Galaxy - Taking Security To The Next Level

Australian Lock Company, inventors of the unique and ultra-secure bump proof and virtually pick proof key system Bilock, recently introduced this phenomenal advancement in locking system design.

Aptly named, Galaxy, it is the product of significant years of research and product development. It was developed in response to corporate and business demand for secured and safe work premises.

Manufactured using the very latest techniques and the highest quality materials, the Galaxy range provides a revolutionary approach to high security locking. With subtle technical improvements and considered design, Galaxy offers a host of previously unseen attributes to benefit both end users and locksmiths.

Distinctive Design features

The new and innovative Galaxy is designed and built for convenience and efficiency while maximising security.
Providing a greater depth of combinations than most other locks on the market, Galaxy's vast range of core options makes retrofitting existing locks simple and recombinating quick and easy.
Its streamlined design eliminates the need for tumbler pins and/or coded discs to create permutations. The unique simultaneous cutting of both key and codebar using a Computerised Numerical Control (CNC) machine increases production efficiency and reduces the likelihood of error and increases difficulty to duplicate.
Galaxy has incorporated a combination of 316 stainless steel and high speed steel to create a formidable lock. The versatile Galaxy key is super strong and offers wide-ranging colour options for quick and easy identification.

The patent life on the Galaxy extends to 2024. Australian Lock Company recognises the importance of patents to protect the client, agent and manufacturer from copying and therefore exposing the market to reduced security through inferior quality product. We are also protecting our Galaxy range with numerous Patent applications across the world.

Replacement of cylinders and keys

QUICK AND EASY TO RETROFIT AND RECOMBINATE

Galaxy boasts a myriad of advantages and benefits over other conventional locking devices on the market. Galaxy's uniqueness revolves around its ability to remove the centre core to change the programming of the lock, and that its factory built cylinders do not require pinning.

• Galaxy cylinders retrofit most new and existing applications.
• Galaxy cylinders use programmed holes on the codebar for coding.
• Galaxy reduces the cost of replacing cylinders as only the codebar needs replacing and offers the following advantages:
  • Reduced down time.
  • Reduced labour time.
  • Provides less opportunity for human error.

Security

SUPER STRONG, NOT EASILY REPLICATED AND PATENT PROTECTED

• Inbuilt security features are designed for anti picking, anti bumping and to ensure extreme resistance to malicious attack.
• Galaxy's additional locking pins and anti picking teeth on carriages prevent 'code hunting' while torque is applied.
• Galaxy is designed to resist impressioning.
• As Galaxy is only available through Authorised Dealers, the Galaxy key blank can only be reproduced by authorised Galaxy Dealers, offering additional security to the end-user.
• Stringent quality control and authentication procedures by factory technicians ensure manufacturing consistency of cylinders and keys.
• Cylinders and keys are Patent protected until February 2024.

Keys

STURDY COLOUR-CODED IMPRESSION-RESISTANT KEY

• Distinctively designed Galaxy operational keys are available in 21 colours.
• Keys carry authorised Galaxy Dealer details for easy reference and identification.
• If a system is designed correctly, when a master key is lost only the master key and code bars need to be replaced, not the entire range of keys within the system.
• Authorisation is required for additional keys. All keys are cut from code and not duplicated, and the key code is difficult to read from the key.
• Galaxy key strength exceeds Australian Standard. As they are made from stainless steel, keys offer increased wear resistance and the shorter design offers increased strength.
• Cylinder and keys have been cycle tested to 500,000 cycles regularly and with maintenance and lubrication can exceed 700,000.
• Galaxy offers a life-time guarantee on keys.

MADE FROM SUPER STRONG STAINLESS STEEL

Internal components are manufactured from Stainless and High Speed Steel.

• Keys are made from 316 stainless steel and most components are high quality Metal Injection Moulded (MIM).
• Side bars are anti drill and made from high speed steel.
• Cylinders have stainless steel face plate/cap.

The uniqueness of Galaxy revolves around its ability to remove the centre core to change the programming of the lock. Factory built cylinders do not require pinning and therefore offers more confidence for product installation and consistency.

Master Keying

SECURE AND SIMPLIFIED

The Galaxy Grand Master Key system's wide-ranging combinations with tightly controlled security and colour differentiation offers the end user unprecedented protection.
Superseding the traditional and more vulnerable 1 barrel keying systems usually found in today's marketplace, Galaxy has the capacity to carry 3 locks in 1. Inbuilt hidden codes offer further protection by deftly camouflaging the Galaxy master key within the system.

System Coding Capabilities
Access to our computerized master key generated systems allows authorised Galaxy dealers to build extremely complex and diverse Master Key systems to suit any requirement.Up to three separate security levels or locations can be secured using the same code and keys.
Expansion Potential
Galaxy's potential for expansion without having to change the existing system minimises further expense and disruption.
Galaxy has 3 key orientations available for placement of codes:
Left, Centre & Right

• Key blanks twist the Codebar to the desired orientation.
• Orientations are completely independent of each other.
• 3 dedicated key blanks.
• All 3 orientations can be programmed on the one Codebar at the same time.

Flexibility

• Retrofits most lock sets.
• Extensive product range.

Simplicity

• Quick replacement means time and cost savings for lost or stolen keys.
• Easy to use.
• Minimum maintenance.
• Coloured key heads for easy identification.

Security

• Restricted keying system by Authorised Galaxy Dealers only.
• Colour Coded Codebars available for Construction keying.

Durability

• 316 Stainless Steel key exceeds Australian Standards on key strength.

Tamper Resistance

• Tamper proof design of cylinder & key assures resistance to bumping, picking and impressioning.

Quality Assured

• Assembly of cylinders are 100% authenticated by factory technicians.

Legal Protection

• Cylinder and Key designs are backed by Patents which are valid until February 2024.

Lifetime Guarantee on Keys

• Internal components are manufactured from High Speed & Stainless Steel to maximise durability.

Australian designed, developed and manufactured

Galaxy stands out in the marketplace as an Australian designed, developed and manufactured product. Only the Metal Injection Moulded (MIM) components are manufactured for us by the world leaders in this field. Replacement of Cylinders and Keys

• Life time guarantee on keys, Super Strong 316 stainless steel exceeds Australian Standards for strength.
• Cylinder design guarantees resistance to bumping, picking and impressioning.
  
  
  (source...)

Comparative Crime Statistics St Louis County Zip Codes 2009

Another way to view the local crime statistics is to use comparison software. Included in the graph here are comparative crime statistics for the Saint Louis, Missouri zip codes of 63141 & 63131.

The accuracy of this report may or may not be accurate and should be verified independently. I believe they are quoting 2009 statistics.

We intend to include more comparative zip codes in future posts, stay tuned.

(source...)

Schlage Link - Saving Money, Peace Of Mind, Freedom From Worry

Schlage LINK is setting the standard for other companies to follow with the introduction of their LiNK product line.

Did you forget to lock the door? Perhaps you forgot to turn the lights out.

No problem! Thanks to Schlage...

Schlage LINK - Are The Kids Home Yet?

Schlage LINK products enable almost instant notification of the important events in our daily lives, like when the kids get home....

Schlage LINK - Convenience Is King

Schlage LINK products offer incredible convenience for everyday people like you and me. Especially difficult for all our working lives is planning our professional lives around the many contractors we require to service our homes and products. Like plumbers, electricians, builders, renovators, carpet cleaners, maid service, delivery drivers etc, it is often difficult and very frustrating to pin down a technician for an exact time.

Use of Schlage LINK products, alleviates these concerns.....watch...

Schlage LINK - The Future Of Home Security Is Here

Schlage are considered world leaders in the fields of commercial and residential security products.

A couple of years ago, they introduced a completely new system designed to revolutionize the home security and control world, known as LINK.

Using Z-Link technology, they have created a simple, yet functional, easy to install and operate system comprising door locks, cameras even lighting controls.

Here is one of their marketing commercials...

Crime Rate Statistics - Saint Louis County January 1 - January 31, 2010

Pictured here are the latest crime statistics as reported to Saint Louis County Police, for January 2010.

We are displaying only burglary and larceny reports filed with the police department.

Burglary = 82 incidents

Larceny = ~500 incidents

Remembering that these are only the incidents reported by officers, there are likely more significant numbers of crimes that go unreported.

The green dots represent the locations of those crimes.

We are only reporting these two types of property crimes, because these are the types of crimes we are primarily concerned with in regard to our business.

The site in the source below, actually provides the particular street location of each incident. For more precise information we suggest you click on the source.

(source...)

Child Safety - Door Limiter Protects Our Children

This unique securichain device is especially designed for residential or hotel/motel inward opening doors.

Simply installed and very easily operated, if it were mounted up high on a door, younger children would be unable to reach to unlock the device, preventing eager young minds from "flying the coop".

Easy to operate, simply push the toggle switch to lock or unlock the chain. There is an easy to identify color scheme to show you when it is locked or not, complying with ADA and life safety codes.

Simple and quick to install, the only tools required are a power drill, wood chisel, drill bits and a screwdriver.

Available in silver and brass/gold.

$49.99

Colors

Silver Brass/Gold

Laptop Computer Pullout - Lockable

Pictured here is a functional sliding tray that is key lockable, enabling you to secure your laptop to your desk, while it remains connected to power and communications.

Though similar to a keyboard slide, this retractable computer tray is designed specifically for laptop use. It will hold any laptop measuring up to 15-1/2" wide by 17-1/2".

The textured polystyrene tray has slots in the rear for cord management and a recessed front for unobstructed keyboard access. A small cam lock (includes two keys) is supplied for optional installation on the tray front, to secure against impulse theft. The 20" slides (16" travel) operate on quiet nylon rollers, install using four inverted "L" mounting brackets, and have positive hold-open and hold-closed features. Mounting instructions and hardware included.

Well made, it is an excellent retrofit for desktops short on space, and is a great method for concealing a laptop when not in use — an ideal combination for student dorm rooms or open floor office layouts.

Made in USA

$79.00

Baldwin Receives Four 2008 ADEX Awards

Baldwin Hardware Wins ADEX Awards

-Receiving Recognition at Platinum, Gold and Silver Levels-

Reading, Pennsylvania – Baldwin Hardware, manufacturers of architectural and decorative hardware

products for the home, announced that it has received four 2008 ADEX Awards (Awards for

Design Excellence), presented by the Design Journal, a publication geared toward interior designers,

architects and facility managers.

Baldwin received a Platinum Award for a new contemporary styled

stainless steel door knob; and, a Gold Award for its collection of decorative roses, an expanded

offering that coordinates with existing Baldwin knobs and levers.

The company also received Silver

Awards for its contemporary Houston entrance set and its new introductions of knobs, levers and

roses within the Estate collection.

The ADEX Awards, which have been honoring excellence in

design for 13 years, received more than 1200 entries from over 300 companies for consideration in

2008’s judging. Since Baldwin began submitting entries in 2003, the company has won 13 ADEX

Awards.

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History of Locks - Baldwin

Continuing with our series about lock companies and their history's, we present the history of the founding of America's foremost lock and door hardware company, Baldwin.

Baldwin products are often considered at the higher price range of hardware products, but for good reason. Most Baldwin products are warrantied for life.

Severin Fayerman, Baldwin Hardware’s Founder, Tells his “Story”

-Fayerman records “a day in the life” of being a prisoner during WWII

Reading, PA – Severin Fayerman, founder of Baldwin Hardware, recorded his story for

StoryCorps on September 19, 2008. Since 2003, the independent nonprofit oral history project,

called StoryCorps, has focused on “honoring and celebrating one another’s lives through listening.”

Across the country, tens of thousands have told their stories. Each of which will be archived at the Library of Congress, with a selection also being made available on public radio and the Internet.

Fayerman, who was born in Poland, began his story with a retelling of his experience as a prisoner held in several concentration camps during World War II. In the recording, he speaks of a typical day spent at Auschwitz.

Soon after immigrating to the US with his family in 1945, Fayerman began working at a tool and die shop in lower Manhattan. With aspirations toward owning their own business, he and his father began a search for companies for sale and negotiated the purchase of Baldwin Tool and Die Company, based in Newark, New Jersey.

As a result, in January 1946, Fayerman and his father co-founded what was to become Baldwin Hardware only one year after arriving in the US. Fayerman held an active, daily role in company leadership until the sale of the company to Masco Corporation in 1982, after which he assumed the position of honorary Chairman Emeritus, acting as advisor to Baldwin executives and serving as a key instructor at Baldwin University. The company celebrated Fayerman’s official retirement from Baldwin Hardware in June 2008.

Fayerman has chronicled his personal history in a short memoir called, A Survivor’s Story. He now resides in Reading, Pennsylvania and has been traveling since the start of his official retirement date.

Baldwin Hardware manufactures an extensive family of superior architectural and decorative products for the home in a variety of finishes, including its proprietary Lifetime Finish.

Baldwin Hardware products signify quality and innovation, with offerings that include hardware and locksets and exterior lighting, as well as bath and cabinetry accessories. All portfolios are available in a rich variety of finishes and textures.

The Reading, PA based company with more than 60 years of heritage, is part of the Black & Decker Hardware & Home Improvement Group, headquartered in Lake Forest, CA.

Black & Decker also own Kwikset Lock Co.

Profile of Severin Fayerman

Schlage Securekey - coming soon

Schlage, hot on the heels of Kwikset, introduce their own field re-keyable locksets.

I find it rather interesting that many of these types of products are finding their way to market (now - since bump keys, showed why the previous products were infantile)

To be honest, whereas there may be a market for these products, more often we locksmiths are finding that many homeowners do not know they have "that" kind of lock and still will call us to rekey their locks.

Wait until you lose your key.

I havent seen the specs on this product yet, but they say that it is bump proof and pick resistant, but I suggest that it would actually be rather easy to pick (given the quality of many modern day Schlage products) and someone could easily lock you out of your house.

The extra security may or may not be worth it to you, but if you want excellent security for a competitive price with all the abilities that this product brings, look at Bilock. It has been around for decades and has proven itself the world over for it's quality, aesthetic value, ease of use and reliability.

See also Schlage Securekey Problems

See also Kwikset Smartkey problems

(source...)

Medeco - Hmmmmm....

An interesting site has appeared on my radar.

I came across this independent site quite by accident, the other day and am delighted to see some other opinions about our signature product Bilock.

"Medeco locks are currently used in over 75% of the US high security market, with few users knowing that they may want to avoid Medeco locks. While worldwide their high security market share is much lower, in the US they still are the predominant high security lock. Unfortunately over the past few years, several vulnerabilities of this system have come into light. While the system certainly offers more protection over a standard pin tumbler lock, in the price range of Medeco locks there are far better security solutions. Keep in mind that most of the vulnerabilities listed here apply to standard Medeco Biaxial and M3 locks (like deadbolts, and padlocks) and not to their line of cam locks, which utilize a different mechanism and still appear to offer a decent level of security (as long as they are not overly master keyed, and some key duplication issues still exist)."

"If you are looking for something that offers more pick or force resistance and the many benefits of a traditional high security lock we currently recommend Abloy and BiLock. Both are very good high security locks, with the Abloy Protec being one of the few locks that has yet to have a documented method of picking, bumping, or imprisoning since it came out in 2001."

(source...)

Bypass Sliding Door Lock With Key

Another design, we hope to make available soon is this unique product tailored for securing the common bypass sliding doors, similar to those found on wardrobes and closets.

The first and only lock to insure security on by-passing doors. This specialty-design hook bolt positively engages the strike in the other door and eliminates possibility of prying doors apart. Only the cylinder face or thumbturn escutcheon and return of lock face is visible from room side.

Many applications exist with current floor plans designed by modern thinking, space saving architects. Enabling the ability to easily partition a large room or banquet hall and effectively secure the doors closed.

Installed similar to a drawer lock, requires precision fitting and is best done by seasoned technician.

I have sliding wardrobes in my house too (must be a '70's design) but mine are with full length mirrors. I'm still searching for a better alternative to secure them.

(price on application)

(source...)

Solid Brass Pocket Door Locks

Hot on the heel of our recent Pocket Door Lock With Key, we are happy to be able to bring you a different style of pocket door lock made from solid brass.

This product (we will make available soon) is fundamentally different in design, but offers the ability to install to an entry door. Using an inside thumbturn assembly, the lock can be easily opened from the desired side, or from both sides, if needs be.

Below, find the different style handles available, to suit every desired function. Using one body design allows for multiple applications, reducing cost to manufacture. This particular flip bolt feature is unique to sliding door locks and is widely known around the world as the best design for locking sliding doors.

Brass is a self-lubricating metal, requiring less maintenance than the pre-fabricated modern materials used in more mainstream products.

We will be able to provide these locks with different keyways, like Schlage, Baldwin, Kwikset, Weiser or Weslock and we will even be able to master key, if required.

(price on application)

Crime Statistics - Missouri 2008

There are multiple sources of statistics available online for statistics relating to crime. Another medium that provides some interesting statistics is in the source below.
This shows that in 2008, St Louis was ranked 7th in the whole state of Missouri for the quantity of property crimes reported in 2008.

It becomes confusing to understand any mean (average) statistic, when referring to multiple sources, but this particular resource shows that while Missouri is indeed a hotbed of property crime, St Louis is not the leading property crime location in the state.

While this doesnt necessarily reflect the quality of the local constabulary in fighting incidences of property crime, it is pleasing that the state's largest city, actually rates fairly low in comparrison to other cities across the state.

(source...)

Nio - Bluetooth Security Tag

At the recent CES2010 in Las Vegas, there were multiple vendors showcasing many new unusual and useful gadgets.

One such product is a novel keyring security tag called Nio.

This is how it works...

Preventing Burglaries Is Impossible, But......

In recent past posts, I included some pictures and comments made by convicted burglars, in prison.

My profession is locksmithing.

As a locksmith, it is my mission to provide you, the home owner or office manager with solutions that will slow down or frustrate a potential burglary and create easy to access systems that protect you, your family and your colleagues.

I cannot 100% guarantee that you will not suffer a break in, but I can provide you the tools to slow down a burglar or hopefully make them go next door.

For an obligation free assessment, please contact us today.

Burglars Still Work When It Snows

If it snows while you’re out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

Do Burglars Really Think Like This?

Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.

An Invitation To Burglars (How a Burglar Might Think)

Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste … and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.

More Burglar Opportunists

1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

Burglars are opportunists.

Readers Digest, is a well known publication that continues to offer many interesting articles, some of which include very sound advice.

A recent article appeared on their site, indicating the things a would be burglar might look for prior to robbing you.

1. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.

2. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.

3. I’ll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he’ll stop what he’s doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn’t hear it again, he’ll just go back to what he was doing. It’s human nature.

© 2009 Jupiterimages Corporation

4. I’m not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?

5. I love looking in your windows. I’m looking for signs that you’re home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I’d like. I’ll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.

6. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It’s easier than you think to look up your address.

7. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it’s an invitation.

8. If you don’t answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.

Uniform Crime Reporting Statistics - St Louis County December 2009

Pictured to the left is a map of the St Louis County area. The Green dots represent reported burglaries and larceny-thefts, while the red dots represent robberies, for the period January 8, 2010 - January 22, 2010. (map source...)

Most jurisdictions across the USA are reporting their monthly crime data to the UCR for the FBI, since 1955.

St Louis County makes these records publicly available to interested parties, though the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Statistical Analysis Center. Being in the security protection industry, the knowledge of crime statistics is vital and important to me and my neighbors.

We have been producing relatively regular crime report statistics for particular towns in the St Louis County region, for certain periods in the last year. We have been sourcing this data from third party information mediums. While we cannot guarantee the accuracy of those records, the maps and breakdowns of specific streets and locations of incidents, can be considered worthwile to many people, because they are more specific in nature .

We recently learned about the accurate records that are provided to the Missouri State Highway Patrol and we are pleased to bring this information to our readers here.

In December 2009, the Missouri State Highway Patrol Statistical Analysis Center received the following data provided by all reporting precincts in the St Louis County region:

Murder - 2

Forcible Rape - 11

Robbery - 31

Aggravated Assault - 58

Burglary - 159

Larceny-Theft - 633

Motor Vehicle Theft - 59

Arson - 2

Total Incidents: 955

Where as, professionally we are primarily concerned with Robbery, Burglary and Larceny Theft, all classifications are important to be kept aware of.

My principle service areas (where I receive most of my business from) are Central and West County precinct reporting areas. These specific precincts report 165 total of the 955 reported incidents. 143/165 incidents in my principle service area include specifically Robbery, Burglary and Larceny Theft.

86.67% of all reported crimes to St Louis County Police, in Central and West Central County were property related incidents.

To determine the area that is important to you, we provide the link to this data in the source below.

Expect to hear these reports more often in future.

DIY Outlets (Big Box Stores) Mystery Shopper Findings

A rather interesting set of statistics has come to light after a recent survey of mystery shoppers taken in the UK about the knowledge of shop assistants in hardware stores and other DIY outlets, relating to lock products knowledge.

To summarize:

the mystery shopper investigation found that 63 per cent of staff in some of the UK's best known DIY outlets rated poorly when it came to lock knowledge; while only 15 per cent of 'shoppers' would rate advice received as satisfactory.

Three scenarios tested lock knowledge on various locking system (open, restricted and patented systems) multiple occupancy housing regulations and insurance stipulations. Mystery shoppers found a lack of understanding of lock requirements among staff meant they were not offered the right advice or asked appropriate questions.

Across all of the scenarios some vital questions were overlooked by sales staff, often meaning they were unable to provide appropriate advice on lock suitability.

The research also found:
* In the multiple occupancy regulations scenario none of the interviewers were advised to buy a BS 8621 lock - the one which should have been recommended, while 10 per cent mentioned an unsuitable lock
* Six in ten (62 per cent) 'shoppers' were referred to at least one other colleague when the first staff member felt unable to handle the enquiry
* Ten per cent of mystery shoppers were referred to three staff members when the first member of staff did not feel able to help with an enquiry, while two per cent of participants were referred to four members of staff
* Nearly eight in ten (76 per cent) 'shoppers' were not satisfied with the accuracy of the information received across all three scenarios
* More than eight in ten (83 per cent) felt that the response they received did not fully match that which was outlined in the scenario provided
* In more than nine out of ten instances staff were not on hand to offer advice, with 90 per cent of interviewers having to leave the lock aisle to actively seek assistance

Many locksmiths in this country have substantially more training than can be found in the hardware stores. Many hardware stores rarely hire any qualified professionals at all. The hardware stores have been closing in on the locksmith trade for many years but have been found wanting time and time again.
When you seek financial advice, do you go to a financial services professional or to a shop assistant?

Is the security of your property, home, colleagues and family, not important enough to you to seek the services and training of a professional?

Electronic Door Locks - Are They Worth The Price?

I have never been a strong proponent of electronic locking products, due to the constant maintenance required to keep them operating at maximum efficiency and certain other issues like poor component constructions, prone to not working in adverse weather conditions etc etc.

Every so often, I am asked to recommend electronic locking products. Having been in the physical security industry over 25 years and worked in multiple continents, I have seen many and varied applications.

The electronic components in security products started way back in the early 20th century when the first electric strike was installed in an upmarket New York apartment complex.

Up until that time, multi-level apartment complexes required doormen and an escorted elevator trip. The advantage that the electric strike presented was the ability to enjoy a secure entrance unmanned 24 hours a day and 7 days a week at a significantly reduced cost.

Most electronic hardwired systems available today are required to be "fail-safe". This means that if the power fails or is interrupted, the device is un-secure. Many product manufacturers started putting in battery back-ups in their products to assist with security necessities.

The advent of wireless systems actually negates the fail-safe mentality until the battery runs out.....but even still many products have an in-built lithium polymer long life battery, to provide just enough power until the main source batteries can be recharged or replaced. (this can also be illegal in a public building due to the fire and building code - depending on your location)

Technology is advancing rapidly and products are slowly becoming better quality and experiencing longer lives, however I still feel it necessary to recommend to my clients to maintain that mechanical back-up "just in case".

This is expressly why the locksmith industry will continue to exist, much to the angst of some.

Locksmiths, for over 2 centuries have been designing, maintaining and creating systems and products designed to protect the assets of the marketplace. Locksmiths will continue to do so for the next 200 years, I'm sure.

When asked "Should We?".....my first answer is based on determining the true benefits. But I always will recommend a mechanical backup.

The true benefits could be, no more keys to worry about (what about the proximity card - doesnt this just take the place of a key?), the ability to perform audit trails (on sophisticated systems), combination entry (negates the need for a key, but requires a code to be remembered - this could lead to codes being shared - leading to a major security issue).

One of the best advances today is the advent of Bio-metric systems. Finger print or Iris identification systems can negate the need for a key or the need to remember a combination (you cannot lend your finger or eye to someone else - can you?). Facial recognition systems are also a new entrant to the market.

The marketplace should also remember that electronic security products are still expensive and not as generally reliable as mechanical security products. Locksmiths can provide restricted key control systems that enable end users to control who has keys to their properties. This is one of the least expensive and most secure methods for protecting assets, often without the need to replace costly hardware.

Mul-T-Lock Easily Bypassed And Bumped Open

A few years ago I had shown this video here on this site to make people aware of potential vulnerabilities in the product. It should be noted that this is clearly in a carefully set up workshop but the technique is correct and identifies that the product has vulnerabilities that are alarming.

Mul-T-Lock have since come out with newer updated versions that include interactive elements (like Bilock) and they are priced at the higher end of the marketing landscape. Mul-t-lock, like Medeco are both owned by Assa-Abloy and neither are bump or pick proof. Schlage Primus and Schlage Everest are products owned by Ingersoll Rand and are neither bump proof nor pick resistant compared to the more competitively priced Bilock product. Bilock is the first 100% Guaranteed Bump Proof and Virtually Pick Proof pin tumbler product available.

Videx Cyberlock - ( Bumped ) Vulnerable

The Cyberlock by Videx, has long been touted as bump proof and pick proof, but as the above video displays, a determined enthusiast has shown a vulnerability that cannot be ignored.

Admittedly, he uses an especially modified magnet that fits the keyway profile of the particular cylinder, but it shows a determined person can bypass the cylinder (quite easily).

It should be stressed that this is a carefully staged demonstration, but it certainly shows a vulnerability previously unknown.

Electronic systems are still in their infancy and the Cyberlock by Videx is an excellent modern access control system that is considered ahead of it's time.

But it does stress the importance of secure mechanical systems like our signature product Bilock, that enables totally secure bump proof and virtually pick proof, mechanical key operating systems, offering TOTAL key control and color coded, easy to secure and identify lock and key systems, at significantly more competitive costs.

Arguably, consumers are requesting better security options that are economical, easy to use, efficient, fault free and long lasting.

Bilock has proven itself in many and varied applications around the world, repeatedly as an affordable alternative to securing your property cost effectively.

With the significantly reduced cost for top of the line security protection, you are better served in all respects by Bilock Extreme Security products.

IR Microlock (Now Rosslinear)- Stand Alone Battery Powered Electric Strike

Ingersoll-Rand, the parent company of the Schlage Lock Company, were producing quality physical security products for many years.

Pictured here, is a product that has many and varied applications.

This is a stand-alone, narrow stile (mullion) battery powered electric strike with keypad entry.

This application can be installed easily in many hard to fit applications.

Many requests are for access control products that enable keypad entry systems. But there are few products that are designed for the narrow-stile doors found in common shopfronts that are competitively priced and functional.

There are other products that can be used on narrow-stile doors but not many that are purposely designed, battery powered, simple enough to work with your existing lock*, cost effective and of similar quality to this brilliant product.

The Rosslinear is battery powered with an electric strike and numbered keypad and iButton reader.

The strike and keypad is powered by a small in-built lithium powered battery. External cabling and conduit are not required.

The strike is designed to be used with mortise latches or tubular latches, like your common key-in-knob entrance set. It can be used with either knobs or levers.

The Rosslinear strike is suited to individual offices, serviced offices, business centers, communal entries, appartment main entry doors, computer and server rooms, electrical and telecommunication cupboards, store rooms, banks and cash drawers (time- delay model).

There are two models available, standard and additional featured.

Standard

• Access can be keypad (4 - 8 digits) or iButton
• Weather Resistant Keypad
• Temporary keypad lockout to foil attempted guessing of PIN code
• Security cannot be breached by removal of keypad
• Up to 20,000 operations from 3V lithium battery (supplied)
• Ease of programming and operation
• 200 user capacity
• Passage Mode (Door can be left unlocked)
• No additional software to add or delete users
• Anti-tailgate automatic relocking
• No hardwiring or external power supply needed
• Easy to install - no licensed technician required

Additional Features

• Ability to add or delete users without affecting other users
• Time delay opening (up to 16 minutes)
• User lockout function enables all users to be temporarily denied access

Some Example Installations:

Update 08/25/2011: The Ingersoll Rand Microlock is discontinued. The inventor has partnered with Lock Focus to produce the Rosslinear Battery Powered Electric Strike.

We are the exclusive agents in the USA for this fabulous product. We have installed these to communal secure access doors for schools, condominium complexes and automobile dealers.

Many pizza delivery drivers doors use these exclusively because of their ease of installation and low cost.