Robbers Kick In Door Of St. Louis Home, Shoot Man

A June 19, 2015 article in the St Louis Post Dispatch tells about a homeowner in North St Louis County who was shot by intruders after they kicked down the front door.

Luckily the homeowner survived the brutal attack.

According to the article, the robbers were looking for guns and money.



This story highlights the need for better door protection products, purposely designed to thwart door frame failure.

We have been offering the fabulous Strikemaster II Pro Door Frame protection and repair product for almost 5 years now and have installed a significant number to doors after the door frame has already been damaged. We have sold and installed the product to concerned homeowners who proactively want to protect their homes and families with so far, no reported failures of the product.

We originally talked about the Strikemaster II Pro in this article back in December 2009.

One instance that comes to mind was when a customer called me on Thanksgiving 2010 after her front entrance was broken down by the fire department answering a smoke detector alarm call. She had left some soup on her stove turned down to low, to keep warm while she darted out to the shop. Smoke from the stove got into the smoke detector signalling the fire department who attended very quickly and broke down the door. Because she had a $4000 door, she was quoted by multiple contractors significantly expensive prices to replace her door and frame, however no one was able to come out for a week. She couldnt leave her door unsecure and was put off by the unrealistically expensive estimates. She got on to me through the Home Advisor network and I contacted her immediately, informed her about the Strikemaster II product, sent her to the product video on my website (in the above link), estimated the paltry cost and waited for her return call. She called back 15 minutes later and booked me for the next day. We attended the site, installed the Strikemaster II, which completely repaired her existing frame and covered all the damage, without having to replace her door and frame. Needless to say she was very pleased.

We are currently out of stock of the product, with new supplies expected in the next week.

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Ring - Nouveau Wireless Peephole

I recently came across one of these devices installed on a customers home and it looks like the bees knees.

easy to install and offering multiple conveniences, Ring is quite possibly the answer to entry monitoring/doorbell needs for modern times.

Impressive to say the least.



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246 Padlock - A New Bluetooth Padlock

Locks that operate through a bluetooth connection appear to be the rage today. While we continue to sing the praises of mechanical lock products, many consumers seem to desire an electronic or keyless option.

The 246 Nii Yon Lock is one such animal that looks promising, although I doubt will see traction due to the unrealistic cost and the fact that it's built in battery is designed to last for 180 days.

What do you think?



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Adams Rite Issue Resolved

I was called out late the other night, just as the rain was settling in for an all night torrential downpour, because some ladies were locked inside their shop.
I resolved their issue quickly but couldnt complete the necessary repairs due to the rain. Went back the next morning and produced this fix...





EDIT: 9/1/2015
It seems that the same issue resurfaced after a couple of weeks. The maintenance company called another tradesman who promptly re-installed the screws. According to the manager, it worked for about 1 day.

The maintenance company called us back a week later and we attended under our warranty and repaired the offending door again.

Turns out the pin that signals the locked or unlocked state on the inside of the door, was jamming due to the original installer drilling the hole in the incorrect location. we removed the bent pin and it all works well. Now been 2 weeks and all working fine.

Bricwave - Express Smartphone Charger/Flash Drive

The Express by Bricwave™ is a new product currently seeking funding through Kickstarter (in fact has has exceeded it's goal as of today, with still 9 days to go).

The product makes it to this blog because of it's portability with it's keyring attachment.

I see many benefits with this product. there may be multiple choices across the market, but few are made to similar quality control standards.

This product is available for iPhone (lightning) or Android (micro-usb) devices.

It contains a express function for high speed charging and a 64GB flash drive for storing, transferring or running applications and programs.

A unique product that has many uses.

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Sentry Safes - Vulnerability Detected

I cannot be sure as to how long the above video will be available, but if you are lucky enough to still be seeing this, you may understand why 99/100 locksmiths prefer NOT to sell or recommend Sentry safes (of the electronic variety).

These boxes (I feel i cannot use the term safe, because this vulnerability clearly shows it is not safe) are sold almost everywhere by big box stores like Kmart, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware and many specialty hardware stores. The product is widely distributed online by a great many online retailers.

This technique has been used by locksmiths for some time and until now, not publicly demonstrated (AFAIK).

I realize that many consumers prefer to shop at big box retailers for the convenience aspect without doing their due diligence about the products they are purchasing and the big box retailers will never take responsibility for the products they sell and recommend. But seriously, anyone who calls this product a "safe", really needs to have their head examined, especially in light of this mildly entertaining clip.

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Keys To The City - A Film About A Retiring Locksmith In Brooklyn

An interesting story about a retiring locksmith and his travels in the city of Brooklyn is currently seeking additional funding through Kickstarter.

This unique story is quite heart warming and shown through the eyes of native Brooklynites.

Special thanks to Tom Lynch, founder of The Society Of Professional Locksmiths for making us aware of this undertaking.

Consider throwing your support behind this ambitious project to shine some light on the daily struggles of an American Made Locksmith. Kickstarter link in the source below.

Pocket Door Locks, Flying Off The Shelves

Our very popular Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock is literally flying off the shelves.

Demand is so strong for this product with no reprieve in sight, that we are now looking to expand our stock holding.

The anticipated release date for the expansion kit, to make installation to 1-3/4" wide doors much simpler has been set back due to the manufacturer of the desired part making a manufacturing blunder.

We have since tailored a work around that we anticipate release before the end of this year, after we complete our testing.

We will provide an instructional video to show how to install with the modification kit.

Because of the strength of the US$, manufacturing costs abroad have increased and we expect that new products (next shipment) will increase in retail cost, so if you're on the fence about ordering at this time think about pushing up your decision before the price rise.

Life Paint By Volvo

Anyone who has ever ridden a bicycle at night remembers exactly how dangerous it is and the need to wear bright colors to be extra visible to other road users.

A new product, yet to be released worldwide, designed and produced by Volvo Car UK Limited is set to modernize the bicycle safety market.

This unique product is not limited to use on bicycles and clothing. It can work on other materials too. It is also only a temporary use product that doesnt leave permanent stains on your selected item.

It is visible under the light of headlamps but during the day is invisible.

Read More...

Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock Expansion Kit - Delayed

Our expansion kit for converting the Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock, to allow use on 1-3/4" thick doors has hit a snag. Our manufacturer of the replacement part has sent us incorrect parts. this means that our planned May 1st release is being pushed back.

Hopefully our manufacturer can produce the corrected parts soon so we can begin supplying these parts to customers who have 1-3/4" doors too.



The products are selling very quickly and there are almost no issues or problems being fed back to us.
A couple of times, some customers have reported the bolt mechanism not working correctly and we have sent out replacement parts quickly which rectifies their issues.

We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause, but we feel that releasing the expansion kit, prematurely is a costly mistake we wish to avoid.

Thanks for your patience.

SOPL Expo Cancelled

Recent circumstances beyond control have lead to the executive decision to cancel the inaugural show of the Society Of Professional Locksmiths.
Apologies have been made to members, exhibitors, educators and other attendees.
A new venue and date will be announced in the near future.

Kadalock - Bluetooth Low Energy Bicycle Lock System Connects to Drink Bottle

Kadalock is a new take on the bicycle lock that has merits. Simply install beneath your existing drink bottle rack and you are ready to go.

Using a strong tensile cable and waterproof padlock body, this intelligent lock for your bicycle is novel, unique and nouveau.

In low energy mode, which puts the padlock to sleep to maintain battery life, you simply activate the lock by physical touch. When the unit powers on, your Bluetooth enabled smartphone provides the required identification for the padlock to unlock. Simple, keyless security that looks good.

Other features include, notifications for attempted theft, low battery warning etc.

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St Louis Award - 8 Consecutive Years

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Master Key Systems America, LLC Receives 2015 St. Louis Award

St. Louis Award Program Honors the Achievement
ST. LOUIS March 4, 2015 -- Master Key Systems America, LLC has been selected for the 2015 St. Louis Award in the Locksmiths & Keys category by the St. Louis Award Program.
Each year, the St. Louis Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the St. Louis area a great place to live, work and play.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2015 St. Louis Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the St. Louis Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About St. Louis Award Program

The St. Louis Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the St. Louis area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.
The St. Louis Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community's contributions to the U.S. economy.
SOURCE: St. Louis Award Program

CONTACT:
St. Louis Award Program
Email: PublicRelations@awardsystem.org
URL: http://www.awardsystem.org

Open Sesame - Simple But Smart

We have spoken about other brands of smartlocks with increasing regularity, here.

There are some interesting products that have made their way to market and along the way, some users find little bugs that make them just somewhat difficult to set up, install and operate.

Enter the Sesame Smartlock. Installs to almost any deadbolt lock on the market. Is super easy to use and set up and is wifi connected (if desired), so you can operate the lock remotely.

Options, like guest access, lockout function, even sense.

Or simply design your own unique knock code to open the lock (or lock it)

This product is currently seeking funding through Kickstarter. If it successfully reaches it's goal, shipping is expected to start in April 2015




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Symlis Sparrow - Portable Sync/Charge Cable In a Portable Form Factor

The Symlis Sparrow is a novel product that is designed to fit on your keychain (hence why it makes it to this blog).

Smartphone users across the world in need of extra charge for their product are often hampered by requiring to always be carrying their OEM charging cable.

This intelligent and very new product is currently sourcing crowd funding through Indiegogo.

You can purchase it through Indiegogo.

It offers a small form factor and portable charging cable for either Apple or Android phones and tablets. It also provides a built in flash drive for access to files you want to view on your device/s.

It is not an actual battery charger. But it is a cute keyring.

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Access Control Moves Into The 21st Century And Beyond - Post Revisited

We originally posted this article in September 2010 and have seen a great many views of the page. There is absolutely no doubt that advancing technology is influencing many significant parts of our daily lives and with new products from Aoptix Technologies like the one pictured here, we will soon be seeing this advanced wizardry in everyday use.

The AOptix InSight™ VM iris recognition system takes the qualities that make the originalInSight system so extraordinary and wraps them up in a new form factor that is compact and visually appealing.

It is functionally the same as the original InSight system and delivers the same unprecedented capture volume, 2 meter standoff distance, and advanced imaging and image quality metrics for outstanding ease-of-use, throughput, and matching accuracy. The VM also relies on the same deployment-tested communications interfaces, maintaining a focus on ease-of-integration and standards compliance for biometrics and ID management, IT infrastructure, and physical access control.

Form and Function

The InSight VM’s new shape isn’t just about looks. At less than 9 inches wide and deep, the VMis uniquely well suited to applications where footprint space is at a premium. We've created a system for end users, integrators, and architects that is purpose-designed for applications including:

• Immigration control programs, especially sleek installations at immigration counters
• eGates or expedited, automated immigration programs
• Checkpoint booths
• Government and corporate access control including turnstile, revolving door and standard door installations

Now, the power of the InSight iris recognition system is available to open up a new range of applications.

View the source below to visit the company's site and see a video of just how the unit works.

I suggest that the reality of total secure access control, using iris recognition technology is upon us. Perhaps the Star Trek future is becoming a reality?

I can see many positives in this kind of system, especially for companies requiring secure access to controlled locations, like vaults, computer rooms, drug storage facilities, hospital bacteria free zones, even the presidents office.

What do you think?

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Hosse & Hosse - A Brief History Of keys

Keys have been in use since nearly 4,000 years ago, according to clay tablets that depict keys used in the Babylonian Empire. The first of these keys looked nothing like the historic keys we might imagine today. Some, in fact, may have been as long as an arm and quite heavy. No way you’d have a keychain filled with these keys.

Similar keys were used in Ancient Greece, most likely to lock temples and other structures of significance. They keys were so large that women carried them over their shoulders. You can view one of these at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston—the key that once locked and unlocked the Temple for Artemis Hemera in Arcadia.

The Beginning of Modern Keys

Where we begin to see the stirrings of modern keys was Rome. The Romans took the technology developed by the Greeks and refined it for more common use. Of course, only those with belongings to protect were concerned with locking their doors. The keys of this time resemble the skeleton keys we think of when “historic keys” some to mind, but they weren’t quite as advanced.

A Step Up in Technology

During the 6th century, European keys took another leap forward. Lever tumblers within locks were created, so keys could be even more specialized. One look at these keys, and you can see exactly how they may have preceded our modern keys. These keys also featured more decorative accents, which often featured crosses or the shape of a bishop’s miter.

Fast-Forward…Way Forward

Lock technology didn’t advance much for hundreds of years. The advancements that were made mostly occurred in England, most notably the double-tumbler lock invented by Robert Barron in 1778. Then in the 1860s, Linus Yale, Jr. of Massachusetts brought us right into the future with his cylinder lock. From that point on, lock technology grew by leaps and bounds.

While we still use some variation of the models produced by Linus Yale, Jr., we also have some technology the Ancient Greeks and Babylonians might have considered supernatural. Current transponder keys make it possible to enter and exit a vehicle without even touching the key.

And, believe it or not, Hosse & Hosse can help you with historic locks and transponder keys. The lock mechanisms from Ancient Greece are no longer in use, so we can’t help you there. However, if you’d like to repair a lock or produce a duplicate key for your home built in the 1800s, we can. We can also reproduce the transponder keys for your cars and keycards for digital commercial locks if you lose them.

That’s one of the most fascinating things about being Nashville’s locksmith and security hardware provider for 150 years. We’ve seen it all, and we can still do it all, too.

Hosse & Hosse Safe & Lock have been proudly serving Nashville Tennessee for 150+ years, providing the region with locksmith and safe sales and services, architectural hardware, entry systems and good old fashioned customer service.

Hosse & Hosse are the oldest continually operating locksmith company in Tennessee and the 7th oldest business in Nashville Tennessee. Located in 918 Woodland Street, Nashville TN 37206, they continue to serve residents, businesses and institutions with premium quality lock products and services.

(article reprinted with permission)

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Keebunga - Waterproof Key Case

Kickstarter is a well known crowd funding platform that pairs developers with investors but sometimes a product fails to make it to it's target.

The Keebunga looks like a really intelligent product that would benefit any beachgoer.

Designed to withstand pressure to a depth of 90 feet, this simply designed yet intelligent product could be the life saver beachgoers have been seeking.

Beachgoing, often means leaving your chip key (car key) somewhere dry and protected from the elements but you cannot guarantee the security of where you leave it...that it will be there when you return.

With Keebunga, simply take your (expensive) chip key with you when you swim, surf, dive or ski, confident it will still work when you return to your vehicle.

Electronics and water are not complimentary to each other, hence why a product like this, seems just oh...so smart,

If you go to the beach....you know what it's like to go for a swim, concerned that nobody will nic your stuff that you leave on the beach while dipping. With Keebunga, that issue is solved.

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Uberella - The Humble Umbrella Redesigned

 This concept umbrella is designed with an intelligent 3 wheel combination lock, preventing theft of your weather protector.

Still a design concept, it won an award at last years Red Dot Awards.

Simple to produce and said to come in many different colors, will this product get made?

Maybe...

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Keyponents Transparent Lockable Sliding Lid Outlet Cover

Here is an interesting, if novel product that can be helpful to those intending to secure an electrical socket, switch, cable connection etc.

Simple to install and obvious in it's appeal, the Keyponents Transparent Lockable Sliding Lid Outlet Cover enables communal rooms in hotels, conference rooms, schools etc, to secure the switches from prying hands. Set the ambient room temperature and leave it secured from tampering. Prevent your cable wall connection from coming out. prevent little children from putting their hands where they dont belong.

Want to make sure no one but you can access a particular electrical socket?

Another, 'why didnt I think of that' product!

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HP Warning - The Internet Of Things Products May Be Crap

If you can monitor your own house across the internet. so can everyone else


Today's shiny new security products that are sold just about everywhere, have all the bells and whistles and will even make you coffee in the morning (yeah, right), are quite the rage, arent they?.....or are they?

HP recently completed a study to determine the effectiveness and quality of 10 leading brands of home security products that use real-time monitoring of access control and security for their effectiveness. The result (from this study), indicated that every home security system (tested) contained significant vulnerablities including but not limited to password security, encryption and authentication issues.

HP's Fortify On Demand security service recently tested the offerings from 10 different companies based on video cameras, motion detectors together with cloud and mobile based communication protocols. It found none of the systems required the use of a strong password and 100% of the systems failed to offer 2-step authentication processes.

Connected home security systems are becoming one of the more common Internet of Things (IoT) products that we can all see, touch and use easily today and many manufacturers are climbing aboard this runaway marketing train, to eake out some market share with fast to manufacture components that lack fundemental data security protections. It is almost as if they dont care about peoples data security and given the alarming increase in data theft over the last couple of years, are they selling us short?

Check out the article in the source below for further details...

Having been involved in commercial, residential and industrial security around the world, across the last 2 centuries, we continue to recommend a separation between perimeter security products (deadbolts, door handles etc) and electronic add-on products, like cameras, card swipe access control products and alarm systems.

Using a mechanical security product as your first and last line of physical security is necessary to keep you secure today.

I continue to recommend high-security key control and mechanical access control solutions to all consumers , intent on maintaining the safety and security of their dwellings, offices, institutions and families.

I do believe that the 2-step authentication process will be a major factor in the coming years to protect all users of a security system, because our protection and the protection of our fellow workers, our children and our loved ones, is far more important than having the latest and greatest, you beaut widget that sings for us.

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SOPL - The Society Of Professional Locksmiths

The Society Of Professional Locksmiths (SOPL) just introduced a new flyer that will be available at many up and coming trade shows.

Here is what it looks like...

The SOPL is the pre-eminent organization for the modern day professional locksmith. This fraternity of locksmith professionals, is seeing massive growth of it's member base, thanks to it's core education and training modules, modern discussion forums, member benefits and knowledgeable industry instructors, suppliers and significantly experienced locksmith tradespeople.

The opportunities presented by industry respected administrators in SOPL, bring to life modern and exclusive products, services and training for existing technicians wishing to improve their business accumen and industry knowledge or for those new to the industry.

To find out more details or to join SOPL click on the source below

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Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock - Buy Now Link Working Again

Our very popular Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock has been selling like hotcakes until recently when sales just stopped to a halt.

Thanks to a returning customer, we just discovered that the buy now link was indicating the product as sold out.

It is not. We have corrected the link and apologise for any inconvenience.

Thanks Lisa.


Click on the picture to the left if you would like to order.

Measles Makes A Resurgence at Disneyland - But Meroni Has You Covered

The recent outbreak of a new strain of Measles at Disneyland in California, highlights societies need to be vigilant in counteracting spreadable diseases.

Measles were supposedly wiped out by vaccines in the early 1970's but this new strain appears to be a mutated version of the all too common childhood disease.


With the regular news reports about viscious diseases and virus' popping up all over the world and in significantly increasing numbers, it has become a vital and important factor when considering protecting people in public buildings, dwellings even at home.

Diseases spread easily among children especially, due to their immune systems not having achieved sufficient maturity to ward off some spreadable virus'.

Meroni have been at the forefront of Anti-bacterial handles for many years and their unique handle products like the Combina and Pigio  offerings, provide care facilities, schools, hospitals and laboratories, all across the world with handles that minimize and mitigate the spread of shareable diseases.

Competitively priced and available to order, the extra special coating on the hardware is tested to European standards that are often considered significantly higher than the standards issued in the USA.

This is a picture of the Combina Anti-Bacterial Handle.
Available in passage, privacy and entrance versions, the color of the handle is an important attribute in the production of these anti-bacterial handles

In this picture you can see a version of the Pigio Anti-Bacterial handle as used in a laboratory.

Pigio is the first European lock to have been awarded CE EN179 certification, being acceptable and compliant with the International Building Code requirements for simple emergency egress.
This allows for a simple to operate, good looking handle that can be used on just about any door that offers ease of use by physically challenged and mitigates the spread of contagious diseases simultaneously.

Any of the unique range of Meroni hardware, make operation by arthritis sufferers much simpler than conventional handle hardware.

Many arthritis sufferers are challenged to clench their fist, which makes operating the simple door handle a task indeed. Not anymore, thanks to the fabulous Meroni range of handlesets.

We are the North American Distributors of all Meroni hardware, including handlesets, cabinet and furniture lock systems, hinges and accessories and door closers.
To become a reseller of the product, contact us to arrange pricing.

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Gokey - The Ultimate Companion for your iOS or Android Device

When it comes to all-around devices, Gokey is unique. It lives on your keyring, doubles as a portable charger with up to 2 hours of charge time, becomes a locating beacon for your mobile device or your keys, operates as a music remote control, a remote shutter for your all important selfies and a storage device for up to 32Gb of memory.

The memory can be password protected and fits to any USB port.

The USB connections allow you to both charge and deliver to your computer or simply charge from a power connected USB port.

Being a keyring related device is why it makes it to this web log.

Personally, I am especially interested in the GPS tagging it can create.

Originally a crowd funded product and almost available for commercial release, this is another example of the current technological age we find ourselves in and more disruptive technology aimed at making modern life just a little bit easier.

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Garage Door Beacon

The Garage Door Beacon is a novel product that effectively brings your automatic garage door into the 21st century.

Using Bluetooth as it's communication protocol, the Garage Door Beacon has successfully integrated this modern disruptive technology into the everyday use for all the family.

Many homeowners across America enjoy automatic garage door openers for ease in entering premises or simply garaging your vehicles.

Using a small product like the Garage Door Beacon, enables a simple connection to your existing automatic door opener and can be set using the Bluetooth technology to authorise individual operators via individual PIN codes.

Now, it is quite well known that garage doors are not the most secure points of entry to any dwelling, however the incidence of failing remotes, non-functional external keypads and other operability problems continue to be a source of business for repairers and is likely to not stop anytime soon.

But with the multitude of products becoming available in increased numbers today, thanks to the current technology age we are in, consumers need to be vigilant and investigative to keep up on the latest products and the quality they offer.

This is why simple to install products like the Garage Door Beacon, that are hardwired to your existing power supply, offer a quality access control solution that is long lasting, sheltered from the elements, easy to setup and install and best of all intrinsically native to operate.

With smartphone apps in both Apple and Google app stores, this is almost a no-brainer for anyone who owns a home with an automatic garage door and/or a modern smartphone.

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Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock - Price Reduction

Sales of this product are off the charts. Thanks to a more favorable exchange rate and lower fuel costs, we have reduced the cost of this sought after product to only $95.00 plus shipping.

We are only stocking the Satin Nickel (pearl) color option at this special price.

Our modification kit for use on 1-3/4" doors is nearly ready for commercial release. (estimated May 1st, 2015)

This modification will allow for Schlage SC1 keyed cylinders to be used as an option and consequently many other brands of similar keyways. This will allow for keying alike with many existing key systems in the marketplace and also 6 pin cylinders (enabling the product to operate on high-security and design protected master key system key profiles).

Click on the picture to the left to purchase.

EDIT (December 2015): this product now sells for $125.00 plus shipping

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Meroni Premiapri-Nova Assembly and Installation demo

The above video was made for the Spanish market, I think but it illustrates the flagship model handle of the Serrature Meroni range of nouveau handlesets. (the one used here is the Nova style)

We will be displaying these locks at the upcoming SOPL Expo in Indiana in May. We will also encourage attendees to learn to disassemble and reassemble a similar lock.

Pretty much all of the unique Meroni handlesets are assembled similarly.

The installation will show the handle fitted to a standard 1-3/4" (40mm) crossbore hole. The standard crossbore hole dimensions found across North America is 2-1/8" (52mm). To compensate, we recommend including your choice of metal or nylon rose escutcheons.

The white nylon guide that the technician screws into the body of the hardware, prior to installation, is there to assist the installer to hold the product to the door (without requiring 3 hands).

Meroni handles also come in Combina

Forma

And the extra fabulous Pigio range

Pigio 2

Pigio 3

Pigio 1

The color ranges are fabulous in all 4 styles. These make the perfect addition to an interior designers repertoire.

Combine the modern style handlesets with their simplistic approach to use, being especially useful for arthritis or other physically challenged users, make these fine Italian designed and produced handles a much sought after commodity.

Meroni are currently seeing a large comeback to the North American market, with discerning customers from British Columbia to Florida, from California to Michigan, from New York City to Pasadena selecting the range for their upmarket homes and residences.

Meroni's range of furniture locks, hinges, door closers and unique security products are almost unrivalled in the cabinet making industry and are held as the standard by which many "other" manufacturers choose to model their product offering on.

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Skybell - New Alternative To The Classic Doorbell

I have written about other versions of doorbells over the last few years, but as yet have not found the simple yet intuitive device that might solve the demands of many. Until now, that is.

The product featured in the video above, is a new product designed and built in the USA. Of simple construction and occupying a small footprint, the Skybell is designed to replace many of the common doorbells found on most of our homes.

Intercom systems have been around for about 50 years now and intercoms that include a video feed have been around for about 15 years. The technology required to build a long lasting video intercom product, has been evolving and improving frequently.

Skybell allows for connection to a home wifi system and can be viewed wirelessly on almost any wifi connected device. Your iPhone, your Android, your Mac, your Windows PC all can connect to this smart device, enabling your ability to see and hear the person at your door.

App controlled by your smart device, you can greet the person at your door, from the comfort of your current location, without physically answering the door.

What separates this from other "wireless" devices is that it actually connects to your mains. That means you never need to replace batteries.

Currently in crowdfunding mode, I expect this device to take off and finally we may have the appropriate product, so many inquirers are searching for.

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Serrature Meroni Retailer Display Boards Arrived

 Our new Meroni product display boards have arrived.
They come in a white laminated board with each version of the handle style displayed.

First picture is of the key lockable side.

The second picture shows the inner side of each lock

 The third picture shows the Meroni Combina version Anti-Bacterial handle with a "Schlage" C keyway.

The fourth picture shows a Meroni Forma handle with a "Schlage" C keyway








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.

These displays will be available for purchase at our booth in the upcoming SOPL Expo in May 2015 in Indianapolis Indiana.

Many inquiries have come in from budding dealers wishing to include the product line in their inventories. Now you have the opportunity to purchase a display for your store, offering the benefit of a hands-on display that will make the sales process much simpler.

New dealers interested in this high quality product line should contact us to reserve your display.

These displays show just some of the standard colors available. there are significantly more color options that we will talk about later.

(I must say, the interest from aged care facilities, hospitals, laboratories and medical clinics has been interesting)

We have installed and sold a large number of these fabulous products to customers across the USA and Canada. The quality of the product is exemplary and the instinctive ease of use is brilliant. This is the perfect handle for anyone who may suffer from arthritis and related issues.

SOPL Expo May 1-3, 2015 - Indianapolis

The Society Of Professional Locksmiths proudly introduce the inaugural SOPL Expo, to be held in Indianapolis Indiana, May 1-3 2015.

Daring to be different, the SOPL is a modern era locksmith association that believes in training as one of the core influences in the future of the locksmith industry.

The increasing technical challenges and shifts in business accumen, affect all our decisions regarding the locksmith business. 

Now, the opportunity to participate in a new breed of association, presents us with the challenge to learn about new and alternative products, learn new business practises, marketing skills and business opportunities..

Some of the classes on offer include...

Internet SEO & The Scammer Killer Kit

Stop With The Deadbolts Already!

Emerging Access Control & Integration

Wireless Automation Controls

Commercial Door Installation, Service and Exit Hardware

Servicing Meroni Decorative Hardware

Door Jamb Mortising for Reinforcement

Advanced Master Keying

Advanced Automotive Transponder Programming

Safe Manipulation Boot Camp

Whereas the courses will be open to bonafide locksmiths, the exhibits and trade show will be open to the public.

Interact with locksmiths, teachers, industry players, facilities managers and more.

Check out all the details in the source below.

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2014 MLAA Conference And Trade Exhibit

The annual Conference and Trade Exhibit for the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia (MLAA) was recently held at a hotel and conference facility in Twin Waters Queensland.

The weekend event was held about 2 weeks ago.

Here is a short time-lapse video taken by one of my colleagues as he walked the exhibit floor.




This annual trade show and conference is the pinnacle event for the locksmith industry in Australasia, where products, classes and new releases are displayed to attendees.

Special thanks to Trevor Miliken from Albany Lock Service in Western Australia for the video.


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August Smart Lock - Not So Smart

End of May last year we wrote an article about the August Smartlock that has seen a great many pageviews.

I just came across an article in The New York Times written by an author who has been using their August lock for a little while and found some difficulties.

In the article the author suggests that people dont really need to invest sometimes hundreds of dollars for a battery powered door lock that has obvious shortcomings like battery life, proximity issues and no wifi connectivity. Without explaining the pro's of keyless entry systems, he has more or less tossed many of the current crop of similar gadgets on to the waste pile as not as secure or convenient as one might have expected.

He did explain the obvious benefits of the product, easy to install, giving temporary key access to friends or strangers etc.

And the product, similar to the Lockitron in it's intended use, does look good.

Reading through many of the comments to the article, shows that many people are looking for another kind or style of product instead.

Coming Soon - Auto-Magnetic Latching Lock with wireless release option!

View the New York Times article in the source below.

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Ebola Scare - Preventing The Spread Of This And Other Contagious Diseases.

Pictured here is an electron microscope view of the Ebola Virus.

The disease has been surfacing and spreading across Northern Africa for the past couple of years and has started to make it's way to Europe and America with cases being reported in Spain, Greece and Dallas Texas.

A few years ago, the nasty Avian Flu from Asia commonly referred to as H1N1 was the planets last massive virus to affect numerous victims across the world, that got the attention of the media and Centers for Disease Control.

There are many media sources that have been reporting on methods to minimize the spread of this fatal virus, but so far the only cure is said to be a product called Zmapp, a drug developed in the USA to combat the disease.

Serrature Meroni, the Italian manufacturer of leading nouveau door handles and entry products introduced their Anti-Bacterial range of door knobs, about 7 years ago. The product uses an especially formed handle that dissipates or bounces microbes and bacteria away from the door handle, preventing transferrence of these "nasties" between people who naturally would touch the entry door handle to enter or exit a dwelling.

Prevention is often said to be better than cure, because it mitigates the spread of a disease before it can affect large populations.



The Serrature Meroni Combina is the logical choice for any public amenity, hospital, medical office, clean room, laboratory or even educational facility, that might decide that the protection of their staff and guests is of vital importance to their business.

The handles are available in limited colors (which has something to do with the Anti-Bacterial properties) and enables all users, even the physically challenged, to easily operate the door handles, free from worry of contracting or spreading diseases.

UFO+ The Ultra Secure And Stylish Meroni Lock For Light Commercial Vans - Samples Arrived

Serrature Meroni released their fabulous UFO+ Automotive Van and Truck lock system last year. Overwhelming demand across Europe has seen the product become a much sought for solution for securing both sliding and swinging doors on vehicles like the Mercedes Benz Sprinter, Ford Econovan, Ford Transit Connect, Citroen Berlingo and similar ranges of vans and trucks.

The upmarket product is made from stainless and other hardened steel components. It uses a state of the art high-security locking system (similar to Kaba Gemini).

The keyhole uses a hardened steel front disc (keyway) that spins free, making the product extremely drill resistant.

The product is a little difficult to install unless completed by an especially trained technician, but it offers the convenience of interior unlocking, unlike the multitude of other competing products of the same genre.

See the install video after the jump.

We first wrote about this new product in January 2014

We had anticipated a summer release date for this product in the USA, but unfathomable demand from Europe, from UPS and FEDEX fleet managers, saw the USA release pushed back until now.

We have 3 pairs for immediate sale. we will be displaying the product to Mercedes dealers in the Midwest first and anticipate a "buy now" option soon.

New Inventory - Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock

Our fabulous Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock is now back in stock. we have 120 units of the product in the Satin Pearl finish (Satin Nickel) and 4 units left in the Chrome Plate finish.

The manufacturer recently increased the cost of this product, but at this time we will not be increasing the retail price.

We are also stocking limited quantities of the Lockwood 7400 Privacy (bathroom) Pocket Door Lock, the Lockwood 7410 Latching Passage Pocket Door Lock, and the Lockwood 7450 Passage Pocket Door Lock. The non keyed variety are only available in the Satin Pearl (Satin Nickel) finish at this time. We will soon be creating an individual buy now button for these additional products.

The keyed version is still only $120.00 plus shipping and handling.

Smartphones To Open Doors For World's Biggest Lock Company As It Eyes Deal With Telcos

Assa Abloy is the world's largest lock manufacturing company.

Last year alone it made more than $300 million, across multiple different manufacturers.

There has been a continual, albeit modest push to introduce more and more electronic smartphone enabled lock systems across their diverse range of products. 

technology companies like Samsung, Apple and Google have been at the forefront of research and development of all things smartphone, ever since Google beat Apple to market with the first Android mobile operating system.

Many startups have entered the market, touting their own novel products aimed at the residential home security market.

Products like Lockitron, August Lock, Yale Real Living and Schlage or Kwikset Z wave, to name but a few.

The automobile industry has long used the transponder chip technology to better secure our cars and trucks, but the residential entry door market has lagged behind this disruptive technology, only due to the issue relating to electricity.

You see, the reason electronic technologies work on vehicles is because vehicles already use batteries to start, run and power vehicle systems.

Most doors in a dwelling are free standing and most often NOT connected to a power source. This has lead to a surge in the number of battery powered products, like the brands listed above, entering the market. The primary drawback with these products, is the need to constantly be replacing batteries on the units to maintain operability.

There are many dwellings that use electric strikes and hardwired electric lock systems, but that technology, even though it has been around for over 100 years, is expensive to install and consequently maintain.

The market is heating up and demanding better electronic technology for use in our homes, but there has been little productive solutions to the issue of the lack of power.

Whereas the market will continue to develop and no doubt grow, I just cannot conceivably fathom the perfect or best solution to this power predicament. When the power dilemma finally gets solved, perhaps electronic and smartphone technologies will provide a benefit to us home owners who dont want to spend the required arm and leg to hard wire our doors, when a totally mechanical, environmentally friendly, green mechanical key operated hardware solution continues to provide ultimate comparative security and convenience for our homes.

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Our Keyed Pocket Door Lock has Sold Out Again Due To Unbelievable Demand

The very popular Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock continues to beat our sales expectations.

We cannot keep inventory of this fabulous in-demand product for very long.

We are almost completely sold out of current inventory and not expecting replenishing supplies until the end of September.

To those customers wishing for the Satin Nickel color, we appologise for the delay and expect to have new inventory before the end of the month. We still have 5 remaining in the Chrome Plate color.

The modification kit for use in 1-3/4" doors is coming along but not ready for sale at this time.

Thank you to the multitudes of customers for ordering the Keyed Pocket Door Lock. It is with your continued interest that we continue to source unique security products.

3D Printed Bump Key Made To Bump Open Locks

3D printing is all the rage in this age of rapidly advancing technology. So much so, that home made items are showing up quite regularly nowadays. The above video shows a European person bumping open a typical cylinder found in many residential and commercial settings in Europe. But significantly, he uses a bump key made on a 3D printer.

This is especially worrying, I suggest because the bump key furore was hyped significantly through the media in the last few years. There are hundreds of videos online across the web, showing kids and adults of all ages making and bumping many brands of locks including some brands that were once though to be pick resistant/high security.

The market can rest easy, knowing that our Bilock Extreme Security cylinders are well known worldwide as the original 100% bump proof and virtually pick proof lock and key pin tumbler system.

Anyone can purchase a 3D printer today, since models are made that are more easily affordable than the industrial printers that surfaced 10 years ago.

For further information on our Bilock Extreme Security products, contact us for your demonstration.

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Keyring Flashlight Still Works Fine After 18 Months

I bumped into a friend the other day who has my flashlight keyring attached to his keys. The strength and longevity of my "business card" continues to provide light to the user and advertising for me.

You can see he ground the edges of the housing away, yet the light still works perfectly.

Thanks Pauly!