Confirmation from Local Fire Marshall

I recently met the local Fire Marshall and enjoyed a revealing conversation with him about life safety codes and the fire code.

Part of our discussion involved me showing him the following product.

This intelligent device simply slips over your existing entrance set and provides for a glow in the dark handle grip. Perfect for arthritis sufferers.

Opening doors just got easier. Stop struggling with slippery door knobs! Great Grips go over round door knobs, creating a secure, slip-free grip. Grips glow for up to 8 hours so you’ll never fumble for a knob in the dark again! No tool installation — simply moisten with water and stretch to fit. Set of 2.

Use of these sensational products is considered one of the least expensive methods for complying with ADA and AHJ panic exit requirements without the need to replace or install expensive hardware.

Most jurisdictions have adopted the 2003 International Building Code as the basis for construction. Many inspectors will not issue occupancy permits unless door hardware meets code. Now you can comply with the code without the need for expensive hardware.

The Fire Marshall was unfamiliar with the product, but appeared very enthusiastic and supportive of this incredibly inexpensive and thoughtful initiative to attempt to make existing hardware applications, safer.

Federal Trade Comission Consumer Alert

FTC Consumer Alert

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The Keys to Hiring a Reputable Locksmith

If you’ve ever locked yourself out of your car or home, you know what a hassle it can be. Your first thought is to get someone to help you out of your situation. If a family member or friend can’t deliver a spare set of keys, your next call might be to a local locksmith. But before you make that call, consider this: According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, some locksmiths advertising in your local telephone book may not be local at all. They may not have professional training. What’s more, some of them may use intimidating tactics and overcharge you.

When “Local” Is Really Long-Distance

Consider this scenario: A company far away from your town chooses a name for its business that is very similar to the name used by a local locksmith. The company advertises in the phone book or on the Web using a local telephone number and local address. When you call the number, you’re actually connected to a call center in another city. What’s more, there’s no locksmith shop at the address listed.

You may be quoted a price on the phone, but when the locksmith arrives, often in an unmarked vehicle, he may want significantly more money. The locksmith also may accept only cash.

Some who claim to be “local locksmith” companies have multiple listings (sometimes 30 or more separate listings in a single phone book) with different names. But the calls to each of these numbers go back to the same central number in a distant city where operators dispatch untrained individuals to do the job.

(Source...)

Wireless Portable Security Alarm

Catering to security minded people is what this site is aimed at.

This product is another twist on the portable alarm offerings and priced at only $35.00

A passive infrared system that will detect movement in any selected 40 ft. area, 105 db Alarm. Complete with programmable security code, adjustable sensor head, low battery indicator. Mounting screws and hanging hardware included. 9 volt battery (not included).

Electronic Security Products - Should We? or Shant We?

Every so often, I am asked to recommend electronic locking products. Having been in the physical security industry over 25 years and worked in multiple continents, I have seen many and varied applications.

The electronic components in security products started way back in the early 20th century when the first electric strike was installed in an upmarket New York apartment complex.

Up until that time, multi-level apartment complexes required doormen and an escorted elevator trip. The advantage that the electric strike presented was the ability to enjoy a secure entrance unmanned 24 hours a day and 7 days a week at a significantly reduced cost.

Most electronic hardwired systems available today are required to be "fail-safe". This means that if the power fails or is interrupted, the device is un-secure. Many product manufacturers started putting in battery back-ups in their products to assist with security necessities.

The advent of wireless systems actually negates the fail-safe mentality until the battery runs out.....but even still many products have an in-built lithium polymer long life battery, to provide just enough power until the main source batteries can be recharged or replaced.

Technology is advancing rapidly and products are slowly becoming better quality and experiencing longer lives, however I still feel it necessary to recommend to my clients to maintain that mechanical back-up "just in case".

This is expressly why the locksmith industry will continue to exist, much to the negatives of some.

Locksmiths, for over 2 centuries have been designing, maintaining and creating systems and products designed to protect the assets of the marketplace. Locksmiths will continue to do so for the next 200 years, I'm sure.

When asked "Should We?".....my first answer is based on determining the true benefits. But I always will recommend a mechanical backup.

The true benefits could be, no more keys to worry about (what about the proximity card - doesnt this just take the place of a key?), the ability to perform audit trails (on sophisticated systems), combination entry (negates the need for a key, but requires a code to be remembered - this could lead to codes being shared - leading to a major security issue).

One of the best advances today is the advent of Bio-metric systems. Finger print identification systems can negate the need for a key or the need to remember a combination (you cannot lend your finger to someone else - can you?).

The marketplace should also remember that electronic security products are still expensive and not as generally reliable as mechanical security products. Locksmiths can provide restricted key control systems that enable end users to control who has keys to their properties. This is one of the least expensive and most secure methods for protecting assets, often without the need to replace costly hardware.

Chamberlain Garage Door Controls

Chamberlain, well known as one of the leading garage door operating systems manufacturers ahve recently released this wonderful new product competing with the Master version we published previously.

This Biometric Fingerprint activated wireless entry device is designed to work with most existing Chamberlain Automatic Openers.





Chamberlain's 942FP Fingerprint Keyless Entry makes home access even more effortless - no codes, no lost keys, ad nothing extra to carry. It uses fingerprint sensor technology to make access to your garage quick, safe, and secure.

• Wireless, battery-operated (includes four AAA batteries)
• Equipped with Security+ rolling code technology; Entry pad transmits a new code with every use
• Reads up to 10 unique fingerprints so only the 10 registered users can gain access to your garage
• Weatherproof slide-up protective cover

Panasonic BM-ET200 Iris Recognition Interface

Panasonic recently released this new product designed at the access control market.

The BM-ET200 offers more accurate, faster, non-contact entry/exit control utilizing biometric technology for iris recognition. The system can be used to check IDs in a variety of applications, including airports and entry/exit control for many types of industries. Simple and easy to configure, the BM-ET200 has recognition results in 0.3 seconds.

Features:
Detection of eyes: Automatic
Recognition Time: 0.3 seconds (minimum)
Voice Guidance: Yes (14-language)
Maximum Registration Stand Alone Mode: 50 Users
Data (per camera) Network Mode: 5025 users
Maximum Registration Data (per system): 10,025 users (4 cameras)
Power: 12V DC or 24 V DC
Dimensions (HxWxD): 7.5"x8"x3.0625"
Weight: 1.98 pounds

•		Fast, high-speed capture engine
•		Distance Guide Indicator
•		Three Settings for Voice Guidance
•		Tamper Detection
•		25 User License Included
•		Access Log Can be Searched by Time

(source...)

What Does It Cost To Get Locks Changed?

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), the 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 $10.00 per keyhole to re-key a standard residential or commercial door cylinder not including labor for removal and refitting. Master-keying is $15.00 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.

For an obligation free estimate contact us today on (314)266-1533.