Perhaps the most common cattle call I have heard in the last 25 years in this business. I receive probably 10-15 calls per week from people requesting access to their Car Keys, because they inadvertently locked them in the car.
Most, if not all, cars are fairly simple to get into, yet it is astounding as to the rediculous charges some companies command for gaining entry.
Just today, one customer commented on how prices vary between companies. I handled the call quickly as it was near my workshop and the customer was in his car within 20 minutes of calling me for $45.00. He mentioned that he did some price shopping first and found prices ranging from $30 to $140. He was also aware of the recently publicized scams that have been in the news about phony locksmiths ripping off the unsuspecting public.
I have worked on cars for most of the last 25 years and have made keys to a great many different types and vintages of vehicles. More common today, you will find "Chip" keys. These keys are basically a transponder chip located inside the keyhead of many modern cars, that interact with the computer in the ignition, allowing the car to operate.
These keys are relatively expensive to duplicate because they require special keyblanks and machinery to reproduce. It was once thought that car dealers were the only ones who could make these keys but the truth is, there are a few locksmiths who are also equipped to handle these requests.
Locks210.com does NOT provide duplicate Transponder keys (CHIP KEYS) nor can we provide originals. Our reasoning is simple. The cost for purchasing the suitable machinery for being able to make keys to the wide variety of vehicles on the road today is far too high, when you consider software updates, keyblank changes and the low demand for this type of work in the greater St Louis region. Combine this with the fact that many modern vehicles are using keyless remotes and that the technology is actually moving away from mechanical keys, we determined that there is insufficient call to make this a worthwile product offering especially when the prices we would need to charge would be incredibly high to cover costs alone.
We are happy to recommend other locksmith companies who have invested in such equipment.
Locks210.com still only charges $45.00* to open your car. We dont believe in fleecing our clients.
March 24, 2008
March 21, 2008
Strikemaster II
Having had a recent request to repair a customers door jamb after a recent break in, I installed one of these Strikemaster II jamb re-inforcers and the solution proved it's worth within one week.The customer's home was revisited by a burglar the next week after the Strikemaster was installed, but this time could not break the door down. The obvious signs of attempts were boot marks on the door. This proved for me the absolute value of this brilliant product.
In many customers homes, their actual front doors (or back doors) may be constructed using metal casings (on the door itself), but the actual jamb (where the door closes into) is usually made from wood. Whilst the door may be reasonably strong enough to withstand an attempted forced entry, the jamb is usually not. Enter Strikemaster II.
Locks210.com is pleased to make this product now available to residents and businesses in St Louis.
StrikeMaster II offers a unique and innovative solution to prevent burglars from entering your home, StrikeMaster II strikes-back instantly. Its patented strike plates make the door casing virtually unbreakable.
The easiest way for a criminal to get into your house is just too kick-in your door! The FBI says every 12 seconds a home is invaded by going right through the front or back door. Open your front door and look at the dead bolt plate. There is one inch of soft wood protecting the safety of your home - your door casings can not protect you from a thief kicking your door
How much does a StrikeMaster II cost? $109.95 plus shipping/handling and installation.
A former police officer was recently quoted. "I am a retired Chief of Police with more than 30 years in law enforcement and security and have investigated 1000's of residential burglaries and domestic assaults that were due to the crashing or kicking in of the doors at the home. .... I am proud to announce that I have seen an amazing new product called the StrikeMaster II. This is inexpensive and stronger than any would-be homicidal maniac, I promise... the security market has finally produced a product that is better than locks and alarms. I highly recommend this product on all your outside doors at your home." - Donald Purnell CLL, CFE, Director of Security, Sentry Watch, Inc.
There are numerous testimonials to the quality of this product. One in particular is:
"On the 16th of May, 2005, our home in Chicago was broken into by thieves who shouldered/kicked their way in, through 3 separate doors, one entry and two apartments. A considerable amount of valuables and memorabilia were stolen, including identity theft. Upon observing the 'ease' of entry by these thieves, we set about investigating door protection measures on the internet.
After observing a very graphic video on the 'Safe Home International' site, we ordered the StrikeMaster II for overnight delivery, with the caveat that we would do a 'real-life' test after installation. My installer naturally had his doubts, as I asked him to kick and shoulder the door, after the product was installed. He asked me who would pay for the door frame repair 'in case it didn't work as advertised,'I said I would be responsible, since the safety of our family and property was of utmost concern. I weigh in at 240 lbs and I 'shouldered/kicked' the door three times, without it's failing. My installer, who closely approximates the LARGE individual in the graphic video, had at the door next. He shouldered it twice and kicked it last, his size 11 shoe imprint is still on the back door, although the wall seemed to 'bow in,' the door did not budge. My installer came away convinced, and I came away satisfied, that I made my Family and my Home that much more secure.
The cost/benefit ratio as well is definitely in favor of the StrikeMaster II in comparison with other devices currently on the market. To say that we are more than pleased with the results we obtained from the product, as well as it's support, would be an accurate assessment. -APA Chicago"
March 18, 2008
How much does it cost to change a lock?
Many enquiries that locksmiths receive, are about the cost to change locks.
Often, clients are meaning to inquire as to just changing the combinations of their existing locks, so they can maintain the same hardware on their doors.
Or when the keys to their house, office or automobile have been misplaced, stolen or even copied unknowingly (suspected), they have the need to re-code their locks.
Also many new home buyers or new tenants want to make sure that previous residents of their property can no longer gain entry.
Locksmiths across the country vary greatly in their fees. There are accepted industry averages published in locksmith publications like The National Locksmith magazine and the Locksmith Ledger magazine annually, but the going rate can vary from around $5.00 per keyhole to as much as $20.00 per keyhole for residential or commercial door locks and from $10.00 to $35.00 for automobile locks. Often this does not include labor for the removal and refitting of locks.
Master-keying is another charge that most locksmiths charge slightly higher fees for. Often, specialist products like Medeco or Multlock or Primus or Best or Assa or Abloy or Bilock products can incur significantly increased fees due to the higher cost for the pin or disc tumblers.
Locks210.com charges a standard fee of $17.50 per keyhole to re-key a standard residential or commercial door cylinder sometimes including labor for removal and refitting. Master-keying is $25.00 per keyhole.
We can offer automobile re-keying services but prices are subject to application. There are many and varying brands and manufacturers of automobile lock cylinders, requiring multiple different keying kits. Stocking all possible kits to service all makes and models of foreign and domestic vehicles requires significant amounts of warehousing that directly impacts costs.
If the products are brought to us, we charge the same fees without labor of course.
Most locksmiths will provide the first 2 keys at no charge. For residential or commercial doors (not automotive) we provide the first 3 keys.
As a guide, we charge $29 to attend your site (within 25 miles of our workshop) and $70 for the first hour labor on site, which usually includes up to the first four (4) keyholes rekeyed.
For an obligation free estimate contact us today on (314)266-1533.
Often, clients are meaning to inquire as to just changing the combinations of their existing locks, so they can maintain the same hardware on their doors.
Or when the keys to their house, office or automobile have been misplaced, stolen or even copied unknowingly (suspected), they have the need to re-code their locks.
Also many new home buyers or new tenants want to make sure that previous residents of their property can no longer gain entry.
Locksmiths across the country vary greatly in their fees. There are accepted industry averages published in locksmith publications like The National Locksmith magazine and the Locksmith Ledger magazine annually, but the going rate can vary from around $5.00 per keyhole to as much as $20.00 per keyhole for residential or commercial door locks and from $10.00 to $35.00 for automobile locks. Often this does not include labor for the removal and refitting of locks.
Master-keying is another charge that most locksmiths charge slightly higher fees for. Often, specialist products like Medeco or Multlock or Primus or Best or Assa or Abloy or Bilock products can incur significantly increased fees due to the higher cost for the pin or disc tumblers.
Locks210.com charges a standard fee of $17.50 per keyhole to re-key a standard residential or commercial door cylinder sometimes including labor for removal and refitting. Master-keying is $25.00 per keyhole.
We can offer automobile re-keying services but prices are subject to application. There are many and varying brands and manufacturers of automobile lock cylinders, requiring multiple different keying kits. Stocking all possible kits to service all makes and models of foreign and domestic vehicles requires significant amounts of warehousing that directly impacts costs.
If the products are brought to us, we charge the same fees without labor of course.
Most locksmiths will provide the first 2 keys at no charge. For residential or commercial doors (not automotive) we provide the first 3 keys.
As a guide, we charge $29 to attend your site (within 25 miles of our workshop) and $70 for the first hour labor on site, which usually includes up to the first four (4) keyholes rekeyed.
For an obligation free estimate contact us today on (314)266-1533.
February 27, 2008
New Warning
Locks210.com has recently learned about some new techniques being employed by various companies masquerading as locksmith companies.
These techniques include the manipulation of internet search engines, using inherent tools and knowledge thought held secret by search engine companies.
In almost all cities and towns across America, Canada, Europe and the Middle East, the search engines are full of the same scammer companies that have taken up residence in the first pages of the classifications in Yellow Pages and other telephone book directories.
It is a well known fact that search engines use spiders to crawl the web. These spiders crawl through all internet websites, looking for external and internal links, website content and keywords.
To place higher in given search terms on any search engine including Google, MSN, Yahoo and others, a combination of the 3 above items need to be constantly updated and reconsidered and reconfigured.
Increasing the quantity of links to and from your website is of vast importance to improving your website rankings. The scammer locksmith companies have cottoned on to this knowledge and produced many thousands of individual websites with individual domain names and are now linking all these sites together. This automatically gets the search engine spiders to work much harder to map the web, consequently causing those particular sites to rank higher in search engines for given keywords.
It is therefore very important for customers of locksmith companies to be wary of and check the affiliations and (in some states) licenses of their selected locksmith professional.
Independant investigations conducted recently, have produced high statistics of the more common locksmith requests and the quantity of locksmiths who advertise in Yellow Pages and first page of search engines, have revealed that many of these scammer companies, using deceptive techniques through their advertising, have been receiving the major percentage of inquiries. Further investigations of these companies have revealed insufficient training and knowledge of local hardware, replacement parts, access to tools for the professional tradesperson. Their insufficient knowledge and training of local products proves that the outrageous prices they have been levying are ripping off consuners.
The names of these companies have been listed numerous times in various news articles and reports. I will not list them here, because this action will increase their presence on the world wide web.
Pre-screened service professionals is one way to go, but be wary of locksmiths who are not members of professional associations and can prove such.
These techniques include the manipulation of internet search engines, using inherent tools and knowledge thought held secret by search engine companies.
In almost all cities and towns across America, Canada, Europe and the Middle East, the search engines are full of the same scammer companies that have taken up residence in the first pages of the classifications in Yellow Pages and other telephone book directories.
It is a well known fact that search engines use spiders to crawl the web. These spiders crawl through all internet websites, looking for external and internal links, website content and keywords.
To place higher in given search terms on any search engine including Google, MSN, Yahoo and others, a combination of the 3 above items need to be constantly updated and reconsidered and reconfigured.
Increasing the quantity of links to and from your website is of vast importance to improving your website rankings. The scammer locksmith companies have cottoned on to this knowledge and produced many thousands of individual websites with individual domain names and are now linking all these sites together. This automatically gets the search engine spiders to work much harder to map the web, consequently causing those particular sites to rank higher in search engines for given keywords.
It is therefore very important for customers of locksmith companies to be wary of and check the affiliations and (in some states) licenses of their selected locksmith professional.
Independant investigations conducted recently, have produced high statistics of the more common locksmith requests and the quantity of locksmiths who advertise in Yellow Pages and first page of search engines, have revealed that many of these scammer companies, using deceptive techniques through their advertising, have been receiving the major percentage of inquiries. Further investigations of these companies have revealed insufficient training and knowledge of local hardware, replacement parts, access to tools for the professional tradesperson. Their insufficient knowledge and training of local products proves that the outrageous prices they have been levying are ripping off consuners.
The names of these companies have been listed numerous times in various news articles and reports. I will not list them here, because this action will increase their presence on the world wide web.
Pre-screened service professionals is one way to go, but be wary of locksmiths who are not members of professional associations and can prove such.
February 23, 2008
SmartLock Outboard Motor Protection
The SmartLock outboard motor lock is suitable for all outboard engines which use clamps screws.
Installation takes less than one minute and firmly secures the clamp preventing it being undone deterring and preventing theft of the engine.
FEATURES:
- Completely made stainless steel and will not rust.
- Includes a STAZO/ABUS Plus marine cylinder lock, with Key Code Card for extra security.
- 5 years warranty on the lock mechanism of the cylinder.
- Easy installation.
- No tools required for the installation.
This product is made in Australia
(source...)
Video Intelligence Software - New Age CCTV
Video Investigator™ for RetailIntelliVid provides intelligent video analysis solutions designed to meet the specific demands of the retail environment. Its Video Investigator application unleashes the full potential of existing surveillance systems, transforming them from passive recording devices into real-time, proactive theft prevention and store intelligence solutions.
 | Loss Prevention Protect people and assets in support of loss prevention, customer safety and compliance policy efforts. Learn more |
 | Store Intelligence Provide unprecedented merchandising and operational insight into customer shopping behavior. Learn more |
 | Specialty Edition Designed specifically for specialty retailers and other small-footprint stores. Learn more |
Unlike general security applications that merely record incidences of theft, Video Investigator "watches" the video for retailers, filtering overwhelming amounts of video down to the key information that allows real-time response and immediate forensic investigation. Video Investigator alerts security personnel to crucial incidents as they happen, allowing store personnel to intervene before merchandise leaves the store, dramatically reducing losses.
IntelliVid’s intelligent video analytics have been proven to work reliably in the busy, chaotic environment of retail stores, providing unprecedented intelligence in not only loss prevention, but merchandising, public safety, physical security and liability cases.
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Wireless 2-Way IP Cam w/Night-Vision
Zonet ZVC7630W – Two-Way IP Camera with Night Vision delivers real-time, high quality video/image over the networks. The ZVC7630W functions as a video/audio/surveillance camera allowing you to view live events with your web browser via Internet or Intranet. It delivers simultaneous MPEG-4 and Motion JPEG video, automatic day/night functionality that provides perfect color images in low light conditions, motion detect, automatic image capture, and e-mail alerts, making it the ideal solution for Internet video broadcasting applications.
Features
| • | Wi-Fi Compliant with IEEE 2.4GHz 802.11b/g Devices |
| • | Wireless Supports Infrastructure and Ad-Hoc Modes |
| • | Supports 128-bit WEP and WPA-PSK Encryption |
| • | View and record video up to 16 cameras simultaneously |
| • | Two-way voice communication |
| • | Capture video in low-light environment |
| • | Supports 3x digital zoom |
| • | Motion Detection 3 scalable windows |
| • | Supports Web configuration with password protection |
Stealth Cam Spy Camera with Recorder
An all in one simple to operate mega recording machine that also functions as a working clock radio. Our new patent pending stealth recording technology eliminates the need for additional bulky recording devices. A quality CCD camera is concealed within the clock radio's front and the back contains a cleverly installed SD video recorder. The Stealth Cam is a simple to use and easy to deploy advanced recording system in an everyday household item.Secure Video Recording
The Stealth Cam emits no wireless signals that may or may not be stable within an already RF rich environment. Your video is safely stored within the removable SD memory card unlike some wireless camera systems that may be intercepted. Captured video may be viewed on a PC using Windows Media Player.
Motion Activated
Stealth Cam is motion activated with time / date stamp capabilities. Motion activation is the must have feature when you are monitoring an area that may not always have a subject present. Now you can record the action when it happens. This feature saves valuable memory space and also reduces the time it takes to review the captured images.
PC Viewable Video
Supporting Mpeg4 at 30 fps you may play back the video on your PC. Stored video on the SD card may be played on your PC in the convenience of your home or office. You can organize the files on your PC for later review. You may also email the files to to business associates, security professionals, law enforcement, family, friends, or loved ones.
The StealthCam is the only nanny cam you will ever need.
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| | * Recording times may vary - Supports up to 8GB card |
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Who Are We?
Welcome to Locks210.com.
This site is to inform about historical and modern approaches to Keys and Physical Security products and services.
Locks210.com, established in 2006, offers residents and businesses of St Louis Locksmith premium quality products and services. As the Premier Bilock Extreme Security Dealer in The Mid-West,
Our conveniently located workshop and service vehicles are uniquely designed to offer trade qualified, bonded, insured tradespeople with knowledge and experience spanning multiple countries and product lines.
