Poly-Control Z-Wave Retro Fit Access Controller For Deadbolt Locks

Poly-Control is a Scandinavian company on the cutting edge of product design, especially aimed at the access control and home automation market.

They recently released this sensational product that enables computerised digital access control capability that can be added to your existing deadbolt lock without any necessary hardware replacement (except the turnbutton).

As the video above shows, you can easily add this product to your existing installation and convert your existing deadbolt into an internet controllable wireless access control solution.

Meroni Combina K13 Keyed To Kwikset Key

In the previous post I included a video of how to dismantle and reassemble a Meroni Combina Entrance set. I pulled the video because I felt it was pretty bad.

On Friday I installed the one in the above video, in place of a Schlage F series entrance set. The customer has a Kwikset Smartkey deadbolt fitted to their front door and wanted a handle on the same key. While i could have sold him another Kwikset lock, he chose the Meroni after a demonstration.

This video is slightly better than the previous one. I hope you enjoy it.

Reassembly And Installing Serrature Meroni Combina Entrance Set

[video removed]

Today I installed 2 new Serrature Meroni Combina Entrance Sets. I tried to record the reassembly and installation using my Android phone.

The Serrature Meroni Combina entrance set is a beautiful and functional product that is precision built to tight tolerances, ensuring top quality and long lasting functionality.

Abloy Protec2 - A Legend Revised

Abloy Protec2 is the newest revised version of the world reknowned Abloy High security Key Systems.
It is a product that is well known for it's super-high pick resistance and bump proof qualities.
The keys cannot be duplicated by any mainstream duplicator. It offers unsurpassed high security mechanical protection for all mechanical locking applications.

Abloy products are found worldwide and are considered to be in the upper echelon of security hardware products. few products offer similar qualities to Abloy Protec2.

One product that comes close to the levels of pick resistance and is also guaranteed 100% bump proof is our signature product Bilock.

Rosslinear Battery Powered Electric Strike - With Solar Powered Remote Option

The video above shows an option for creating a solar powered wireless remote release for the Rosslinear Battery Powered Electric Strike.

By using a solar panel connected to a regulator and battery pack, you can connect these parts to the panic button feature of the Rosslinear electric strike and then enjoy wireless remote control capability for an access control solution that increases security for a remote gate, where mains power is unavailable except at significant cost.

Many electric strike solutions require that mains power be necessary for external gates. But some properties do not have ready access to mains power, especially remote country properties. With the Rosslinear Battery Powered Electric Strike, now even distant gates and doors can be secured with the ability to have codepad access control at a fraction of the cost of mainstream solutions.

This product is proudly designed and built in Australia.

(We are the exclusive USA distributor of this product)

Credit Cards Used To Duplicate Keys

We first posted this article in September 2008, but have received many inquiries about our fabulous Bilock Extreme Security product that virtually eliminates this threat. Bilock  keys are unable to be copied surreptitiously in a similar fashion, due to the product using two blades with different key cuts on each blade. Combined with the patented Bilock interactive element, both in the key and the cylinder, security of both the key and lock are protected in an unequalled manner.

LAS VEGAS -- Life takes Visa, says the credit card company's catchy and ubiquitous TV ads.

And now, according to a group of security researchers speaking at the DefCon hacker conference in Las Vegas, Medeco high-security locks take Visa, too. As well as MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards.

To be more precise, the researchers say that plastic used in all of these credit cards can be easily fashioned into simulated keys that open three kinds of M3 high-security locks made by the Virginia-based Medeco Security Locks company -- locks that are used to secure sensitive facilities in places such as the White House, the Pentagon, embassies and other buildings.

"Virtually all conventional pin-tumbler locks are vulnerable to this method of attack, and frankly nobody has really considered it or looked at it before," says Marc Weber Tobias, one of the researchers.

Personal Safety Product - Iladusk

The Ila Dusk Portable Safety Alarm is a new product that would make an excellent gift idea for anyone concerned about the personal safety and security of their loved ones.

The 130db screaming siren is akin to a loud lady's voice. This will definitely scare the bejeebus (it that a word?) of just about anyone within earshot.

Sensible and intelligent personal security product at an affordable price. It is designed to last up to 3 years and connects to a pocketbook or handbag.

I think an alternative use for something like this, could be for retailers to secure a product from being shoplifted.

$30.00

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Bicycle Safety Product - Glow In The Dark Handlebars

Riding bicycles is a favored passtime of many commuters worldwide. Many bicycle riders will ride their prized possession at night and want the safety and security of being extremely visible to all others on the roads.

Bicycle security is not just about locking up the bike to prevent theft. It is also about being visible. There are many products available that promote safe bicycling habits but this new concept by a designer named Mitchell Silva, is clearly an advancement in safety and security design.

Handle bars that glow in the dark. The easy to install system uses LED's embedded in handle bar covers that have a novel separateable rechargeable battery hub that connects to a USB outlet.

While not an actual lock product, I feel it is appropriate here because it involves life safety. It actually protects people by making them more visible.

Lets hope this concept see's some traction.
What do you think?

Lockwood Symmetry Pocket/Cavity Door Locks

We recently posted about Lockwood Australia's new 7444 Cavity (pocket) sliding door lock and have received numerous inquiries about it.

We still carry the fabulous Cowdroy (P/TT) 697 Double Cylinder Keyed Pocket Door Lock, but this product designed and produced by Australia's leading lock and door products manufacturer, shows that they genuinely care about their customers and their needs.

As the above video explains, this new product is tailored to allow easy onsite installation by a keen DIY'er or handyman (person).

Priced competitively, this product is making the difficulty in the past, of securing pocket/cavity sliding doors much easier.

The design of this style of lock is not made for replacement of the common square/rectangular pocket door catch, most common in the USA. The Cowdroy brand is designed for that very purpose, to enable easy replacement of your existing pocket/cavity sliding door catch.

We hope to make this product available soon to clients here in the USA.

Borg Mechanical Digital Locksets - No Batteries Required

Borg Lock Company, are an international manufacturer of superior grade mechanical digital lock and access control products.

Pictured above is their especially designed product for securing metal gates. This revolutionary design allows for multiple options including double codepad (keypad inside and outside), lever or knob release handles.

The quantity of applications where secure controllable access is required, but no power is available, seems to be increasing in frequency.

Bicycle Security - A New Look At The Infiniti3D System

For many years automobile owners have enjoyed the ability to secure their wheels to their vehicle using wheel lock nuts.

Now an enterprising company has decided to offer a similar type of system designed to better protect our bicycles.

Bicycle locks come in many varieties, shapes, sizes and grades of security. Most often bicycle security products involve a chain or cable secured by a padlock or other type of lock like a D lock. D locks are designed to secure the wheel and chassis around a pole or similar. They are often bulky and can be quite heavy, if not awkward to operate and store on the bicycle.

Bicycle riders have been known to carry their elaborate locking system in a napsack or clipped to the bike rack but this often increases the weight and rattle of the bike.

But when you have secured your prized possession to the pole, often the wheels and pedals and other parts may never be included in the security package.

Emtek By Assa Abloy Announce Price Increase Effective April 2, 2012

Breaking News: Emtek Hardware announce that effective April 2nd, 2012 their entire product line will increase in price.

Quotes prepared prior to April 2nd, 2012 will be honored at the old pricing for 45 days.

Emtek, owned by Assa Abloy have been producing beautiful quality and ornate door hardware for residential

How To Open And Make Keys To Antique Furniture Locks

Antique furniture locks come in all shapes sizes and styles. Often people lose their keys when the pieces are locked. As a locksmith, I have been called upon numerous times to open and make keys to these antique furniture pieces.

Many antique furniture pieces including curio cabinets, use really old hardware made from brass and iron. Many of the locks are small and can be rusting.

The most efficient and easiest method for opening a locked drawer or door...

How To Install A Keyed Pocket Door Lock

H.M. Cowdroy recently informed me of their manufacturing code change. The P697 is a blister (display) pack while the TT697 is the bulk pack. We have the bulk pack in stock, now.

Here is how the installation is performed, according to the manufacturers instructions. While I suggest that your carpenter or builder be asked to install it, it is a reasonably straightforward project for the home handyman to perform, presuming they have the correct tools. **NOTE** This product is designed for doors up to 42mm (1-11/16") thick....

Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock

Our largest selling product, The fabulous Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock is flying off the shelves.

The simplicity in it's design and the ease of installation provide great security and access control to consumers desiring simple security and access control for their pocket or cavity doors.

We continue to see increasing numbers of units going to Canada and the east coast of USA and also discerning tastes across the west coast of the USA.

The installation animation below shows just how simple this product is, to install.



The lockset uses a standard 5 pin tumbler keyway, similar to Kwikset's standard keyway and therefore able to be keyed alike to Kwikset keys.

Originally designed for 1-3/8" thick doors, due to significant numbers of requests for use on 1-3/4" thick doors, the manufacturer decided to update the product line with a simple modification that allows the product to be used on 1-3/4" thick doors too.

We have sold roughly 2500 units over the last 4 years, with only 2 reported failures (both units replaced free of charge and overnight delivery).

Demand continues to be strong and our current inventory has dwindled to only 5 units left, as of this writing.

New inventory is expected in the next 4 weeks and unfortunately, due to the US$ currency dropping in value to foreign currencies, we will be forced to increase the cost.

Currently the product sells for US$128.00 plus US$25 shipping to the lower 48 via UPS Ground.
If you're siting on the fence, hoping to find it cheaper elsewhere, you wont. We do not offer the product through Amazon or eBay, only through our sites. We maintain the manufacturers warranty of 12 months and also offer a 30 day money back guarantee*

Purchase options

Also Available (on request)
Lockwood 7450 Passage Version
Lockwood 7410 Privacy (bathroom) Version
Lockwood 7400 Passage Latching Version

Most Searched For Terms That Lead People Here - January 2012

This graph indicates the quantity of search inquiries that lead people to this site during January 2012.

The 10 most popular search terms include:

Kwikset Smart Key Problems

Schlage Securekey Problems

Crime Statistics - Greater St Louis Region 2/20/12-3/20/12

The map to the left shows a poor picture of the area we principally conduct our onsite service business in.

The last 30 days crime statistics are listed here as found in the source below.

Alarms - 256

Breaking & Entering - 37

Robbery - 80

Theft - 112

Hoppe - Locks Of Distinction

Hoppe locks are a very well known high-end door hardware brand originally designed and manufactured in Germany.

Friedrich Hoppe started the company in the mid 1950's and has built manufacturing facilities in many other European countries.

Built to very exacting standards, these high end residential entry systems are often found in patio door applications across the world.

Europeans generally install their keyhole upside down...

Freekey - No More Broken Nails, Finally!

There is almost one universal issue we all complain about when it comes to keyrings.

It is sometimes a painful task to remove or attach a key to the little wire rings we use to bind our keys together, isn't it?

Many customers, over the years struggle to remove or attach keys to keyrings and sometimes even break a nail or two in the process.

Manicures are not expensive, but they are time consuming. I'm sure many a manicurist or two has received business from customers wanting to have their nails repaired following a breakage that may be a result of attempting to open the keyring

FREEKEY is a novel solution to this ages old problem. Simply press on the indicator to spread the ring allowing easy access to removing or attaching that key and saving a broken nail and consequently the expense and time of a manicure.

(source...)

Breaking News! Schlage Price Increase.

All Ingersoll Rand security products including Schlage, Von Duprin and Glyns Johnston to rise on the 5th.

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Cowdroy P697 Pocket Door Lock With Key UPDATE! 2012

Many inquiries I receive are from people requesting hardware to effectively secure their sliding pocket doors. There are very few products in the USA that achieve this without considerable expense.

A forward thinking company from Australia have already produced a competitively priced key locked pocket door lock that is simple to install and looks good too.

The Cowdroy P697 Cavity/Pocket Door Lock, ...

Run-Local-Locksmith Caught In Bait And Switch

News Flash! As Seen on KSDK5 February 22, 2012.

According to the St Louis branch of the Better Business Bureau, Michigan-based company, Run Local Locksmith, is the focus of several complaints from St. Louis area customers who say they were lured by low advertised prices, but then charged much higher fees by workers who responded to service calls.

Beware St Louis, another company has been discovered by the BBB to be fraudulently scamming locals using classic bait and switch tactics online, using sponsored advertising in search engines and other sites across web sites.

Essentially you see these ads at the top of the page when you search. These ads clearly say $15 Service Call. Most genuine locksmiths like us charge the average $65 for an opening, but these guys are taking advantage of people.

Bird Flu - Still A Menace In Asia And Beyond

A couple of years ago the H5N1 - Bird Flu virus made news headlines across the globe. There were about 350 reported deaths across the world and many thousands more were infected before an anti-virus was found.

In recent days days (see source below), a discovery has been made in Vietnam of a new strain (mutation) that is allegedly impervious to the anti-virus.

10 people have died in Cambodia, Egypt, Indonesia, China and Vietnam. The new strain has also been found in Bangladesh and Nepal.

The WHO (World Health Organisation) is remaining tight lipped about it, but I think it is vital and important to be aware that Bird Flu is again on peoples minds.

Whereas the transfer of the virus is usually through peoples contact with poultry, these viruses are known to mutate quite quickly and could spread rampantly due to migrating birds.

We post this here to remind our readers of the Serrature Meroni Anti-Bacterial door handle products, that mitigate the transfer of potentially threatening virus' and other diseases by contact.

In many environments in our daily lives, we often will touch a door handle or knob that has been touched by others. In high-trafficked environments, we can have little to no control over the spread of illnesses and having the benefits of Meroni anti-bacterial door knobs on our doors, could help to prevent us from getting sick.

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Crime Of Opportunity - Do You Really Know Who Has A Copy Of Your House Key?

I did a job for a customer the other day who had her home burglarized and her insurance company refused to pay the claim.

The reason is, there was no sign of forced entry.

This lady had only recently moved to the new home and when she moved in, had new locks installed.

She took her car to the local mechanic, who she had been going to for many years, to get it serviced. As normal, she pitched the keys to the mechanic and went to wait in the waiting room.

Little did she know, but the mechanic had recently taken on a new employee, laborer to do general duties in the workshop. The mechanic shop thought they were doing a good thing by giving an unemployed person a job.

According to the police report, they searched this persons house on suspiscion because the mechanic shop is the first and only place the lady went to, where she was without her keys. The good investigative work by the police, found her property in this persons possession after contacting the mechanic and getting a list of the people that worked there the day the lady brought the car in.

Being without her key for a short time, the burglar had opportunity to get the number off the key, see the customers records, obtain her address and get a key made to the code number. Then they obviously robbed the home.

I recently changed the locks to restricted copy proof keys, that prevent any similar scene from happing again.

Do you know and trust everyone who may have access to your keys?

ABC News 10 New York - Deceiving Viewers

ABC News 10 New York back in early November started airing some odd interviews with a former burglar, in a rather odd attempt to get advice to consumers about how to secure your homes.

While some of the advice is on par, it is troubling and obvious that this "expert" does not know the law or life safety codes regarding double cylinder locks and why they should not be used.

He goes on to suggest other ideas as well that are a little ambiguous also. He suggests that alarms are the difference between security and not. Nothing is further from the truth. Alarms cannot and can never provide any form of physical security protection.

Virtually all burglars know that if they set off an alarm to an unoccupied property, sure the authorities will turn up eventually, but the burglar just hides out of sight from the authorities. Usually the authorities will deem the alarm a false alarm, write the owner a bill for their attendance and leave the premise. The burglar comes back a second time and may indeed set the alarm off again, but is secure in the knowledge that the authorities are not going to return quickly to that property because they think it is false alarming. The burglar then does their damage and the homeowner suffers the loss. Often insurance companies will likely reject a claim because the authorities have written a false alarm ticket.

This "expert" suggests to use a "charliebar" in a sliding door. This is a suggestion however all burglars know how to easily and quickly bypass a charliebar. The suggestion of a broom handle or 4x2 in the track is often better, but the best suggestion is to put a self tapping screw in the top of the track to prevent the door from being lifted.

The only suggestion of merit in the article (see source below) is using 3" screws or better strike plates, but this is the primary reason the Strikemaster II Pro is such a formidable foe to burglars.

When it comes to windows, this "expert" suggested double cylinder locks. Double cylinder locks are illegal in almost every jurisdiction in the USA, if used on primary entry doors. The best suggestion is to use products like ShatterGard window security film, that actually prevent a window from being broken.

Shame on you ABC 10 New York for misleading consumers with advice from a burglar instead of a professional locksmith security expert.

(source...)

Sentry Safes - They Arent Really Safe Y'know!

Many consumers buy safes from their local big box store, like Lowes, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Kmart, Ace Hardware or even Harbor Freight.

Ever heard the expression "pay peanuts and get monkeys"?

The very popular Sentry brand of safes is on sale at just about every big box store in the USA. The one shown above is one of their popular models. There are methods that we locksmiths employ that can get you into these safes with little to no damage but often the costs to pay for the specialized safecracking skills are so much more than the safe is worth.

After viewing the above video, would you trust your valuables to this brand or type of safe?

Purchasing a safe from a locksmith or specialty safe provider, usually gets you value and quality for money. How much are your valuables worth (Sentry buyers)?

Simple Fix Prevents Easy Lever Lock Bypass

The above video shows a well known locksmith tool being used to circumvent the security of just about any lever handle lock.

They also show a simple and effective method of prevention to this bypass method.

Now, most homes employ both a handle and a deadbolt to ensure an entry door is secured but the quantity of online videos explaining how to pick locks and the availability of lock picking tools online can make the job of providing security more difficult to those whose job it is to be concerned.

Luckily for some, there are products available that can mitigate the ease in bypassing these and similar types of locks.

Our very impressive range of Serrature Meroni products are designed differently to mainstream knobs and levers. Meroni make push/pull levers and press button knobs that never require a handle or lever to be twisted/turned.

The Meroni Pigio range are a very unique, high quality designed lever type entry handle that would make the above entry method more difficult to achieve.

The Meroni Combina range are a beautiful version of the entry knob that exceed ADA laws and are very easy to install and use.

The Meroni Nova range are the company's original product offering and are widely used across Europe and are starting to be found in the USA and Australia/New Zealand.

The Meroni Forma range are also very stylishly designed, being oval shaped knobs. Again, they use push buttons to activate the mechanism, meaning no twisting or turning of the knob ever occurs.

By having no twisting or turning of the handle/lever, less wear occurs on the mechanisms. Less wear means longer lasting products. Longer lasting products means value for money.

We plan to show more on these fabulous Meroni lock ranges in upcoming articles.

Changing Locks - How Much Does It Cost?

Many locksmiths would prefer you not know how lock re-keying is done. This talented young fellow has shown exactly the steps involved.

Almost 4 years ago we posted a very popular article here explaining fees.

Locksmith publications usually publish annual accepted industry averages. These prices vary across the country from $12 to $55 depending on where you live.

We are pleased to say our prices have not increased in this time. We still charge $15.00 per keyhole including parts and labor. Master Keying is $20.00 per keyhole.

We also rekey car locks too. Often $30 in parts are required and labor is negotiable.

Many people are starting to look at wireless and battery powered digital door locks. It is important and vital to always include the mechanical backup option even with battery powered door locks. When your batteries run down, you still need to get in. This also explains why you should not just rely on your Remote Garage Door Control.

I cant tell you the number of times I have been called to open houses for people who cannot get in their garage. Usually, power loss is the cause. But they dont carry a house key and to make worse, often leave the garage-house entry unlocked too. Does this sound familiar?

Antique Lock Restoration - A Lost Art

International Silver Plating Inc. are a Glencoe Illinois based company that have been around over 80 years.

As locksmiths and iron workers they continue to provide their unique and hard earned and acquired skills to rebuild and repair many products for many discerning customers.

Many of their pieces are of museum quality and they are often the go to source for specialized piece restoration and repair.

Check out their website in the source below, it is a wonderful insight into the true art and craftsmanship of locksmithing.

While I personally have repaired and restored a few pieces for different customers across the world, I wish I had the depth of knowledge and expertise these chaps possess.

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Hooply - Armored Door Locks

Zhejiang Hongli Locks Co, is based in China. They are a well known manufacturer of some interesting high security lock products that differ greatly to mainstream products found in the USA.

Pictured below, is a version of their armored lock. This virtually impregnable door lock is a mortice lockset comprising 6 stainless steel round bolts and a latching mechanism.

They produce Hooply, Cefiro and Mingbang as their 3 primary brand lines.

The company employs about 800 people and continues to be a dominant player in the Asian high security lock manufacturing industry.

The cylinders used in these locks are known as lever type locks. They use double sided mortice bit keys (skeleton like). This means they are 100% bump proof and very difficult to pick.

Even duplicating these keys is a chore.

I have duplicated similar types of these keys, early in my career and I know they are very exact with very tight tolerances. They are usually required to be copied by hand, because finding suitable duplication machinery is not only difficult but incredibly expensive.

I remember being required to fashion a blank by braising a flag to both sides of a steel stem. Then gently filing the blank until it was similar in shape to the original.

I worked with a very learned professional, early in my apprenticeship, who taught me to use putty (plasticene) or play dough to form a mould around the original. I was then able to create a perfect duplicate using the mould as a guide.

Difficult and time consuming, the reward was customer satisfaction and the knowledge that the key worked perfectly the first time it was tried.

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