Bilock (A Closer Look)

Interest in Bilock products certainly seems to be increasing, at least for me. I am seeing a significant increase in stock movements, which leads me to write todays piece.

Pictured to the left is Bilock's Schlage cylinder. This cylinder is designed to retro-fit in almost the entire range of Schlage products.

Schlage products use varying length and style connecting tail-pieces, to suit their broad range of products. In the residential market, the cylinders are generally all the same with varying types of connecting tails for the different models of deadbolts and entrance locksets.

Bilock's unique ability to design it's cylinders, maintaining the highest standards while using original hardware, offers customers a significant advantage and savings by negating the need to replace the hardware.

Example: Yesterday, I was called to a property to change locks. The customer required restricted keys to prevent unauthorized duplication of keys. All existing locks were Schlage brand. I was able to maintain using the existing hardware and simply replace the inner cylinders only, maintaining the existing character and aesthetics and significantly limiting the expense normally required for new locks. Result: 100% Fully secure, bump proof, pick proof locks with keys that can only be created after receipt of a correctly authorized letter.

Pictured to the left are the technical dimensions of the Bilock Schlage style entrance cylinder.

Bilock Schlage type entrance cylinders sell for about $70 each.

RoboDog Portable Guard Dog

This excellent product would appeal to apartment dwellers who desire the protection that an animal can provide but without the food bill and cleaning or walking that needs to be done for it's upkeep.

The Robo-Dog Barking Alarm Kit simulates a real, angry dog barking, making it the perfect watchdog for anyone home alone. Use the included Keychain Remote to scare off intruders at the touch of a button!

Product Uses

• Use Robo-Dog to scare off prowlers
• Protect your home while you are on vacation!
• Take it with you! Renters this is an excellent security system for you! It moves with you!
• Use Robo-Dog while you're away!

Product Features

• Built -in X10 transceiver !
• 100 foot range
• Adjustable Volume
• Includes 3 "Beware of Dog" window stickers
• 30 second auto turn off
• Keychain remote control

$59.99

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Types Of Locks Part II

Many people are unaware as to the differences between residential and commercial lockset backsets.

The "Backset" is the distance between the edge of the door and the center of the keyhole.

The diagram below shows what I mean:

The two common backsets are:

Commercial = 2-3/4" (2.75"/70mm)

Residential = 2-3/8" (2.375"/60mm)

Many latches and bolts (commonly referred to as "backsets" in the trade) are available in adjustable lengths for the residential market.

Commercial backsets are supplied in as above, standard. Should you require a different backset length, you need to be very specific when you order.

There are also various times when a 5" (127mm) backset will be requested. These are usually for significantly more expensive and better quality mortise vestibule type locksets, although some residential brands also manufacture these lengths. Likewise, you can specially order backsets that enable "center of the door" fittings. This enables a residential door to have the handle positioned in the center of the door. Sometimes the aesthetic appeal of a center mounted handle, can add significant value to the look of a door.

Types Of Locks Part I

Determining the type of lock you have on your door can greatly assist your locksmith professional to determine the better course of action for repair or replacement of the hardware on your doors.

Understanding the differences between lock styles is fairly simple and easy for anyone to distinguish.

We will try to describe some of the popularly found lock styles in this and future posts, to assist customers wishing to source for repair or replacement products.

These are the commonly used cams found on the back (rear) of most threaded mortise cylinders. Identifying this cam on your cylinder requires you to remove the cylinder from the door.

This is a brief diagram of a standard mortise type cylinder found in commercial and residential vestibule mortise locksets. The critical measurement here is "C", where by the length of the cylinder determines the width of your door.

It is necessary to remove this cylinder from your door, to be able to determine the correct length. Standard lengths are 1.125" & 1.25".

Special order cylinders can be purchased in longer lengths if required.

Making Keys To Cars

Many locksmiths across the world are often called upon by customers to duplicate or re-create original keys for cars, trucks, buses, motor homes, prime movers, motorcycles and other motor driven equipment.

Since 1995, many automobile manufacturers have included advanced security features to their products, in an attempt to provide their customers with state of the art protection, reduce incidence of theft and also to provide advanced diagnostics information for mechanics and repairers.

When the auto industry started evolving, many customers found themselves only able to duplicate modern auto keys at their respective dealerships. Not Anymore!

Thanks to the excellent research and development of companies like Advanced Diagnostics, locksmiths across the world have been able to purchase suitable equipment to enable the duplication and origination of automobile keys.

There have also been many advances in the locksmith industry in relation to the ability to make keys for cars without the need to remove lock cylinders. Tools like EEZ Readers, Determinators etc, reduce the need to dismantle doors or ignitions, significantly speeding up the time required to perform key origination requests.

Many locksmiths posess the ability to code cut keys to customers providing the original keycode for their vehicles. But, the greater majority of customers never recorded the original keycode information after initial purchase, causing increased expense when the need arose to make new keys. In recent times, many automobile manufacturers have started to produce their vehicles without keycodes embossed on the lock cylinders and dealers usually only maintained records for up to 5 years.

A new law is about to come into effect in California next year thanks to the efforts of the National Automotive Services Task Force (NASTF), that will require all dealer representatives to provide 24 hour keycode assistance to customers. The sticking point in this new legislation is that only approved locksmiths (ALOA members) and other specific trades, will be allowed to access this information. No doubt, the ability to access vehicle codes will impact the industry with likely increased prices for the purchase of code information, there are a few locksmiths who will never require the codes because, the level of training they have completed will enable them to provide services to customers in spite of the attempted industry regulating efforts of NASTF.

When customers seek new keys for their vehicles, I recommend they seek out a qualified locksmith professional with the appropriate transponder programming equipment, who can offer services only a properly trained technician can perform.

At Locks210.com, we consider ourselves reasonably proficient in many locksmith duties and tasks, however we are not currently suitably qualified or equipped to provide the expert assistance necessary to perform automotive key manufacturing requests.

We strongly recommend the services of our colleague Patrick Chapman of St Louis Lock & Key (314)494-2510.

If you are located in Vancouver, British Columbia or the surrounding area, we have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Mike Behr of Behr Lock Inc (604)880-9891.

If you are located in the Winnipeg, Manitoba region, we strongly recommend Darren Ingleson of Wildwood Lock & Security (204)791-7911.

Animal Repellant Device

There are many and varied forms of security. Many people may think that a security device is designed to protect from human intruders.

While this is true with locks and alarm systems, CCTV and other sensors, sometimes people also intend to secure or protect their gardens from unwanted pests or animal intruders.

Enter the Bell & Howell Animal Repeller.

This intelligent device is a stand alone, battery powered sensor and alarm that emits a high pitched sound inaudible to humans, but truly disturbing to animals.

This type of device might be the perfect gift for the avid gardener who wants to protect the precious roses or vegetable crop from wild animals.

At $29.95 it's a steal.

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Motion Activated Owl Sensor

Not necessarily a security device but this unique product might have some security features for helping ward off animals or pests in your yard.

You could also use it as a Halloween prop.

A motion sensing alarm that sounds and looks like an owl.

When it detects movement within 4-6 feet, owl turns its head to look and lets out a loud, lifelike “hoo hoo.” It can also be set for head movement only. Life-size and made of durable, weather-resistant polyresin. Can be mounted (hardware included). Uses 3 AA batteries (not included).

8" w x 7" d x 16" h.

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Wireless Key Locator

This ingenious device is the perfect gadget for people who constantly misplace their keys.

Never lose your keys again
No more morning panics—just press one of the color-coded buttons and wait for the loud alarm to sound, showing you where to find your keys.

Works at a range of 60 feet
Do you tend to lose your keys in the couch, under the bed, on the kitchen counter? It doesn’t matter, the Wireless Key Finder will find them up to 60 feet away, through floors, walls, even sofa cushions!

Specifications

Includes two colored key fobs Uses two AAA batteries (not included)

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Crime Statistics

Living in the St Louis Metropolitan area, I thought it might be advantageous to develop a monthly report here, listing the quantity of robbery, break and enter and theft statistics reported to police departments in various metropolitan localities.

It is my intention to display a new report monthly, based of information obtained by participating police agencies.

I will not list the actual addresses but I will try to give numbers of instances in Robbery, Burglary, Theft and Alarms.

The first area reported is Maryland Heights, MO. 30 days 9/23/08 - 10/23/08



62 Alarm reports - Burglar in house
10 Break and Enters
4 x No Force Entry
5 x Forced Entry
1 x Attempted Entry
27 Property Crimes
14 x Damage to Private Property
3 x Trespassing on Private Property
6 x 1st Degree Property Damage
1 x 2nd Degree Property Damage
3 x Damage to City Property
1 Robbery Report
60 Theft Reports
23 x Motor Vehicle Related
2 x Coin Machine Thefts
10 x Building Related Thefts
9 x Passing Bad Check
2 x Identity Theft
14 x Other
5 Motor Vehicle Thefts.


Being in the physical security industry, it is astonishing to discover the quantity of reported crimes. One has to wonder about all the non-reported crimes too.

As a locksmith professional and physical security equipment provider, Locks210.com installs many state of the art products that are designed to protect from crimes of these nature.

To find out how we can help you to protect your property from potential crimes, contact us for an obligation free assessment.

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Why do Car Keys Cost So Much?

I recently came across an article, in another locksmiths website (C&R Mobile Locksmith - Belleville Il), that explained the story of car keys as it relates to modern times.

There is a little history of car keys, a little explanation of why original manufacture or duplication of keys costs so much and some of the theory behind the introduction of these keys.

A former ALOA representative also chimes in to explain why locksmiths also tend to charge relatively high prices for duplication or original manufacture.

At the time of the article (2002), it was not uncommon for some locksmiths to have paid in excess of $50,000.00 for the suitable equipment required to provide services to requesting customers. Today, it is substantially cheaper to purchase the modern equipment necessary if a locksmith were to consider adding auto-transponder keys and services to the inventory of products, but even so, the prices for making duplicates is considered astronomical. The prices for originals (if you have lost yours, say), is through the roof and sometimes in excess of the monthly car repayment.

If you want to read the entire article, click on source below.

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Locksmith Services Pricing - A Little Bit Of History

As a St Louis Locksmith, I am often asked about pricing and costs and why they vary greatly between companies.

I recently came across an article first written in June 1989 for The New York Times, that described the process and prices that various locksmiths charged for their specialized services at that time.

Being 20 years later, it seems that many of the prices have reduced or barely increased, all the while, cost of materials, cost of living and wages have all increased in comparisson.

Many customers, even today, continue to perform price checks to compare different companies services and products.

June 1989 Article in The New York Times

Given the current economic doom and gloom, it is great that most of the locksmith industry continues to maintain considerate pricing of their goods and services.

Strikemaster II - Product Selling Fast

I must admit I'm not surprised that more people are ordering this fantastic product as it truly saves people money, time and effectively secures their homes.

Demand is strong and I am finding the need to order in increasing quantities.

Another customer suffered a break in where the exact purpose of the strikemaster was designed for. The door, being of solid construction and very good quality, the lock being of reasonable security and aesthetics, did their job properly, but the Jamb (where the door closes into) was made from light grade pine that was 1" x 2" in size. It broke with a small kick from a burglar and almost completely shattered the door frame.

The customer had inquired as to how much to get the whole frame replaced, elsewhere, before contacting me. My solution was the most economical and most aesthetically pleasing, negating the need to replace all the carpentry. The client saved 100's of dollars on the job as a result.

In many customers homes, their actual front doors (or back doors) may be constructed using metal casings (on the door itself), but the actual jamb (where the door closes into) is usually made from wood. Whilst the door may be reasonably strong enough to withstand an attempted forced entry, the jamb is usually not. Enter Strikemaster II.


Locks210.com is pleased to make this product now available to residents and businesses in St Louis.

StrikeMaster II offers a unique and innovative solution to prevent burglars from entering your home, StrikeMaster II strikes-back instantly. Its patented strike plates make the door casing virtually unbreakable.

The easiest way for a criminal to get into your house is just too kick-in your door! The FBI says every 12 seconds a home is invaded by going right through the front or back door. Open your front door and look at the dead bolt plate. There is one inch of soft wood protecting the safety of your home - your door casings can not protect you from a thief kicking your door

How much does a StrikeMaster II cost? $109.95 plus shipping/handling and installation.

A former police officer was recently quoted. "I am a retired Chief of Police with more than 30 years in law enforcement and security and have investigated 1000's of residential burglaries and domestic assaults that were due to the crashing or kicking in of the doors at the home. .... I am proud to announce that I have seen an amazing new product called the StrikeMaster II. This is inexpensive and stronger than any would-be homicidal maniac, I promise... the security market has finally produced a product that is better than locks and alarms. I highly recommend this product on all your outside doors at your home." - Donald Purnell CLL, CFE, Director of Security, Sentry Watch, Inc.

There are numerous testimonials to the quality of this product. One in particular is:
"On the 16th of May, 2005, our home in Chicago was broken into by thieves who shouldered/kicked their way in, through 3 separate doors, one entry and two apartments. A considerable amount of valuables and memorabilia were stolen, including identity theft. Upon observing the 'ease' of entry by these thieves, we set about investigating door protection measures on the internet.
After observing a very graphic video on the 'Safe Home International' site, we ordered the StrikeMaster II for overnight delivery, with the caveat that we would do a 'real-life' test after installation. My installer naturally had his doubts, as I asked him to kick and shoulder the door, after the product was installed. He asked me who would pay for the door frame repair 'in case it didn't work as advertised,'I said I would be responsible, since the safety of our family and property was of utmost concern. I weigh in at 240 lbs and I 'shouldered/kicked' the door three times, without it's failing. My installer, who closely approximates the LARGE individual in the graphic video, had at the door next. He shouldered it twice and kicked it last, his size 11 shoe imprint is still on the back door, although the wall seemed to 'bow in,' the door did not budge. My installer came away convinced, and I came away satisfied, that I made my Family and my Home that much more secure.
The cost/benefit ratio as well is definitely in favor of the StrikeMaster II in comparison with other devices currently on the market. To say that we are more than pleased with the results we obtained from the product, as well as it's support, would be an accurate assessment. -APA Chicago"

Deadbolt Tough As A Tank

This sensational new product is built from high-grade materials, enabling it to stand up to some of the toughest and roughest attacks.



The AP501 Advanced Protection Security Deadbolt uses new technology that has been rigorously tested to meet the highest standards.

Zinc-Alloy and Steel construction. Fail-safe weatherproofing. Locksmith and lockpick-proof Tag Key. Weighing over 6 pounds, we call this lock "Tank Tough".

	Incredibly Weatherproof The lock is fully functional in sustained temperatures of -35 degrees Fahrenheit, and up to +130 degrees Fahrenheit. Waterproofing allows it to resist rain and moisture of tropical storm proportions.
	Incredibly Fast Momentarily hold your Tag Key key to the lock, and the deadbolt releases - no key holes, no opportunity to be picked.
	Incredibly Easy Easy to install, impossible to take down. The AP501 is specifically designed to adhere to North American door standards, so in most cases, the AP501 will simply replace your existing deadbolt - the only tool you'll need is a screwdriver.

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Supra Key Box

• Trusted by real estate agents for over 40 years
• Easy access for friends and family
• Provides scheduled access for cleaning
personnel, pool service, household maintenance
and unattended deliveries
• Securely mounts to most flat surfaces with
4 screws provided
• SURFACE MOUNT UNIT
• WEATHER RESISTANT METAL within
Titanium Color
• WEATHER RESISTANT, HIGH IMPACT
PLASTIC BUTTONS

$40.00

Sound Proof Doors

THX has more uses then just making a starship battle sound awesome you know. That’s why THX has partnered with Serious Materials to develop some new sound proof doors. The QuietHome soundproof doors are the 2 1/4-inch thick THX-certified doors that claim to be a full 85% acoustical improvement over any other sound proof doors.

How does it work? QuietHome Doors incorporate Serious’ proprietary viscoelastic polymer-based constrained layer damped system, a multi-layer design and advanced seals throughout the door edge. The doors are made up of stainable wood, and come in a pre-hung door package. You wouldn’t want to just replace your front door with it. Well, maybe you would if you are super loud. Your neighbors would appreciate it. But it’s designed for high-end home theaters, commercial studios, offices and conference rooms etc. The doors will cost you $2,500 and will block out so much sound your neighbors will think the place is vacant.

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Master Ipod Security Case

iPods are Hot!

iPods and MP3 players have quickly become some of the most popular and widely used portable media players with people of all ages. Their frequent use while people are on the go and are less attentive to their surroundings – and the visible white ear buds – have made them an easy target for would be thieves in urban areas, on campus, and on public transportation systems. Without built–in anti–theft deterrents or subscriptions, iPods and MP3 players are left fully operational if stolen.

Your iPod Security Solution

With these factors in mind, Master Lock^® created the iPod iCage™, a locking skin for protecting your iPod player. The iCage creates added security and convenience to your media player with a lightweight metal skin, scratch resistant cover, and set-your-own combination lock and cable. Most iPod users purchase a skin for scratch protection – why not buy a skin that adds a convenient security solution as well?

The following statistics are a few years old, but with the quantity of Apple products and other MP3 players ever increasing, so is the quantity of crime related to these devices. And dont forget the unreported instances.

iPod Theft Statistics

National statistics are not detailed enough to tell how many robberies involved iPods, but statistics from New York, Washington, DC, and the San Francisco Bay area show that iPod thefts were responsible for a significant fraction of increased crime in those areas. Things got so bad in New York subways in 2005 that warnings were posted that read "Earphones are a giveaway. Protect your device.”

• Washington D.C.
  
  • From January through April 2007, 30 iPods were stolen from Metro customers. iPod thefts totaled 34 in all of 2006, and just two in 2005. (Washington Metro Area Transit Authority)
  • 2007, robberies of iPods on the Metro alone account for approximately 4% of all robberies in the city, compared with well less than 1% of robberies in 2005.
• New York
  
  • In the first three months of 2005, major felonies rose 18.3% on the New York City subway — however, if cell phone and iPod thefts are excluded, felonies actually declined by 3%,
• Washington
  
  • March 21, 2007, exact numbers in Seattle are hard to pin down, but the latest police figures show 135 iPods have been stolen, many by force, over the past 3 1/2 months.
• San Francisco
  
  • There were four reported iPod robberies in 2004, 102 in 2005, and 193 in 2006.
  • 2004-2006, iPod robberies accounted for 23% of the increase in robbery in the entire city over that time.
• Los Angeles
  
  • Police statistics indicate that robberies of iPods and cell phones are up 34 percent this year, accounting for about 1,700 of the city’s 8,000 total robberies. (LAPD November 9th, 2006)
  
  
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Credit cards used to duplicate keys

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.

The researchers showed Threat Level how they could create the simulated keys from plastic simply by scanning or photographing a Medeco key, printing the image onto a label and placing the label onto a credit card or other plastic to cut out the key with an X-Acto blade or scissors and then use the key to open a lock covertly.

Any credit card plastic will do to create a simulated key....

The researchers can make plastic keys, despite the fact that Medeco's M3 locks are supposed to be more secure than conventional locks, due to key-control measures designed to prevent unauthorized duplication of their keys.

"When you have a high-security lock, you don't expect this to be able to happen," says Tobias, an investigative lawyer who will be demonstrating the hack with Matt Fiddler, a computer-security researcher, and Tobias Bluzmanis, a Florida locksmith. "Key control is supposed to make this impossible to happen. That's what you're paying for."

High-security locks -- which can cost two to four times the price of a common Kwikset lock used in most homes -- have millions of possible key combinations, as opposed to just thousands in low-security locks. High-security locks also use patented key-control systems to prevent just anyone from duplicating the keys.

What this means is that only specific locksmiths who are authorized by the lock maker are given key blanks, key codes and equipment to make the keys. To ensure that no keys are made before a lock is sold, the locks are also shipped to the locksmith without pins in them -- the bars inside a lock cylinder that engage with the grooves on a key to open the lock. The pins are added by the seller after a customer purchases the lock, using proprietary key codes doled out to locksmiths by the lock manufacturer.

If a buyer wants additional keys made for the lock later on, he has to return to the same seller to have him make the keys or find another locksmith who is authorized to use that particular key code. Keys used in places like the White House would likely use an even higher level of key control, whereby only the manufacturer -- Medeco -- would be able to make duplicate keys....

The attack requires brief access to a high-security key long enough to take a picture of it with a camera phone or scan it, so it will likely have to involve an insider or someone else with access to keys -- such as a valet parking attendant.

"You're an employee and you loan it to somebody or your kid takes it off your key ring and makes a copy and tells his friends to break into the facility -- I can give you a lot of scenarios," Tobias says. "Insiders are always the biggest threat."...

"If you're a security manager for the Federal Reserve or Citibank, you have a belief that what the company is telling you is true, that unless it's authorized, nobody can reproduce your keys," Tobias says. "So if you give a key to an employee you don't have to worry about it. And that's the problem. It's not true."...

Researchers say the issue of the plastic keys is more serious than what they revealed last year at DefCon, when they demonstrated how they could bump and pick Medeco's patented M3 Biaxial and deadbolt locks -- locks that Medeco claimed were bump- and pick-proof. They were able to create bump keys for the locks after spending months analyzing Medeco's published key codes.

But by using plastic keys, the researchers can now crack the M3 locks in a way that doesn't require knowledge of key codes or any significant skills or equipment, although it does require brief access to a key to copy it....

Bluzmarin, who has been a locksmith for 25 years, says their research has forced him to rethink everything he once believed about Medeco locks.

"Basically if someone came to me (before) and said they could pick a Medeco lock, I'd say, 'You're crazy; you don't know what you're talking about.' If they told me they could open it with plastic, the same thing. I'd say, 'You're crazy.'

"Locksmiths don't have a clue what is going on. Your locksmith will tell you this is impossible."

(source...)

There are a few other brands that are impervious to this type of attack including Bilock, Multlock, Abloy, Kaba, Assa, Schlage etc.

Alarms or Locks. Which are better?

There are wide ranging discussions, in many and varied publications, forums and magazines, discussing the attributes of alarm systems and locking systems.

Many opinions exist and all opinions are certainly accepted on face value. However, I was recently involved in a lengthy discussion about which is considered the more secure option.

In my opinion both alarms and locks complement each other, however physical protection can only be seen to occur with a physical product.

Locks provide a mechanical physical component to securing an entrance. Alarms do not!

Alarms perform the task for which they are so named. They "alarm" people that a condition has occurred or is occurring.

In summation, my determination is that only locks and locking systems are designed to physically secure an entrance and alarms are simply a means to inform if an entrance is compromised.

So, when asked "Which is better?", the suitable reply should be "Locks are better".

Wallclock Safe

According to the Bureau of Statistics, most burglars spend less than six minutes inside a victim's home and only have time to check the most obvious places for valuables. With this product you can hide your valuables in what looks like an ordinary working wall clock- the last place a thief would think to look. The clock is 10 inches in diameter and 2 3/4 inches thick. The inside dimensions of the safe are 8 1/2 inches x 8 1/2 inches x 1 7/8 inches and is divided into 3 shelves. The WCS is a real clock; one AA battery is required (not included).

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Key Switches

Lock It Well, a well known Australian manufacturer of key switch products, have been the leading provider of key switch solutions to the door industry for many years in Australia.

Their patented product line, includes key cylinder designs, produced for the lucrative automatic door market.

Featuring removable cores and master keyable cylinders, there is no equivalent product in quality or workmanship available today.

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Installation Templates

Sometimes, when purchasing some lock products, the templates or manuals have been lost or misplaced and installers or DIY'ers often require the instructions necessary for correct installation of their purchased products.

Many times, people have difficulty in sourcing a product manual or the installation instructions.

I recently found this excellent site, that has made available many of the templates and manuals for leading brands of locking hardware and products.

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Pocket Door Lock

(We announce the Cowdroy P697 Pocket Door Lock With Key, arriving December 30, 2009)

I have been receiving numerous inquiries recently from people who have pocket doors. They are constantly looking for better methods or hardware to install because they are usually unhappy with the modern choices that are mostly available in the big box stores.

This product is available in numerous styles and finishes. It is not inexpensive, but makes a suitable quality and well finished working option for pocket doors.

Single privacy pocket door mortise lock set with rectangular pulls. This premium quality pocket door lock set is available in 7 finishes and has a heavy duty steel case with solid brass faceplate. The wrought brass pulls measure 7 1/4" tall by 2 1/2" wide. This is a complete locking set which can be paired with a dummy set for a complete double door set. This lock comes complete with a drop ring pull to lock the door on the inside. This can be unlocked from the outside if needed with the emergency release turnpiece. The built in edge pull is released by pushing in the latch hook bolt. The case measures 5 3/4" tall, 3 1/2" deep and 9/16" thick. The faceplate measures 8" tall by 7/8" wide and the dustproof strike plate is 3 1/2" by 3/4". The recessed portion of the pulls must be mortised into the door .215" deep. The lock has a backset of 2 1/2". This lock set will work on doors between 1 3/8" and 3" thick.

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EDIT 12/22/09

Pocket Door Lock With Key Is Now In Stock, Hurry! Selling Fast

Wireless Voice Alarm System

Voice Alert System-6 is a new annunciator system featuring wireless PIR sensors transmitters and a remote receiver/speaker base unit. Users record their own alert messages and are then notified with their own voice message when activity in a monitored area is detected. Key applications include:
• Wireless Driveway Alarm
• Residential and Small Business Security
• Child Monitoring and Pool Safety
• Home Automation

System-6 allows a maximum of six user recorded messages. Each message is specific to one zone. For instance, zone one could be for a driveway alarm -“Car coming up the driveway” while zone two could be for a sensor monitoring the back yard- “Alert! Child by the pool!” Perhaps a third sensor guards a side entrance against intruders. However, when this PIR detects movement, the base unit plays “Intruder on patio” and triggers a floodlight using one of four relays included on the base unit. System-6 can monitor all three zones simultaneously and still have three additional zones available when needed. Users can alter their messages and place the wireless sensors wherever they wish.

Voice Alert System-6 sets up in minutes and can be completely customized to fit their individual needs. The wireless PIRs feature: all weather protection, adjustable mounting and sensitivity, and can send a signal 300 feet through walls and up to 1000 feet in open space.

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Changing Locks

Many enquiries that locksmiths receive, are about the cost to change locks.

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

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

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

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

Locks210.com charges a standard fee of $10.00 per keyhole to re-key a standard residential or commercial door cylinder not including labor for removal and refitting. Master-keying is $15.00 per keyhole.

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

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

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

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

Telespy Intrusion Detector

The TeleSpy is an economical intrusion notification systems built into a working telephone. With the internal hidden motion detector and microphone this plain telephone is now your DIY way to install a home alarm. Simply enter the number you would like the TeleSpy to call in the event of an intrusion and turn the power switch on. When the motion activated sensor is triggered the TeleSpy will call the number and the internal microphone will allow the call recipient to hear what is happening!

Has these features.

• “Slim Line” type standard telephone
• Stores one number
• Plugs into standard RJ-11 phone jack
• 30 seconds of listening - after 30 seconds the TeleSpy call disconnects and re-arms
• Built-in passive infrared motion sensor
• 45-degree wedge beyond the sensor origin
• Amplified condenser microphone
• Includes: Telespy, coil phone cord, phone cord, AC adapter, instructions

$59.99

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Now Accepting Credit Card Payments

Master Key Systems America LLC, is happy to accept payments by credit card using our secure transaction facility through PayPal.

There is a link to the right in our MENU.

If you feel the need to pay by credit card, please use this facility, thank you.

Combination Barrel Bolt

Finally! The Barrel Bolt has taken on a new image.

This heavy duty mechanical (non electronic) combination slide bolt is a high quality product, based around the innovation of the worlds oldest known lock. Great for many types of installations. No key required. Simply set the four digit combination & bolt away for all your medium level security needs. 10,000 different combinations possible.
The Combi-Bolt dials are factory set to 0000, this is recodeable to your own secret number in less than a minute. Once set to your desired numbers the lock is easy to use. Just draw the bolt & turn the dial. The chances of somebody breaking the code of your secret number and gaining access to your locked area is 10,000 to 1.

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Solar Security Camera

True Wireless Security
A Solar Security Camera so advanced it never needs batteries or wires. Yet so uncomplicated a child could set it up and use it. You've gone with out a security camera for long enough. It's powered by the sun so you will always have security.

This one is truley wireless! Imagine this camera watching your pool, front yard, back yard, side yard or anywhere outdoors you wish. Since it's solar powered you can even take it with you on your boat or RV and back home again.

Simply set the camera in a desired location where sunlight is present, plug the receiver into an existing television set or monitor and begin watching full color images with sound. Now that's what we call user friendly.

Because this solar security camera is completely wireless and uses it's own renewable power source you can place it virtually anywhere contact with sunlight is made.

A powerful 2.4GHz transmitter allows it to send a constant signal from a football field away (300 ft.). No one will ever suspect that you are able to "watch" places where there is no power available.

Infrared motion sensor even triggers an audible alarm on the base station when movement is detected by the camera. Doesn't even require a separate monitor.

Just plug it into any existing television set. You can even plug it into your VCR and have it only record when infra red sensor is triggered by movement.

Completely Weatherproof Solar Security Camera

That means it can take a constant beating from the sun's rays, rain, snow or anything Mother Nature throws at it. Now you have the power to secure any part of your property. Make a parking lot more secure for your employees. Monitor a campsite or boat dock. Worried about thieves coming into your backyard or wild animals climbing into your trash? Now you'll be able to nab any perpetrator on the ultimate candid camera.

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Hirsch Electronics' versatile building security solution

Increasingly, building managers and government organizations are finding they have to adopt more sophisticated security systems to protect their employees, customers and buildings from security threats. Where once employees may have been greeted by a friendly guard, they may now be required to enter complex identification codes and perhaps even have their fingers scanned before they can gain access to their office building.

Hirsch Electronics has manufactured the Verification Station to help deal with the complex nature of building security. The RUU GEN Verification Station is a high-security, multi-purpose biometric system which allows the administrator to select and change at will the means of entry to a building if the security situation changes.

For example, the administrator may choose to have employees use smart cards http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_card or fingerprints or they may have to use a number of authentication processes, perhaps their finger and smart card or their finger, smart card and identification code.

The unit is IP addressable and Power over Ethernet (PoE) ready and includes a ScramblePad which randomly scrambles the unique identification code entered by the user each time the start button http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Start_menu is pushed, meaning a bystander cannot acquire the code by observing the buttons that were pressed and no wear pattern appears on the buttons. The ScramblePad has horizontal and vertical light guides that narrow the viewing field so the user is the only person who can see the display clearly and the user is given a unique identification code for which they are held accountable.

The unit also includes contact and contact-less smart card readers, a Cogent Systems minutiae-based fingerprint http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fingerprint biometric reader and an LCD display http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid_crystal_display .

To gain access to a building, a user may be required to do the following; insert their Contact Smart Card, enter their unique pin number, place their finger on the fingerprint plate and when all three operations match they will have their identity confirmed and authenticated.

Features of the RUU GEN Verification System

• Four Applications in One Unit: Issuance; Remote Verification; Enrollment to PACS; Door/Gate Access Reader
• Standalone or Networked
• Protected PIN: Scrambling Digits Display; Viewing Restrictors; Privacy
• Contact Card Reader
• Contactless Card Reader
• LCD Display
• Rugged, All-Weather Housing

The Hirsch Verification Station was recently selected by Buildings magazine as a 2008 Editors’ Choice Top Product Pick.

For more details see Hirsch Electronics

Securatowel

This relatively intelligent device is the perfect beach towel security device, to secure your beach towel from blowing away or being pinched.

A modern version of a tent peg, without destroying your towel.

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USB Locking device

Flash drives are very useful devices. They are great for storing music, files, and documents. At times, the data you put onto your flash drive can be sensitive or just plain embarrassing. Like say for instance that your pals found out you keep your flash drive stuffed with Hannah Montana tunes. You can encrypt the data on some drives. Some drives like the Corsair Padlock take things a bit further than encryption.

Thanko has a new USB Lock flash drive cap that can turn any flash drive or USB device into the equivalent of the Duck super secure flash drive with the locking cap. The Thanko cap has a three-digit lock very similar to a bike chain lock that you can set yourself. You can also use the cap on any other USB plug to prevent people from using your stuff without permission. You would have to encrypt the data on the drive with other means though.

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Easy-2-Pick

An end to luggage hell.....


Weve all been there. Waiting at the baggage carousel for our luggage when we spot it...only it turns out that was someone elses bag.

Or we inadvertently pick up the wrong bag and make for the taxi.

Well that all ends today with this unique and intelligent Israeli invention. The proximity luggage tag.

This is a small palm sized device that acts like a transponder, in that it beeps when the corresponding luggage tag, connected to your suitcase, is within 12-15 metres.

The expected cost $15-20 each.

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2008 Best Of St Louis Award

We are pleased to announce that we have just been selected to receive the USLBA 2008 Best Of St Louis Award for the Locksmith & Keys Category.

A copy of the Press Release is below.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Master Key Systems America, LLC Receives 2008 Best of St. Louis Award

U.S. Local Business Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement

WASHINGTON D.C., July 25, 2008 -- Master Key Systems America, LLC has been selected for the 2008 Best of St. Louis Award in the Locksmiths & Keys category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).

The USLBA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they 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 community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2008 USLBA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USLBA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA)

U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USLBA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USLBA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Local Business Association

CONTACT:
U.S. Local Business Association
Email: PublicRelations@USLBA.net
URL: http://www.USLBA.net

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