The Ignition Lock Debacle Is Not Really GM's Fault - More Insurance Companies

It is clear to all concerned by now, that the GM Ignition Switch debacle is one of the most sensational news stories of the year.

Locksmiths who work on automobiles have known of these issues for many years and have informed powers that be, in the recent past.

The reports fell on deaf ears, as usual and only since the reports of deaths have authorities bothered to press the issues with manufacturers.

I do find it interesting that it seems the automobile industry appears to have come full circle, with regard to ignition systems.

When the first automobiles were rolling off the production lines, in the early 20th century, all vehicles had the ignition lock switch mounted to the dash, usually toward the center of the instrument panel. This was significantly easier for people to control and away from the possibility of being knocked by a knee or leg. Many ignition tumbler switches were pin tumbler operating systems and not wafer/disc tumblers. Properties inside the cylinder prevented the accidental knocking and turning off the keyswitch.

It was the advent of the insurance companies that brought about a major change

Keyed Pocket Door Lock - New Inventory

As promised our new stock of pocket door keyed locks has arrived.

We expect this stock to move out quickly, given the number of inquiries we have received.

Click on the first image above left to purchase.

Thanks for your patience.

HM Cowdroy P697 Keyed Double Cylinder Pocket Door Lock - Last One

When we began selling keyed pocket door locks here in the USA, the first model we brought in was the Cowdroy P697.

The crescent shaped lock product sold exceptionally well but we decided that we would discontinue selling the line because it does not meet life safety codes due to being double cylinder (key operated inside and out).

The beauty of the product was that it was straightforward to modify an existing square shaped common pocket door privacy or passage lock to take the Cowdroy.

See the installation instructions 

We have just discovered one last unit in inventory. It is polished brass in color, display packed and comes with 2 keys.

If color is an issue for you and wish to purchase this last unit, please send us an email or contact us for delivery.

$135.00 + shipping.

Sacramento - A New Target For Fraudulent Locksmiths

I was born in Sacramento, California but grew up in Australia. I did travel after my locksmith apprenticeship when I was 22 and decided to stay in Sacramento for about a year and a half. While there I was lucky enough to work for 3 different locksmith companies. Locksmiths were quite a different breed back then and this video news report is sad to see that the scammers have evolved there too. Look, I realize that when you are locked out, you will often call the first company you can find and rarely quibble over the price. I am quite surprised that locksmiths in Sacramento do not value their craft more than $50-$75 for an average opening when you consider the higher cost of living there than in other towns across America. Gasoline alone is rediculously expensive at $3.65 a gallon here in the St Louis region and the average attendance here is $65-$95 during the day for the same service. There are the same scammers here in St Louis that ply similar nefarious tactics to attract customers. The report refuses to acknowledge in any way that the search engine companies are very responsible for allowing advertising of such a deceiving nature on their networks.

It is a loophole that experienced computer hackers can manipulate to the advantage of fraudsters who seal up the lion-share of online advertising everywhere you look.

I choose to let my experience, products and service excellence, speak for itself. We do not advertise for the lockout market but will be there if called upon on occasion, for our account customers. (


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Bicycle Rack Converts To Bicycle Lock - Quickly And Easily

 Singapore based designer Seth Chiam has created his concept bicycle rack/lock conversion system to be minimalist in design yet versatile in function.

This intelligent concept allows the user to cart their possessions on the rack and when required, use the same rack to lock the bicycle to a post to prevent theft.

 The design includes a traditional D lock, that many who ride bicycles are very familiar with and a clamp that attaches to the bicycle seat post, so it is out of the way when you are pedaling along.

 You can see the release mechanism for attaching/detaching the product from the clip. It is key operated meaning no more bulky padlocks swinging freely.

 The product is designed to carry a proportional amount of weight as you can see in the loaded bag in this picture.

Stylish yet functional and lightweight, I think this young man has hit on something that bicycle enthusiasts everywhere will pounce on, when it becomes available.







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Viefe - Kitchen And Bathroom Minimalist Designed Handles

 Viefe Handles are a Spanish Company specializing in unique designs of handles for kitchen and bathrooms.

Pictured here are their new Noma range of minimalist handle designs that might fit with discerning customers intent on a minimalist approach to design and use.

 Available in many colors, this unique product is nouveau, yet stylish, simple to operate, even simpler to install and made from high quality materials.

Different sizes fit different customers requirements.
Viefe also manufacture many other handle designs that are widely sought after by residents across the European continent.

Will we see these designs in North America?

Maybe.


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After Almost 2 Years Of Patiently Waiting - It Is Here Finally!

Well, after 2 years of patiently receiving updates from the company, of unexpected delays, of production issues, of inferior components, of re-coding of software, our Crowd-Funded Lockitron product has finally arrived.

We received a 3-pack, in Bondi Blue, Obsidian Black and Pearl White.

We will attempt to video the unboxing of the product in a later post and hopefully capture the installation to an apartment door  on video soon too.

We already have 2 units sold to customers (who we are please have waited patiently for almost 2 years for this product, that they will be able to use with their iPhones) and hopefully (if the product lives up to the hype) receive significant more orders in future.

Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock - New Inventory Expected ~ July 1

Our Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock is still beating our anticipated sales numbers in ever increasing amounts.

The last batch we received May 19, 2014 we sold out in 3 weeks.

The next batch we will receive ~ July 1, 2014 and this will include a limited number of Privacy and Passage versions too.

Unfortunately, we do not accept pre-orders for this very popular product, because it sells out so rapidly. Not because we cannot, but because the overwhelming popularity  caused us to rethink our marketing strategy.

We will receive an increased quantity of the Satin Pearl (Nickel) color, together with a small amount of the Chrome Plate in the 7444 version (keyed). We are also expecting a number of the Passage version (7450) in Satin Pearl (Nickel) and also about 4 of the Privacy version (7400) in Satin Pearl (Nickel) also. This directly means you can have identical hardware for double sliding pocket doors, maximizing security and ambience simultaneously.

The Satin Pearl (Nickel) is the most sought after color and subsequently the most difficult to keep in stock.
This increased supply in our July delivery, we expect to be able to keep up with demand a little longer.

We will only bring the Chrome Plate color in the keyed version (7444).

Our modification kit to allow easy installation to a 1-3/4" thick door is still in the process of production and testing. Assa-Abloy Lockwood have confirmed their intention to NOT release a factory version for bigger doors.

We thank you for your understanding and apologize for the delay.