New Articles Across The Web Point To Increasing Media interest In Amazon Key Service

We have written a few articles in recent months about the recent Amazon takeover of Ring and their intention to meld it into their Amazon Key Network of Smart Home products.

The Ring product has seen stellar sales in recent years, after failing to score a deal on the very popular television show, Shark Tank.

I find it especially interesting that this recent acquisition by Amazon arrives on the heels of a patent infringement lawsuit by Skybell, who maintain that they are the original patent holders of the technology (see our article).

According to an article on Cnet (see article), the Amazon acquisition of Ring was finalized in February. The article reports that Limp ( a Seattle based company) and Siminoff (from Ring's California head office), took the opportunity to discuss some more details about the acquisition after the deal closed. The article alleges (unconfirmed) that Amazon paid about $1 Billion to acquire Ring.

Another article appearing in The Guardian (UK), also confirms the deal details and also indicates (like Cnet) that Amazon will continue to let Ring trade in it's own right (like Bezos does with the Washington Post), but that as a result of the Amazon takeover, Ring drops its price for it's award winning product to US$100 from US$150 and £89 from £159.

It is no secret that we are not impressed with this offering. With the amount of customer data issues, across the news today and Amazon being one of the largest acquirer of customer buying/purchasing data, combined with the attempts to infiltrate the residential and commercial physical  and electronic security markets with sub-par quality products, we feel that allowing companies like these to enjoy unfettered access to your private dwellings, even outside of regular business hours is opening you and your family up to increased security issues.

I would expect insurance companies to jump on these changes and no doubt increase insurance premiums because you allow more access to your properties than normal.

As a concerned security products installer and locksmith services provider, I feel it is my responsibility to inform you of the shortcomings and security issues surrounding the use of services like Amazon Key might bring.

Far be it from me to tell you what to do and whom you choose to give access to your doors, but I will continue to refuse to open myself and my family up to the possibility of unauthorized and uncontrollable entry to our home and properties.

What will you do?

Man Arrested In 8 Home Break Ins In Maryland Height, Creve Coeur Area; Residents Were Home At The Time

Pictured above is a Google Maps cropped image of the Maryland Heights and Creve Coeur, Missouri area.

According to a recent article in the St Louis Post Dispatch, a man was arrested in connection with 8+ alleged break ins in the Creve Coeur and Maryland Heights areas, where the opportunist broke into residents homes while the residents were at home.

Apparently this opportunist simply walked in through unlocked doors.

The article goes on to name the alleged offender and more details on bail etc. (see the source below)

Crimes of opportunity occur when confident yet brazen opportunists will take advantage of unsuspecting residents who may be home asleep at the times of their crimes.

As a professional locksmith and security products installer, I have been installing and repairing doors and security products across 4 continents for about 35 years now and have seen many and varied aftermaths of crimes involving break in. Many homeowners and residents incorrectly assume they are still protected even when they are home, often by their alarm systems. Unfortunately, in many cases the alarm systems are not turned on if you're home. Vigilant and concerned residents will lock their doors at night and sometimes set alarms to protect their families and their properties.

There are many and varying products available today to enhance and increase the security of our homes and businesses. Many people already have deadbolt locks installed on their doors, but these are useless if the locks are left unlocked. Thankfully, many modern day electronic and battery operated deadbolt locks include a self locking feature which is usually a motor driven bolt mechanism that automatically throws the deadbolt 10-15 seconds after the door is closed. And while this can be a great feature to have, many residents find that their doors are often not aligned correctly to allow the deadbolt to throw fully or suitably.

Other security features can include handle sets that are set to be locked externally all the time (an option that can be manually switched on and off as desired, depending on the brand of lock set).

In bygone years, before the modern day knob and deadbolt became resurgent, many residents used a surface mounted rim nightlatch as their primary lock on entry doors. The nightlatch simply locked every time the door was shut (unless snibbed open)...

Yale were the original creator of the famed modern day nightlatch.








In later years many manufacturers improved the simple night latch design by creating Rim Deadlatches similar to the Yale No.1 (pictured here)

Other brand like the Lockwood 001 deadlatch (Australia) became synonymous with almost all front doors in Australia and New Zealand.

Today, double cylinder (keyhole both sides of door) locks are frowned upon by AHJ's (authorities having jurisdiction), building inspectors, code compliance officers, fire marshals and insurance companies because of the chance to be physically locked inside and unable to escape easily should an emergency occur.

Whereas some police officers and supposed security appraisers will suggest that double cylinder (keyed inside and out) locks increase your security, the reality is that life safety trumps security in all cases.

The improvement in the deadlatches that made them much stronger and better security was because of the deadlatch activator that effectively prevented the main latch from being able to be slipped back easily (you can see the little activator in the picture above - just below the main latch).
Combined with often concealed mounting screws and extra long strike plate screws, security can be dramatically enhanced using a rim deadlatch.

Many of these newer style of deadlatches are also available in a non-internal keyed version and most locksmiths can explain this to you if you ask.

We have been providing premium quality lock and security products and services in our hometown region for about 12 years now (we reside in Creve Coeur) and are called often by residents in the area and the wider areas and surrounding towns to repair and enhance the security of their homes and businesses. We are happy to provide no obligation, free home security inspections and estimates to help you improve your home or business security. We will determine likely areas where your home or business might be vulnerable and suggest cost effective solutions to better protect you.

Most locksmiths around the country and across the world will also provide similar services. I strongly suggest that you make contact with a local locksmith in your town and have them provide you with a security appraisal and estimate that could better protect your property, your family and your friends.

Above all - REMEMBER to Lock Your Door at night!

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Amazon Key - Now Operable With Multiple Brands Of Hardware

We have previously written articles about the Amazon Key service and various products included therein.

See Amazon Key

Many homeowners are choosing to allow Amazon access to their private dwellings, to enable more secure delivery of products ordered through the Amazon marketplace.

We previously discussed the failings of this endeavor, including our opinions that having and using this service, reduces any security of your home or office. While using the camera, can be advantageous in identifying the delivery person and whomever entering your premises, do you really want almost anyone enjoying unfettered access to your private abode?

Also, subscribing to this service involves monthly access fees for connecting cameras and door locks to the Amazon Cloud. You can opt to not pay a monthly access fee, but images are stored only for 24 hours.

According to the website (in the source below), Amazon Key products need to be a single cylinder deadbolt (electronic) and separate from the operating handle hardware.

Amazon suggest on their website that to be able to use and operate the Amazon Key system, a would be user must use the product on a door that is 1-3/8" - 2" thick, be only a deadbolt (electronic) and separate from the handle hardware. You cannot use the service with French (double) doors, Rim (surface mounted) locks or mortise locksets.

The lock compatibility diagram above is a little misleading because it shows the deadbolt with a lockable lever handle lock. That scenario means that you must leave your handle lock unlocked, when allowing the Amazon Key service to operate. Will you remember to leave the handle unlocked?

The most suitable option here, would be to change your operating handle from a lockable version to a passage version, to ensure the handle remains unlocked and not lockable.

Amazon are suggesting that the Amazon Key program be operated using one of the following types of locks.

Kwikset Smartcode 916

Kwikset Obsidian

Kwikset Smartcode 914

Yale Assure 216

Yale Assure 226

Yale Assure 256

Each of the models above must be the Amazon Key edition of those locks.

To convert your existing deadbolt lock to a compatible Amazon Key serviceable lock, you would first require to already be using a Kwikset brand deadbolt on your door. And use the Kwikset Convert kit installed in place of your existing turn button. The Kwikset Convert kit is Amazon's version of the popular August Lock and similar to the Lockitron product.

Apparently, the Amazon Key service is also designed to operate with the Alexa Smart Home Speaker, which allows you to voice control your connected devices.

The Kwikset SmartKey system is well know across the market for it's shortcomings and problems. Our most popular post Kwikset Smartkey Problems has gone viral, chalking up over 100,000 views to date and is lately averaging 97 views a day.

Not mentioned in almost every article we read online, is the troubleshooting issues including but not limited to weathering, battery failure, house movement/building construction issues and improper door alignment issues that affect continued operation of electronic operated deadbolt locks.

As door repairers and locksmith technicians, we specialize in repairing and adjusting a great many doors around our geographic region. Most common, is the occurrence of door alignment, where the door will move and the lock does not line up with the strike plate. While repairing this issue is often straightforward, the inconvenience to the consumer, by being unable to lock their doors becomes a recurring nightmare. Many of our customers, who purchase battery powered door locks will often replace the batteries about two or three times before deciding that the added cost and inconvenience becomes too much of a chore, especially when they can not be confident and assured that their door is actually secure. They will most often revert to mechanically locking the deadbolt with their mechanical key, ensuring they "know" their door is secure.

It seems like a great idea to enjoy the experience of keyless and wireless operating door locks, except for the long term implications of poorly fitted doors and insufficient manufacturing quality of hardware aimed at securing our homes, families and lives.

How Much Does It Cost To Change Locks

Many enquiries that locksmiths receive, are about the cost to change locks. (UPDATE: Our first cost Increase in six years charges $17.50 per keyhole, nowadays)

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. (prices determined circa 2012)

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.

One point to remember, when it comes to selecting the most suitable service professional to complete your project, "if you only want to pay peanuts, expect to get monkeys!"

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

History Of Locks - Sargent & Greenleaf

Sargent & Greenleaf are arguably the second most well known lock industry brand. Right behind Yale. Their history dates back to 1857, when young James Sargent, an engineer with Yale & Greenleaf, decided to branch out on his own with his invention, a magnetic dial combination lock.

Halbert Greenleaf was the partner and financier (known today as Venture Capitalist) of Linus Yale Jr. Yes, the same Linus Yale Jr credited with the invention of the modern day pin tumbler lock cylinder system, which was awarded it's patent in 1865. Their joint company was called originally Yale & Greenleaf. Halbert Greenleaf ended his partnership with Linus Yale Jr. at the outset of the American Civil War to become an officer in the Union army. After completing his service, Halbert sought out his former employee James Sargent and decided to finance his company, creating what we know today as Sargent & Greenleaf.

The above 7 minute video gives a brief history of the evolution of the company from it's roots.

It is interesting to see in the video, some of the products that Sargent & Greenleaf produced, many of which are still in operation today in the field. Products like the reversible panic exit device, door security bolts, entrance door hardware, push/pull plates among others.

Below find a 15 minute industrial video from the 1950's that shows the production of Sargent & Greenleaf products.

Amazon Alexa Being Built Into Houses In Sydney Australia

Amazon Alexa

 A recent article I read with interest was about the building in of Amazon's Alexa Smart Speaker, being built into new construction dwellings in Sydney Australia by a Perth based IoT company.

We are well aware of these Smart Speakers that have become an almost ubiquitous part of our psyche in recent times.

Amazon, recently approved for widespread marketing in Australia have started selling their Alexa product there and this enterprising company has devised a system to build it into new construction homes.


Google's offering, the Google Home Smart Speaker has also set the world on fire since it's release and is fast becoming a solid competitor to Amazon's Alexa.

Google Home

Amazon and Google are both leading the charge to adoption of Smart Search and voice controlled products including our door locks and security systems with a fervor not seen in many years and is setting the building industry on fire with slews of new Smart Products that can be controlled with just our voices. A Star Trek world inches closer to reality. Perhaps an agrarian mindset is not too far off?

The number of battery powered door locks that are continuing to enter the market are offering consumers wide choice in styles and features and few have integrated Alexa or Home into them at this time. I still believe that battery technology is too inferior at this time to make the investment in battery operated locks in my home. I believe that once we figure out how to conveniently and easily connect our door locks to mains power (perhaps with battery back-up), we will have solved the dilemma of the times. That dilemma? The constant and never ending need to be replacing batteries regularly.

I was working at a customer's home today, who was suffering from a malfunction to her new battery operated door lock. Her door had dropped due to weathering, causing the bolt mechanism to bind in the strike hole making the battery operated motor driven bolt work far too hard to release. After trying multiple times, the batteries died and she was locked out. I came out, picked the lock and put a wedge under the door to lift the whole door allowing the bolt to travel correctly.

I convinced her to carry her house key "just in case" in future. I also installed a long screw in the top hinge that re-adjusted the door to the correct level, allowing the deadbolt motor to operate the way it is supposed to.

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Price War Begins - Customers To Win Big - Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock Price Drop - Now only $133

A price war has begun. A new player has entered the market and selling on Amazon.

They have dropped the price of The Lockwood  7444 Keyed Pocket/Cavity Door Lock to $135, so to combat them we are dropping to $133.

We have been selling this product for 7 years and honor the manufacturers warranty, unlike other re-sellers who don't.

The impending tariffs to be imposed by the current USA administration are expected to hit all consumer  prices in the coming months/years.

Besides inflation, which has been on the rise for years now (not according to Wall St though) and evident on Main St, seeing many manufacturers prices increases, some 3 times in the last 12 months, we small businesses are less immune to the price volatility than our bigger competition.

I know many colleagues in my industry who have not raised their prices (on service and labor) in many years. Some are still charging similar prices to the late 1990's.

It is not like we enjoy raising prices but when our competitors are vying in a "race to the bottom" mentality, we have no choice but to join or fail. 

Labor is and always has been a fixed cost, that rises with the CPI (Consumer Price Index), but for many years labor rates/wages have not increased while costs of consumer goods continues to increase rapidly. Businesses today find that they cannot compete with the eBay's and Amazon's and Wal-Mart's and Home Depot's, Lowes, K-Mart's, Target's etc in retail prices. The customer is the only beneficiary of  cheaper prices and while this is a good thing for them, the fact that many/most smaller businesses (the largest employer sector of the wider economy) continue to lose market share, is a really bad omen for the future.

I have been a continuing professional locksmith for almost 35 years, having worked on 4 continents and delivered service to many and varied customers. Quality and professional expertise can be costly, but what do you want? What do you expect? I know that when I call a service professional, I demand the best quality products and services at fair value prices.

Remember this, "If You Only Want To Pay Peanuts, Expect To Get Monkeys!"

August Lock - Now Operable With Google Home Smart Speaker

News: August Lock, the infamous Smart Lock company recently purchased by Lock and Door Hardware Manufacturing behemoth Assa-Abloy, have just announced the integration of Google Home Smart Speaker to the products functionality.

This integration, allows would-be users of the sensational Google Home Smart Speaker and users of the August Lock Smart Deadbolt actuator, to lock, unlock and determine the locking/unlocking state of their August Lock product.

The integration of many Smart Home products, including door locks, thermostats, even alarm systems to function using a users voice commands, as opposed to the conventional keypad code or mechanical key operated switches, that control many of today's Smart Home products.

The unique look of the Smart Home lock activator, has certainly increased interest and usability of modern day lock activation systems and added a much desired component to home owners, dwellers and office patrons.

This new addition to the August Lock operating system, allows users to add Google Home voice controlled operations to the Smart Home products, fundamentally changing how our homes and controlled security and access products operate.

The source below, explains how to add the functionality to your Google Home product.

It adds desired functionality to the continually expanding range of products that can be integrated with Google Home.

While we still argue that some Smart Home products do not adequately protect your dwelling from unauthorised use, we believe that the use of voice-controlled "switches", should be considered a progressive forward step in modernizing our homes and offices. Arguably, voice controlled products will see the Keyless Market continue to expand and make all our lives simpler.

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