Tri-Flow Superior Lubricant

Having worked in the locksmith trade over a quarter century, I have worked with many lubricants over the years. My favorite lubricant and the one I recommend to all my customers is Tri-Flow.

Many tasks I perform for customers often involve repairing locks due to the wrong product having been used, in attempt by an unknowing homeowner or handyman to DIY (do it yourself).

While the DIY industry is one of the biggest, often the advice given may not be correct or may be given by someone with no real experience.

The most common lubricant (and I use the term loosely, here) found in most hardware stores is WD-40.

WD stands for Water Displacement and 40 is the fourtieth formula that achieved it's purpose.

When you displace water, you effectively dry out the application (remove any lubrication).

WD-40 was designed to dry the points on wet motors. It is designed to "dry out" wet metals. It is a penetrating fluid that can temporarily lubricate metal parts, but will dry out (and gum up) as it is designed to do.

I strongly recommend that customers think twice before using WD40. I cannot tell you the number of times I have seen or see it used in locks. Whenever I ask a client, "did you use something to lubricate this lock?" and they answer with "WD40", my standard reaction is "Uh Huh!". This often has them asking what they should use and I always recommend Tri-Flow.

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Opening Cars, Cars and More Cars

It really does seem that there are fewer and fewer companies (who advertise 24 hour/7 day services), not answering the phone as they advertise.

Pictured here is a Ford Contour, similar to one I opened last night.

I open a great many cars and houses for people unlucky enough to lock themselves out. There is a fairly resolute market for automotive locksmithing if that is where you like to focus your skills.

I am happy to unlock any door for a customer however I draw the line at making new original or duplicate keys for the more modern chip key type vehicles. Why? I am glad you asked.

I worked on cars and trucks for many of my first 20 years in the locksmithing trade. I definitely burnt myself out on cars. They do not provide any interest for me any longer. I decided, when I researched my current business, that I would focus on true locksmithing as opposed to automotive services. Was this a wise decision?

The obtrusive cost of the required tools and programming hardware, to enable a complete automotive service is unrealistically high and unaffordable. Unless customers are happy to spend more than the average monthly car payment, it can be a fruitless exercise.

I know many locksmiths who specialize in cars, that spend in excess of $25,000 annually just to keep their tools and equipment up to date. They are required to charge significantly expensive prices to their customers, to be able to continue offering auto services.

Not where I focus. I prefer to offer residential and commercial solutions that provide security with aesthetic appeal and form and function. Specializing like this, enables me to offer very competitive pricing.

I will still open cars for those in an emergency and I do not advertize 24 hour service, but if i answer the phone, I will come out and help you if you are nice.

We Are Back!

Vacation Over

I arrived home late last night after my combined business/vacation trip to Australia.

The opportunity to catch up with friends and family provided a much needed recharge.

I am delighted to have also visited some select manufacturers and distributors during my brief stay in multiple cities in Australia.

In future posts, I hope to provide some new product information and summaries of some of the companies I was lucky enough to visit.

To all my friends and family, thank you for your warm hospitality and kindness. My home is your home when you come my direction.

To all my loyal customers, thank you for your patience and continued support. I apologize for any inconvenience caused and assure you I'm back on the job!

Fact Finding Mission

We will close for our annual break from November 1, 2009 until November 20, 2009. During this break, we will be travelling overseas on a fact finding mission, negotiating with new suppliers of specialty and unique security products and accessories.

We look forward to reporting about more new products, in the coming weeks.

We would like to thank our customers and readers for the continued support.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and look forward to serving everyone upon our return.

New Website For St. Louis Locksmiths

We are announcing our newest development. A website powered by the Weebly format.

We invite everyone to visit www.locksmiths-st-louis.com

We would appreciate your feedback and any suggestions for improvement.

UPDATE: As can be expected, the site is being rebuilt constantly, so it keeps going down. We expect to have this rectified very soon.

Digital Peephole

If you enjoy your privacy and like to keep unexpected guests at bay, then a new security device from Brinno might be just what you need. Simply press a button and the Digital Peephole Viewer gives you a clear, wide view of your visitor via an LCD screen. Another press and you can zoom in for a closer peek. It gets better though – unlike regular peepholes, this one doesn’t darken whilst viewing – so your visitor will never know you can see them.

The Peephole Viewer compensates for low lighting and “fisheye” distortion, and is suitable for people of all heights. It is also ideal for people with failing eyesight as it affords a clear, wide view and a zoom-in function. Repeatedly pressing the button will allow you to switch easily between regular and zoom modes. Each press of the button will reset the timer for ten seconds.

Powered by two AA batteries - that’s about 1500 peeps - the Peephole Viewer automatically turns off after ten seconds to conserve battery life. The red low battery light will flash to alert you to change batteries. The viewer is fitted with a 1.3 MP CMOS sensor and the optical lens has a view angle of 54 degrees.

Currently only available in Australia for about $160.00 (US$140.00)

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Finger Hinge

A new invention by an Australian refrigerator mechanic is creating a stir across the world.

The Finger Hinge is designed to prevent fingers from getting jammed in a door frame.

The simplicity of this design is so intelligent, it is one of those "why didnt i think of that" moments.

It will retro fit virtually any existing door hinge across the world.

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Bilock Deadbolts - Sale Ends

Announcement

Our September sale on Brass Bilock single cylinder deadbolts, ends today.

We managed to sell virtually all our inventory of the Bilock single cylinder deadbolts in brass, thanks to the many discerning bargain hunting shoppers.

We anticipate a new special in coming months. Stay Tuned.