical outward opening swinging cupboard doors (often 9'²). that is 9 square feet of space required to be left empty, just to be able to use a door.

A pocket door saves that space, but often there are few quality products that can secure a pocket door suitably.

Using a pocket door, instead of a swinging door increases the usable living space of a room. In today's competitive housing market, more and more homeowners are seeking to maximize the amount of space inside their homes. Installing pocket doors does just that. It increases the usable living space of rooms in a dwelling. Consequently, more useful living space, adds greater value to a home and it's resale value.

We had mentioned about a temporary price reduction for the Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock back at the beginning of September and that the price will be increasing around November 1st.
We have continued this discounted price a little bit longer but we will be returning to the old price by the end of the month (probably sooner).

If you are on the fence about purchasing, it will be going back to the original price of $125.00 each very soon, so get on and purchase now to save at least $10.

D&D Technologies Release New Hydraulic Gate Closer/Hinge Hybrid

D&D Technologies, the world leading gate locking system and hinge producer from Australia have just introduced another revolutionary item to their vast range of superior gate hardware and locking systems. The SureClose ReadyFit Closer And Hinge will dramatically improve new or existing gates and how they operate.

Watch the video above to see the simple installation and setting.
This product will work with gates up to 260lbs.
It is for outward opening fittings, which makes it ideal for swimming pool enclosures, especially at country club estates, housing communities, gated communities or anywhere with a communal access swimming pool or gated entry.

(source...)

We Are Back - New Posts Coming That Detail Finds from Our Trip Abroad

We return from abroad armed with new information and details about new products, updates to old products and new items that we believe many of our readers will find interesting.

Stay tuned!

Popular Mechanics Article Shares Opinion About New Age Smart-Locks

A new article has appeared today in Popular Mechanics magazine (online - and due to be printed in the October 2015 print edition) giving readers an opinion of the authors feeling about the new smart locks that are being seen across America.

The article, written by popular guest author Schuyler Towne (also an admin at Lockpicking101.com), offers an opinion that is supported by many lock industry professionals, home handymen, DIY'ers, building contractors and any homeowner that has seen the failure of their new prized smart lock.

Schuyler makes a really good point that many residential locks today might look really good, but dont actually improve the security of your home. In fact, the emergence of electronics in many smart locks has forced the manufacturers to skimp a little on the security aspect of these locks, by packing the needed wiring in place of better construction, using battery technology that really hasnt improved since the last century, all in the aim to keep costs competitive.

Like many locksmiths and other industry professionals, Schuyler points out that the age of the mechanical key will still be with us for a great many years to come. Sure, the beauty of being able to operate your entry with your smart phone is appealing (at least until the smartphone battery dies or the lock batteries wear out), but in reality, most of us are still going to be carrying the mechanical key "just in case", no?

Or the ability to give temporary access to the babysitter or the scheduled utility repair-person with a one off access code, certainly does present a part of the appeal factor because you no longer need to give them a key or leave one out under the flower pot, right?

But in reality, leaving out your spare key can open another can of worms. By NOT using a restricted key or key control system.

We do offer some better quality "smart" locks that can be installed with restricted key control cylinders instead of the ones that come with the average lock, that prevents unauthorized duplication.

Of course most restricted key control cylinders are significantly more expensive and can add significantly to your cost, but how much is the contents of your home really worth to you?

How much is your families safety and security really worth, compared to the average smart lock, where almost anyone and their relative can access so easily?

The article appears in the source below.

(source...)

A Locksmith In - A New Directory For Locksmiths

A new directory/portal in currently being built for genuine locksmiths to list their businesses and numbers.

The administrators are offering 1 free page that they will design for locksmiths and include a link to their own website.

This will be a permanent record that we hope many locksmiths will avail themselves of.

If you are a locksmith and would like another source to be listed in, for no charge, consider being an early adopter.

We all know that a wider online presence can only help our businesses.

Check out www.alocksmithin.com

Post Revisited - Knock 'N Lock - A Revolution In Access Control Technology

We have the complete parts and price list for this very interesting, yet disruptive technology. While in the video, they say it is tailored to commercial, industrial, government and defense properties, many of their products do find a market in the specialty residential market too.

Knock N' Lock unique access control products have been around a few years now. We first published an article here back in June 2007.

The video above gives a typical scenario where the product can be typically suited. There are, of course many other applications where this product is especially useful.

Essentially, the lock system uses no visible outside keyhole and consequently ensures total access control to authorised remote control users. Yes, you still require to use the especially designed key, but without a conventional keyhole of any kind, surreptitious attack of a conventional keyhole is avoided, significantly enhancing the security of the application.

View the company website in the source below for further details about this superb access control solution.

(source...)

Best Of St Louis Award - 8 Consecutive Years

Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Master Key Systems America, LLC Receives 2015 St. Louis Award

St. Louis Award Program Honors the Achievement
ST. LOUIS March 4, 2015 -- Master Key Systems America, LLC has been selected for the 2015 St. Louis Award in the Locksmiths & Keys category by the St. Louis Award Program.
Each year, the St. Louis Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the St. Louis area a great place to live, work and play.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2015 St. Louis Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the St. Louis Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About St. Louis Award Program

The St. Louis Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the St. Louis area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.
The St. Louis Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community's contributions to the U.S. economy.
SOURCE: St. Louis Award Program

CONTACT:
St. Louis Award Program
Email: PublicRelations@local-best.com
URL: http://www.local-best.com


(source...)

Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock - Price Reduction

We decided today to temporarily reduce the price of this product. We have dropped it by $10 to $115 + shipping.

The reasons for this reduction are multiple:

First, the currency exchange rate has dropped which makes purchasing direct from Australian resellers more competitive with us.

Second, the manufacturer just announced that due to the increasing cost of raw materials, the large drop in the currency in the last few weeks and the increasing cost of manufacture in China, they will be instituting a 7% across the board price increase  November 1st 2015.

With international shipping costs with carriers like US Post or Fedex Or UPS, the average per unit shipping cost from Australia for this product, that weighs 3lbs bagged, is about $75.00. These costs often do not include customs duty, that will be the responsibility of the purchaser (often not noted on overseas merchants websites).

So when you see comparison prices from abroad that indicate AU$45.00 - AU$49.00 per unit (US$31.50 at exchange rate of AU$1 = US$0.70) and then add the average international shipping cost of US$75.00 (depending on carrier), this equals about US$105.50 for 1 unit. Expect to receive an invoice from your carrier for customs duties, broker fees and supplemental charges, sometimes up to 30 days after receiving your product. The amount of duties, fees and supplemental charges are unknown, because each shipper and customs officer can apply the correct customs code at their discretion. Dont forget that any change in the currency exchange rate can affect your cost at any time.

So....purchasing your product from abroad may seem like a method to save a few dollars however often you will be paying significantly more with unknown charges arriving after receipt of product.

Or simply purchase from us to avoid this whole mess.

August Smart Lock Reviews - Not so Smart II

We have mentioned about the August Smart lock numerous times over the last couple of years and finally have found a number of reviews about this product that we feel important to share.

Some of the reviews below are from multiple countries and experiences and may not be an accurate portrayal of the product, however often online reviews are helpful to convince a would be purchaser that they are making the correct decision about a product or service.


These first set of reviews are sourced from the Apple App Store. There are multiple pages of reviews there. We are including a selection from the first page... (click on the link above to read more)

The impetus here is not to denigrate the product offering, but more to provide our readers with more information about the product to assist with their personal research.

(reviews after the jump)

Heritage Locksmiths - Buffalo NY

Heritage Locksmiths, owned by a colleague and fellow member of The Society of Professional Locksmiths is a family owned and operated professional locksmith company servicing the greater Buffalo, New York region.

Heritage are also fellow Bilock distributors and are our recommended NY service center for all Bilock Extreme Security bump proof and virtually pick proof restricted key systems.

Many years experience and a penchant for continual learning, Hillel and his team are practised in the art and craft of locksmithing.

Specialising in Automotive, Commercial and Residential locksmith and security services, they are more than just another mobile service. they have a professional workshop and showroom and hold some inventory to meet the needs of their discerning clientelle.

If you reside in the greater Buffalo NY region, I highly recommend Heritage locksmiths as your first choice for reputable, knowledgeable and prompt service and expertise.

(source...)

Joystick Door Handle Concept

 Well it seems that many designers around the world are actively designing concepts aimed at making life easier for all of us.

Perhaps this concept designer is unaware about the fabulous Meroni handle collection, designed and produced in Milan Italy since the 1970's.

We are proud to be the North American distributor of the Serrature Meroni line of door locks, hardware, hinges, camlocks, padlocks, furniture locks,

This concept door handle may indeed appeal to the pilots among us and even to the amputees and others with disabilities, who may be looking for a unique concept.

Meroni have already commercially produced a wide variety of simple to operate door handles in stylish designs and wide varying colors and finishes.

 The statistics pointed out in these pictures, I have not verified and cannot attest to their accuracy but i suggest that it may be correct, the very possibility that many disabled's or amputee's or even the less mobile among us are unaware of the many products that already exist aimed at maximizing their ability to interact with everyday items like door handles.

The drawings here are on the mark for some of the problems experienced by arthritis sufferers, amputees and even people with their arms full.

While I doubt that this concept will see the light of day, especially while companies like Serrature Meroni are already producing high quality and especially aesthetically pleasing, easy to install and operate handle hardware, locks and related products.

We are seeing increasing awareness and interest in the fabulous Serrature Meroni range of handles that include the original Nova - push button knob (available since 1972), the oval shaped Forma press button handle sets, the modern Combina cap-press handle sets and the especially simple to operate lever type version that comes in 3 distinct styles, the Pigio 1, 2 or 3.

While the Joystick handle looks like a novel approach that may appeal to some, I doubt the concept will be commercially viable, especially because there are already significant players across the world who already produce handle-sets aimed at helping the less privileged among us to still enjoy life simply.




(source...)

Okey - The Key Chain For Runners

A Kickstarter campaign that never received full funding, Okey is a novel concept that could aid fitness fanatics who are looking for that simple lightweight solution to enjoying their run while unencumbered by the jingling and dangling of keys on their body.

A concept that didnt generate enough interest through Kickstarter but may be produced by another entrepeneur who can see (even) a small select market.

(source...)