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!'

February 17, 2022

How To Re-key Old Yale Mortise Deadbolt Locks

How do you re-key old Yale mortise deadbolt locks? 
This week we completed a re-key project for a new customer that involved these 75 year old Yale double cylinder mortise deadbolts. Pictured here is the image of one cylinder installed to the outside of the back door. At the left of the image you can see where someone had deliberately drilled the connecting screw to remove the ability to unscrew the screw from outside.
To be able to remove the cylinders from these really old Yale mortise deadbolts, both inside and outside connecting screws require to come out before the cylinders can be removed for re-keying.

Getting the screws out is not difficult, but that's why we are called as opposed to a handyman or carpenter contractor.

Just about any locksmith with some experience will know the method and skill required to easily disassemble any lock that uses these type of blind screws or bolts, without destruction and enabling the ability to reuse the same screws or bolts when putting the locks back together.



 Pictured next is the image of the cylinder on my bench, already removed from the door. You can clearly see the connecting screw hole.


This image displays the reverse side of the Yale mortise deadbolt cylinder. This style of Yale Mortise deadbolt lock was designed using the original rim style of pin tumbler cylinder, originally patented in 1865 by Linus Yale Jr.

Rekeying these types of older Yale cylinders can be a trap for younger players or less experienced technicians and we will explain the method below to help you with disassembly.


My pointer here is aimed at the retainer clip that holds the tail piece and cover to the rear of the cylinder and core. It is necessary to carefully squeeze the ends of the clip together first.


The next image shows me applying pressure to the retainer clip to allow the clip to be withdrawn from the back of the core.


Here you can see the clip beginning to come out of the cover plate that holds the tail piece on. Carefully use an awl to lever the clip from the core.



This image shows the retainer clip, almost fully withdrawn from the tail piece cover assembly. If you're careful enough, you will not damage the tiny clip enabling you to reuse it for reassembly,



Next, we were also required to disassemble an equally as old entrance knobset to extract the cylinder core for re-keying. To be able to remove the core (plug) from the cylinder it is necessary to remove the rear tail piece and cap assembly and retainer circlip, before you can then remove the core (plug) from the cylinder and replace the tumblers.


Here is an image of the tail piece assembly and retainer circlip removed and the cylinder ready for re-keying.
Some technicians may choose to not disassemble the clip and tail piece, preferring to remove and replace the top cap from the bible (top pinning chamber).

We choose to not show the actual re-pinning method and combination of the re-keyed locks, to protect the customers interests.

Benefits Using Locks210/St Louis Locksmiths For Your Re-Keying Projects
  • Almost 40 years local, national and international experience
  • Qualified, knowledgeable and field-experienced technicians
  • Quantity discounts
  • High-quality product options
  • Quality Assurance
  • Family owned and operated local business
Are you concerned how many keys exist to your home?
When you purchase your new home or move into your new rental property, it is common to want to be the only ones to have keys to your place. You can choose to purchase complete new locks and door hardware or simply contact your local locksmith to simply re-key your existing locks at much less cost, while maintaining the existing products and aesthetics. Contact Locks210/St Louis Locksmiths today and experience the difference we are known for.


January 24, 2022

Auto Door Bottoms and Sweeps prevent Cold Air Coming In and Save on Heating and Cooling Costs



The video here shows a common DIY method to deal with cold air coming in through your external doors.


How To Stop Cold or Warm Air From Coming In...

There are many DIY options in the wider market that offer some interesting and sometimes odd methods to control the flow of air through entry doors on our homes. Often, homeowners choose to contract a professional door repairer like ourselves to provide them with a solution that is professional and permanent, without they having to repeatedly perform a task.

We here at St Louis Locksmiths and Door Repair continue to provide our customers with unique solutions that meet their needs and exceed their expectations. We provide solutions that not only secure your properties but also contribute to reducing your heating and cooling costs.

Another innovative product that we recommend is the Pemko range of automatic door bottoms and sweeps. These awesome products are uniquely designed to provide relief from cold air or warm air that enters under your door during winter or summer seasons.


The first image above displays the full mortise version of a Pemko Auto Door Bottom. Unlike common door sweeps found today on many entry doors, these Pemko Auto Door Bottoms are uniquely designed to automatically seal the bottom of your doors, only when the door is closed. This unique feature extends the life expectancy of a door sweep because the seal only activates when the door is physically shut. When the door opens, the seal rises to prevent the typical wear and tear you see from other brands and types of door bottoms and sweeps. This mortised door bottom and sweep, requires your door to be removed to install.

The next image is of a Pemko Surface Mounted Auto Door Bottom and Sweep. Similarly to the mortised version, the door bottom and sweep is designed to automatically lower only when the door is closed and rise automatically when the door is opened. this surface mounted version can be installed without the need to remove and refit your door.

Benefits St Louis Locksmiths and Door Repairs provides:

  • Unique Security Products and Services
  • 40+ years of local and international experience
  • Widespread Knowledge of Unique and Diverse products
  • Experienced, Qualified and Bonded Technicians
  • Cost Conscious professionals
  • Labor and Parts Warranty

Want to Learn more about how to save on your heating and cooling costs?

If you are ready to save on your heating and cooling costs, Contact St Louis Locksmiths and Door Repairs Here and our technicians will provide you an obligation free on-site estimate.


January 20, 2022

Meroni Nova Locksets ON SALE...

 In answer to a recent customer inquiry about some color finish options, to replace the locksets installed on their doors at their home we decided to put together actual live images photographed ourselves in our home studio light box. Not being professional photographers we hope the images below sufficiently display the actual colors you will see if you fit the lock sets to your doors at home or the office....


Click on the image for larger pictures.

 This color finish is Nickel Aluminum finish

Code: N11 Passage Set
Color NA

Also available in N12 Privacy (bathroom) function
 this finish is PE or Pearl Grey (off white)

Code: N11 Passage
Color: PE

Also available in Privacy (bathroom) function
 Interior view
 This image displays the US2B Satin Stainless Steel color

Code: N11 Passage
Color US2B

Also available in Privacy (bathroom) function

 inside view
 This is the white handle with black buttons

Code: N12 Privacy
Color: BO White

Also available in Passage function
 This image displays the N12 Privacy in GG Gun Metal White

Code: N12 Privacy
Color GG Gun Metal White

Also available in Passage function
 inside view
 This image displays the N12 Privacy (bathroom) function in Gun Metal Grey

Code: N12 Privacy
Color: GW Gun Metal Grey

Also available in Passage function
 Inside view
 This image displays the N12 Privacy (bathroom) function is satin brass ALIA (brass buttons and face caps)

Code: N12

Color: US4 ALIA

Also available in Passage function
 inside view
 This image displays the N12 Privacy (bathroom) function in US4 Satin Brass (with black buttons and face caps)

Code N12
Color US4 Satin Brass

Also available in Passage function
 inside view
 This image displays the N12 Privacy (bathroom) function in US26 Alia, Polished Chrome

Code N12 privacy
Color US26 Alia (chrome buttons and face caps)

Also available in N11 passage function
 inside view
 This image displays the N12 Privacy (bathroom) function in US26D Satin Chrome

Note that the color is very similar to the first image above although it is slightly different.

Code: N12 privacy
Color US26 Satin Chrome (with black buttons and face caps)

Also available in N11 Passage function


Inside view


















The colors displayed above are just some of the available colors we have in stock.
We also have Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, Brown, Polished Brass and others.

Many of the colors listed above can also be special ordered in:
N13 - Keyed Entry Version
N14 - Hotel Room Function (outside handle without push button) key only releases latch, inside handle always unlocked for emergency escape,
N15 - Double cylinder (key unlocks from either inside or outside),
N17 - Entry (key unlocks outside button, inside always unlocked),
N20 - Fixed Dummy Knobs (like for a cupboard door that doesnt require locking),
N21 - Outside fixed knob (no button)
N24 - Hotel Indicator Function (outside knob without push button, unlocked only by key; inside thumbturn activates occupancy indicator if provided)

Normally, all Meroni hardware is custom built to order.
Be aware that there are varying length latches: 60mm (2-3/8"), 70mm (2-3/4"), 80mm (3") and 127mm (5"). latches are available in round ended or square ended faceplates, rebated (rabbited) version, most latches can be ordered with a security deadlatching function too.
Also, there are varying styles and colors of roses too. The standard rose (pictured in the images above) is black nylon. Other roses are available in black metal, satin stainless steel, polished chrome plate, satin brass, brown, antique brass (corinthian).

We do have sufficient stock of most colors in privacy and passage function.

Prices vary based on your custom requirements, contact us for individual pricing.

As a New Year Special, we are offering all Non-Keyed privacy and passage locksets we have in stock, in multitudes of colors, for $9 each. When you order 5 or more we will throw in shipping too

Email us your preferred color and quantity and we can send you an online invoice and shipping time.

January 15, 2022

progress...

 This week's services.......



 

  • Installed a new Bilock system this week.
  • Made keys to 6 German made Lockable fixed umbrella. Used a Yamaha motor cycle keyblank.
  • Reset a returning customers digital lock we installed  11 years ago. Still working great today.
  • Sudden 5 door rekey on restaurant.
  • Unlock house.... 15 minutes no damage.
  • Rekeyed 3 houses
  • Installed Meroni N13 entrance set

There is life on this planet, after all.


Onward and forward!


January 9, 2022

A Rough Year...

 2021 was a very rough year for us. Just like most others, we suffered measurably with the downturn in business thanks in no small part to the Covid 19 pandemic. Business has not returned to previous levels and the long term prognosis is not good at all. We are thankful to our clients who continue to use our services, especially for door and door hardware repairs. Actual locksmith calls has cratered significantly and we are modifying our products and services offerings as a consequence. 

We are still offering some services like:

  • Door Unlocks (if you are locked out)
  • Safe Openings (repairing and opening safes)
  • Lock rekeys (if you have lost a set of keys or are moving into a new place)
  • Door hardware repairs (if your handle or hinges are broken or out of alignment)
  • Key cutting (residential and commercial keys - not car keys)
  • Door closer repairs (if your door isn't closing correctly)
We have moved on from offering some hardware lines due to supply difficulties While we still carry a very small amount of these lines:
  • Meroni
  • Bilock
  • Lockwood
  • Schlage
  • Weslock
  • Kwikset
We are no longer competitive on many of them.

We have adjusted our hours tremendously too, because we have taken on additional employment during these difficult times. We are only available by appointment still and will be available more in evenings and weekends in future.

We are still offering free surveys and estimates. And our advice consulting services remain free too. We continue to refer to specialist colleagues for our customers needs that we cannot fulfill.

If you have need of door repair advice or a consultation, feel free to contact us at your convenience by Calling Us On (314)266-1533  You are also welcome to Email Us on sales@locks210.com


November 18, 2021

Closed until December 1st

 Family commitments interstate require us to close until December 1st.


Thank you for understanding and wishing you all a safe and healthy thanksgiving season.

August 30, 2021

Federal Eviction Moratorium Overruled By United States Supreme Court - Landlords Rejoice?

 

(Image of United States Supreme Court)









Last week, The Supreme Court Of The United States (SCOTUS), in it's infinite wisdom decided to overturn the current administrations Eviction Moratorium on constitutional grounds.

This decision is considered favorable to the legions of landlords and property owners, who have suffered economic uncertainty since the federal government (previous administration) first administered the eviction ban, as encouraged by the Centers For Disease Control (CDC) in February 2020, to protect renters who suffered major employment losses as a consequence of the economic upheaval caused by the Covid 19 pandemic.

This decision to overturn the executive order to extend the already in place moratorium, is no small matter.

For many locksmiths in this country, the imposition of the federal eviction moratorium was/is a double edged sword. Evictions (rekeys) are an integral part of every locksmith's acumen. Many locksmith companies, including ours enjoyed continuing business from landlords and property management companies who require to change locks when a former tenant leaves their property. All this business completely halted when the eviction moratorium came to be.

In our case, we suffered a monumental reduction in our business revenue as a direct consequence of the moratorium.

We understand and sympathize with the many millions of renters, who face life-changing circumstances as a result of the end of the moratorium, but also are somewhat heartened by this change in events. We anticipate a significant increase in requests to rekey houses, condominiums, apartments, flats, commercial dwellings etc and maybe, we too can change some of our economic circumstances too.

Evictions are not a simple matter for landlords, property managers to arrange. In most jurisdictions, to evict a tenant requires sometimes 30 days written notice and a legal court order, enforced by the local Sheriff. An officer must be in attendance to execute such an order.

The costs and time delays involved in executing a legal eviction can add up. Given the courtroom backlog, an unfortunate side-effect of the pandemic, the likelihood of timely execution of eviction notices is/will be delayed - further complicating things for property owners, landlords and property managers.

An article in Tucson Arizona, before the end of the moratorium shows but one family's predicament to come


In Missouri there was no statewide eviction moratorium but the federal moratorium was sufficient to protect the thousands of renters who were facing potential evictions, as a consequence of the pandemic related shutdowns.

Also, some property owners of multi-apartment complexes, found loopholes in eviction laws (prior to the pandemic) that would allow them to evict any tenant using a rehab-clause that effectively allows for evictions of tenants irrespective of their abilities to pay rent or not, while reconstructing a tenancy to improve the site. A federal judge sided with the tenant, using the Federal Eviction Moratorium in his ruling.

Moratorium’s end may mean thousands of Missouri evictions



There are some defenses that a tenant can use to avoid being evicted in Missouri. 


If you are a landlord, property owner or property manager and are requiring the services of a professional locksmith company to attend your properties and perform the necessary task of changing locks, you are welcome to contact us at your convenience.
We can be contacted by text or phone on 314-266-1533 or by email at sales@locks210.com

We always provide a cost estimate in advance. We are highly rated by the BBB as you can see in our business profile and we can also be found in ANGI/Home Advisor, read some of our reviews

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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