Crime Statistics - O'Fallon, Missouri August 14-28 2011

Here is a mudmap of the crime statistics reported by the O'Fallon Police Department for the 14 days August 14 - 28, 2011.

We found 54 incidents for this time period.

There are multiple different incident layers to choose from displaying incidents, we choose to look at Breaking and Enterings, Theft, Vehicle Theft, Robbery, Alarms, Commercial & Residential Property Crimes and Community Policings.

Break & Enter - 6

Community Policing - 1

Commercial & Residential Property Crimes - 10

Robbery - 1

Theft - 30

Theft From Vehicle - 6

These records are for only a 2 week period, but they do indicate an escalating crime rate compared to other localities.

Whereas there are only 6 Break & Enter records, the Commercial and Residential Property Crimes and incidents of Theft could have occurred with no sign of forced entry. That could indicate possible inside access from dishonest keyholders. Do you know who has all your keys to your home or business? If not, wouldnt it be fair to want to restrict the quantity of keys floating around that could potentially get into your property?

Master Key Systems America LLC are securing American doors, one at a time. Our technicians are especially trained to provide services that enable property owners and tenants to feel secure by using premier quality products and services.

All estimates/quotations are FREE. Please call us to arrange a no obligation security assessment and estimate.

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New O'Fallon Bureau (636)614-4416

We recently started training a new person who resides in the O'Fallon, Missouri area. He is a very capable trainee and learning very quickly. The quality of his work is excellent (in some ways better than mine).

We are pleased to make our locksmith services available to clients in the surrounding areas for the still competitive rates we have become known for.

Now, serving customers in St Charles county will be quicker and more easily gotten to.

For emergency unlock services in O'Fallon, St Peters, St Charles, Lake St Louis and surrounding areas please call our sattelite bureau on (636)614-4416.

Search Engine Statistics For July 2011

Okay! here are the statistics from Google Analytics that indicate the top 10 popular search terms people used in search engines that lead them to this site, during July 2011.

Kwikset Smartkey Problems leads the field during July followed closely by Schlage Securekey Problems. However Schlage is mentioned 5 other times in the top 10.

The knowledge that Schlage has decided to discontinue their Securekey line omens well for consumers. No more trash can quality product will spell a more content marketplace.

Nearly 2000 searches in July with a bounce rate of 72% indicates that many people are finding suitable answers to their search queries here.

We have noticed a slight uptick in projects completed in July and August has proved stellar too.

We put this down to consumers becoming more savvy in their searching and realizing that we at Locks210.com can actually complete their requested projects in more timely and cost effective methods than many of our competitors.

Supposed Uncrackable Safe Cracked by SOPL Member

Tom Gorham, a fellow member of the Society Of Professional Locksmiths has achieved what no one else was able to. He opened this 130 year old antique safe.

This safe is located in an old cannery in Washington DC. It hadnt been opened for many years and the owner refused to have it drilled open. Many supposed experts tried and failed. The owner was almost convinced it was not going to open.

That is until Tom from Lock Doc came along. He succeeded where all these other supposed experts failed and with no damage.

The Society Of Professional Locksmiths is an organization of locksmiths dedicated to providing first class education and training to locksmith trainees. The society also promotes fellowship between locksmiths. It is fast becoming the preferred organization for locksmith professionals.

There are other locksmith organizations that have existed for many years, but this relatively young group of like minded professionals is giving locksmith professionals, opportunities to interact with peers unlike the other "clubs".

Annual Vacation

We will close August 30, 2011 for vacation. We will reopen September 8, 2011. We apologize for any inconvenience.

As we will be traveling abroad, we will be completely out of touch for this time.

Your custom is important to us. Please contact us to schedule future projects.

Breaking News: Schlage To Discontinue Securekey Line

August 1, 2011 - Schlage manufacturing have announced they will discontinue the Securekey product line Deecember 31, 2011.

According to an Ingersoll Rand manager involved, Schlage will replace all their product line with the tried and tested conventional pin tumbler system in use for over 90 years.

Securekey will continue to be supported until December 31, 2011.

There have been reports in the media, over the last couple of years, of a patent suit brought by Kwikset against Schlage for infringing certain aspects of the Smartkey technology.

Perhaps this contributed to Schlage's decision to dump the product in the face of mounting criticisms about the insecurity, ease of bypass and bumping that this product was supposed to have countered.

Consumers might begin to see big box hardware chains discounting the product to clear the shelves.

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A Carabiner Keyblank

A new keyblank has surfaced invented by an enterprising young fellow that solves the ages old dilemma of broken fingernails and tough to install/remove keys from your favorite keyring.

The keybrid is an especially made keyblank with a spring loaded arm that acts exactly like a carabiner.

It is my understanding that this product will be produced in various key profiles and will likely be a much sought after alternative for fashionistas who wish to protect their nails.

(source...)

Let Lockwood release the future...

Assa Abloy Asia Pacific, who own internationally reknowned Australian lock manufacturer Lockwood, recently delivered the future Australian standard commercial mortise lock.

The revolutionary design is a vast improvement from previous models.

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Rosslinear Wireless Electric Strike Installed to Cyclone Fence Gate

We recently completed the installation of the Rosslinear wireless battery powered electric strike by Lock Focus for a customer who required communal access to a parking lot, but was frightened by the monumental cost of installing a hardwired access control point.

This particular installation was difficult because the fence/gate builders had constructed it using heavy gauge wrought iron (1/4" thick) and it took substantial time to cut out the material.

When you consider the average cost of other stand-alone battery powered access control locks (~$800) prior to installation, this new product allows you to maintain a conventional entrance set with key override but still enjoy the convenience of superior access control. With up to 200 user codes (depending on code length), the ability to temporarily lock out all users (except administrator), a passage mode, adjustable time delay (length of time before unit re-locks) and other optional extras. At less than $460.00 this is a suitably competitively priced alternative.

We are the exclusive dealer of this product in the North American market.

(resale opportunities for dealers available)

Serrature Meroni - Combina Hardware From Italy

Our new product line the fabulous Serrature Meroni - Combina, direct from Italy was showcased a few years in Europe. See how easy it is to operate this handle? It will surpass ADA requirements in both commercial and residential markets. The simplicity of design ensures easy operation by anyone.

No more twisting your hand to open your door, this stylish design is surprisingly, competitively priced compared to mainstream products available elsewhere.

We also offer the entire range of Serrature Meroni products. The choice of colors and styles is impressive.

We will be showing their range in upcoming features!

Wholesale opportunity for fellow locksmiths only.

Jobar Portable Infra Red Alarm

The Jobar portable infra red alarm unit is an ultra inexpensive way to provide portable alarm capabilities.

With a piercing alarm and remote panic button and remote controls, it can offer a novel and inexpensive way to provide that temporary alarm protection when you need it.

Available at Bed Bath & Beyond ~$8.00

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Dewalt DS-100 Portable Alarm System

While on the subject of portable alarm systems, here is a product produced by the highly respected Dewalt tool manufacturing company.

The DS-100 is designed for work sites etc, to offer a portable sensor alarm and siren in one complete package.

Unfortunately, Dewalt recently decided to discontinue it's production due to low demand.

But it is available here. (I hope you're sitting down - LOL)

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ATV Portable Alarm System

A few years ago we posted about a portable alarm system that was available at the time called the YETI YT-100.

In recent days we have been fielding a significant number of calls from across the country, seeking to purchase this product.

It appears that the product has been discontinued.

I recently came across a different brand of similar product that appears to be of much better quality and (as far as I know) still available and at a similar price point.

The ATV/UTV Portable Alarm is a stand alone unit requiring 12 volt constant power to operate. It comes with 2 remote controls and looks to be of high quality.

Check the source below for further details.

(source...)

Rosslinear Wireless Electric Strike On Sale Now!

The product has arrived and is available now.

The Battery Powered Electric Strike - By Lock Focus.

Wireless, battery powered access control at a fraction of the cost.

$459.95

Made In Australia!

Package contains 1 x electric strike

1 x code pad

Batteries Included!

optional accessories (Price On Application)

• Exit Button
• Exit Button Cable
• Replacement Batteries
• Strike Extension Cables up to 3M long
• Codepad Extension Cable up to 3M long

(we do sell to the trade too. send us an email if you are interested becoming a reseller)

When You Call A Locksmith, Will A Con Man Answer?

National Public Radio, in this mornings Morning Edition radio show played a story about the continuing saga of scam locksmith companies infiltrating the industry.

Sandy Hausman, a respected reporter with NPR wrote a story and interviewed some locksmith companies discussing the continuing drama that is affecting many sections of the trade in the greater Virginia regions.

In the story, Sandy writes about locksmiths across the country joining ALOA (The Associated Locksmiths Of America) to finance the fight against illegal immigrants and scam companies that are directly affecting the livelihoods of locksmiths and the security protection of consumers at the same time.

Where as I would like to think that ALOA is doing something about the issue, the truth is they are not. Yes they have a lobbiest on their payroll. But ALOA have been more about convincing governments to enforce greater regulations on the locksmiths across America. Licensing locksmiths has never been a successful method to rid the industry of these scam operators. Licensing only increases the cost for legitimate companies to exist. The end user or consumer is forced to pay increased service charges for projects. There is little to no enforcement by authorities of illegal/scam operators. What is the point of licensing if there is no enforcement?

Check out and listen to the radio spot in the source below.

(source...)

Swann Wireless Door Mat

Swann are a well known manufacturer of quality advanced security products.

They have recently released this unique security product that can and does sound an alarm or door bell surreptitiously.

No more need to install a wired or buttoned door bell. Simply place the mat underneath your carpet or other entry mat, program your choice of melody or alarm and you now have a unique and sight unseen security product monitoring your entry doors.

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Bluetooth Keyless Entry System

A new product has recently surfaced that brings together Bluetooth wireless technology with an electric strike to enable bluetooth access control solutions.

The Phantom Smart Home Hands-free Keyless Home Entry uses any Bluetooth-capable cell phone as a key to unlock your door automatically. The Keyless Home Entry detects and authenticates your phone as you approach without having to take it out or press a button.

Simple, safe, and secure, the Hands-free Keyless Home Entry provides a new level of convenience. You no longer have to trouble with keys. The Keyless Home Entry is perfect for coming and going in a hurry or with your hands full.

Our new battery powered electric strike is due to arrive this week (we believe) and while it does not have this bluetooth functionality it is fundamentally more secure. The new arrival is being updated next year to include an RFID remote release switch.

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RT Wave Elevator Surveillance System by Draka

Draka Elevator Products, a revolutionary modern company specializing in all things elevator recently introduced this 'first-of-its-kind' wireless elevator surveillance system.

Designed to work at distances up to 200 floors (far exceeding previous iterations), this unique product allows discerning building owners, concerned about the security of their elevators to have 'an eye in the sky' so to speak.

Installation is straightforward although I suggest an experience elevator technician be called in to install them to minimize difficulties.

Now you can enjoy total protection including your elevators. In this age of increasing crime due to a floundering economy and high unemployment, building managers are often seeking quality products that provide top notch security for competitive prices.

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Invue Security Products

Invue Security Products make specialty products tailored to the retail industry. Many of their products are designed to minimize potential losses from shoplifters.

Pictured here are two versions of their unique hook lock.

This forward thinking company, also produce some very unique security stands designed to display products like cellphones, tablets etc while minimizing the "ugly" factor. Their unique stands come in alarmed functionality too but primarily their sleek designs manage to display a products features while minimizing the security factor.

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Google Search Algorithm Loophole Exploited

David Segal, a reporter for The New York Times recently wrote an article of interest about a locksmith in Seattle WA who is suffering a similar affliction to many other locksmiths across America.

Online Lead Generation Services have discovered a loophole in Google's local search algorithm and they are exploiting it as a result. This has led to a huge distortion in the search results that a user might find, when searching for their service of choice.

Lead Generation services are simply rehashing the ages old exploitation that Yellow Pages and other search directories, suffered from for many decades prior to Google.

'Doug Pierce of Digital Due Diligence, an Internet research firm based in Brooklyn, was asked to look into it. Mr. Pierce found that lead gen sites use some interesting gimmicks to charm and hoodwink Google’s algorithm. Some basically hijack the local addresses of other entities in or near the middle of town.

Other sites, Mr. Pierce found, are just tricked out for maximum Google visibility. In particular, lead gen sites are good at spreading their name, address and phone number — NAP, as it’s called in the search business — around the Web, which is apparently a superb way to curry favor with Google Places.'

Mr Segal wrote, 'Lead gen sites dominate Google results for locksmiths in many cities nationwide, and in more than a few towns. And it’s not just locksmiths. Other service industries, like roofing and carpeting, have a similar problem. If Google is the new Yellow Pages, then lead gen sites have perfected the same game that companies in the predigital age played when they started their names with combinations like AAA1 to land atop printed listings.

But because few people search beyond the first page online, snookering Google might be far more effective, especially because many people assume that the company’s algorithm does a bit of consumer-friendly vetting.

A Google spokesperson, Gabriel Stricker, made this statement recently: “We’re aware of the gaming practices happening in the locksmith industry — practices which long predate Google and have affected the Yellow Pages for decades. We’ve implemented several measures to combat this issue, including improving our spam-detection algorithms and working with the locksmith industry to find solutions.”

Mr Segal wrote, "Thousands of people spend all their workdays devising novel ways to fool the world’s most popular search engine. Fighting this tech-savvy horde can’t be easy.

Yet if the example of locksmiths is any indication, the horde has the upper hand in certain service sectors, and it all but owns Google Places."

(source...)

Basquill Antique Furniture Cupboard Lock

Many antique furniture pieces are designed with long/tall double doors. Many of these doors are difficult to lock and secure.

Major Manufacturing Inc., a well know specialty manufacturer of locksmith and security products and tools, produce this unique product called a Basquill Lock.

It is designed to install in the normal position, use customizable length rods (locking bars) to secure the door at both top and bottom.

Simple to install and inexpensive, this product can help to maintain the antique piece while securing the cupboard doors easily and effectively.

Price On Application.

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Keyless Ingition Warning

Most of us today drive cars and trucks post 1999.

Many newer cars are arriving with push button ignitions.

We have to remember to switch it off before exiting the car.

Pretty sad, no?

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Introducing The Invincible Meroni UFO....coming soon

Advanced orders are now being taken for this sensational product.

This factory authorised clip runs about 10 minutes, but illustrates the security potential.

How much protection do you want?

Can Schlage Securekey Locks Be Masterkeyed?

Schlage Securekey Locks cannot be masterkeyed.

Likewise, neither can Kwikset Smartkey locks.

In fact, none of the current crop of self-rekeyable products on the market can be masterkeyed.

There is one exception, however.

The fabulous Matrix key system invented by a talented locksmith engineer in Australia, can offer rekeyable attributes (limited) while also being part of a master key system.

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.

(source...)

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.

(source...)

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

(Source...)

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.
(source...)

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.