Unique Security Products and Specialty Locksmith Services

Locks210.com - St Louis Locksmiths for Greater St Louis Missouri
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'Keep It Yours... Lock Your Doors!'

February 16, 2012

Crime Of Opportunity - Do You Really Know Who Has A Copy Of Your House Key?

I did a job for a customer the other day who had her home burglarized and her insurance company refused to pay the claim.

The reason is, there was no sign of forced entry.

This lady had only recently moved to the new home and when she moved in, had new locks installed.
She took her car to the local mechanic, who she had been going to for many years, to get it serviced. As normal, she pitched the keys to the mechanic and went to wait in the waiting room.

Little did she know, but the mechanic had recently taken on a new employee, laborer to do general duties in the workshop. The mechanic shop thought they were doing a good thing by giving an unemployed person a job.

According to the police report, they searched this persons house on suspiscion because the mechanic shop is the first and only place the lady went to, where she was without her keys. The good investigative work by the police, found her property in this persons possession after contacting the mechanic and getting a list of the people that worked there the day the lady brought the car in.

Being without her key for a short time, the burglar had opportunity to get the number off the key, see the customers records, obtain her address and get a key made to the code number. Then they obviously robbed the home.

I recently changed the locks to restricted copy proof keys, that prevent any similar scene from happing again.

Do you know and trust everyone who may have access to your keys?

February 15, 2012

ABC News 10 New York - Deceiving Viewers

ABC News 10 New York back in early November started airing some odd interviews with a former burglar, in a rather odd attempt to get advice to consumers about how to secure your homes.

While some of the advice is on par, it is troubling and obvious that this "expert" does not know the law or life safety codes regarding double cylinder locks and why they should not be used.

He goes on to suggest other ideas as well that are a little ambiguous also. He suggests that alarms are the difference between security and not. Nothing is further from the truth. Alarms cannot and can never provide any form of physical security protection.

Virtually all burglars know that if they set off an alarm to an unoccupied property, sure the authorities will turn up eventually, but the burglar just hides out of sight from the authorities. Usually the authorities will deem the alarm a false alarm, write the owner a bill for their attendance and leave the premise. The burglar comes back a second time and may indeed set the alarm off again, but is secure in the knowledge that the authorities are not going to return quickly to that property because they think it is false alarming. The burglar then does their damage and the homeowner suffers the loss. Often insurance companies will likely reject a claim because the authorities have written a false alarm ticket.

This "expert" suggests to use a "charliebar" in a sliding door. This is a suggestion however all burglars know how to easily and quickly bypass a charliebar. The suggestion of a broom handle or 4x2 in the track is often better, but the best suggestion is to put a self tapping screw in the top of the track to prevent the door from being lifted.

The only suggestion of merit in the article (see source below) is using 3" screws or better strike plates, but this is the primary reason the Strikemaster II Pro is such a formidable foe to burglars.

When it comes to windows, this "expert" suggested double cylinder locks. Double cylinder locks are illegal in almost every jurisdiction in the USA, if used on primary entry doors. The best suggestion is to use products like ShatterGard window security film, that actually prevent a window from being broken.

Shame on you ABC 10 New York for misleading consumers with advice from a burglar instead of a professional locksmith security expert.

Sentry Safes - They Arent Really Safe Y'know!


Many consumers buy safes from their local big box store, like Lowes, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Kmart, Ace Hardware or even Harbor Freight.

Ever heard the expression "pay peanuts and get monkeys"?

The very popular Sentry brand of safes is on sale at just about every big box store in the USA. The one shown above is one of their popular models. There are methods that we locksmiths employ that can get you into these safes with little to no damage but often the costs to pay for the specialized safecracking skills are so much more than the safe is worth.

After viewing the above video, would you trust your valuables to this brand or type of safe?

Purchasing a safe from a locksmith or specialty safe provider, usually gets you value and quality for money. How much are your valuables worth (Sentry buyers)?

February 13, 2012

Simple Fix Prevents Easy Lever Lock Bypass



The above video shows a well known locksmith tool being used to circumvent the security of just about any lever handle lock.

They also show a simple and effective method of prevention to this bypass method.

Now, most homes employ both a handle and a deadbolt to ensure an entry door is secured but the quantity of online videos explaining how to pick locks and the availability of lock picking tools online can make the job of providing security more difficult to those whose job it is to be concerned.

Luckily for some, there are products available that can mitigate the ease in bypassing these and similar types of locks.

Our very impressive range of Serrature Meroni products are designed differently to mainstream knobs and levers. Meroni make push/pull levers and press button knobs that never require a handle or lever to be twisted/turned.

The Meroni Pigio range are a very unique, high quality designed lever type entry handle that would make the above entry method more difficult to achieve.

The Meroni Combina range are a beautiful version of the entry knob that exceed ADA laws and are very easy to install and use.

The Meroni Nova range are the company's original product offering and are widely used across Europe and are starting to be found in the USA and Australia/New Zealand.

The Meroni Forma range are also very stylishly designed, being oval shaped knobs. Again, they use push buttons to activate the mechanism, meaning no twisting or turning of the knob ever occurs.

By having no twisting or turning of the handle/lever, less wear occurs on the mechanisms. Less wear means longer lasting products. Longer lasting products means value for money.

We plan to show more on these fabulous Meroni lock ranges in upcoming articles.

February 7, 2012

Changing Locks - How Much Does It Cost?


Many locksmiths would prefer you not know how lock re-keying is done. This talented young fellow has shown exactly the steps involved.

Almost 4 years ago we posted a very popular article here explaining fees.

Locksmith publications usually publish annual accepted industry averages. These prices vary across the country from $12 to $55 depending on where you live.

We are pleased to say our prices have not increased in this time. We still charge $15.00 per keyhole including parts and labor. Master Keying is $20.00 per keyhole.

We also rekey car locks too. Often $30 in parts are required and labor is negotiable.

Many people are starting to look at wireless and battery powered digital door locks. It is important and vital to always include the mechanical backup option even with battery powered door locks. When your batteries run down, you still need to get in. This also explains why you should not just rely on your Remote Garage Door Control.

I cant tell you the number of times I have been called to open houses for people who cannot get in their garage. Usually, power loss is the cause. But they dont carry a house key and to make worse, often leave the garage-house entry unlocked too. Does this sound familiar?


Antique Lock Restoration - A Lost Art

International Silver Plating Inc. are a Glencoe Illinois based company that have been around over 80 years.

As locksmiths and iron workers they continue to provide their unique and hard earned and acquired skills to rebuild and repair many products for many discerning customers.

Many of their pieces are of museum quality and they are often the go to source for specialized piece restoration and repair.

Check out their website in the source below, it is a wonderful insight into the true art and craftsmanship of locksmithing.

While I personally have repaired and restored a few pieces for different customers across the world, I wish I had the depth of knowledge and expertise these chaps possess.

Hooply - Armored Door Locks

Zhejiang Hongli Locks Co, is based in China. They are a well known manufacturer of some interesting high security lock products that differ greatly to mainstream products found in the USA.


Pictured below, is a version of their armored lock. This virtually impregnable door lock is a mortice lockset comprising 6 stainless steel round bolts and a latching mechanism.

They produce Hooply, Cefiro and Mingbang as their 3 primary brand lines.

The company employs about 800 people and continues to be a dominant player in the Asian high security lock manufacturing industry.

The cylinders used in these locks are known as lever type locks. They use double sided mortice bit keys (skeleton like). This means they are 100% bump proof and very difficult to pick.

Even duplicating these keys is a chore.

I have duplicated similar types of these keys, early in my career and I know they are very exact with very tight tolerances. They are usually required to be copied by hand, because finding suitable duplication machinery is not only difficult but incredibly expensive.

I remember being required to fashion a blank by braising a flag to both sides of a steel stem. Then gently filing the blank until it was similar in shape to the original.

I worked with a very learned professional, early in my apprenticeship, who taught me to use putty (plasticene) or play dough to form a mould around the original. I was then able to create a perfect duplicate using the mould as a guide.

Difficult and time consuming, the reward was customer satisfaction and the knowledge that the key worked perfectly the first time it was tried.

February 1, 2012

Many Manufacturers Announce Price Increases Today

A recent memo from some of our suppliers informed us about many of the leading brand manufacturers increasing their prices for their products, effective February 1st, 2012.

Assa-Abloy, HES, Schlage, HID, etc are among the few who have raised their prices.

Lucky for some, we actually lowered many prices on our specialty inventory items.

It is a competitive market out there and by offering the identical products to everyone else online and offline, the only way to remain competitive, many vendors can only compete on labor charges.

Fortunately, by offering products that are less mainstream than brand named lines, we can offer super-competitive prices, as long as you are not fussed about having the brand named products.

We offer Cal-Royal, Carbine, LSDA, Baron, Emtek, Meroni, Cowdroy, Lock Focus, Bilock products that are often similar in application to the more mainstream brands but at more competitive prices.

We will also provide any brand, upon request if we can get it.

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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