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!'

November 6, 2017

Locksmith Industry Mergers - LSC Buys ADI Lockwise

LSC Merges With ADI Lockwise









Breaking News: Our sources reveal that the locksmith industry in Australia recently has seen Locksmith Supply Company  purchase the well known ADI Security Products.

ADI Security Products is the brainchild of Brian and Peter Preddey, two of the most well known names in the Australian Locksmith Industry. The purpose of ADI was as a tool manufacturer and specialty products creator for locksmiths around Australia. When there was a product missing in the industry, Brian and Peter, also locksmiths and owners of Preddey's Locksmiths in the southern districts of Sydney, Australia, consulted with their industry colleagues to create a product that filled that demand.

Chief among these products was the Preddey Bolt, now called the ADI Security Bolt. This product is one of, if not the most secure and well built locking product of it's kind. We reviously wrote about some ADI products in 2009. See ADI Cap Lock


We have touted ADI products for many years because we believe their quality is actually unsurpassed in our industry. Having met both Brian and Peter many times, at MLAA conventions, these two stalwarts of the industry are the most approachable gentlemen you could meet.

Locksmith Supply Company, was started by Aubrey Johnson in 1926 and has become the most complete provider of locksmith and security industry products in Australia. Check out their corporate video.

I have known Mark Johnson, professionally and personally for all my 35 years in this trade and enjoyed a cuppa with him when he won the raffle at ALOA's 50th anniversary Convention and Trade show, a few years ago in Las Vegas. His prize was a sweet old Cadillac convertible with white walled tires. He actually shipped it home to Oz a few months later.

LSC is a great company and a huge supporter and mentor to the industry in Australia.





November 2, 2017

Lock Focus - Lock Manufacturing Simplicity For Over 40 Years



We are but one international partner for Lock Focus, concentrating our sales efforts across North America.

We are proud resellers of various unique products of theirs like their Gravity Locks for residential and industrial waste bins.
Gravity Opening Bin Lock

Ideal for wheelie bins, designed to automatically unlock when tipped upside down by garbage collection truck. Also features key access with a stainless steel capped barrel.



Manual Opening Bin Lock

Suitable for use on wheelie bins, features key access with a stainless steel capped barrel. (this is not gravity operated)




Industrial Gravity Bin Lock

Designed to suit industrial waste bins ranging from 1.5m ³ to 3.0m ³ front lift. Gravity opening eliminates need for driver to unlock container before collection




We also sell the Lock Focus Battery Powered Electric Strike.


A simple solution for keyless entry, the EL100 consists of an electornic strike, codepad, and exit button. Featuring an intelligent and secure microprocessor and IP66 rating.




There are many other products that Lock Focus make too. Above are just a few of the unique products we resell. 

If anything in their site interests you, please dont hesitate to contact us for additional information.








October 30, 2017

KRACK - Follow Up To Last Weeks Article - More Researchers Claim Hack Will Be More Widespread Than Feared

Forbes magazine published an article yesterday, "The Internet Of Things Just Got More Unsafe To Use"


Our article, that we wrote about On October 17, 2017 has been viewed almost 3000 times since then and is causing discussion around the industry.

To quote an excerpt from the article,

“The KRACK vulnerability allows malicious actors to access a WiFi network without the password or key, observe what connected devices are doing, modify the traffic amongst them, and tamper with the responses the network’s users receive. Everyone and anything using WiFi is at risk. Computers, phones, tablets, gadgets, things. All of it. This isn’t just a flaw in the way vendors have implemented WiFi. No. It’s a bug in the specification itself.” - John Romkey, Founder of FTP Software


many more researchers are agreeing with the notion that the IoT devices might be a severe thorn in peoples sides, especially older gadgets that their manufacturers will have gone out of business and the enormous quantity of WiFi connected gadgets that just are or will be unable to accept a security patch, must number in the millions.

Many consumers, including me, are guilty of purchasing at least one or two electronic gadgets that have WiFi connectivity. None of us were ever in the know, that these products were so poorly designed and protected. How could we? But that didnt stop us from buying them and opening our security up to question.

The article goes on to suggest that NOW is the time to disconnect those "unpatched" devices and upgrade to more secure products.

I feel it is very convenient that so many products are doomed to be scrapped and consumers will need to purchase new and expensive gadgets to replace them. Convenient for the legions of gadget manufacturers who will cash in on this "hack" to sell you their next greatest, you beaut, fandangled contraption that "promises" better security.

At this point, we consumers are almost compelled to purchase the new product, especially if the security and safety of our loved ones or our colleagues is important to us.

The Forbes article is in the source below...


October 25, 2017

Amazon Key - Giving Amazon Access To Your Private Residence

Breaking News: Amazon Key - Granting Access To Your Private Home.


Today Amazon announced the release of their latest system aimed at improving your shopping and delivery experience.

Amazon Key is their system that allows Amazon to enjoy access to your door, so that they can deliver your Amazon packages without requiring you to be home.

The package includes a smart camera that you hook up inside your house, that communicates through the cloud, to enable you to operate your smart lock when you are not home and thereby allowing your delivered packages to not be left outside where potential thieves can make off with your booty.

The article (in the source below) includes a video that explains what they are trying to do.
Now, there are privacy concerns undoubtedly and as a professional locksmith and security products installer, I would highly NOT recommend this type of service. We provide premium quality security products aimed at keeping you secure from unauthorised entry. This system will decrease the security of your property.

Given the news in the last couple of weeks that WiFi routers are being hacked with the KRACK hack and the recent knowledge about the Blueborne Bluetooth Hack, combined with installation and operational issues, namely smart locks that refuse to lock correctly because your door may be misaligned, the batteries may be flat, the cheap electronics prone to humidity and other weather phenomena, would you really consider giving access to your home to an unknown courier? Even if you could see them?

Many people choose to have an alarm system on their properties. Are you going to switch the alarm off too?

I personally lock my door physically by hand with my mechanical key and am happy in the knowledge that my doors are secure and that no one without my authority can enter. Of course I choose to use the fabulous Bilock-Extreme Security restricted key system on my doors. Bilock is the first 100% bump proof and virtually pick proof pin tumbler system on the market. The color coded keys make identification of keys really easy too.

There are a few other types of systems available from many other locksmiths around the country and the world. Simply talking to your local locksmith professional can save you plenty of money while offering great protection at very reasonable cost.

If you want Amazon to enjoy access to your private home....go ahead and join the revolution against proper and adequate security.

(source...) 

October 24, 2017

New Digital 'Hurricane' Churns Gathering Strength To Land Blow On The Internet



In a follow up to our post earlier this month about the KRACK hack, an article yesterday in The Sacramento Bee titled "New Digital 'Hurricane' Churns, Gathering Strength To Land Blow On The Internet" describes a paper by Check Point Software, an Israeli Cyber-Security company, that suggests, " The next cyber-hurricane is about to come".

According to the article (in the source below), Several cyber-security researchers Monday confirmed Check Point’s findings, saying the botnet could replicate, and perhaps dwarf, the Mirai botnet that almost exactly a year ago took down major websites on the Atlantic Coast, crippling a part of the internet’s backbone and slowing traffic to a crawl.

The botnet, which has been named either “Reaper” or “IoTroop,” was first detected in mid-September. A Chinese cybersecurity firm, Qihoo 360, says the botnet is swelling by 10,000 devices a day, forcibly recruiting foot soldiers in an ever-larger invisible rogue army.
Cybercrime gangs form botnets by infecting internet-enabled devices, often wireless cameras or routers with weak security features. Once corralled, controllers can send commands for the botnet to overwhelm a target, knocking its website off line or crippling the internet.
The new botnet has spread across the United States, Australia and other parts of the globe, researchers say, although Check Point notes that “it is too early to assess the intentions” of those propagating the infection.
“It could be something that’s meant to create global chaos,” Maya Horowitz, threat intelligence group manager at Check Point, said in a telephone interview from Israel. “But it could be something that’s more targeted,” perhaps aimed at a country or industry.
She said it is unlikely that cybersecurity experts will be able to halt an eventual attack.
“The chances are pretty low for that,” Horowitz said, adding that like an epidemic of infectious disease, “each infected device is looking for other devices to compromise.”

The article goes on to discuss recent events that took down the internet this year.
We continue to advise our clients to be vigilant about their security products and especially the many internet controlled door locks currently on the market. 
More specifically we are advising consumers to prefer to use mechanically keyed products that do not connect to the internet, to adequately protect their properties.

While we see and agree, that "connected" products can help to offer some access control parameters, we feel that, at this time, the security protocols incorporated in many of the "cheaper" consumer products, are not up to speed and security and could potentially be an easily bypassed issue that will affect the security of your home or office.
Being in the lock and security product industry for the last 35 years and having plied the trade on 4 continents, we continue to advise our clients that mechanical "keyed" operated security products offer substantially better security than many of the current breed of IoT products coming to market.
Even with the many brands of digital code locks currently available, many consumers fail to understand that sharing of access codes presents a greater security issue than having and using a mechanical key. A code once shared, means that you really do not know how many different people have access to your property. Unlike the mechanical key, which requires to be duplicated, a code does not. Sure, you can just change the code, but how is that different from rekeying a lock cylinder?
The difference is that locksmiths have been providing high-security restricted key systems for many years that almost completely prevent unauthorised duplication while providing better quality - higher security components to thwart picking or bumping or other non destructive methods of entry.
Bearing in mind that the cost for a mechanical key operated security product is substantially competitively priced, compared to 'digital' code locks, you can be virtually assured that your property is significantly more secure, while still being affordable.
The video above describes what a bot is and why they are becoming increasingly troublesome to our society today.
Contact your local professional locksmith for competitive options that can increase your properties security at minimal cost.






October 20, 2017

Settlement In Ignition Lock Class Action Lawsuit - $120 Million In Damages Awarded

We have talked about the Ignition Lock Debacle, a few times over the last few years and the subject has sparked much discussion across industry and wider forums online, offline and through the media.

An article (in the source below) we were recently alerted to, explains that last Friday a settlement was reached between GM and 49 states attorneys-general (Arizona was the only state to not join the action).

The class-action suit brought by nearly all states was filed in reaction to GM's 2014 recall of nearly 9 million vehicles that had trouble with their ignition switches.

The lawsuit alleged that GM and high-level employees knew about the problem as early as 2004, but waited many years to recall it's vehicles, all the while marketing their vehicles as safe and reliable.

The $120 Miliion dollar settlement, apparently ends this case.

(source...)

According to the article, GM agreed to several terms:

  • Not represent that a motor vehicle is “safe” unless they have complied with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards applicable to the motor vehicle at issue.
  • Not represent that certified pre-owned vehicles that GM advertises are safe, have been repaired for safety issues, or have been subject to rigorous inspection, unless such vehicles are not subject to any open recalls relating to safety or have been repaired pursuant to such a recall.
  • Instruct its dealers that all applicable recall repairs must be completed before any GM motor vehicle sold in the U.S. and included in a recall is eligible for certification and, if there is a recall on any certified pre-owned vehicle sold in the U.S., the required repair must be completed before the vehicle is delivered to a customer.






October 19, 2017

Breaking News - August Lock Acquired By Assa-Abloy

Breaking News:

August Lock Co. acquired by Assa-Abloy.

In a shake up of the lock manufacturing industry, reports are surfacing about the August Lock Company being sold to the worlds largest lock product manufacturer Assa-Abloy.

The sum of purchase is as yet undisclosed and the expectation is that regulatory approval will happen before the end of the year.

The August company launched in August 2013 after a crowdfunded campaign by it's inventor Yves Behar. The company led by CEO Jason Johnson will continue to operate independently until fully absorbed by the Assa-Abloy behemoth.

Yale, one of Assa-Abloy's oldest purchases and the company who first patented the modern pin tumbler lock system back in 1865, have also manufactured some high quality, yet competitive priced "smart" lock products in recent years. Many of their offerings are fairly reasonable quality and we like to recommend their products for their longevity, ease of use and aesthetically pleasing properties.

August modified their product offerings in the last couple of years, adding complimentary products to their initial door lock line up.

August were one on the first in a large group of crowdfunded inventors, to go to market with their door lock. Initial bumps appeared, as is common with many electronic products today, but they seem to have dealt with the issues along the way, professionally and quickly. That is a sign of an engaged operation, passionate about their offerings and concerned with the customer experience.

Many of the other large lock product manufacturers have released wireless electronic lock products to compete in this continually expanding market and we expect to see a number of additional startups get swallowed by the major industry players, before long.

(source...)

October 17, 2017

KRACK - Dangerous WiFi Security Flaw Discovered. And It Affects ALL WiFi Devices



Breaking News - The above video made by a CNN reporter, explains a recently surfaced issue with WiFi.

WiFi is almost synonymous with anything Internet related today, in the the modern age of the Internet Of Things.

Almost every household in much of the civilized world has access to or uses some version of wireless computer connections, in everything from cellphones to laptop computers to desktop computers to wireless security systems including but not limited to door locks, alarm systems, lighting controls, thermostats or even your door bell.

We are also not immune to surfacing issues with wireless products and within this blog, we have also touted certain products that may use WiFi to assist in access control or security.

While we have reduced our penchant for recommending wireless security products in the last couple of years, we still will recommend some products and mostly those that are not WiFi connected.
We recently became aware of a security flaw in Bluetooth products too, which we wrote about last month.

We continue to sing the praises of mechanical security products, like physical door lock systems, often recommended and installed by professional locksmith technicians.

Products like our Bilock - Extreme Security Restricted Key Systems, that are 100% Bump Proof and virtually pick proof. They use unique color coded heads to easily identify different keys. Lock systems can be master-keyed easily and still offer premium quality security, when many competing brands actually reduce perceived security of your locks through master-keying. It is quite well known throughout the wider industry, as well as hobby groups, training institutions etc. that master-keyed lock cylinders actually reduce an access points security by using multiple pin stacks in cylinder chambers.

Bilock, does not. There is only one pin per chamber and no top pins. This makes bumping, physically impossible and picking virtually impossible.

There are other brands of mechanical lock and key systems that do offer comparative security, like Abloy Classic, Protec, Protec II and a few other non pin tumbler type systems too.

With the current day desire by many consumers to incorporate access control products into their lives, intending to reduce the need to hand out a key to their children, partners, residents and visitors, the increase in sales of wireless, battery powered lock products, alarm panels, remote controls continues to increase annually.

In another video, over at Fortune magazine, it explains that some software manufacturers have developed patches for current products already in the wider market......






But, even though we should feel somewhat thankful that the providers of our Internet products are proactive with their responses to these new found security issues,

What about the thousands of other products already out there that are vulnerable to this KRACK WiFi security flaw?

Sometimes, I think many of these security flaws are deliberately released, after consumers have already invested in the latest and greatest, you beaut gadget. In a rather crude attempt to get consumers to spend more money again to protect themselves.

As a locksmith, concerned with offering my customers premium quality products that actually provide long term protection, I continue to write articles explaining the reasoning behind mechanical physical security products, that STOP any chance of wireless security loopholes.
Many products that I and my fellow locksmiths continue to offer and rely on, are designed to protect you for the longer term, are significantly more competitively priced, designed to last considerably longer, while minimizing maintenance for the homeowner, resident or tenant of a dwelling.

(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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