SALTO - Wireless Access Control

Last year we wrote about SALTO access control systems. We update this information with some of their latest introductions.

Imagine being able to control all the doors in a building from one central location with just the click of a mouse. Imagine being able to monitor your access network, delete key cards and download audit trail information all in real-time.

Imagine being able to do all of this without wires. SALTO was the first company to develop electronic access control without the need for expensive hard wiring with their SALTO Virtual Network data on card technology.

Now, in response to market needs, they’re introducing the SALTO real-time battery powered wireless system.




SALTO wireless system is an on-line real-time battery powered access control system that uses radio frequency technology to communicate in real-time with the central computer.

The wireless electronic escutcheons

Huge range of solutions for almost any kind of door compatible with European, Scandinavian, ANSI (American National Standards Institute) or Australian mortise locks. For panic bar doors, glass door
locks and even narrow profile doors.

The SALTO escutcheons are compatible with Mifare, Mifare plus, DESfire, DESfire EV1, Picopass, iClass and Skidata and NFC.So you can use existing RFID cards, reducing start up costs, and minimizing system commissioning issues.

The SALTO escutcheon is intelligent and takes the decision to grant or deny access based on the users rights. The answer is immediate with no communication needed with the server or controllers, avoiding possible network problems and no emergency master key needed.

In case of network failure, access is granted through SALTO Virtual Network technology without compromising security or the user’s access rights.

System Benefits

• The SALTO wireless system combines the efficiency of both on-line and off-line applications in a single system.
• Real-time communication with state-of-the-art SALTO stand alone battery powered escutcheons simplifies security management and provides unrivalled levels of access control flexibility.
• It uses AES128 bits encrypted radio frequency communication based on IEEE 802.15.4 at 2,4Ghz to transfer information from escutcheons to the PC through strategically located gateways or repeaters.
• The wireless system is so efficient that battery power consumption is close to that of our standard battery powered electronic escutcheons.
• Real time audit trail: View door access in real time without having to visit the door.
• Real time door control: view door status in real time.
• Real time battery control: Monitor battery maintenance by viewing the lock battery status in real time.
• Key management: Resolved in real time as the locks receive cancelled key updates as soon as they are generated.
• Any number of doors can be equipped with the SALTO wireless system at much lower cost than a conventional wired access control solution.
• Gateways and repeaters act as antennas, collecting and sending information from the PC to the stand alone wireless locks. One gateway can manage several repeaters and electronic escutcheons, minimizing infrastructure costs and maximizing flexibility.
• The SALTO wireless system is compatible with most common RFID technologies including Mifare/DESfire, Inside Picopass, Legic and HID iClass. This makes integration easy and in most cases you can continue using your existing cards for all your applications.

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Creve Coeur MO Crime Statistics 30 Days to August 18 2010

I reside in the town of Creve Coeur, MO. My town, like most other regions across the country is not immune to crime.

This month we report the latest statistics reported by the Creve Coeur Police Department.

Theft - 44

Alarm Response - 120

Break & Enter - 3

Robbery - 2

We display the incidents listed above. This does not include all incidents, but just an example of the types and quantities of incidents requiring police attendance.

The surprising high quantity of alarm calls includes fire alarms and burglar alarms. Many of these incidents may include false alarms, but this indicates that either the alarm systems may be faulty or people accidentally set off their alarms and did not call their security company to cancel.

The police do not attend for nothing. Often there is a significant charge to the resident for police attendance and fire service or emergency service attendance, on top of the already steep taxes we residents pay to these departments.

For precise locations of the incidents, click on the source.

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PTZ WiFi CCTV Camera

I recently installed some of these CCTV cameras to a small business intent on securely monitoring their property.

Surprisingly inexpensive and made from very good quality components, the abilities of this wondrous gizmo are astonishing considering it retails for a little less than $100.

It comes with purposely built software allowing for up to 9 cameras to be viewed on your computer. Each camera maintains it's own IP address, enabling you to use Direct DNS systems to view the content (what it sees) over the internet.

It has a limited zoom capability but the pan and tilt functions are superb. It has an ethernet port allowing for wired connections too, apart from WiFi. Sometimes WiFi signals can be interrupted by brick walls and significant cabling and wiring built into the infrastructure of buildings. This is why they have included the ethernet port, to allow for hard wired access too.

I am experimenting with PoE (power over ethernet) devices too, which will allow for installing quasi-wireless systems using the existing electricity supply in dwellings. Effectively, PoE might just be the answer to our prayers for enabling wireless control of computer peripherals without necessarily using a wireless router.

I must say, I'm fairly impressed by this product and so far my customer seems to be reasonably happy too.

Biometric Fingerprint Door Locks (or not)...

I strongly recommend that prospective customers of biometric products, thoroughly investigate and evaluate their decision making prior to purchasing some biometric fingerprint locks.

The fault above is common to a number of different manufacturers. There are other bypasses too, but this is one of the more simple ones to understand.

When you also consider that fingerprint locks seem to have difficulty scanning the prints of elder people, you might want to reconsider seriously your impetus for purchasing this kind of product.

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Some Safes Should Not Be Called Safes...

Many of the above style of safes can be found at the big box hardware and department stores, like Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes, K-Mart and Target. These "safes" are marketed as secure but in fact are by no means worthy of being titled "safe".

What do you think? Would you purchase something like this to secure your valuables? I hope not!

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Kwikset Smartkey Fault... more problems

I certainly hope you havent invested in the latest Kwikset Smartkey technology. The problems with this product continue to mount.

Baldwin products were recently purchased by the same parent company as Kwikset and have started making their locks and hardware using the same types of cylinders.

If you purchase new products from any of these related manufacturers, you need to be aware that the techniques for opening these locks are too easy to duplicate.

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New ANSI Gr 1 Push Button Entrance Hardware about to be released...

Standard Features

Fingerprints Accepted: No

Biometric Sensor Type: No

PIN Codes Accepted: 99 users + 3 Admin codes (for programming)

Mechanical Key Override: Yes

Cylinder Type: Mortise rim cylinder (replaceable). Schalge "C" keyway; 6-pin

2 keys included

Latch Type: ANSI Grade 1, US Apartment-style mortise (with deadbolt)

Door Thickness: 1-3/8 to 2 inches

Certifications: CE, ANSI, UL

Power Source: 4 AA batteries (6v)

Hardwired: No

Install Outdoors: Yes

Weatherproof: Yes

Handedness: Field Reversible by installation professional

Available Finishes: Satin Nickel (US15), Satin Chrome (US26D), Polished Brass (US3)

Antique Brass (US5), Chrome (US26)

Warranty: One Year

Special Features: One-Time Passage Mode, Free-Wheeling Clutch design,

Free Passage Mode (keeps SK1 unlocked), Individual user removal

Audit Trail: No

Networking: No

Installation Rating: Professional

Fits doors machined per ANSI A115.1 (Type 86) Mortise Lock prep

Applications: Residential, Commercial, Outdoors or Indoors

Accessories/Upgrades: Curved Lever (shown above) is standard. Specify ADA Lever

or Straight Lever when ordering.

This product has not been released yet, but it planned for release soon. More information when available.

Our most popular searches for July 2010 include...

The month of July, 2010 realized 397 direct hits from searches on this website. Just short of our all time monthly record, it shows a definite upward trend in hits from search results.

Month over month we show a 27% increase in search query results.

Pictured to the left we show the more popular search terms from our analytics. These terms are collected from all the search engines and are the most common searched for terms that lead people to this site.

While I am pleasantly surprised at the inclusion of our signature product Bilock into this months list, Pocket door locks with key, continues to post significant gains in popularity. Interesting too is the quantity of searches for Schlage Securekey Problems.

We are finding increasing quantities of calls locally for door repairs, especially due to the increased extreme weather conditions experienced this year. These door repairs include warping thresholds, doors dropping, hinges loose etc.

Our primary training is in the field of locksmithing, but locksmithing actually is an amalgamation of a number of other specialist trades. Specifically Boilermaker, Fitter and Turner, Welder, Carpenter, Auto Mechanic, Machinist, Lathe Operator, electronics technician, architect.

Master keying is a part of the trade that is unique to locksmiths. Many modern day proximity card system manufacturers take their ideas from the advances made by the locksmith industry. If it were not for locksmiths, many of todays quality physical and electronic security products may not have been created. It is because of locksmiths that many of todays security products are scrutinized to determine their viability for market.

Consulting your local locksmith should be considered a priority in any decisions about door locks, hardware, security systems, keys, access control and protection for your home, office, colleagues and family.

Lost Keys...

The employment situation, the last couple of years has seen many companies retrenching many employees that hold keys to the office. The regular need to re-key locks often involves replacing all the keys in the office.

But what if you could own a system where each individual employee has their own unique original key, different from each other and copy proof.

Basically, a low tech approach to access control that minimizes the cost of having to change locks and replace every other employee's key. When you lose that key, you can easily remove it from the system without affecting any other users.

New sophisticated low tech solutions are now available. Please email us for details.

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Competitive lockpicking growing in US popularity

SOMERVILLE, Mass.—Schuyler Towne took a gleaming brass lock, inserted a small bent piece of flat steel into the keyhole and gently applied finger pressure. Then he slid in a lockpick and manipulated the mechanism until it swung open, in less than 20 seconds.

Towne, 26, is not a burglar. He's a lockpicking instructor and part of a growing competitive movement called "locksport" that involves learning the theory of locks, analyzing the devices and figuring out ways to quickly defeat the systems without destroying them.

While lockpickers thrive on the intellectual thrill of beating all sorts of locks, they oppose attempts to use the skill for mischievous purposes and have laid down universal ethical guidelines: "You never pick a lock you don't own and you never pick a lock that's in regular use," Towne said.

Some lockpickers observe a code of responsible disclosure by providing manufacturers information on weaknesses they discover in locks they defeat -- just like responsible computer hackers do when they detect security flaws in software.

Still, the sport worries some law enforcement authorities, like James Pasco of the National Fraternal Order of Police.

"I'm sure that they are having a good time and I'm sure that the vast majority of people engaged in it are just puzzle solvers of a sort, (but) you run the absolute risk of educating criminals who might be inclined to pick locks for illegal purposes, you know," Pasco said.

Babak Javadi of the U.S. chapter of The Open Organization Of Lockpickers, or TOOOL, disagrees. He says locksport requires enthusiasts to invest a lot of time and patience to learn the skills. What's more, crooks are likely to use crowbars and saws to quickly pick locks because they do not care about surreptitious entry, he said.

The practice of lockpicking is generally legal if the picker owns the lock or has explicit permission from the owner to pick it. But possession, creation and distribution of lockpicking tools may be illegal, depending on the location.

Locksport fans compete in several formats, including head-to-head contests that determine the fastest lock picker. In the so-called Locksport Wizard, each contestant is given a burlap sack containing an identical set of locks and is required to blindly pick them using only tools they have put in the sack.

In other challenges, participants have to pick their way out of handcuffs before attempting to defeat a set of locks. There also are competitions to disassemble locks and reassemble them properly.

"This is why I pick: I love competing," Towne said. "Nothing makes me happier than sitting down across from another person and attempting to open a lock faster than they can."

Towne's group meets once a month in a Somerville garage converted into a studio for artists. Winners at its contests take only one prize -- pride in being the best lockpicker.

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ALOA National Convention 2010 Orlando FLA

The Associated Locksmiths Of America (ALOA) are holding their annual convention this year, August 1-8 at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando Florida.

This is the 54th annual conference and security expo of the most widely known locksmith industry showcase. The trade exhibit's run August 5, 6 & 7.

ALOA are expecting significant attendance from across the country and around the world. Exhibitors from the leading security products manufacturing companies are all providing booths and show specials.

We intend to showcase some of the exhibitors with articles here. We hope you find these products and news interesting.

Kwikset Smartkey Problems...

8/23/2018 UPDATE: We just updated the video above to a better video from our colleague Terry Whin-Yates.




Came across an interesting blogpost today that has several comments by product users, all complaining about similar problems shortly after installing Kwikset Smartkey locks.

One such comment by a poster....

"Our smartkey failed this evening. We locked both deadbolt and door as we left, came home to locked out. I called kwikset and after working with them on the phone trying to wiggle the key to the 1/4 turn position to try and get it to the learn position – nothing worked. The customer support person said since we had keys duplicated using the grinding method instead of having a locksmith stamp them out the keys had made the cams in the lock out of alignment. I asked CS how we will get in if we are on the OUTSIDE wanting in and he said we would have to either find another way in or drill out the cylinder. They are sending a replacement cylinder. No thanks – I don’t want to take the chance."

Another...

"My husband just bought this and installed it yesterday. While “rekeying” to our key, it stopped working! Now both the key that came with it doesn’t open the door nor the new key. I was looking for the company’s website for troubleshooting the problem and found this! Glad we kept the receipt as this installation is not continuing! Thank you all for commenting! You are saving more people from getting ripped off with this lock!"

Another...

"What a nightmare.My baby boy moves out to his first house and buys the kwikset smartkey to assure his security.comes home one night,pouring down rain and 28 degrees outside cant get in the house the key doesnt fit the lock .He has to sleep out in the car all night long.what a nightmare.never again will a smartkey be bought especially $80.00.there needs to be a recall on the kwikset smartkey.what a let down."

Another...

"What a joke, installed YESTERDAY, worked perfectly fine until coming home today with groceries and a 6 month old, to find out our key no longer worked. Was told by customer service that this is NOT an issue and people do not have this problem (Obviously I told him to check this website, because he was wrong)

Option one, I can take the deadbolt off my front door to bring to Home Depot and have them fix the lock, which would leave my house unsecure as there would be NO lock on my door. The other option is to wait 5-7 days for a new lock from them. He said the new lock they will send me is more efficient then the one month old lock already installed and he guarantees it will not have this problem.

In the meantime, how the heck am I supposed to get in and out of my house if my lock doesn’t work?

WHAT A JOKE! Take these stupid things offffff the market"

Another...

" I received the new smart key cylinder from

Kwieset and installed it on the front door. From the get-go I had problems, only some of the existing keys worked. Bought new keys and they seemed to work better for a short time. Now they are giving me problems. I have to jiggle them inside the lock to unlock the door and even now they are giving me problems. Finally I had enough: no trust in the lock and never knew when I would be locked out again. I took the smart key cylinder out and installed the old lock, which is a non smart key. At least now I have peace of mind that it will always work. I am keeping the old smart key locks, because I know with all the problems that everybody is having, there has to be a recall and maybe I can get my money back, but I will not hold my breath. Keep complaining to Kwikset about the so called smart key. I wasn’t very smart to buy it in the first place."

Many people seem to think that locksmith services are too expensive. In fact locksmith services are often cheaper than purchasing the DIY products from the big box hardware stores, because locksmiths have taken the time and training to master their product lines. Installation, service, maintenance all taken care of by a true technician with experience in the field.

I understand the perception that DIY is often cheaper, but realistically the locksmith (one of the oldest professions) has deliberately trained to service, advise and protect consumers from the poor advice and suggestions often received at the big box stores from untrained, unknowing part time sales assistants.

I regularly see both Kwikset Smartkey and Schlage Securekey products in the field. Often they are purchased by consumers at the big box hardware stores because most locksmiths refuse to stock them.

I can easily reset the tumblers for clients, often because they have lost the reset tool for the Kwikset or are simply unaware that the process is uncomplicated. The Schlage Securekey is a little more complicated process to re-key, but this is because many customers no longer have access to the blue reset key.

For the better (and often cheaper) products, visit your local locksmith today and find out the why's and how's behind purchasing suitable functional and correct locking systems and products.

See also Kwikset Smartkey Locks - Making Keys

Kwikset Smartkey Fault


Kwikset Smartkey Non-Destructive Entry

Remote Controlled Motor Cycle Alarm System

The business of security products often involves finding solutions tailored to many and varied needs.

There are a great many motorcycle riders on the roads and securing their bikes is as important as securing their cars or homes.

Many motorcycles are often parked on the street and are of interest to many pedestrians. Sometimes these pedestrians are over eager in their appreciation and affection for the bike they are admiring, often touching or even climbing aboard a parked bike.

Worse still, are the thieves who steal bikes. How do you stop them? A determined thief cannot be stopped, but as a locksmith and security products and services provider, I am constantly looking at quality and inexpensive devices that aid owners in protecting their property. Pictured here is an extremely affordable motor cycle alarm system that when professionally installed, not only sounds an alarm, but can prevent the bike from being started too.

If you own a motorcycle then this is a must buy. Protect your investment with an affordable yet powerful security solution offering complete peace of mind. This is a simple DIY installation unit with no special tools needed.

With a user-friendly remote control alarm setup, the bike is fully protected from tamper and theft once the audio and phonic alarm is armed. If the motorcycle is touched, the alarm siren will beep and the direction lights will flash. And, if the motorcycle is touched again within 20 seconds, the alarm siren will trigger fully and sound constantly with the direction lights flashing quickly. The motorcycle engine will be locked and rendered inoperative at this stage.

The system also has an anti-hijacking feature causing the motorcycle engine to be cut off after a short period. The sensitivity of the alarm system can be easily adjusted by remote to four different settings according to your specific needs. For additional peace of mind, an emergency security function ensures that the engine is completely immobilized should the motorcycle be started up forcibly.

With its effective functionality and ease of use, this alarm system is an affordable security solution for any motorcycle, providing maximum peace of mind.

$45.00 + Shipping.

Genuine inquiries by email preferred.

OZI Lock

OZI Lock is another Australian manufactured supreme quality mortise door lock, that is available in both 60mm (2-3/8") backset and 45 mm (1-3/4") backset.

Especially designed to comply with the international building code. This stylish and modern approach to locking system design and function, provides much sought after solutions to building design and hardware selection.

I think the ability to install easily into multiple different styles and builds of doors, separates this product from other considerations.

Clearly, Nidus have have positioned themselves in a new and exciting world of form and function hardware. They (like me) are keen promoters of Italian design and quality products as well.

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Locksmith Scam Busted, thanks in part to Missouri

Crime Statistics - West St Louis County June 1-30, 2010

The map here represents crime incidents reported by St Louis County Police for the West County Precinct, for June 2010.

As usual, we are primarily concerned with Burglary, Robbery, Larceny.

There are 150 of these incidents reported to St Louis County Police in June.

It seems the higher rates of these crimes are appearing in Chesterfield, Manchester, Wildwood and Ballwin.

Crime prevention involves adequately securing your premises with suitable and correctly functioning products.

We prefer not to report the precise location of these crimes and if you want to know the block and street location of these crimes, please click the source.

We are regularly servicing both residential and commercial clients in the West St Louis County region, securing their properties, repairing faulty lock and door products and re-keying properties (to prevent unauthorised access).

We can help you with that sticky lock, that rubbing door or that sliding patio or pocket door that is hard to operate.

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Bilock Press Release July 16, 2010

BiLock is proud to announce the certification of the BiLock New Generation Quick Change Core locking system to EN 1303.

This high security standard is the pinnacle of security standards in Europe.

After extensive internal testing, and some additional upgrades, we are getting ready

to submit an even more improved version for US and Canada certification.

This BiLock system will far exceed the requirements set forth in UL 437.

The new design will also thwart even the most sophisticated picking and decoding tools that are in use by the US intelligence agencies.

Our rigorous testing and the certifications demonstrate that a convenient interchangeable core system can be manufactured to withstand physical attack, picking, and decoding and still be a real value for end users.

We expect to be in full production of this newer generation product this fall.

Honda Motorcycles Now Secured By Meroni

The motorcycles of the great Japanese manufacture are protected by Meroni locks.

Among the many companies that have adopted Meroni products for their guaranteed and certified quality is the prestigious motorcycle manufacturer, Honda.

The core of the chosen locking device is the 33 series, certified by the CNPP and TUV institutes, that lies at the heart of many of Meroni's leading products, including the antitheft-padlock Luccotto. and the innovative UFO 'versatile defender'.

The key characteristics of this drill-proof, anti-picking steel locking device, available with over 250,000 combinations and designed to withstand determined attack, made it the ideal device around which to build locks for the Japanese motorcycles. A Honda motorcycle is a high-value item that must often be left unattended at insecure locations; it deserves the kind of high-quality security protection offered by the 33 series from Serrature Meroni.

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Pratiko by Meroni - A New, Easy To Install Furniture Handle

Quality construction, easy fitting and high versatility make Pratiko a true resource for furniture manufacturers

A detailed market survey among producers of office furniture revealed a strong demand for new closure solutions that were faster to fit, had fewer component variants and with a greater emphasis on quality. Meroni's first response to this demand is Pratiko., the revolutionary patented doorknob design that satisfies all of the requirements in a single model.

Pratiko is easy to fit in a few simple steps

1) remove the lock cylinder using the special extraction key

2) mount the Pratiko knob on the cylinder

3) insert the lock cylinder into the Pratiko knob

Pratiko is versatile

Pratiko is extremely flexible and is totally compatible with all Meroni cylinder locks. It is also equipped with a special adaptor device, allowing it to be used on panels ranging from 17 to 21 mm in thickness. In addition, thanks to a special spacer system, Pratiko eliminates the play that is often a problem between the door and a handle not perfectly flush with the panel surface.

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Lockable Stopcock By Serrature Meroni

There is growing demand from utility companies for stopcocks with integrated security locks. Much of this demand is being driven by the introduction of new regulatory standards, in particular UNI-CIG 9036/01, which stipulates that, for reasons of safety, the stopcock fitted to each meter should be operable only by the user. The requirement can only be satisfied by fitting stopcocks with security as well as, in the case of single users, lockable cabinets.

The new Meroni 26RB5 is a patented lock system which is even more secure, flexible and quick to install and can be used on every type of stopcock – water, gas or compressed air.

Thanks to its automatic fitting system, the 26RB5 can be installed in half the time of a conventional stopcock lock.

In addition to the 26RB5, the 28RB5 model is a stopcock lock with body and cylinder in brass.

— brass tumbler lock with zama alloy body

— personalised groups of combination codes available for individual suppliers

— reversible key with over 500 combinations

— dust cover for maximum protection from dirt and weather

— automatic locking – key required for opening

— cylinder with service suspension key – lock dismantles for easy replacement

Many educational institutions and local councils would benefit from being able to secure the taps of their watering systems, reducing the crimes of convenience committed by persons wishing to disrupt normal efficient operations.

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Breaking News - Bioaxxis Development Corp Close Their Doors

July 3, 2010 - The BBB (Better Business Bureau) report that Bioaxxis Development Corporation, makers of the innovative BD1 Deadbolt and Thumblock, have recently closed their operations.

Bioaxxis were at the forefront of biometric access technology, producing some surprisingly inexpensive yet good quality modern, aesthetically appealing and functional security hardware.

Personally, we found the products to be useful but in low demand.

The Kwikset & Schlage cheap mentality era is still upon the USA.

We will be clearing our excess stocks and anticipate reductions to cost + shipping.

Used properly and in conducive environments, the products hold up well. I did find some age related implications for the product line, however. It seemed that there was a problem with the scanners ability to properly load, store and distinguish fingerprints in the memory, but only of people over 65.

It is a known issue, that as we age, we literally wear out and sometimes fingerprints are one of the first body parts to wear.

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Solar Powered Power Option For Electronic Security Products

Securitron recently released their new line addition, the BPSS.

Combine the solar collection panel with their CCM-1N-S NEMA-39 Module Wall Mount Cabinet and Controller and you have one of the more advanced power supplies available today.

The uses of this product greatly enhance opportunities for property owners to electronically secure remote entrances, especially locations where current mains power is unavailable.

Especially designed and mounted with a south facing panel, you can now have year around power (off the grid), significantly reducing your installation and infrastructure costs.

The product is available with either a 1o watt or 20 watt power rating. The cabinet can allow for up to 4 - 12 VDC 5 amp hour lead acid batteries, to store between 9 and 18 hours power (for nighttime use).

Solar Panel operating temperature -40º F - 185º F (-40ºC-85ºC)

Solar Panel Type: High efficiency photovoltaic using silicon nitride multicrystalline cells.

Controller: Anodized aluminum case with marine rated terminals

100% solid state

Fully encapsulated in epoxy potting

Green charging LED

Approved for use in hazardous locations -

Class 1, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D

Voltage Output: 14.4 VDC maximum

The benefits of this product are immediately noted. The ability to bring affordable electronic security to the mass market has been realized. The barriers to entry due to lack of infrastructure are now eliminated.

This will be especially helpful to builders and contractors looking to protect their project sites with around the clock electronic security that is almost costless to run.

Price on application.

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Schlage Securekey Problems

Reports are coming in about significant problems with the new Schlage Securekey product line. Specifically, these problems include design manufacture inconsistencies and parts not performing the task for which they were designed.

Apparently, some of the internal pin tumbler workings are known to separate from the side bar element, causing keys to not work as they are supposed to.

There have been reports of the cylinders able to be re-keyed without the use of the special key provided.

People locked out of Schlage Securekey products have generally required the product destroyed and replaced, because of the apparent inability or difficulty to have a key determined.

We are looking into these claims and plan to report more as we find out.

See Schlage Securekey Fault

Schlage Securekey Bumped

Baldwin Hardware - Now Using Kwikset Key Cylinders

Baldwin Hardware Products are well known throughout the marketplace as manufacturers of superior quality hardware. It is unfortunate that new Baldwin products are now being made with Kwikset Smartkey cylinders. This represents a slap in the face to consumers, locksmiths and hardware providers everywhere, in my opinion. I suggest that Baldwin may have difficulties in future, honoring their lifetime warranties.

There is a bright side however, many of their products are able to use after-market cylinders, enabling third party manufacturers to still provide significantly better quality key cylinders and continue the ability to master key as necessary.

Locksmith Hardware - Competing With Brand Name Products

Locksmiths across the world sell multiple different brands of hardware. The more well known brands, like Schlage and Kwikset are often found in the big box chain stores as well as locksmith shops, but often there are other less well known but competitively priced alternatives, that sometimes are manufactured from better quality materials that many customers will never see on the rack.

I really like the Cal-Royal brand products because they offer a wide range of hardware that is excellent quality and competitively priced to the mainstream big name brands.

I have also recently been using the LSDA brand of hardware products, because they are found more locally to

me and are stocked by local distributors. Pictured to the left here are some of the products in their range. LSDA are rarely found other than at locksmith companies, but their quality is exemplary and their prices are very competitive to Schlage and Kwikset. They offer the ability to key to either Kwikset or Schlage type keys.

When choosing to update your door hardware, it is worthwile to consider alternative brands to the big name stuff, because often the products come with significantly longer warranties than the brand name stuff and their prices are super-competitive.

LSDA product come with a lifetime warranty on finish (plating) and a 15 year warranty on mechanical parts.

The price point is super competitive and parts can be easily sourced by any locksmith in the country, so you are not required to necessarily shop at the one provider.

For interest in any of the LSDA range, please contact us and we will offer super-competitive pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common and frequently asked questions we receive include:

How much does it cost to change door locks?

Why do car keys cost so much?

Why are Bilock Locks bump proof?

We are pleased to re-direct you to one of our other sites to answer these most common questions.

Please visit www.st-louis-locksmiths.com

Bilock Cam Locks

• Easy Retro-Fit Installation from Existing Products
• Cam Length/Style on application
• Virtually Unlimited Master Keying
• Color Coding For Easy Identification
• Short Face or Long Face Option
• $90.00

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Bilock File Cabinet Locks

• Easy Quick Release/Install fuction
• Retro-Fit Many Existing File and Lockable Cabinets
• Virtually Unlimited Master Keying
• Impossible To Duplicate Keys
• Color Coding For Easy Identification
• Authority Signature Controlled
• $90.00
• NOT INCLUDING KEYS

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Privacy Policy

St. Louis Locksmiths and Master Key Systems America LLC regard all our clients personal information as confidential. We will never sell, transfer or publicise any personal details including contact names, addresses, email addresses, telephone numbers. Our clients security is of utmost importance to us.


We may, from time to time, send literature or emails regarding updates or other information to our clients, for their personal information and use.


We absolutely abhor Sp@m and will never participate in such schemes. Our company motto is 'Securing America - One Door At A Time'