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August 4, 2015

Smart Safes - Not So Smart



An article recently appeared in Wired magazine, an online resource with articles about new generation wired and wireless electronic products.

"Smart" products is the collective name, usually used in marketing, for the new era of computer controlled products. Everything like, cellphones to coffeemakers, cars to safes, there is a "Smart" product around just about every corner and near you (and me) right now, I'll bet.

The video above highlights an issue with a particular brand of safe, commonly found in hotels and other establishments around the world.

The ever increasing number of hackers who attempt (and often succeed) to discover non-destructive bypass and entry techniques for all manner of products, have once again used a products exposed access ports to develop and market the fault, as explained.

With the likelihood of more and more products of this ilk, making their way to market, hackers will have plenty of opportunities to determine their next target product. We just hope that people will do their due diligence when researching and educating themselves about products aimed at their security protection and storage of their personal documents and items.

(source...)

July 21, 2015

Schlage F Series Knobset - New Improved Function Thanks To Overwhelming Demand

Pictured here is a typical Schlage F Series Plymouth design entrance knob set.

Schlage have been selling versions of this Grade 3 product across the market for about 15 years now.

The most common complaint, from an overwhelming quantity of purchasers of this product, is the ease of ability to get locked out.

You see, the typical F Series knobset was designed by someone without taking into consideration the pitfalls of the classic emergency escape mentality.

Until a recent product update that has dramatically changed this product (and all F series knobs too), Schlage, in their infinite wisdom, had allowed the inside turn button to actually lock the outside of the knob, while still allowing the inside of the knob to remain unlocked.

That poorly designed feature, was to maintain emergency egress (escape) function to comply with the International Building Codes demands. But so many people found themselves accidentally locked out of their homes as a consequence. It is not uncommon, to lock the door, using the little turn button inside and then "forget" that the lock is locked, when turning the handle to exit, effectively locking yourself out. (I have seen multiple instances of different people accidentally locked out in their underwear, from this).

Schlage have answered the demands of the market and converted the new F series line, so that turning the inside knob, actually unlocks the outside handle.

I expect that the thousands of locksmiths across the world who have made so much money over the years from attending to lockouts, are bitterly disappointed in this turn of events, but good on Schlage for stepping up and answering the call of the thousands of bitter customers who have used these products for so many years.

Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock - New Pricing As Informed

Our ever so popular Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock has literally been flying off the shelves to unabated demand.

As previously mentioned, the cost of this product is now returning to the previously listed price (from 12 months ago) of $125.00.

Shipping is still the same rate and varies by options of Ground, Economy Overnight and Priority Overnight.

We also have a limited supply of the privacy version and the passage version, available on demand (email us for details and special pricing)

Our expansion kit, to allow installation to thicker doors is still delayed, unfortunately. We recently supplied our expansion design to about 10 separate installers to understand the viability and effectiveness of the modification kit, While the kit performed to task and exceeded our expectations, the difficulty in accurately installing the modification kit (drilling the correct holes) proved somewhat difficult for 50% of our test group. (Our test group being experienced contractors and carpenters). For this reason, we are holding the release of the kit until significant improvements are made that will make installation painless.

With this price increase, we understand that some may feel put off by the meteoric increase, but we discounted the product 12 months ago thanks to our supplier giving us a quantity discount even though the exchange rate was significantly higher. Combine with the shipping and customs costs (everyone has their hand in it - as usual) and our hands are forced.

Compare our cost to the other products in the market and we are still significantly cheaper for this highly sought after, quality product.


The Maunder Minimum - A Natural Revolution

A recent report tabled by the Royal Astronomical Society, published Thursday July 9, 2015, highlights the phenomenon known as The Maunder Minimum.

A respected Russian scientist, Prof Valentina Zharkova has just published findings about this repeating event that affects not only our planet but most of our solar system too.

But, as we are the only known (to us) planet with educated life, these findings will have a noticeable affect on the daily lives of most of the planets inhabitants, within the next 20 years.

The Maunder Minimum is the event that determines sunspot activity and directly interferes with our planets weather patterns. One of the more recent Maunder Minimum  observations was recorded in the years 2000-2001  and threw out a slew of orbiting satellites, interrupting global communications and, for all intensive purposes, marking the possible beginning of the 1000 year drought currently being experienced in the western part of the United States.

The report tabled by Prof Zharkova, highlights a 30 year study, using widely sourced astronomical records to produce a model that is suggesting close to a 97% accuracy in predicting the next 'mini ice age' that will affect our planet.

According to the report (in the source below), the model suggests that solar activity will fall by 60% in the 2030's, "to conditions last seen during the 'mini ice age' seen in 1645" .

So, why is this pertinent to this website?

There is an overwhelming market, currently unfolding across the world. The age of the electronic connected smartlock is currently a multi-billion dollar a year industry and is set to increase exponentially in the next 2-5 years.

People everywhere are increasingly interested in having and using electronic, connected lock and door systems that require infrastructure (wiring) to maintain power to operate. Even if a product is touted as wireless or battery powered, it still uses internal wiring to run the electronics on board.

More well known to the average person, is the facts that anytime water (humidity, condensation etc) gets into any electronic component, those components suffer sometimes catastrophic failures.

The locksmith industry evolved to include electronics into products aimed at improving inter-operability of mechanical locking systems. For many years the simple electric strike was seen as the introduction of the modern electronic security products field, with many apartment complexes across the world eliminating the concierge or front desk guard, in favor of intercom systems that directly control the entry to the building and consequently access to residents/tenants therein.

Even today, the reach of electronics has invaded our homes and offices, our cars and buses, our trains and planes. many of these same services were previously operated using mechanical products that seemed to last forever with minimal maintenance.

Yes, electronics has improved our lives trememdously, however the age of the mechanical door lock is far from over. 

The unrealistic expectations of market driven capitalists hoping to cash in on this evolving market, is seeing an increasing multitude of variations of products aimed at whetting our appetites to the better mousetrap. But with all the electronics cluttering up our locks, there is less and less room for the quality components that actually provide the protection we are seeking for our families and our properties.

And with the Maunder Minimum set to rear it's ugly head again, only this time with an extended 'mini ice age' similar to the 70 year one experience in the mid 1600's, the age of failing electronics and unsecure doors, safes, gates, vehicles etc is again upon us.

To those who still agree that your security, the security of your family, your home, your office or your friends and coworkers is something you take seriously and not for granted, investing in the tried and true mechanical physical options, that protect and secure without the costly electronics (that will fail), the industry applauds you as forward thinking people.


(source...)

July 9, 2015

Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Locks Almost Sold Out - New Inventory Expected July 24th

Our very popular Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock is selling extremely fast with fewer than 10 remaining in inventory.

We are expecting replenishing supplies July 24th, 2015.

At this time, we expect that due to manufacturer cost increases, the cost for this wonderful, in demand product will increase consequently.

We are unsure as to the anticipated cost, at this time, but are expecting at least a 25% increase.

So, if you have been sitting on the fence, hurry while stocks last at the old price.

July 8, 2015

Little Known Key Facts - Does Your Key have A Twin?


A report on Fox 4 News out of Kansas City, Missouri on July 6, 2015 exposed a little known phenomena that many people probably dont realize.

Many keys that we all use every day, may in fact be copied throughout the marketplace.

Manufacturers only make a limited number of keys for their systems, but the probability of finding a matching set of keys is quite rare, except in the case of a woman in Kansas City, Missouri (see the link in the source below).

She bought 2 Honda vehicles, 2 years apart and was surprised to find that the mechanical keys were actually identical for both separate, yet different vehicles.

Now, this does not mean that you may be lucky to find someone else with your key too and in the case of the modern automobile industry, this is actually irrelevant thanks to the use of transponders or electronic chips embedded in keys that read the onboard vehicle computer.

But it is still newsworthy.

(source...)

June 22, 2015

Robbers Kick In Door Of St. Louis Home, Shoot Man

A June 19, 2015 article in the St Louis Post Dispatch tells about a homeowner in North St Louis County who was shot by intruders after they kicked down the front door.

Luckily the homeowner survived the brutal attack.

According to the article, the robbers were looking for guns and money.



This story highlights the need for better door protection products, purposely designed to thwart door frame failure.

We have been offering the fabulous Strikemaster II Pro Door Frame protection and repair product for almost 5 years now and have installed a significant number to doors after the door frame has already been damaged. We have sold and installed the product to concerned homeowners who proactively want to protect their homes and families with so far, no reported failures of the product.

We originally talked about the Strikemaster II Pro in this article back in December 2009.

One instance that comes to mind was when a customer called me on Thanksgiving 2010 after her front entrance was broken down by the fire department answering a smoke detector alarm call. She had left some soup on her stove turned down to low, to keep warm while she darted out to the shop. Smoke from the stove got into the smoke detector signalling the fire department who attended very quickly and broke down the door. Because she had a $4000 door, she was quoted by multiple contractors significantly expensive prices to replace her door and frame, however no one was able to come out for a week. She couldnt leave her door unsecure and was put off by the unrealistically expensive estimates. She got on to me through the Home Advisor network and I contacted her immediately, informed her about the Strikemaster II product, sent her to the product video on my website (in the above link), estimated the paltry cost and waited for her return call. She called back 15 minutes later and booked me for the next day. We attended the site, installed the Strikemaster II, which completely repaired her existing frame and covered all the damage, without having to replace her door and frame. Needless to say she was very pleased.

We are currently out of stock of the product, with new supplies expected in the next week.

(source...)

June 21, 2015

Ring - Nouveau Wireless Peephole

I recently came across one of these devices installed on a customers home and it looks like the bees knees.

easy to install and offering multiple conveniences, Ring is quite possibly the answer to entry monitoring/doorbell needs for modern times.

Impressive to say the least.



(source...)

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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