Smartlocks - New Generation Lock Products Need Mechanical Backups

Smartlocks appear to be all the rage today. We have written about many different offerings that have come about in the last few years including August, Goji, Lockitron, Yale and others.

Many of these "startups", have sought funding through crowd-funding campaigns and few have successfully released to the market.

An article we read today explains about the lack of foresight from many of these "new-age" manufacturers. Specifically, the deliberate removal of mechanical override cylinders from offerings. Mechanical override is a vital component in intelligent smart locks because, if the batteries are flat or there is a weather related malfunction or other issue, NOT getting locked out would seem to be an integral backup plan, no?

Customers across the marketplace are quickly understanding and appreciating the benefits of smart locks but may seem to be returning in droves to the old and time tested mechanical security options that have proven to maintain reliability.

I have installed multiple wireless access control deadbolts for particular customers over the last few years and I have always strongly recommended a mechanical key override, just in case. Glad i did so too, especially with one particular customer who let their batteries run flat and resorted to just using the override key. (effectively defeating the purpose of the "smart" function)

In the source below, find the article i read. There, the author explains how his wife was locked out of their home due to a malfunctioning product. Now, she refuses to use the "smart" component and only uses her mechanical key.

The author also explains how the established industry manufacturers also realized the benefits of the mechanical override backup and include them deliberately with their offerings.

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Invisible Door Stop - Installation Instructions

Watch the video below to see the simple installation for the Invisible Door Stop. Following the instructions will simplify your DIY project and provide a long and uninterrupted use of this modern product



INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO 3.5" Door Stop from Invisible Door Stop on Vimeo.


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For comparison sake, let's see another video that explains the advantages of the Invisible Door Stop against competitors in the same market.


PRODUCT COMPARISON video IDS. from Invisible Door Stop on Vimeo.


Yes these products are also available from some big box stores but in all likelihood you may need to order from their online stores.

The Invisible Door Stop is designed and manufactured in the USA.
There are 3 sizes available.
3.5" for typical use on internal hollow core doors.
4.0" for typical use on exterior residential doors and some internal office doors.
4.5" for typical use on commercial doors.

Coming soon: Carbon Fiber Invisible Door Stops and new color finishes to suit discerning tastes.

If you will be in the St Louis, Missouri area, March 3-6, 2015 drop in and see us at the St Louis Home And Garden Show at the America Center in downtown St Louis. We are in Booth #3511.

Meroni, Lockwood, Bilock And Invisible Door Stop - On Show At The St Louis Home And Garden Show, March 3-6, 2015

We are pleased to announce that we will attend our first trade show March 3 -6, 2015 at America Center in downtown St Louis Missouri. (Booth #3511)

There we will be displaying some of the fabulous products that we sell across North America.

Products like

 Meroni Luccotto Padlocks





 Meroni Combina Door Hardware

 Meroni Combina Anti-Bacterial Door Hardware

 Meroni Forma Door Hardware

 Meroni Nova Door Hardware

 Meroni Pigio 1 Door Hardware

 Meroni Pigio 2 Door Hardware

Meroni Pigio 3 Door Hardware

 Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Locks

 Bilock Extreme Security Key And Lock Systems



The St Louis Builders Home And Garden Show is an annual exhibition of products and services aimed at educating discerning home owners about the new and traditional products that help to make your home better.

This 4 day show, now in it's 39th year continues to improve and display modern and traditional approaches to buying, building or renovating your home.

Our newest addition to our line of Unique Products is the fabulous Invisible Door Stop. This ingenious product is created and manufactured in America (Oregon)

This simple DIY product is an answer that solves all our door stop issues, including (as displayed in the video below) unsightly spring stops that often fall off or get kicked, the plastic wall mounted bumper plates that are supposed to prevent the knob from hitting the wall behind and prevent the damages that can occur from handles hitting the wall or traditional hinge mounted door stops that leave ugly marks or holes in door and frames.



They come in different sizes and construction including for 3-1/2" hinges, 4" hinges and 4-1/2" industrial/commercial hinges. Made from high quality poly-carbonate  and modern carbon-fiber and soon to be released in different finishes, the invisible door hinge is the most affordable and intelligent DIY product of it's kind to surface in a great many years.

We plan to have a limited quantity on sale at the show.

We look forward to greeting many of our customers at the St Louis Builders Home And Garden Show March 3-6 2015. See you at Booth #3511

D&D Technologies Release New Magnalatch ALERT - Fence And Gate Swimming Pool Safety Lock With Alarm

D&D Technologies, that fabulous Australian manufacturer and world leader in gate hardware proudly release this new addition to their innovative line of gate an fence hardware.

The Magnalatch ALERT is an updated version that includes an audible alarm designed to signal attempted gate openings, further enhancing swimming pool safety, protecting our children from drownings.

The video installation above, explains in graphic detail the ease of installation of this innovative product.

The product still uses a keyed cylinder (standard KW1 keyway) to lock and unlock the product. It also uses concealed fixing plates to prevent tampering with the fittings.

The magnetic latching system assures correct latching every time.

Features

Visual “unlatched” alarm

Flashing LED lights give visual notification if the latch is opened and/or the gate is left unlatched.

Audible “unlatched” alarm

Hear from a distance if a gate is
opened or left unlatched. After 15 seconds, an opened gate beep warning will turn to a full alarm.

Disarm feature

The touch-sensor disarm feature allows you to temporarily disarm the ALERT for up to 15 minutes. DO NOT use the disarm feature on pool or safety gates.

Safer, ergonomic lift knob

With its new design, the lift knob is now more conveniently shaped and child resistant than ever.

Visible Lock Indicator

Shows you at-a-glance whether MagnaLatch is locked or unlocked. Simple peace of mind.

Rekeyable Security Lock

The 6-pin lock can be rekeyed to match other locks around the property making safety more convenient.

Product traceability

Proven superior quality manufacturing.

T-track innovation

Both latch body and striker offer superior fixing strength and unsurpassed quality.

Built-in post cap spacing

No more need for separate post cap spacers.

Industry leading magnetic technology

Tested to 2 million cycles

Easier adjustment

The innovative vertical and horizontal adjustment makes MagnaLatch even simpler to install and adjust for ground shift or gate sag.

Permanent magnet sealed from the elements

Alignment indicators

Now you know when your gate is in proper alignment and makes adjusting for gate saf even easier.

Improved drainage in latch & striker

Sloping feature channels water out.

High collar under light knob prevents water entry.

Industry's greatest gate/post movement tolerance.

Protective shroud

Shroud over key helps prevent water entry into the lock cylinder.

Space under lift knob

Helps prevent freezing to top housing.                                                                               

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Bilock Single Cylinder Deadbolt - Bump Proof, Virtually Pick Proof With Copy Proof Keys

The Bilock Single Cylinder Deadbolt we are offering here is a Grade 2 (ANSI) deadbolt with 3 keys.

Available in Polished Brass, Florentine Bronze, Antique Brass and Satin Nickel (Stainless Steel).

We proudly supply the first 3 keys FREE with any new system.

This popular product is sought after by many discerning customers desiring to prevent hobby pickers or even professional locksmiths from non-destructive entry.

• The First 100% Guaranteed Bump Proof Deadbolt Available
• Brass, Silver, Brown, Antique Brass Finishes
• 3 Keys Standard Supplied with 1st Lock Ordered
• Adjustable Backset Mechanism (2-3/8" - 2-3/4")
• Virtually Unlimited Master Keying
• Designed to fit in place of existing installations
• ADA Compliant for Primary Entry Doors
• $185.00 each
• ​Additional keys are $10.00 each on initial supply

We can provide the keyheads in varying colors. There are 20 colors to choose from. There are 3 parts to the keyhead which means, potentially 8000 different color combinations.

We have built systems for customers that allow for each different key holder to use a different key. That means, if a key is lost or stolen, just that key can be removed from the system without affecting the other key holders.

You could rekey the locks without the need to hand out new keys to all key holders, saving time, money and the inconvenience. A similar function to a swipe card access control system but totally mechanical and non electronic.

To purchase this product, click the source below.

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Knock-N-Lock Padlock - The Ultimate Keyless Padlock Prevents Picking or Bumping

This is the Knock-N-Lock PL554 padlock. This super-intelligent product is designed to work with the unique Knock key fob that allows opening only by authorised fob users.

The unique method of operation requires the technician to contact their home base for their access code, which is usually texted to their cell phone. They enter the code into the knock key and place the fob against the padlock body.

The designated knock pattern signals the padlock to unlock.

Pictured next is the Knock key fob. This is the device used for operating all of the products in the Knock-N-Lock range. Simple to operate and totally secure.

The fob uses a 10 digit keypad and an Enter button. The user contacts their control center who confirms their identity and proceeds to send their unique opening code to the user.

One fob can be used to access multiple devices, so carrying one fob only minimizes the need for multiple devices.

The fob is about 2-5/8" long x about 3/4" wide x about 1-3/4" thick, not much bigger than a typical automobile remote control.

The increasing quantities of interested users of these fabulous new-age products has taken us by surprise. Other products in the range include hardwired safe locks, cabinet locks, Euro style key cylinders, Swiss style entrance sets and a unique wireless standalone deadbolt for versatile uses.

More pictures to come in future posts here. Stay Tuned!

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Knock-N-Lock - New Horizons In Access Control

We have talked about Knock-N-Lock a few times in the last year and we see this technology as the future in access control for the obvious reason. No keyhole or visible access.

Coming Soon : Meroni Wireless Hidden Access Control System

The Knock-N-Lock revolution is starting to blossom with more and more facilities converting to this unique access control technology that combines cutting edge technology with superior physical locking components to provide the ultimate in security and access control.

Imagine being able to secure your entire office using one control key to operate the hidden keyhole that lets you in.

Preventing burglars and stopping home invasions is the aim of the rapidly improving quality of wireless access control technology that can also benefit discerning homeowners wanting to lock out unwanted intruders while not alerting them as to your secret keyhole.

If you dont know that there is a lock on the door, how can you determine the easiest non-destructive method of entry?

Stay tuned for more updates on this fabulous technology

Masters Home Improvement Centers To Close 63 Stores Across Australia - Big Box Retailer fails To Capture Market Share

Masters Home Improvement Centers, the joint venture between Australian based Woolworths (supermarkets) and USA based Lowes Home Improvement Stores, announce the closing of their stores.

According to a survey by Canstar who surveyed more than 2000 consumers, the quantity of complaints has proven insurmountable for the joint venture to succeed.

Some of the complaints include...

‘THE STAFF ARE UNHELPFUL’

• Staff can be very vague about products and where they are in the store.

• It is sometimes hard to find staff to help you in our local store.

• Staff unhelpful and don’t know their products

• Staff are not that helpful, can be hard to find things.

• Mistakes at check-out with a mistake made on most visits.

• Some of the staff in the gardening section need horticulture experience, especially to give advice about plants.

• It can be hard to find staff for advice on hardware products.

• Customer service is poor. Not as helpful or available as Bunnings.

• Not enough staff in the late afternoon, evenings.

• Not enough staff.

• No staff to help you.

• Couldn’t find a salesperson to help for ages.

• It was difficult to find what I was looking for and no staff were available to help me, so I had to roam around until I found what I needed.

• The staff there are not helpful. They are good at talking or consulting but don’t help to lift or move the goods I bought. They are so lazy. At last I have to move the BBQ and furniture I bought by myself. Nobody helped me. They gathered together talking and chatting. They are so lucky to get this kind of job.

• Not a lot of assistance.

• Checkout operator was not particularly friendly.

• Trying to find a staff member to help took a very long time.

• Some of supervisory staff are autocratic.

• Was hard to find a staff member.

• Staff service is very poor below standard.

• Service can sometimes be slack.

• Staff rude — don’t understand sizing.

• Sometimes difficult to find a staff member.

• Not enough floor staff help.

• Have had a problem with click-and-collect once because staff couldn’t find the order. Would have been much quicker to find it myself in store.

• Occasionally can be hard to find someone to help me.

• Sometimes check-out service is not so good.

• The item was delivered at 8pm at night after several phone calls to see where it was — put on the wrong truck.