Unique Security Products and Specialty Locksmith Services

Locks210.com - St Louis Locksmiths for Greater St Louis Missouri
'Securing America - One Door At A Time'314 266 1533
'Keep It Yours... Lock Your Doors!'

October 19, 2008

Locksmith Services Pricing - A Little Bit Of History

As a St Louis Locksmith, I am often asked about pricing and costs and why they vary greatly between companies.

I recently came across an article first written in June 1989 for The New York Times, that described the process and prices that various locksmiths charged for their specialized services at that time.

Being 20 years later, it seems that many of the prices have reduced or barely increased, all the while, cost of materials, cost of living and wages have all increased in comparisson.

Many customers, even today, continue to perform price checks to compare different companies services and products.

June 1989 Article in The New York Times

Given the current economic doom and gloom, it is great that most of the locksmith industry continues to maintain considerate pricing of their goods and services.

October 6, 2008

Strikemaster II - Product Selling Fast

I must admit I'm not surprised that more people are ordering this fantastic product as it truly saves people money, time and effectively secures their homes.

Demand is strong and I am finding the need to order in increasing quantities.

Another customer suffered a break in where the exact purpose of the strikemaster was designed for. The door, being of solid construction and very good quality, the lock being of reasonable security and aesthetics, did their job properly, but the Jamb (where the door closes into) was made from light grade pine that was 1" x 2" in size. It broke with a small kick from a burglar and almost completely shattered the door frame.

The customer had inquired as to how much to get the whole frame replaced, elsewhere, before contacting me. My solution was the most economical and most aesthetically pleasing, negating the need to replace all the carpentry. The client saved 100's of dollars on the job as a result.

In many customers homes, their actual front doors (or back doors) may be constructed using metal casings (on the door itself), but the actual jamb (where the door closes into) is usually made from wood. Whilst the door may be reasonably strong enough to withstand an attempted forced entry, the jamb is usually not. Enter Strikemaster II.


Locks210.com is pleased to make this product now available to residents and businesses in St Louis.

StrikeMaster II offers a unique and innovative solution to prevent burglars from entering your home, StrikeMaster II strikes-back instantly. Its patented strike plates make the door casing virtually unbreakable.

The easiest way for a criminal to get into your house is just too kick-in your door! The FBI says every 12 seconds a home is invaded by going right through the front or back door. Open your front door and look at the dead bolt plate. There is one inch of soft wood protecting the safety of your home - your door casings can not protect you from a thief kicking your door

How much does a StrikeMaster II cost? $109.95 plus shipping/handling and installation.

A former police officer was recently quoted. "
I am a retired Chief of Police with more than 30 years in law enforcement and security and have investigated 1000's of residential burglaries and domestic assaults that were due to the crashing or kicking in of the doors at the home. .... I am proud to announce that I have seen an amazing new product called the StrikeMaster II. This is inexpensive and stronger than any would-be homicidal maniac, I promise... the security market has finally produced a product that is better than locks and alarms. I highly recommend this product on all your outside doors at your home." - Donald Purnell CLL, CFE, Director of Security, Sentry Watch, Inc.

There are numerous testimonials to the quality of this product. One in particular is:
"On the 16th of May, 2005, our home in Chicago was broken into by thieves who shouldered/kicked their way in, through 3 separate doors, one entry and two apartments. A considerable amount of valuables and memorabilia were stolen, including identity theft. Upon observing the 'ease' of entry by these thieves, we set about investigating door protection measures on the internet.
After observing a very graphic video on the 'Safe Home International' site, we ordered the StrikeMaster II for overnight delivery, with the caveat that we would do a 'real-life' test after installation. My installer naturally had his doubts, as I asked him to kick and shoulder the door, after the product was installed. He asked me who would pay for the door frame repair 'in case it didn't work as advertised,'I said I would be responsible, since the safety of our family and property was of utmost concern. I weigh in at 240 lbs and I 'shouldered/kicked' the door three times, without it's failing. My installer, who closely approximates the LARGE individual in the graphic video, had at the door next. He shouldered it twice and kicked it last, his size 11 shoe imprint is still on the back door, although the wall seemed to 'bow in,' the door did not budge. My installer came away convinced, and I came away satisfied, that I made my Family and my Home that much more secure.
The cost/benefit ratio as well is definitely in favor of the StrikeMaster II in comparison with other devices currently on the market. To say that we are more than pleased with the results we obtained from the product, as well as it's support, would be an accurate assessment
. -APA Chicago"

October 3, 2008

Deadbolt Tough As A Tank

This sensational new product is built from high-grade materials, enabling it to stand up to some of the toughest and roughest attacks.



The AP501 Advanced Protection Security Deadbolt uses new technology that has been rigorously tested to meet the highest standards.

Zinc-Alloy and Steel construction. Fail-safe weatherproofing. Locksmith and lockpick-proof Tag Key. Weighing over 6 pounds, we call this lock "Tank Tough".



Incredibly Weatherproof
The lock is fully functional in sustained temperatures of -35 degrees Fahrenheit, and up to +130 degrees Fahrenheit. Waterproofing allows it to resist rain and moisture of tropical storm proportions.



Incredibly Fast
Momentarily hold your Tag Key key to the lock, and the deadbolt releases - no key holes, no opportunity to be picked.



Incredibly Easy
Easy to install, impossible to take down. The AP501 is specifically designed to adhere to North American door standards, so in most cases, the AP501 will simply replace your existing deadbolt - the only tool you'll need is a screwdriver.
(source...)

September 19, 2008

Supra Key Box


Trusted by real estate agents for over 40 years
Easy access for friends and family
Provides scheduled access for cleaning
personnel, pool service, household maintenance
and unattended deliveries
Securely mounts to most flat surfaces with
4 screws provided
• SURFACE MOUNT UNIT
• WEATHER RESISTANT METAL within
Titanium Color
• WEATHER RESISTANT, HIGH IMPACT
PLASTIC BUTTONS

$40.00

September 8, 2008

Sound Proof Doors

THX has more uses then just making a starship battle sound awesome you know. That’s why THX has partnered with Serious Materials to develop some new sound proof doors. The QuietHome soundproof doors are the 2 1/4-inch thick THX-certified doors that claim to be a full 85% acoustical improvement over any other sound proof doors.

How does it work? QuietHome Doors incorporate Serious’ proprietary viscoelastic polymer-based constrained layer damped system, a multi-layer design and advanced seals throughout the door edge. The doors are made up of stainable wood, and come in a pre-hung door package. You wouldn’t want to just replace your front door with it. Well, maybe you would if you are super loud. Your neighbors would appreciate it. But it’s designed for high-end home theaters, commercial studios, offices and conference rooms etc. The doors will cost you $2,500 and will block out so much sound your neighbors will think the place is vacant.

(source...)

Master Ipod Security Case












iPods are Hot!

iPods and MP3 players have quickly become some of the most popular and widely used portable media players with people of all ages. Their frequent use while people are on the go and are less attentive to their surroundings – and the visible white ear buds – have made them an easy target for would be thieves in urban areas, on campus, and on public transportation systems. Without built–in anti–theft deterrents or subscriptions, iPods and MP3 players are left fully operational if stolen.

Your iPod Security Solution

With these factors in mind, Master Lock® created the iPod iCage™, a locking skin for protecting your iPod player. The iCage creates added security and convenience to your media player with a lightweight metal skin, scratch resistant cover, and set-your-own combination lock and cable. Most iPod users purchase a skin for scratch protection – why not buy a skin that adds a convenient security solution as well?


The following statistics are a few years old, but with the quantity of Apple products and other MP3 players ever increasing, so is the quantity of crime related to these devices. And dont forget the unreported instances.

iPod Theft Statistics

National statistics are not detailed enough to tell how many robberies involved iPods, but statistics from New York, Washington, DC, and the San Francisco Bay area show that iPod thefts were responsible for a significant fraction of increased crime in those areas. Things got so bad in New York subways in 2005 that warnings were posted that read "Earphones are a giveaway. Protect your device.”

  • Washington D.C.
    • From January through April 2007, 30 iPods were stolen from Metro customers. iPod thefts totaled 34 in all of 2006, and just two in 2005. (Washington Metro Area Transit Authority)
    • 2007, robberies of iPods on the Metro alone account for approximately 4% of all robberies in the city, compared with well less than 1% of robberies in 2005.
  • New York
    • In the first three months of 2005, major felonies rose 18.3% on the New York City subway — however, if cell phone and iPod thefts are excluded, felonies actually declined by 3%,
  • Washington
    • March 21, 2007, exact numbers in Seattle are hard to pin down, but the latest police figures show 135 iPods have been stolen, many by force, over the past 3 1/2 months.
  • San Francisco
    • There were four reported iPod robberies in 2004, 102 in 2005, and 193 in 2006.
    • 2004-2006, iPod robberies accounted for 23% of the increase in robbery in the entire city over that time.
  • Los Angeles
    • Police statistics indicate that robberies of iPods and cell phones are up 34 percent this year, accounting for about 1,700 of the city’s 8,000 total robberies. (LAPD November 9th, 2006)

Credit cards used to duplicate keys

LAS VEGAS -- Life takes Visa, says the credit card company's catchy and ubiquitous TV ads.

And now, according to a group of security researchers speaking at the DefCon hacker conference in Las Vegas, Medeco high-security locks take Visa, too. As well as MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards.

To be more precise, the researchers say that plastic used in all of these credit cards can be easily fashioned into simulated keys that open three kinds of M3 high-security locks made by the Virginia-based Medeco Security Locks company -- locks that are used to secure sensitive facilities in places such as the White House, the Pentagon, embassies and other buildings.

"Virtually all conventional pin-tumbler locks are vulnerable to this method of attack, and frankly nobody has really considered it or looked at it before," says Marc Weber Tobias, one of the researchers.

The researchers showed Threat Level how they could create the simulated keys from plastic simply by scanning or photographing a Medeco key, printing the image onto a label and placing the label onto a credit card or other plastic to cut out the key with an X-Acto blade or scissors and then use the key to open a lock covertly.

Any credit card plastic will do to create a simulated key....

The researchers can make plastic keys, despite the fact that Medeco's M3 locks are supposed to be more secure than conventional locks, due to key-control measures designed to prevent unauthorized duplication of their keys.

"When you have a high-security lock, you don't expect this to be able to happen," says Tobias, an investigative lawyer who will be demonstrating the hack with Matt Fiddler, a computer-security researcher, and Tobias Bluzmanis, a Florida locksmith. "Key control is supposed to make this impossible to happen. That's what you're paying for."

High-security locks -- which can cost two to four times the price of a common Kwikset lock used in most homes -- have millions of possible key combinations, as opposed to just thousands in low-security locks. High-security locks also use patented key-control systems to prevent just anyone from duplicating the keys.

What this means is that only specific locksmiths who are authorized by the lock maker are given key blanks, key codes and equipment to make the keys. To ensure that no keys are made before a lock is sold, the locks are also shipped to the locksmith without pins in them -- the bars inside a lock cylinder that engage with the grooves on a key to open the lock. The pins are added by the seller after a customer purchases the lock, using proprietary key codes doled out to locksmiths by the lock manufacturer.

If a buyer wants additional keys made for the lock later on, he has to return to the same seller to have him make the keys or find another locksmith who is authorized to use that particular key code. Keys used in places like the White House would likely use an even higher level of key control, whereby only the manufacturer -- Medeco -- would be able to make duplicate keys....

The attack requires brief access to a high-security key long enough to take a picture of it with a camera phone or scan it, so it will likely have to involve an insider or someone else with access to keys -- such as a valet parking attendant.

"You're an employee and you loan it to somebody or your kid takes it off your key ring and makes a copy and tells his friends to break into the facility -- I can give you a lot of scenarios," Tobias says. "Insiders are always the biggest threat."...


"If you're a security manager for the Federal Reserve or Citibank, you have a belief that what the company is telling you is true, that unless it's authorized, nobody can reproduce your keys," Tobias says. "So if you give a key to an employee you don't have to worry about it. And that's the problem. It's not true."...

Researchers say the issue of the plastic keys is more serious than what they revealed last year at DefCon, when they demonstrated how they could bump and pick Medeco's patented M3 Biaxial and deadbolt locks -- locks that Medeco claimed were bump- and pick-proof. They were able to create bump keys for the locks after spending months analyzing Medeco's published key codes.

But by using plastic keys, the researchers can now crack the M3 locks in a way that doesn't require knowledge of key codes or any significant skills or equipment, although it does require brief access to a key to copy it....

Bluzmarin, who has been a locksmith for 25 years, says their research has forced him to rethink everything he once believed about Medeco locks.

"Basically if someone came to me (before) and said they could pick a Medeco lock, I'd say, 'You're crazy; you don't know what you're talking about.' If they told me they could open it with plastic, the same thing. I'd say, 'You're crazy.'

"Locksmiths don't have a clue what is going on. Your locksmith will tell you this is impossible."


(source...)


There are a few other brands that are impervious to this type of attack including Bilock, Multlock, Abloy, Kaba, Assa, Schlage etc.

September 3, 2008

Alarms or Locks. Which are better?

There are wide ranging discussions, in many and varied publications, forums and magazines, discussing the attributes of alarm systems and locking systems.

Many opinions exist and all opinions are certainly accepted on face value. However, I was recently involved in a lengthy discussion about which is considered the more secure option.

In my opinion both alarms and locks complement each other, however physical protection can only be seen to occur with a physical product.

Locks provide a mechanical physical component to securing an entrance. Alarms do not!

Alarms perform the task for which they are so named. They "alarm" people that a condition has occurred or is occurring.

In summation, my determination is that only locks and locking systems are designed to physically secure an entrance and alarms are simply a means to inform if an entrance is compromised.

So, when asked "Which is better?", the suitable reply should be "Locks are better".

Home Advisor (formerly Service Magic) Testimonials And Sites That Recommend Us

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Testimonials

Danny was very professional and friendly at the same time. He not only gave me the quote and fixed the exterior door and explained his work. He was prompt and upfront about the work and did the work. He came in time took care of it on the same day. (Sasheethn K St Louis MO) June 2018d out problems but assured not urgent. Please feel free to have Danny pass out my number for my total experience review 314-351-5553

Charlie M. (St Louis, MO) November 2015


Danny was pleasure to meet and was very knowledgable. He explained several lock replacement options but I decided none of them were a good fit for a storm door, however, I did replace a lock on my entry door with a type of lock I had never seen before. I would highly recommend this company.
Patricia J (Bridgeton, MO) March 2014
They were prompt and showed up when he said he would show up. He knew his stuff. I had ordered new handles and he was honest enough to say that we don't need them that he can fix the doors and he did. Made me lock and unlock my doors to his satisfaction so that I knew what to do. Am very, very pleased with the service and cost.
Joyce K (Glencoe, MO) May 2015

Showed up on time for appointment. Was very knowledgeable about the project and offered a solution beyond what I asked to be done.
Stephen G (Chesterfield, MO) May 2015


Daniel was right on time, assessed the problems I had with two doors, made the repairs, and explained what caused the problems to begin with .... He is a "door expert" and a true professional. I highly recommend him.

Vince V (St. Louis MO) May, 2015




Danny was fabulous! He went over my concerns and he provided me with more than a fair quote. He was there when he said he was going to be there. I would highly recommend Danny. Cheers!
Denise S (Imperial, MO) May 8, 2014

Hired Danny to re-key locks on "new" house purchase. He advised to replace with new deadbolts & door knobs on 3 entry doors instead which I agreed with. All doors have 1 matching key & the safety of excellent quality product & workmanship. He also added new strike plate to door frame to complete project.. I recommend as your 1st & only call to a Locksmith.

Denise F (St. Louis, MO) April 3, 2014


Danny was very helpful in solving a pretty complex problem involving many lock.
Scott C (Eureka, MO) March 27, 2014




Needed patio door track to run smoothly. Arrived early, fixed door and explained what he was doing during repair. Quick and easy. Door works great, my wife will now speak to me, and I've become a better dancer.

Mike W. (Arnold/Oakville MO) July 2013


The owner spent a longtime with me on the phone helping diagnosis the problem. He was on-time, friendly and helped resolve my issue. I will definitely use him again!

Chris C (Lake St Louis, MO) July 2013


I had a very pleasant experience with Master Key Systems. They came out, did the job (which took longer than expected) and they did not change the price they quoted me. Now, I am not certain that it was a great value for the money because I don't have a comparison, but they did what they said, when they said, for the price they said. Enough said!!!

Antonio B (Saint Louis, Missouri) March 2013


Professional.. Upfront about charges. Fixed the sticky door within 20 minutes. I will recommend Master Key for exterior door issues.
Muthu R (Ballwin, MO) July 2012


Danny was a master craftsman, knowledgable and professional. I will be calling on him again in the future as well as passing on his services to friends and family.

Marsha L (Saint Louis, MO) July 2012


Danny was excellent! I called him on a Monday to fix a sliding glass door. He happened to have the exact part we needed (and it was not an easy find - we had looked everywhere) and he came over Tuesday evening. He stayed until 8:00 until the job was done, and cleaned up afterwards. He was courteous, professional, and efficient! I could not be happier!

Rachel P Maryland Heights, MO (July 2012)


He did an excellent job. Got there on time and quickly solved the issue. Was very pleasant and explained the situation and how to keep the door from sticking in the future. Would definitely use Master Key LLC again!

Neil F. (Saint Louis, MO) April 2012


Danny was very friendly and knowledgeable, although his apprentice seemed to do most of the work, Danny kept an eye on him to make sure it was done right. He had very reasonable pricing for re-keying.
Greg D (St Louis, MO) October 2011


He was extrememly fabulous and helpful and did a wonderful job. He was very professional.
Shannon M. (Arnold, MO) October 2011


Growing up spending so much of my time in Italy, the uniqueness of the Nova Classico left quite an impression on me. To be able to have and enjoy them in my own home here in the states is a nostalgic indulgence I'm enjoying beyond words. Thank you Danny for coordinating this transaction.

Joseph M (Chicago, IL) September 2011





great job. hired on the spot and he did job right then at great price

Ron B (Arnold, MO) July 2011







I searched the internet and found your services. I received three phone calls within several days. A service call was scheduled. Two gentlemen arrived promptly, analyzed the problem and fixed it.
James & Florenc M Saint Louis, MO July 2011

The repairman was on time and did an excellent job of fixing a very stubborn door lock. He was persistent and cleaned up the work area afterwards. I would use this service again.

Brenda F (Saint Peters, MO) June 2011


Danny at Master Key Systems has succeeded in making the purchasing of our Meroni door locks, from Italy, an absolute breeze. Even though I live in Australia with a 16hr time difference and was ordering door knobs from Italy that weren't in stock, the whole process was faultless. Danny was prompt and efficient with all his emails and made sure we had covered every possible variable so that the product I received was exactly as required. I would have no hesitation in recommending Danny for your next purchase.
Patrick Carr (Canberra, Australia)


Your product really helped because I needed to secure a nurse's station adjacent to a waiting room and needed a pocket door. Unfortunately, no real options were available to lock a pocket door effectively that would keep me compliant with HIPAA and secure an area that stores medical supplies. This was vitally important as this particular waiting room was for "waiting detox patients". Thank you very much.
Randall R The Fritz Clinic (Birmingham, Al) March 2011


Danny was very polite and knew what the problem was and how to fix it. He also gave me some information about other issues that could arise with my door and locks. Will hire again if I ever need that type of work done.
Jason M Imperial, MO March 2011




I had an exterior basement door that dragged when opening and closing. The hinges were not fitting properly and the door frame had shifted, probably due to the age of the house.The screwswould not go far enough into the wall without hitting stone...even using a special drill bit. Dan worked a long time drilling and sanding to shore up the door as best as possible. I know it will never be perfect. He could have easily sold me a new door and the same issue would happen. He was honest, thorough, and did an excellent job without charging me a fortune. I'm satisfied with the door now. If you want an honest, experienced man, Then Dan is the man

Roger M Saint Louis, MO March 2011


I purchased the Cowdroy P697 Pocket door lock with key over the internet. I emailed questions before my purchase and was provided with the answers quickly by return email. The purchase was quick and easy and the lock was shipped immediatly. Installation is quick and easy. But you do need to convert millimeters to inches (use the internet) in the installation instructions. And the lock looks great and works great. I will do business with them again. THANK YOU

Ed D (February, 2011)





Who Are We?





Welcome to Locks210.com.
This site is to inform about historical and modern approaches to Keys and Physical Security products and services.
Locks210.com, established in 2006, offers residents and businesses of St Louis Locksmith premium quality products and services. As the Premier Bilock Extreme Security Dealer in The Mid-West,
Our conveniently located workshop and service vehicles are uniquely designed to offer trade qualified, bonded, insured tradespeople with knowledge and experience spanning multiple countries and product lines.

Shipping and Returns

All products are sent in manufacturers condition.
All products are subject to sales tax where applicable.
All products are dispatched within 10 business days of remittance.
All products are subject to manufacturers warranties.
All products returned within 30 days, will be 95% refunded less shipping.
Prices are subject to change without notice.
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