Schlage Primus and Similar High Security Key Profiles Beaten By 3D Printing

Schlage, one of this countries most well known hardware and lock manufacturers and creator of the High Security Primus key systems must be reeling from news released yesterday that a team of MIT researchers have written a simple program to decipher a Primus (and similar types) key from a photograph and send the information to a 3D printer to enable duplication of these once-thought of restricted key systems. (see the source below)

The Schlage Primus key system, once thought by locksmiths across the country to be non-duplicatable, and also identified a couple of years ago as NOT Bump Resistant, faces one of the biggest threats to it's platform with the public release of this breaking news story.

In many states across the country, Schlage convinced locksmith companies to take on their own outright keyways and dealer codes, to corner their own market preventing duplication of keys by hardware stores, cookie key cutters, shoe repairers and gas stations. Little did we know that Schlage were simply sharing key profiles across state, sometimes county lines and in some cicumstances sharing side pin codes (dealer codes) across state lines. The whole agreement appeared very shady, indeed.

3D printing technology has grown from it's infancy and is now being seen and used by small to medium sized manufacturing businesses.

UPS are rolling out a trial 3D printer in some stores in San Diego, hoping to cash in on the opportunity for customers to 3D print a sample or spare part of their choice.

With access to many print stores across the country, the potential loss to current Schlage Primus dealers could be huge. It means that virtually any Primus key holder could get a copy made for less than $5 at their local print store. Dont think for a minute, that the large players in stationery and printing like Staples, Office Depot and the like, with super large budgets wont get in on the action of on demand 3D printing. Hardware big box stores like Lowes and Home Depot will jump in too and offer 3D printing in their one-stop franchises.

Other brands that use a similar system to Primus, include Medeco, Scorpion, Twin and some other brands.

This realization that your key system is not actually secure as you expected will mean that you will need to find systems that do as intended. Our Bilock Extreme Security Key Systems are carefully designed to prevent unauthorised duplication and with the introduction of the 13th element, a trigger mechanism that is interactive, 3D printing of a useable key is just not possible (at this time).

Bilock is well known worldwide for being a premium quality high-security restricted key system that outperforms virtually all other systems. It's unique keyway and pinning system, combined with state of the art side-bar technology and interchangeable core functionality and color coded key heads, makes it a formidable partner in the security of your home and business.

We are the largest provider of Bilock Systems in the Mid-West, using state of the art master key software to create, design and build our own systems. We have nearly 25 years international experience in the product line and have installed many of the most complex systems to universities, hospitals, private schools, casino's and hotels across the world.

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Firstwatch Securemote - Advanced Bluetooth Garage Entry Product

Residential and Commercial security products is my main focus in business, but products that provide convenience and security while being aesthetically pleasing is very rare, indeed.

The Securemote product by First Watch Security  is one such device that is making waves through the residential security market.

The product is an advanced Bluetooth controller that is designed to connect alongside your existing automatic garage door or gate and provide authorised access control from most modern smartphones.

Intelligently designed with the home owner in mind, the product shines where previous entrants failed.
View the video after the jump for more information and a simply explained installation and programming guide.

Georgia Imposes Hefty Fine On Rogue Trader Posing As Locksmith

CBS Atlanta 46



The State Of Georgia has imposed a hefty fine against another rogue sheister posing as a locksmith company and blatantly ripping off consumers in the Atlanta and surrounding suburbs.

Hot on the heels of that #ABC The Lookout expose, aired on prime time TV a couple of months ago, that showed another rogue trader performing the identical scam, this time the authorities have slapped a noteworthy fine.

But, unfortunately he is not out of business completely. He is still allowed to trade, although he has supposedly agreed to make his business practices more transparent.

It is most unfortunate that the American consumer marketplace is being attacked by these foreign, often middle eastern people who come here to escape their oppressive and repressive societies. Why do they not try to meld into the fabric of American society? Become honest, hardworking and respectable community members and reap the benefits of friendship and comeradery that most Americans share.

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Bentley, Audi, Lamborghini, Porsche and other Automobile Brands Security Weakness Discovered - But Covered Up

Megamos Cryptology, the science behind the electronic security of transponders for most vehicle systems available worldwide and preferred by many of the larger automobile manufacturers, has been cracked.

Scientists from the University of Birmingham, had planned to release their new whitepaper at the Usenix Security Symposium in Washington DC in August until a last minute high court injunction by the UK.
Volkswagen, one of the world's largest automobile manufacturers and the principal litigant, claimed the scientific discovery's publication could severely impact the security of vehicles, including four of their luxury car brands, Porsche, Bentley, Audi and Lamborghini.

The scientists involved argued that the technology responsible for leading to their discovery, called "chip slicing", has been available on the internet since 2009. Essentially, chip slicing is like reverse engineering technology, which has been used for many years by countries that do not respect patent laws, to build often cheaper, inferior versions of electronic gadgets and sell to the wider markets.

The argument, the scientists put forward, that insider knowledge (industry and criminal) of the methods to determine a vehicles security weakness should be tabled to potential buyers and current owners of automobiles, was dismissed by the High Court, who sided with Volkswagen. Mr Justice Birss said he recognized the scientists right to publish, but it will mean "that car crime will be facilitated".

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Sargent G1.5 - Serious Stand Alone Access Control Product With Unique RF Remote Lockdown

The Sargent G1.5 Cylindrical lock is a part of their Profile series of products.

The product pictured here is actually the Mortise lock version and is considerably more expensive but the cylindrical version is essentially the same design except the key cylinder overide is in the body of the lever instead of the body of the controller and it uses a standard tubular latch backset.

The product has been designed and built from the ground up, in consultation with many school administrators, maintenance and facilities managers and school security experts.

Many of these discussions have taken place because of the unusual increase in school related invasions and murders in recent years.

The Sargent G1.5 is a hard wired access control product that allows for up to 2000 users. It also has a 2000 event history that can be used for audit trail benefits. There is a data transfer port to enable acquiring audit trail data or installing new access codes.

The fabulous remote RF activator allows a teacher to be 75 feet away and lock the door, disabling all entry codes except an administrator, in case of an emergency lockdown. (see video below)

Push, Pull, Rotate - Brinks Locksets Take On The Fabulous Meroni Premiapri Mechanism

We are the North American distributors for the high quality Serrature Meroni product line, which includes a wide range of nouveau push/pull and press button lock sets that require no twisting of the wrist or clenched fist grasping of a knob or lever to operate a door lock.

The 2012 International Building Code states in section B 1008.1.9.1 Door Operations; Hardware:

"Door handles, pulls, latches, locks and other operating devices on doors required to be accessible by Chapter 11 of the International Building Code, shall not require tight grasping, tight pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate."

Brinks, a well known manufacturer of light duty security deadbolts, padlocks and entrance hardware recently introduced their new Push, Pull, Rotate line of door entry sets, that are a new take on the successful Meroni product line, available throughout Europe since the early 1970's. Fundamentally different in their design, from the Meroni, these handle sets offer another look at the convenience of the push/pull mechanism but with the addition of a twisting option.

Essentially, Meroni lock sets exceed the International Building Code requirements for entry and egress. The product line is considered in line with Grade 1 hardware found in the USA, although has not yet applied for such status, keeping the product line moderately priced.

The Brinks product displayed in the above video is exclusively available at Lowes hardware stores and is relatively inexpensive.

The quality of the Meroni product line is significantly stronger and this is felt in the weight and feel of the product. Meroni products are available in a significantly larger range of finishes and color options.

Most municipalities and states and counties have adopted and ratified (or are about to) the 2012 International Building Code, as the core guidelines for construction, renovations or refurbishment of dwellings and public use buildings throughout the world. Compliance to these core principles means that your building contractor accepts and adopts their responsibility for life safety as a fundamental principal in their business.

Molson Beer Fridge - Canadian Security At It's Finest

The Molson Brewing Company, a well known Canadian brewer, recently released a novel advertising campaign across Europe to showcase their brand of beverage.

The reason we include it here is because they have designed a fridge that will only open with a Canadian passport.


An interesting and novel approach to securing your most prized collection of Canadian lager.

(video after the jump)

Lockwood 7410 Pocket Door Passage Set With Latching Option

Lockwood just released a new version of the Pocket Door Passage Lock in the 74 series of pocket door locks.

There has been justified demand for a version of the passage function to include a latching passage function, where you can have a turn button on both inside and outside that operates a latch to hold a passage door in the closed position.
The Lockwood 7410 Passage Latching Pocket Door Lock will soon be available in North America too.

Pricing to follow

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Pocket Door Locks With Key Continues to Impress The Market

 

TThe Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door LockThis impressive product continues to lead sales in our small company. The obvious reason for leading the market in this product category is it's modern, inexpensive, yet super-high quality design and construction. Installation is super easy, as depicted in the video below.
This sought after product is being snapped up by leading hotel chains and office constructors, keen on separating 2 rooms securely while having the advantage of connectivity without requiring two separate doors and frames.

The Cowdroy P697 Double Cylinder Keyed Pocket Door Lock
is slowly being phased out of our inventory, yet it is still available in satin chrome and polished brass.This product is especially designed to replace the more common square pocket door privacy sets found most common across the market
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ELMES INC. are a Torrance California based importer of specialty and custom designed and built  door hardware. Specifically, ornate and unusual door handles.

The company was established in April 1997, specifically to introduce the fabulous range of Japanese door hardware solutions to the American market.

 All of ELMES INC. products are produced by their Japanese parent company UNION Corporation. Attention to detail and use of high-tech manufacturing techniques, separates Union Corporation from other door hardware manufacturers.

Catering to the high-end of the market, discerning interior designers and architects are seeking nouveau and novel designs to compliment their many and varied customers tastes and desires.

They also sell their products to other than high-end customers, including many leading retail chains found in shopping centers across the world. The custom built handles are very beautifully designed and expertly manufactured to tight tolerances.

Unique door handles are often the first item a visitor will see as they enter your property and having something that differs from the norm while being fully functional and aesthetically pleasing, can make your home or office stand out from the rest.

#ABC The Lookout - Exposes Renegade Company Posing As Locksmiths Ripping Off Consumers

We have warned consumers many times over the past 5 years about the slew of scammer companies posing as locksmiths ripping off victims, all across the United States and Canada.

These perpetrators are now invading many other countries operating similar scam operations in Australia, New Zealand, Great Brittain and other European countries.

This news is not really news to the locksmith industry but thanks to the Network Television companies, like #ABC, prime time television now has provided a much wider net to expose the shenanigans.

My good friend and colleague, Mike Bronzell of All Hours Locksmiths in Chicago, has been one of the leading voices exposing these crooks for the last 10 years. I joined Mike about 5 years ago in Chicago to watch a case filed against Dependable Locksmiths by the Illinois Dept Of Professional Regulation. that prosecuted one David Peer for running a similar scam company. (the court found the company guilty of fraud and fined them and cancelled their business licenses, but they simply popped up again under a different name to continue their victimizations. Just this year, in February we discovered that all charges against this company had been dropped and the judgement overturned due to improper court procedures)

The leader of the company operating these scams has finally been exposed, thanks to the in depth investigation and reporting by the team at #ABC's The Lookout, a highly acclaimed television series developed to provide the marketplace with expose's on many ripoff artists scamming consumers across the USA.

Meni Agababayev is the name of the owner of this company. (see the video after the jump)

Fingersafe - Protecting Your Fingers

Security products often involves not just protection systems designed at mitigating or reducing unauthorised entry. Often safety products are combined with security products to provide products and services aimed at making all our lives safer and more secure.

Fingersafe® is one such product designed especially to attach to entry doors (or just about any swinging door) that closes the gap on the hinge side of the door, preventing injury from fingers jammed in the hinge side.

Especially produced with a concertina/accordian like design, the product attaches to almost any hinge side door jamb and prevents your child or anyone from a world of pain.

Liability costs for business owners are skyrocketing. Awards in the United States have been as high as $750,000 for a child’s amputated fingertip. Retailers, restaurants and child-care facilities are the most common types of businesses at risk.

Fingersafe® is Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) approved with a fire rating of four hours. It can be installed on any fire door and has been tested and complies with the following standards: NFPA 252, UL 10B, UL 10C, ASTM E-152, CAN4 S-104, and UBC7-2 (1997).

Fingersafe® was awarded a United States Government contract and is the recommended door safety product for US Government and Military child care facilities.

Applications for Fingersafe® Door Hinge Guards include schools, youth centers, fast food restaurants, hospitals, ships, factories, universities and churches. 

More and more standards now require door safety devices in recognition of the need to eliminate this type risk.

Fingersafe® is available in White, Black, Brown and Gray and in various lengths. e.g. 80 inches, 83 inches and 96 inches. It can also be produced in additional colors and lengths on special order.


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New Window Film Offers Smartphone Controllable Shading

 We have discussed security film here before and we also sell and install the high quality Shattergard product made by Global Security Products. The Shattergard product is the type of product that strengthens glass windows making them significantly harder to smash, thereby increasing the security of your premises without detracting from the ambience of your living areas.

Sonte are a company that have recently introduced a long sought for solution for transition windows. Transition windows are windows that include the ability to alter the opaqueness of the window. This enables you to have a clear see through window and change it yourself to provide privacy.

There are companies that make dedicated windows that can be transitioned from clear (see through) to frosted (privacy mode) but they are very expensive and time consuming to install.

The pictures here display the difference between clear and frosted look.

Sonte have taken technology further than the dedicated transitioning glass companies and produced a window film product that enable you to apply the same transitioning technology to existing windows, but using your smartphone as the controller. (See the installation video after the jump)

Canon Security Products - Radio Vault

Canon Security Products recently introduced their new Radio Vault, which is a smart looking clock radio speaker system that includes an iPod/iPhone dock, enabling a high quality speaker sound system combined with a hidden biometric vault drawer.

Features

• $349.99 in Black
• Biometric Fingerprint Scanner
• Hidden Drawer for securing your valuables
• High Contrast LCD
• Easy to use Keypad
• Visual display of date
• FM Radio with Presets
• Dual Alarms
• Superior Sound Quality
• Time Sync
• WORKS WITH MOST MP3 DEVICES

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Cowdroy P697 Keyed Pocket Door Lock - Additional Inventory Discovered

We recently discontinued this product line due to the concerns about using a double cylinder product on entry doors. The international building code suggests that the use of double cylinder lock products potentially could cause life threatening issues if someone was accidentally locked inside a room. Life Safety codes in the USA, also require that all door locks require the ability for any person inside to be easily able to escape.

We just cleaned our inventory room and discovered (to our surprise) 2 in Satin Chrome and 2 in Polished Brass.

We are pleased to make these available to the first people who contact us requesting so, by email. They are $125.00 each + shipping.

2013 Best Of Home Advisor Award Winner

What is this award?

We just received notification of being a recipient of the 2013 Best Of Home Advisor Awards.

We have continued to be a proud member of the Home Advisor (formerly Service Magic) group of professionals.

We take this opportunity to thank our customers and clients for nominating us for this honor and pledge to continue offering our services to the best of our ability. 

IQ - Intelligent Key Management Alternative

The IQ Key management system is a robust and superior key control and access management system similar to the Traka product that is used widely by many automobile dealerships and hospitals.

Simple to configure and competitively priced to Assa-Abloys product, the IQ system offers an alternative that concerned security management controllers should look into to compare possibilities.

The video (after the jump) shows how simple the system is to use. It includes options for proximity card access and/or PIN access control.

August Lock - A New Bluetooth Key System

This is the August Lock Adaptor. It is a product similar in concept to the Lockitron product we have mentioned before here.

This classy looking gadget works similarly to the Lockitron product, using Bluetooth to pair with your selected mobile handset.

This is an add on product that installs to the inside of your existing deadbolt lock. It offers convenient keyless access to your entry. It is designed to work with many existing brands of single cylinder deadbolt locks.

Similar to the much touted Lockitron product (which is currently 6 months overdue for release), you simply replace the inside turn button with the August Bluetooth adaptor. The product works just like your existing turnbutton.

Here you can see a depiction of what it will look like on the inside of your door.

Once programmed, you can invite selected users to use their personal phone to access your door. No more handing out keys or worrying about surreptitious duplication.

The product uses a proximity sensor to detect an authorised user's presence and automatically unlocks the lock.

It is important to remember that this is only designed for the deadbolt. many people also use a locking handle or knob on their entry doors. If you do use a locking knob, the August product becomes irrelevant.

Realistically, locking knobs are not a secure product anyway and often the only real security you have on your door is through the use of a deadbolt lock.

While the merits of keyless entry are obvious, I think that many people will forget to lock the door as they exit, leaving your property unsecured.

Other features of this product include notifications (logs) of entry and exit that you can view on your computer or mobile phone.

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Home Security Invention Contest $10,000 Grand Prize

Jordan Frankel of Global Security Experts Inc Announces Home Security Invention Contest $10,000 Grand Prize - SOPL Members to Review All Submissions 05/30/2013 0 Comments Jordan Frankel, world-renowned security professional and founder of Global Security Experts, today announced the opening of the company’s first home security invention contest. The inventor with the most innovative security-related creation or concept will be awarded with a $10,000 cash prize. Professional and amateur inventors are invited to submit innovative security-related inventions or development concepts to the Global Security Experts Inventor’s Contest. There are only two requirements for submissions: all invention and concept submissions must be related to home security, and the inventions must retail for $99 or less. “We’re looking for the next best home security product or concept – something that will really make an impact by making homes safer and more secure” Frankel said. Invention submissions can be either physical security or electronic security products, like door locks, surveillance cameras, alarm systems, lighting systems, and more. Entries may be in the form of sophisticated concept drawings, basic concept descriptions, or photos or descriptions of actual prototypes. The deadline for entry submission is August 31, 2013. Entries must be submitted electronically to Mr. Jordan Frankel at Inventions@Globalsecurityexperts.com.

The Stor-More key safe is a new product that is currently seeking funding on Crowd Source.

The product, leverages the word lock principle instead of the more common number combination lock version.

The size of this product is large enough to hold up to 30 keys or other items that you desire.

Uses for this product are not limited to real estate agents or property managers.

A novel creation that might suit discerning users.
The source below includes a video that shows how it works and purchase options.


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Inka Bought Out By Nite Ize

 Inka, the nouveau pen maker was just bought out by Nite Ize the nouveau gadget company who specialize in intelligent and 21st century gadgets aimed at making our lives so much easier.

Take this pen. It is a new creation that combines a stylish caribiner clip with a solid construction pen and stylus that enables you to write capably and easily on your choice of tablet in use today.

Inka also produce a number of other intelligent designs available for you to view in their website in the attached source.

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Microlight STS By Nite Ize

The Microlight STS by Nite Ize is an intelligent creation borne in the current era of swipe technology.

A very bright light that is compact in size and attaches to your keyring with caribiner like simplicity.

Product Details

• Features dual electrode capacitive sensing technology, which we call "Swipe-To-Shine"
• Four Functions - High Power, Variable Dim, Low Power, and Strobe
• LED Color: White
• Lumens: High - 16 | Low - 2
• Run Time: High 9 hours | Low 64 hours
• Battery Type: 2-2032 Lithium batteries included
• Batteries are replaceable
• Available in 4 translucent body colors: Smoke, Olive, Orange, and Blue
• Thumb grip pad for non-slip control
• Dimensions (Length x Width x Diameter):
  3.18" x 1.09" x x 0.43"
  8.08 cm x 2.77 cm x 1.09 cm
• Weight: 0.53 oz (15g)
• Temperature Operation Range: From -4 degrees F /-20 degrees C to +104 degrees F /+40 degrees C
• Versatile S-Biner Stainless Steel Double Gated Carabiner Clip attaches securely and releases easily
• Try me packaging - allows for lighting demonstration
• Limited Lifetime Warranty USA

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Hotdog Lock - Australians Continue To Push The Edge In Security Products

Hotdog Lock is the brainchild of a talented Australian Security Engineer. It is a unique high-security locking solution that provides virtually impossible to duplicate keys with bump proof and pick proof components. The unique design comes with 5 keys and simple to follow installation instructions.

Unlike many other lock and key products, this product only comes in brass and chrome color options. It is especially produced from high grade metals that provide unparalleled strength and ease of use.


Drill resistance, pick resistance and 100% bump proof, the Hotdog lock might be the answer to security that many commercial and residential customers have been looking for.

Only available from limited sources and costing about AUD$150.00 plus shipping, check out the source link below (source removed 3/11/22) for exploded views, installation instructions and purchasing options.

EDIT March 2022: The product shown above is a concept design that as far as we know has not made it to market.

Take The Pledge - With D&D Technologies

D&D Technologies have been mentioned in this website quite often over the last few years because they produce some of the finest lock and safety products on the planet.

With the summer swimming season fast approaching, please join us in taking the pledge to get involved in spreading the message that Simple Steps Save Lives.

Facts:

• Drowning is the second-leading cause of death to children ages 1-4 in the United States.
• Drowning is the number one cause of death to children ages 1-4 in most southern states.
• In many cases, drowning is a silent event, without splashing or a call for help.
• In most areas of the country, the majority of child drownings occur in backyard pools & spas.
• Scientific research, engineering advancements, legislation, community outreach, and education are all necessary strategies, on the national level, to prevent drownings.

Please visit ddtech/pledge to sign the pledge and help to make pool safety and the lives of our children safer this summer.

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LokkLatch Magnetic - By D&D Technologies

LokkLatch Magnetic

Hot on the heels of our recent post about the fabulous Serrature Meroni - Auto Magnetic latching technology, D&D Technologies from Australia are proudly introducing their patented magnetic latching technology for outside gates.

You will notice in the attached video that this product is designed with a keyhole on both inside and outside.

In a commercial location, this may not be allowed by local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ's). It is vitally important that you check with your local building inspector prior to purchasing this product, to confirm you will not break any laws or life safety codes.

D&D Technologies are well known globally

Shloosl - Duplicating Keys Made Fun And Convenient using Your Cell Phone Camera

Shloosl is an interesting idea that has been created by some designers in San Francisco, California.

Shloosl are not locksmiths and state as much on their website. They are simply a key duplication service. They completely recommend you to visit your local locksmith for all things lock and key related.

The way it works is.

1. Hold the key in your hand, in front of an untextured wall or table

These are great pictures

2. Take a sharp picture of the entire key from about 4 inches away

Focus the camera on the blade. Capture the entire key, including the head.

3. Email pictures to keys@shloosl.com

Send the highest resolution available. Send several pictures just in case.Hint: if you're viewing this page on your phone, click the link above and attach photos to the email.

Of course, there is no better method than taking your key to a professional local locksmith, but sometimes you either dont have the time or the desire to hunt around to find one near you or, reputeable locksmiths that do quality work may be few and far between.

I am a little dubious as to the quality of this product offering, primarily because many keys offered for duplication to locksmiths are already quite worn and often difficult to decipher accurately by photo.

Plus, a significant quantity of key duplicators (like the ones found in hardware stores) are rarely adjusted for accuracy. Most locksmiths, like me, regularly re-allign our machines to have them continually optimized for correct and accurate key cutting.

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Meroni - The Answer To Cost Effective ADA Compliant Hardware

$ for $ comparison pitted the Meroni hardware at about half the cost of the other more widely recognized brand names. (Including installation costs)

watch the two videos to see how it is installed.

   
The first video above, shows the handle set just after it was initially installed before the final inside cover was installed.

We used Don-Jo scar plates to cover the 2-1/8" crossbore holes allowing the Combina hardware to easily and securely fit.
The Meroni hardware uses a footprint of about 1-3/4" (40mm) crossbore's, so the scar plate is necessary to save from using a wrap around or having to replace the door or fill the hole and re-drill.

Yale Digital Door Locks - Integrated Into SEOS By Assa-Abloy

In September last year, we wrote an article about SEOS, the new access control solution from Assa-Abloy that incorporates NFC (near field communications) into modern access control systems for hotels, institutions, hospitals, dorms, high-rise office buildings and large department companies.

This brilliant system (SEOS) now includes their NFC chips in Yale Digital Door Locks.

We recently learned that this exciting new development will enable more keyless entry solutions for even the average homeowner.

The ability to send a temporary access code to anyone, will avoid the homeowner from requiring to be present for that specialty tradesperson. No more 4 hour windows for arrival by the cable technician.

The Yale deadbolt presented in the video below shows the connectibility to a rim mounted lock system, like the ones used on push bar, panic exit devices that many Authorities Having Jurisdiction require for public dwellings (kindergartens, aged care homes, medical surgeries etc)

Kwikset Smartkey Problems Continues To Lead Researchers Here...

Our post from a few years ago about Kwikset Smartkey Problems, continues to send a great many visitors to this site.

Essentially, the post includes a video of the primary issue, with some customers comments included. I'm sure if you continue to search the web, you will find numerous other web logs from people who also commented on the increasing number of problems.

I have determined through trial and error and talking with many clients, that the primary issue people face, is the ability to get duplicate working keys for their Kwikset Smartkey Locks.

If you require duplicate keys for your Kwikset Smartkey Locks, be sure to visit your local locksmith and deliberately ask for factory produced original Kwikset keyblanks. And then ask to have your key originated, instead of duplicated. A new factory originated Kwikset Smartkey blank, cut to code on a code machine will work simpler and easier with much more reliability than any duplicated copy.

Be sure to ask for original factory Kwikset keyblanks and not after market copies (like Ilco or Axxess or similar).

Now, I realize that it may not be convenient for you to look for your nearest locksmith shop, but you already decided to purchase your Kwikset Smartkey product from somewhere other than a locksmith and most probably because you intended on saving some money.

You know what that says, right?


Paying Peanuts, Gets You Monkeys!

Doorbot - The Best Doorbell I Have Seen Yet

Doorbot is an intelligent product that will make life so much easier for homeowners.

There are many search inquiries by people looking for a wireless peephole and in the past we have written some articles that have shown different ideas and products available around the world.

We posted about the fabulous Lockitron wireless deadbolt converter a while back and we are expecting our first three units any day now. The Doorbot has been carefully designed to incorporate a separate model that will work alongside the Lockitron. this means that you will be able to see who is at your door whether you are home or not and unlock your door remotely if you so desire.

Perhaps a little on the expensive side, for a glorified doorbell, but this is a product that will appeal to many and varied homeowners.

See video after the jump.

Continental - NFC Key Control Systems For Automobiles

Continental Automotive Group are a large international manufacturer of sophisticated electronic control systems for passenger, commercial, special and two-wheeled vehicles.

Recently we wrote about the IAA show held in Germany, where a company was displaying their technology for NFC (Near Field Communication) controls for cars. See Article

It turns out that Continental Automotive Group have been one of the leaders of this research for about 3 years now and are ready to begin selling these advanced access control systems to the various automobile manufacturers worldwide.

The Locksmith industry, worldwide has seen many new key manufacturing machines and auto-diagnostic companies develop after market (after-dealership) diagnostic devices capable of programming and originating the electro-mechanical transponder keys used in the modern automobiles we see today on the road.

Your New Car Key 

When NFC started to be included in mobile telephones (smartphones), Continental were one of the first companies to recognize this highly secure technology would dramatically change the whole automotive access control market.

New Bird Flu Strain Found In China - More Reason To Prevent Transmission

According to ABC News in Australia, four more people have been infected with a new strain of bird flu in China.

This is hot on the heels of information obtained on Sunday that three more infections - two of them fatal - occurred in recent days.

The new strain of bird flu called H7N9 is being played down by the World Health Organization (WHO) but they said it is crucial to find out how the new strain of avian influenza is being spread to humans.

This knowledge should highlight why it is vital and important for all public buildings, schools, hospitals, medical centers etc to increase their onus of responsibility to their patrons. Responsibility in the form of protecting people from the possible transference of harmful bacteria, especially from the touching of door handles.

Just about every person touches a door handle every day, but are virtually completely unaware that shared contact of surfaces is one of the fastest methods for spreading harmful diseases.

Because the % of transmission from surface touching is considered low by statistics standards, it is most likely due to communal surfaces not being considered as potential causes of the spreading of diseases, that people generally dont consider door handles to be of sufficient importance to their health.

Luckily for some, Serrature Meroni have been producing their patented Anti-Bacterial range of door knobs for a few years now. As a dwelling owner or manager, it is your responsibility to maintain the health of all persons that enter or use your property. Using a door handle that prevent the transference of harmful bacteria should be a consideration not to be passed on.

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Pigio And Combina By Meroni Now Able To Be Keyed Alike With Schlage C Keyway

 This is the Pigio 1 by Serrature Meroni. This product is now able to be keyed up to Schlage C keyway. this wll enable some users in the USA to combine their existing key systems with the fabulous range of Serrature Meroni push/pull handles they have become well known for.

The Combina by Serrature Meroni is another of their handle range that can be keyed alike with Schlage C keyways, further encouraging consumers in the broad American market to combine Meroni and their existing Schlage key systems.









Meroni have also produced some of their range that have been approved and certified by the respected Underwriters Laboratory for use with government or institutions installations. This is an important requirement for use by most public buildings subject to approval from local fire marshals and other authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ's).

One particular handle in the Pigio range surpasses the UL requirement for fire proofing and  is designed to comply with access and egress laws. (UL R9398)

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Auto-Magnetic Latching - New Technology By Serrature Meroni

Serrature Meroni products proudly introduce a completely new design of door latching product that is sure to change the door hardware and door lock industry.

The new technology allows for a conventional door lock to have an almost silent operating door latch with no visible  lipped strike plate.

This improves the look of the fitting and increases the security as well, by having no bevelled latches, thereby preventing the loiding trick (using a card or screwdriver to push the latch back) on conventional latching door locks.

The video after the jump is in Italian and shows the new latching technology being used in the Proxima product (3:26). You can also see the latch being used with the fabulous Combina and Nova handles (1:11).

UPS And Fedex Europe Put Their Trust In UFO+ - By Serrature Meroni

Serrature Meroni, the fine Italian manufacturer of nouveau door locks first produced their design awarded UFO lock system about 10 years ago and have seen relatively large demand for this unique product, swell over the years.

Following direct discussions with both UPS and Fedex engineers, Serrature Meroni proudly introduce the latest update to this very special security product.

Answering their needs for an especially designed product that can be master keyed to a unique stand-alone high-security pin tumbler system using keys that are virtually impossible to duplicate, Meroni reconfigured the entire UFO product line and came up with the fabulous UFO+ product.

See the video that shows a UPS vehicle installed with the new UFO+



This fabulous new product developed in conjunction with engineers from UPS and Fedex, is increasing the security of the new vehicles used by these progressive carriers.

See the installation instructions after the jump and how they look on UPS and Fedex Sprinter vehicles

Flame Retardent Flush Handle - By Lock Focus

Lock Focus, the manufacturer of our fabulous Rosslinear Battery Powered Electric Strike, recently introduced a new product into their line.

The Flame Retardent Flush Handle is especially designed for use on electrical cabinets. The black pan and grip have a warm-to-touch surface and the plastic is self-extinguishing in case of fire.

This lock system is ideal for metal cabinet enclosures that use a 3 point locking rod mechanism to secure the doors

Application tools for installing the snap-in rods are available on request.

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Abloy Vulnerability Discovered In Finland

Breaking News: March 13, 2013

Abloy, the world's largest lock and key product manufacturing company, today denied reports about a vulnerability discovered in the patented disc detainer locking system

Finish police are investigating a string of break ins, where the attacker apparently removed a building master key, housed in a wall safe (for emergency authority access) that was designed to operate communal doors, maintenance rooms etc, then smashed one apartment door to remove the lock and proceeded to dismantle the key cylinder to determine the master key for the apartment complex, using the available sub master key, found in the emergency access vault and determining the discs in the cylinder he managed to access.

He was then able to determine the correct building master key and open all the apartments in that building.

A long time locksmith with over 40 years experience was called in by authorities to forensically verify the police assumption and he found their theory plausible and on point.

Abloy is well known across the world for it's strength and simplicity. It is well knows for it's virtually unlimited master keying properties and until now, was thought to be among the most secure of the available mechanical key security products found in the world.

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BlueID - Bluetooth Dongle Allows You To Use Your Cell Phone As Your Car Key

Yesterday we wrote an article discussing a piece we found in the LA Times about AAA believing that mobile cell phones will soon replace the ages old mechanical metal car key.

I think, perhaps that article was written in response to a product displayed at the CeBIT expo held last week in Germany.


BlueID is a company in Germany that produce Bluetooth kits that allow for access controls to various entries, including but not limited to barrier gates, lifts (elevators), residential and commercial dwelling doors and of course cars, as seen in the picture above. (see video after the jump)