Making Automobile Keys - A New Direction For Us

We have decided to make our foray into the world of Automobile Key origination and duplication.

Personally, I cut my teeth in automotive for most of my first 20 years in the locksmith trade so it is not really that new for me.

When I started my business here in Saint Louis, I decided initially to not offer Automobile Key creation services due to the steep prices for purchasing, maintaining and keeping inventory of parts, key blanks, machines, keying kits, transponder programming equipment etc. The extreme cost to set up, maintain, educate/train and manage the wide intricacies of offering car, bike and truck duplication and origination services, means that clients will be forced to pay significant monies to have these services performed for them.

However, everyday I field increasing numbers of calls from customers intent on finding a trained professional, with field experience to offer the services they are seeking. Sure there are a few operators in this region with knowledge and experience who are providing these services, but to constantly receive inquiries from customers, when we actually advertised in the past that we DO NOT make car keys, indicates that the local needs are not being met or serviced properly.

We therefore decided that we would slowly build up suitable machinery, programming equipment and inventory supplies and begin catering to the needs of our market.

A true business, measures the market potential of it's products and services and makes incremental changes to it's initial business plan as time progresses, to attempt to provide product and service solutions to meet potential clients needs.

We being a proactive, forward thinking and evolving company, are constantly looking for new unique and specialty products and services to provide to our customers.

We just received some new programming machinery to enable us to originate and duplicate car key transponders (chip keys). We recently purchased special machinery to duplicate the high security 2 & 4 track car keys. We purchased top of the line computerised code key cutting machinery for conventional automotive, commercial and residential key originations, about 18 months ago.

We are continuing to build our infrastructure before we make automotive key making another product and service of our business and we look forward to your custom soon.

Combina Display Samples - Just Arrived

I just received my current order of the sample Combina handles. I have been showing around a display model that is attracting significant interest. Architects, Interior Designers, Aged Care Homes, are liking the product.

I recently sold some Combina designer handle sets to a discerning customer in New York City, tailored to suit his exact taste. They are totally white in color and look terrific.

I showed to an aged care home recently and they loved it. No more handle to turn, simple design, easy to use. Perfect for arthritis sufferers.

I am blown away by the choice of options this product is available in.

From the home of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Fiat, Maserati, Da Vinci, Michelangelo this stylish and impressive handle continues the 35 year tradition of use in Europe.

The design options to suit virtually any decor are impressive.

Color coding is a brilliant innovative way to identify individual taste.

In the United States, the common residential door (interior or exterior) backset depth (the distance between the edge of the door and the center of the handle) is 2-3/8" (60mm), while the common commercial backset depth is 2-3/4" (70mm). The common cross bore (the hole in the door for fitting knobs or levers) diameter is 2-1/8" (51mm). Meroni handles are built to very exact 40 mm (1-9/16") cross bore diameter. For this reason, Meroni also provide wider diameter rosettes to allow installation to the common diameter found in North America. Meroni provide your choice of backset depths including 60, 70 and 80 mm depths. The strike plates are available in brass or silver, come in rounded or square forends (as do the latch mechanisms - backsets).

Many of the product lines can include your choice of color rosette to match the selected finish, although many customers tend to like the contrasting color rosettes.

We can now personally display working models to clients, to gain a feel for the end product.

As a special bonus, selected clients can now enjoy their company logo embossed on the cover plates to further personalize their product selections.

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Pickbuster - BUSTED

Pickbuster is a product made by UAP in Great Britain. It was especially designed to combat the bump key phenomena that presented itself a few years back. The entire marketplace felt betrayed by pin tumbler lock manufacturers for not providing protection against the most simple form of covert entry.

Well, Pickbuster was released as the solution to treat all locks without replacing cylinders with true bump proof locks like Abloy or Bilock.

Unfortunately, the product is nothing but a hoax.

[EDIT: 6/24/11 We recently posted a video proving so, but the videographer has since removed access to it.]

Meroni UFO - Installation Instructions

We appear to be receiving numerous hits and inquiries about this fabulous product - The Meroni UFO.

Many inquiries include the desire to see the installation instructions.

The kit comes with an installation instruction page that includes standard installation and for thin sheet metal (to 2.5mm).

Essentially the instructions are the same, just that for thin sheet metal applications, there are a few extra steps.

We are happy to include the following factory installation instructions for your benefit. These instructions are for the thin metal application. NOTE: The instructions are written in Italian and English.

CISA Not Servicing USA anymore.

Pictured to the left is the CISA CS9800 Smart Lock. We previously posted about this product last year. While we still believe that CISA make unequalled quality products for the hotel market, it is most unfortunate that another Ingersoll Rand company has chosen to not support it's products in the US market.

There are other manufacturers of superb quality hotel RFID locks. One we like to recommend is SALTO. Salto produce modern super-high quality access control solutions, especially designed for hotels, schools, hospitals and condominium complexes. Their simple, wireless designs employ virtually impossible to hack card/rfid reader systems, that reduce the cost for installation, maintenance and service.

While it would have been nice to see CISA return to the USA market, there are other companies who see the value in servicing this market with products and services that are more competitively priced, aesthetically pleasing, using installation services that are more user friendly, economical and ultra-modern.

Good bye CISA. It was fun working with, installing and servicing your products, but it is time to look to the future instead of burying our heads in the sand buckets of the past.

Battery Powered Electric Strike - By LockFocus (Test Model Arrived)

Well it certainly has been a busy 2 months for me. No time to sit and write new articles for this site.

We are happy to announce, we just received our display and test model of this newest addition to our inventory.

The Battery Powered Electric Strike - By Lock Focus appears to be of excellent quality and functionality.

It operates on 3 "watch type" lithium long life batteries that are easily available at just about any battery retailer, so purchasing additional or replacement batteries will be a cinch (pronounced sinch).

We are currently putting it through it's paces and plan to start offering them for sale very shortly.

Metal Ink Pen On Your Keyring

A new product hitting the Market thanks to our friends at ThinkGeek is this sensational inkless pen.

It happens to me quite often, being without a pen to write down that number but this product may be the answer to many prayers.

The unique product offering comes attached to a keyring, uses a metal ink product (to write in metal) that never needs refilling or sharpening.

Additional pictures below.

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Pocket Door Lock With Key

Due to overwhelming demand (outstripping supply) and cost increases from the manufacturer, customs and international freight forwarders, this product is now costing $105.00 + shipping, effective immediately.

All existing orders (ordered prior to this update) will be honored at the advertised price.

It seems that I grossly underestimated the popularity of this product.

With demand currently outstripping supplies, we count less than 20 units (7 in silver and 12 in brass) left in inventory.

We apologise for the inconvenience and congratulate the early adopters for their wise and early buying decisions.

HM Cowdroy also produce similar shaped cavity door pulls and dummy handles as well as privacy sets. We anticipate a small inventory will be available in due course.

EDIT 03/04/2011:

New product arrived. $105.00

Bi-Pad Touch - Remote Operated Bump Proof Wireless Touchpad Deadbolt

We will soon be releasing a new product to entice discerning customers. A wireless, bump proof and virtually pick proof (thanks to Bilock) remote control operated touchpad deadbolt lock that easily replaces almost any existing tubular deadbolt on the market. The product will come with 3 Bilock keys and 2 remote controls (standard), and is weather resistant. This product would suit computer rooms or communal office entries without the need to hand out keys. Up to 10 remotes can be purchased and 200 user codes can be programmed.

Pictures and pricing options will be uploaded soon. Stay tuned!

Battery Powered Electric Strike - By LockFocus

LockFocus, the well known Australian lock products manufacturer have done it again. They have produced an update version of a battery powered electric strike.

We have received numerous inquiries about our past article on the now discontinued IR Microlock - Battery Powered Electric Strike and have been attempting to source a competitive alternative.

We are happy to announce that we may have found that product.

This product may indeed provide the solution that many of our clients are seeking.

The perfect alternative to wirefree access control. The battery powered electric strike by Lock Focus offers an economical alternative to apartment complexes, pools, communal access doors without the need to run expensive cabling and power hook up.

Designed to offer a potential 30,000 uses (3 years use), it is the perfect alternative to high traffic access control without necessarily issuing keys. Up to 200 user codes can be input.

Stay tuned for availability options.

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UPDATE 5/19/2011: We have arranged some samples from the manufacturer and a small quantity of inventory. We expect to have them in about 3-4 weeks. We are estimating the price at around US$475.00 each, but this is not confirmed at this time.

UPDATE 5/24/2011: We are now accepting pre-orders for this sensational product. We are expecting 24 units to arrive in about 30 days. Please email us with your desire to purchase and we will contact you privately with further details.

UPDATE 7/22/2011: Product is available now!

Combina - Serrature Meroni from Italy

I'm quite excited about the Combina handles that are arriving soon. I have been showing around a display model that is attracting significant interest. Architects, Interior Designers, Aged Care Homes, are liking the product.

I showed to an aged care home recently and they loved it. No more handle to turn, simple design, easy to use. Perfect for arthritis sufferers.

I am blown away by the choice of options this product is available in.

From the home of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Fiat, Maserati, Da Vinci, Michelangelo this stylish and impressive handle continues the 35 year tradition of use in Europe.

The design options to suit virtually any decor are impressive.

Color coding is a brilliant innovative way to identify individual taste.

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Master Digital Keypad Deadbolt Installation

I was recently employed to install a couple of these Master combination deadbolts for a customer. These deadbolts perform a keyless entry function for mutual access to authorized staff, but they also are available to be keyed to the customers existing master key system. I always recommend customers purchase the key override function, to provide entry in case batteries go flat or emergency mechanical access is required.

The installation was quick, straightforward and painless except that the weather started to get rough.

This is how the installation went...

Search Results for March 2011

It is said (somewhere) that a website is best measured by it's success at being found.

I use Google Analytics to measure the depth of this sites penetration into the world wide web. GA gives an unbiased statistical report of your site's effectiveness at being found.

It does seem that this site is beginning to be found more often by searchers seeking answers to their inquiries or questions. This makes me happy to see the fruits of my labor (writing the content) actually benefiting someone.

March 2011 proved an interesting month with some varied results from last month.

As popular as ever and continuing to increase it's presence, is our article on Schlage Securekey Problems.

This month, Koowy starts to become more popular.

Kwikset Smartkey Problems continues to impress with it's hierarchy in our statistics although the quantity of searches in comparison to Schlage is significantly less. I suggest that this may be because the Kwikset locks appear to suffer from less problems. Whereas I am loathed to recommend the product line because it is NOT secure, I think it is better than the Schlage comparison.

As you can see in the table, our articles on Pocket Door Locks With Key continues to impress. It is most likely because competing product lines are not as stylish, simple and easy to install or as competitively priced.

The results for March are indeed impressive, in my opinion. 1627 visits : 2.19 pages per visit : 45.91% bounce rate. The bounce rate is an important indicator because it proves that searchers are not just staying on the landing page, rather they are finding the landing page of enough interest that leads them to visit other pages.

April is proving slightly different results, wait and see.

Breaking News: Many Manufacturers Raising Prices In Next Few Months

Breaking News: Many leading manufacturers of security products in the USA are planning to raise prices in the next 3 months. Master Lock, American Lock, Sargent & Greenleaf and HATA are just a sampling of manufacturers raising their prices.

Concerned consumers should consider pushing up their planned purchase date for these product lines to beat the price increases.

The weakness in the US Dollar is partly to blame, but I think it is more to do with oil prices. Oil and oil derivatives are used in many materials and machinery required to produce many parts.

Unfortunately, if and when oil prices do decline, manufacturers rarely reduce their prices, so the new prices are most likely to stay (if not, continue to increase).

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Ultralatch by Soss

The Ultralatch by Soss, is another design similar to our popular Meroni entrance hardware. Soss products are proudly manufactured in the USA.

Similar to the award winning Italian door hardware manufacturer Serrature Meroni, Soss have developed their own version of the ergonomical entry handle.

As the above video displays, the hardware is easy to use, convenient and aesthetically pleasing.

Soss Maufacturing company was founded by Joseph Soss in the late 19th century. Born Joseph Schloss in 1863 to Romanian parents, he decided to pursue his dream abroad and emigrated to the America's.

A bricklayer by trade, he began in Montreal in construction. He saved up enough money (working for $2 an hour) to eventually bring his wife and infant daughter over. They migrated to Cleveland Ohio in the 1890's after the birth of their second daughter. The Cleveland immigration officials renamed him Joseph Soss.

At that time, Cleveland was a rapidly growing city but after hearing about the State of Montana's desire to build a capitol building, he eagerly bid for the project, winning the bid and moving to Montana.

In 1902, after completing the Montana State Capitol building, he decided to move his family to Butte to build schools for the rapidly growing city. In later years he pursued business interests in the Philippines, but after the sudden passing of his business partner, he packed up and went home to Butte. While aboard ship, he stumbled on a protruding hinge and came up with the idea of concealed hinge. He patented the hinge and built a manufacturing company to produce it.

Soss Manufacturing ceased being a family business in 1939 and eventually the company was renamed Core Industries. Core Industries was later swallowed up by United Dominion Industries in 1997. That same year, Neil Marko of Universal Industrial Products in Pioneer Ohio bought the rights to the Soss hinge and today continues to produce it to the same quality that has seem the product installed at pre-eminent buildings like The White House and Buckingham Palace. Neil Marko is the great-grandson of Joseph Soss.

The Ultralatch is a new product that they developed and now produce in Ohio.

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The Door Club

The residential security market is an ever changing and growing market. More and more unique products are surfacing that may enable residents to better protect themselves, their families and their properties.

In past articles here, we have discussed a number of products that are designed to prevent door kick ins.

The Strikemaster 11 Pro is our favored product for securing a residential entry door from the instance of door frame failure, the symptom that occurs when someone tries to kick the door down. It allows the door to be secured when you leave your home or dwelling.

A few days ago we posted a video about the OnGard door brace. A unique product designed primarily to thwart door kick-ins, while you are home, effectively thwarting home invasions. While the product is indeed a revolutionary idea and made from the highest quality materials, we recently came across another variation of the product from a well known manufacturer of other security products. The Door Club (pictured above), effectively does the same thing as the OnGard brace system. It is a competitively priced option that may appeal to consumers for it's aesthetic appearance and simplicity of use/storage.

It is easily installed by drilling one hole into floor surfaces such as wood, ceramic, carpet, tile, marble and granite. The Door Club is designed to withstand two tons of direct force, enough to keep would be intruders from kicking the door open.

Easily installed, the device comes with all installation hardware and instructions, including the mounting storage bracket that attaches to the door itself.

$24.99

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MinuteKEY - Self-Service Key Machine

minuteKEY Introduction video from minuteKEY on Vimeo.


New machine is being released to the world that might make key duplication a simpler experience for consumers.
The minuteKEY self service machine is specifically designed to be simple and easy to operate, offering a limited array of home and office keys in standard brass or designer keyblanks.
This revolution in the key duplication market will change the face of the hardware/key duplication market, speed up consumer wait times and in all likelihood reduce costs as well.
It is my understanding that Walmart is soon to be trialling these in select stores.
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Search Results for February 2011

Time for the updated search results that led searchers to this site. February 2011 Top Ten search terms across multiple search engines.

Schlage Securekey Problems takes the lead this time but it was a close race with Kwikset Smart Key Problems not so far behind.

These indices might also indicate that more consumers are experiencing problems with Schlage Securekey products than Kwikset Smartket Products, but that is not a given.

Koowy, our article about a small piece of software that we have been involved with as a beta tester has taken third this time.

Pocket Door Locks, continue to be an often sought for term, that also lead people here. Sales are through the roof for the product and no wonder. We are expecting replenishing supplies through in a few months, but there will likely be a price rise due to all worldwide costs having increased significantly.

Meroni, the highly respected European lock manufacturer gets a mention too. We are expecting hard copy samples very soon. One of the last remaining independent lock manufacturers left in Italy, Meroni is well known across the continent for it's quality and consistency.

Window Security Film - Preventing Smash & Grab Entry

The above video shows a clear example of how and why window security film is a necessary and wise investment. Protecting property is one of the principle intentions that locksmiths provide. In many neighborhoods across America, residence's front doors are the primary entry point that burglars attack. Secondly, windows are another entry point that burglars attack.

Doors that include glass in them or in the sidelights, next to the door, are often only single pane light windows, that can be easily smashed by a would-be intruder and the front door deadbolt turnbutton can be easily unlocked.

In most towns across America, the local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) is usually the local fire marshal or building inspector. These AHJ's base their decisions on the policies and provisions tabled in the International Building Code and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), Life Safety Codes and insurance company requirements.

Many consumers think that it is okay for them to install double cylinder deadbolts to their primary entrance doors. In most cases this is a fallacy. The law, as determined and judged by the local AHJ, requires all primary entrances in dwellings to use single cylinder deadbolts.

The fire departments frown heavily on the use of double cylinder deadbolts because they are a severe impediment to residents easily escaping a fire or emergency.

I am asked often and repeatedly by customers to install double cylinder locks. Most often I will refuse and explain in detail why, according to the above.

Once explained, the customer usually agrees that complying with the law is far more beneficial and life sustaining than having an insurance claim denied for failing to comply, or worse still facing a possible negligent homicide charge from authorities, simply by having double cylinder door locks installed.

So, how do we find a solution that will keep everyone happy?

Window security film is definitely the answer. Applying window security film to your vulnerable glass windows can prevent the incidence of smashing entry. It makes your residence comply with the building code, life safety codes, ADA and also sometimes insurance companies may offer a percentage discount on your premium.

The security of our families, colleagues, properties is of ultimate importance to us all. Alarm systems cannot protect, they can only inform. How can we feel secure and protected?

Shattergard is a product that is especially designed to be installed on windows to prevent the windows from shattering. A new package is being developed to provide this product through the locksmith channel, effectively reducing the price for this ultimate security protection product and providing homeowners, residents and shopkeepers with increased security while still complying with all local rules, laws and ordinances.

Spring Loaded Butt Hinges - Replacing The Door Closer

Door closers have been around for a great many years, providing the ability to automatically return a door to the closed position. Door closers are a very intelligent piece of technology that are often quite expensive.

Spring loaded hinges have been around for a little while, but are starting to find their feet in an already crowded door closer market.

The intelligence of using a spring loaded hinge makes complete sense, doesn't it? Replaces the existing hinges on doors. Is hidden. Gives the self closing ability without the extra expense and hardware of a door closer. Works on all types of swinging doors including commercial, industrial, residential, hotels, dormitories, gates etc. anywhere a need arises for a self closing door. It is advised to always use at least 2 spring loaded hinges on a door to minimize the strain on just one hinge.

Many of the newer types of hinges are tension adjustable, to modify the closing speed and latching action. They are easily installed, usually directly in place of existing hinges. They come in multiple sizes and finishes. They comply with ANSI codes and some are even fire rated to UL listings.

There are all sorts of hinges for different applications and with the ability to not have a purpose door closer, can greatly enhance the aesthetic appearance of an entry. Not surprisingly, they are significantly less expensive than purpose built door closers.

Service and parts are minimized because they are a very low tech idea. There are very few moving parts meaning replacing worn or broken springs are significantly cheaper than purchasing a new door closer when the fluid leaks or the arm breaks or the adjustment screws cannot be loosened or tightened anymore.

I know what I'll be recommending in future.

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OnGard - Preventing Home Invasions

A very interesting and unique security product recently released is making the instances of home invasion virtually impossible.

The OnGuard product is a combination of solid materials that when installed correctly virtually renders your door impenetrable.

Installed simply and easily by anyone, it is one of the more cost effective security protection devices you will find today.

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Madison WI convicts Locksmith Scammer

A Madison WI judge has seen fit to convict a dual citizen of both Israel and the USA, for felony ID theft and other related charges.

The defendant was also denied a last minute request to leave the USA to return to Israel to care for his ailing father.

The charges against Burlin were detailed in May 2009 Wisconsin State Journal articles that tracked his company’s use of phony addresses to attract lockout victims to expensive emergency service, using false names to file negative comments about competitors and putting Capitol Lock and Security, a competitor, up for sale on the Internet.

In interviews, Burlin explained that the use of multiple addresses and business names was part of his marketing strategy.
The pending civil charges seek unspecified restitution, forfeitures and costs.

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Koowy Lives Again

Koowy, the new version of the classic video web communication system Mebeam, is back in use.

Now with improvements to the back end and an additional HD quality P2P GUI, allowing high-quality one on one video web conferencing via desktop/laptop.

It is suggested that you maintain a fast connection.

I tested it this morning using my Samsung Epic 4G connected to wifi. While it still is waiting for the Android 2.2 update (Froyo), it still works reasonably well. You still cannot transmit video from the mobile though.

We'll see what happens when and if the 2.2 update ever gets released.

The picture below shows it in action.

On your desktop, the HD p2p connection quality is superb. Being flash based, allows less demand on RAM, although does require broadband for best results.

Once the mobile version is perfected, an app will be developed to take care of the backend. This will show the world, the true purpose of mobile video communication and make it accessible to absolutely everyone with a smartphone.

You can choose to send chat messages to your network, with the included chat function.

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Cal-Royal - Bilock Hybrid $140

Pictured to the left is the Cal-Royal LSD-01 Grade 3 Residential deadbolt.

Construction Features:

1. Mounting screws 8-32 X1 1/2" (Sgl cyl.)8-32 X 2" (Dbl cyl.)
2. 2 1/2" dia. tapered cylinder guard and solid metal insert, turns free with any removal attempt.
3. 2 1/2" dia. tapered cylinder guard and solid metal insert, turns free with any removal attempt.
4. One-piece solid brass housing for extra strength.
5. Hardened steel tail piece.
6. Pick resistant solid brass 6 pin tumbler plug "C".
7. Brass keys.
8. Sturdy, all steel latch case and mechanism.
9. Full 1" throw deadbolt.
10. Latch and strike screws are 8-32x1" combination wood/machine for applications on wood, metal or fiberglass doors and frames.
11. Strike and box.

As the largest Bilock Extreme Security dealer in the mid-west, we are now producing limited numbers of our Hybrid Cal-Royal/BilockGrade 3 deadbolt. By replacing the standard cylinder that comes with the LSD-01, with a Bilock Extreme Security Cylinder and 2 keys, we can offer a totally bump proof and virtually pick proof lock with keys that cannot be duplicated for about $140.00 (depending on the color).

When you compare the different brands of deadbolts currently on the market, most will vary in price due to the ANSI grade, the brand name and the quality of construction.

Many front or back doors on homes across America, already use Kwikset or Schlage Grade 3 deadbolts as the common product. The average price for these brand name products are between $35 and $70. Considering they do not offer any protection from key duplication, bump or pick attempts, makes this Bilock/Cal-Royal Hybrid combination, a very affordable solution to protecting your family and property.

Yes, it is comparably expensive, but your property is worth it is it not?

Dont be fooled by other advertisers claims that their comparison product is pick proof or bump proof or copy proof. There is tons of media out there that proves they are not, but Bilock is the real deal.

Crime Statistics Creve Coeur, MO February 2011

Pictured here is a map of the Creve Coeur, MO municipality and the statistics of crime reported in the source below. from the Creve Coeur Police Department.

The Creve Coeur Police Department is well known in the west county region for it's effectiveness on reigning in crime. They are a credit to their funding.

In February 2011, according to the picture here, there were 265 incidents reported to police.

These incidents include at least 200 alarm responses that police attended.

Police attended to 5 incidents where they wrote Breaking & Entering as the incident.

Police attended to 16 incidents where they wrote Property Crime as the incident.

Police attended to 39 incidents where they wrote Theft as the incident.

There are many reasons that crimes occur. Many of the incidents can be prevented by increasing your security preparedness.

An alarm system is one method, but prone to many false alarms. Police attend to monitored alarm calls, but there is usually a cost, borne by the homeowner or resident. Often police will allow 1 or 2 a year free, but regular false alarms add up to significant manpower hours, that are billed to residents.

Cost effective security products like door frame strengtheners and quality deadbolt locks are essential to improving the security of your properties. Often these small purchases can protect you and prevent crimes like break and enter.

Equally as important are key control systems. Key control systems, restrict the ability of authorized key holders to duplicate keys. Many incidents are happening because owners or managers are unaware of who may have a copy of their key. Preventing unauthorized access to your property significantly reduces crime of opportunity.

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Key Points To Consider For Key Locking A Clients Door

Choosing the suitable key lock for your door is a process that doesnt really require much thought however, sometimes it can be rather daunting to sort through the literally thousands of options in the marketplace.

Many customers choose to source their information online these days and there are many and varied opinions out there offering personal, sometimes biased opinions on what to choose.

For these reasons, I decided to write an article about the key points to consider when choosing the suitable lock for your chosen door.

Is the door a front or rear primary entrance?

- Many AHJ's (authorities having jurisdiction) require dwellings to comply to the international building code, when considering the form and function of a desired key locking product.

- A primary entrance is usually considered the feature point of entry into a dwelling.

- Authorities having jurisdiction are usually the local fire marshal or local government building inspector.

Is the door construction, metal, wood or another material?

- Different entrances can be built from different materials, sometimes due to fire regulations or distances to or from another entry point or due to the types of materials or objects stored within that entrance.

- There are different grades of hardware measured by ANSI (American National Standards Institute), that are designed to guide people to choosing the suitable quality product that meets or exceeds the customers desires, the building code bylaws, life safety codes or ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) bylaws. The three common grades are Grade 1 (high quality commercial use), Grade 2 (medium quality commercial and residential use) and Grade 3 (low quality residential use).

Aesthetic value or importance

- Matching the unique style, color or ambience of a doorway is sometimes an important consideration to customers, intent on maintaining a certain status quo of their chosen entrance/s. There are many differing options available to choose from and many hundreds of different manufacturers that make similar or slightly different variations of the same product.

Is the ability to limit who can duplicate keys of importance?

- Many customers are unaware who has a copy of their keys. Restricting or controlling who can be authorized to duplicate your keys can protect you from potential loss. A key that can be duplicated at any hardware or key cutter means that you cannot control access to your doors.

-Locksmiths have been producing key control products for many years that provide the consumer with a level of protection that other hardware suppliers cannot.

Locking Functions

- There are different functions provided by different models of locks, tailored to many discerning requests. Sometimes it is vital and important for a key lock to only be operated on the outside. Sometimes it is important to be operated from inside too. Sometimes a push or turn button is desired inside, that locks the outside handle. Sometimes a lock is requested that the key can only be withdrawn when locked.

- With so many variables, it is important that you explain your desire to the locksmith to allow them to offer suitable solutions.

French/Double Doors

- Securing double doors requires making the inactive leaf (one door) to be closed and secured prior to the active leaf being able to be locked. There are many choices of product designed to secure the inactive leaf, like surface mounted bolts, flush mounted bolts etc.

Door Frame Protection

- Securing a door with a key lock is often only half the battle against would be unauthorized users. In many cases, the actual door frame and jamb (where the door closes into) are constructed from light grade, thin materials that offer very little to no protection from kicking or ramming.

- Securing the hinge side of a door is sometimes of value too. Installing hinge bolts can prevent a door from being removed when locked after having the loose pin in the hinges withdrawn.

Bump Resistant or Pick Resistant Key Locks

- The increasing discussion online about the truth behind the perceived security of key locking systems has led many well known manufacturers to attempt to offer products tailored to combat these known covert entry techniques. Truth be told, there are very few products that can be considered bump or pick proof or even resistant.

- Whether or not lock bumping or lock picking is a consideration for the average customer, depends sometimes on the statistics of crime, measured by statisticians. It is very difficult, even for a trained forensic investigator to determine if a key lock has been bumped or picked, with absolute accuracy.

- Many authorities, who measure the statistics of crime, often find that instances of lock bumping or lock picking are far too few to measure accurately. Moreover, crime statistics tend to indicate that entrances being defeated are often the result of door frame failure (kicked or pried open), windows smashed or pried or doors being left unlocked.

In most places your trained local locksmith is often the best person to consult about suitable options tailored to your individual needs or desires. Most often a locksmith that is affiliated with a known professional organization, has proven credentials supporting their training.

Weeding the professionals from the wannabe's is sometimes a difficult task. Choosing your professional is accompanied by risks, but often the best recommendations are those of your neighbor or friend. Checkable references/testimonials from third party online agencies are often considered a worthwile guide to helping you choose your preferred vendor.

UFO by Meroni Serrature - Explanation

We previously posted about the UFO by Meroni and have seen heightened interest in this sensational product.

But I think it is fundamentally important for interested consumers to be aware that this product is essentially a lockable escutcheon as opposed to a stand alone product for operating a door mechanism.

We are including an exploded view diagram that should help to provide a better understanding of the purpose of the UFO for entrance door applications.

Yes, there are other applications for this product including automotive and gate and solid glass door situations however, essentially with all these applications, the UFO is designed to be operated from one side and one side only.

For the purpose of a primary entrance, I highly advise against using this product because it will not meet the approved building code or life safety codes as measured by The International Building Code, for safety and egress in residential or commercial dwellings.

NOTE: If you intend to make the actual key entry to your location better protected, this product is sensational. But it will mean you will need to carry both the UFO key and the actual room entry key to gain access to your secure location.

Addalock

Addalock is a modern interpretation of a product that was originally designed a significant number of years ago, to effectively add a degree of personal protection for concerned consumers.

The product is designed to be applied simply and easily to any swinging door that uses an entrance type latch.

Simple to install and perfect for travellers to add that little increase that can prevent potential home invasions while you are there.

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Pennsylvania Is Not Immune To Locksmith Scam Companies Too

The State of Pennsylvania has recently filed a lawsuit against another company employing similar tactics to companies of similar ilk found all across the USA and some other countries as well.

It is unfortunate that authorities in this country are being found inept and incapable of enforcing protection for legitimate, qualified technicians and companies trained deliberately in the locksmithing profession or in their abilities to protect the consumer from these charlottans.

Cowbell - New Retro Door Bell Design

Dieter Volkers, a talented designer and inventor, has designed a unique product that is supposed to be a door knob.

I think it is probably more like a retro design door bell. It is made from a soft polymer material that has the feel and texture of a cows horn or other items found on a cow.

This product can be installed to any type of door and acts like a horn or door bell.

Yes it is a novelty product, but one where simplicity is employed to provide unique product thoughts that perhaps unusually minded consumers might take an interest in.

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Different Entry Techniques

I just now returned from opening a house for a client who was locked out.

I have worked as a locksmith for almost 30 years now and having picked opening very many locks in this time, sometimes I encounter a lock that just won't cooperate.

I always try to find another method of entry prior to drilling the keyhole, like impressioning (making a key from outside), loiding a latch from outside where possible or in a worst case scenario, prying a window.

Tonite, the front and back doors would not pick. I spent at least 30 minutes trying to pick the locks, with no success. Eventually I decided to use a method of entry, that very few locksmiths I know of, will try.

I simply wedged the garage roller door in the middle at the top, opening a 1.5 inch gap and using a long strong wire, simply tripped the emergency release cord, unlocking the door allowing it to be raised easily.

I have found that the greater majority of people tend to leave the door between the garage and the house unlocked.

Unlocking the garage door is usually a simple task as it was tonite. It is an effective method of entry that virtually guarantees against damage.

It does reinforce my advice to homeowners to always make sure to lock that door before leaving the house, as you can be sure, that if we locksmiths know these easy entry methods, you can be assured that people of ill intent, also know them.

Stocking Product

I had a very interesting discussion with a long serving locksmith in St Louis yesterday, about stocking lock products and other hardware.

He indicated that the amount of stock he was continuing to keep in inventory is continuing to decrease annually, due to many consumers sourcing their product online, often substantially cheaper than he can sell them for.

In many cases, I have been lucky to upsell clients to new product, when called to attend a service call. But the primary reason I was able to sell the products, was because I had it on hand at the time.

Stocking many different product lines is difficult to please everybody, due to significant warehousing and retail prices. Most, if not all of our inventory is available online in some regard, elsewhere. This makes it increasingly difficult to compete in the marketplace.

While, you can purchase products elsewhere (and sometimes at more competitive prices), should you?

Often, specialist retailers like locksmiths, can only sell products at list price or similar due to competitive margins. But purchasing from a small retailer like a locksmith, often you will receive better warranty and service conditions.

If quality is a requisite for you, I suggest shopping at your local locksmith might be the better option.

Wouldnt you agree?

C&R Lock Service Ballwin, MO 63011

I usually refrain from alerting customers to businesses that are indirectly and directly my competition, however in the case of C&R Lock Service Inc. I find their willingness to be accomodating and supportive to me at times of extreme benefit.

Ron Schwarz, the owner is a long time experience and qualified tradesperson with a great many dedicated years providing service to the greater St Louis region.

Located in Ballwin, MO 63011, their shop is like a stalwart of the past. Still operated largely, computer free, the old fashioned way continues to offer friendly, personalized and professional services to customers who demand more from their trades services people.

Certainly many products are offered at the big box hardware stores, of which there 3 in very close proximity, but rarely will you find the attention to detail, the first class knowledge and experience of trained personnel or that obscure part to repair your product, rather than buying a new one.

I have personally known Ron for the last 5 years and work with him to service West County clients. I always recommend clients who call me, to visit his store for duplicate keys rather than pay for a service call from a mobile service like me. It is beneficial and cost effective to visit an established, experienced shop and operator who can advise and provide products and services that the unfriendly big box cannot.

One day, perhaps I too will have my own shopfront to offer services to passing trade. Until then I am very happy to recommend Ron as one of the most pleasant locksmith competitors in my area.

Please visit C & R Lock Service Inc at 14774 Clayton Rd Ballwin MO 63011

Locksmith Scammers Caught and Indicted

UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
EASTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI

RICHARD G. CALLAHAN
United States Attorney

February 18, 2011
For Immediate Release

OWNERS OF FLORIDA LOCKSMITH SERVICE INDICTED IN SCAM TO OVERCHARGE FOR LOCKSMITH SERVICES

St. Louis, MO: The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that the owners of a Florida based locksmith service were charged in a superseding indictment on multiple federal charges involving a scam to overcharge customers for locksmith services, as well as employing and harboring illegal aliens.

According to the superseding indictment, Dependable Locks, Inc., headquartered in Clearwater, FL, managed a national network of locksmith technicians, operating from major population centers across the United States, including St. Louis. It also maintained a full-time staff of telephone operators and dispatchers, who were on duty 24 hours per day in Clearwater. The dispatchers received phone calls electronically forwarded from hundreds to thousands of telephone numbers listed nationwide for emergency locksmith services, all of which forwarded consumer calls to the call center in Florida. The dispatchers received the calls and the business dispatched locksmith technicians from the area of the call to respond. Many of the locksmith technicians working for Dependable Locks were aliens who were unlawfully present in the United States and were not authorized to work as locksmith technicians.

The indictment alleges that the locksmith company engaged in deceptive marketing by purchasing directory listings and advertisements in cities across the United States that identified the business to the public as a set of local locksmith companies. The company’s listings used multiple business names, local phone numbers and fake local addresses that had no affiliation with the company. Phone calls to the listed phone numbers were automatically routed to the company’s call center in Clearwater, Florida. In addition, telephone operators for Dependable Locks were instructed by managers to mislead customers to believe that they would be charged around $54 for a car lockout, while the responding technician was instructed by managers to charge up to $179 for a lockout. Technicians used techniques such as accusing the consumer who objected to the overcharge of "theft of services," threatening to call the police, withholding the customer's keys or driver's license to compel payment or following the customer to an ATM machine to ensure payment.

The locksmith technicians allegedly were allowed to split the profits of the fraudulently procured locksmith services with the company and were required to remit the company's share of the proceeds by regularly purchasing and shipping cash, checks and money orders to the Dependable Locks location in Clearwater, FL.

"After more than a year of following numerous leads with ICE and the Missouri Attorney General's Office, we are pleased to see this case continue to progress," said Postal Inspector J.R. Ball of the St. Louis Field Office. He added, "The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is vigilant in investigating allegations where the mail or postal products are used to conceal or further a crime."

DAVID PEER, Clearwater, FL; and ADAM OLIVKOVICH, address unknown, were indicted by a federal grand jury on one felony count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, five felony counts of mail fraud, one felony count of conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens for private financial gain and one felony count of engaging in a pattern of hiring unauthorized aliens. MOSHE AHARONI, Clearwater, FL, was indicted on one felony count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and one felony count of conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens for private financial gain.

Conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or a fine up to $250,000. Mail fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $250,000. Conspiracy to harbor unlawful aliens for private financial gain carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or a fine up to $250,000. Engaging in a pattern of hiring unauthorized aliens carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison and/or a fine of $3,000 per alien. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant United States Attorneys John Sauer and John Ware are handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Altic Lock Service - Indianapolis IN 46203

Altic Lock Service is a fellow member of "The Society Of Professional Locksmiths" located in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Barry Campbell, owner of Altic Lock Service, is bonded, insured, and holds two locksmith certifications. He has received further manufacturer training from MAG Manufacturing, Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies, and Arrow Lock. He is a former Professional member of the International Conference of Building Officials. Barry began working as a locksmith over twelve years ago. Altic Lock Service is now in its sixth year of operation.

We, at Master Key Systems America LLC - St Louis Locksmiths, like to recommend ethical and honest qualified professional locksmith companies, whom we know are trained professionals and can service discerning clients in their region.

Choosing a reputeable company is very important to businesses and residents intent on providing first class professional and reliable services designed to protect business or family interests.

The Society Of Professional Locksmiths is a USA based organization that sets a new standard for like minded professional locksmith companies and personnel.

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Square - Our New Credit/Debit Card Processor

Last year, we decided to enroll in a very new payment processing service/product known as Square. What we like about Square's product offering, is it's simplicity in design, process, minimal fee structure and the fact that it's is the brainchild of local St Louis entrepeneurs.

Simple to use, you insert the reader into your website connected smartphone, launch the app and swipe away. Enter a customers email address if they want a copy of the transaction emailed to them and that's it.

This product is a blessing for small businesses everywhere because it takes the pain out of payment processing, puts power back in the hand of the vendor and reduces costs associated with time, labor and computer or peripheral GUI training.

Do yourself and your business a favor, become a Square user and support another St Louis business while reducing your costs and inconveniences.

Your clients and your profits will be happier and higher, for sure.

Blogroid - Blogger and Android collaborate

Techies and early adopters rejoice, Blogger is now an Android app.
This will hopefully make it easier to write new articles and posts of interest and posts them from the field.

This is my first attempt at using the new app, so I hope it works well.

I look forward to posting more articles in this genre using the Blogger app for Android

Schlage Securekey Bumped

The new style Schlage Securekey Lock is the subject of much discussion recently and our post on Schlage Securekey Problems is one of this sites most popular posts. As popular is this sites post on Kwikset Smartkey Problems.

The above video shows how easily the Schlage Securekey Lock can be bumped. It was believed that Schlage's motivation for releasing this lock was to thwart the bump key phenomenon and to also provide the owner with the ability to rekey their own lock, rather than calling the services of a professional locksmith.

The quantity of issues with this product are mounting daily and this new example of the ease in bypassing/bumping or manipulating the lock, should be an indication to prospective buyers of what not to purchase.

These locks are primarily available at big box hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowes. No self-respecting, ethical, honest retailer can offer this product for sale in my opinion.

Search Engine Statistics for January 2011

Here are the top 10 January's search stats that lead people to this website.

Interesting to note how many people seem to be searching for information on the Kwikset Smart Key Problems and the Schlage Securekey Problems.

Our Keyed Pocket Door Lock continues it's amazing run in popularity, too.