Tri-Flow Superior Lubricant

Having worked in the locksmith trade over a quarter century, I have worked with many lubricants over the years. My favorite lubricant and the one I recommend to all my customers is Tri-Flow.

Many tasks I perform for customers often involve repairing locks due to the wrong product having been used, in attempt by an unknowing homeowner or handyman to DIY (do it yourself).

While the DIY industry is one of the biggest, often the advice given may not be correct or may be given by someone with no real experience.

The most common lubricant (and I use the term loosely, here) found in most hardware stores is WD-40.

WD stands for Water Displacement and 40 is the fourtieth formula that achieved it's purpose.

When you displace water, you effectively dry out the application (remove any lubrication).

WD-40 was designed to dry the points on wet motors. It is designed to "dry out" wet metals. It is a penetrating fluid that can temporarily lubricate metal parts, but will dry out (and gum up) as it is designed to do.

I strongly recommend that customers think twice before using WD40. I cannot tell you the number of times I have seen or see it used in locks. Whenever I ask a client, "did you use something to lubricate this lock?" and they answer with "WD40", my standard reaction is "Uh Huh!". This often has them asking what they should use and I always recommend Tri-Flow.

(source....)

Opening Cars, Cars and More Cars

It really does seem that there are fewer and fewer companies (who advertise 24 hour/7 day services), not answering the phone as they advertise.

Pictured here is a Ford Contour, similar to one I opened last night.

I open a great many cars and houses for people unlucky enough to lock themselves out. There is a fairly resolute market for automotive locksmithing if that is where you like to focus your skills.

I am happy to unlock any door for a customer however I draw the line at making new original or duplicate keys for the more modern chip key type vehicles. Why? I am glad you asked.

I worked on cars and trucks for many of my first 20 years in the locksmithing trade. I definitely burnt myself out on cars. They do not provide any interest for me any longer. I decided, when I researched my current business, that I would focus on true locksmithing as opposed to automotive services. Was this a wise decision?

The obtrusive cost of the required tools and programming hardware, to enable a complete automotive service is unrealistically high and unaffordable. Unless customers are happy to spend more than the average monthly car payment, it can be a fruitless exercise.

I know many locksmiths who specialize in cars, that spend in excess of $25,000 annually just to keep their tools and equipment up to date. They are required to charge significantly expensive prices to their customers, to be able to continue offering auto services.

Not where I focus. I prefer to offer residential and commercial solutions that provide security with aesthetic appeal and form and function. Specializing like this, enables me to offer very competitive pricing.

I will still open cars for those in an emergency and I do not advertize 24 hour service, but if i answer the phone, I will come out and help you if you are nice.

We Are Back!

Vacation Over

I arrived home late last night after my combined business/vacation trip to Australia.

The opportunity to catch up with friends and family provided a much needed recharge.

I am delighted to have also visited some select manufacturers and distributors during my brief stay in multiple cities in Australia.

In future posts, I hope to provide some new product information and summaries of some of the companies I was lucky enough to visit.

To all my friends and family, thank you for your warm hospitality and kindness. My home is your home when you come my direction.

To all my loyal customers, thank you for your patience and continued support. I apologize for any inconvenience caused and assure you I'm back on the job!

Fact Finding Mission

We will close for our annual break from November 1, 2009 until November 20, 2009. During this break, we will be travelling overseas on a fact finding mission, negotiating with new suppliers of specialty and unique security products and accessories.

We look forward to reporting about more new products, in the coming weeks.

We would like to thank our customers and readers for the continued support.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and look forward to serving everyone upon our return.

New Website For St. Louis Locksmiths

We are announcing our newest development. A website powered by the Weebly format.

We invite everyone to visit www.locksmiths-st-louis.com

We would appreciate your feedback and any suggestions for improvement.

UPDATE: As can be expected, the site is being rebuilt constantly, so it keeps going down. We expect to have this rectified very soon.

Digital Peephole

If you enjoy your privacy and like to keep unexpected guests at bay, then a new security device from Brinno might be just what you need. Simply press a button and the Digital Peephole Viewer gives you a clear, wide view of your visitor via an LCD screen. Another press and you can zoom in for a closer peek. It gets better though – unlike regular peepholes, this one doesn’t darken whilst viewing – so your visitor will never know you can see them.

The Peephole Viewer compensates for low lighting and “fisheye” distortion, and is suitable for people of all heights. It is also ideal for people with failing eyesight as it affords a clear, wide view and a zoom-in function. Repeatedly pressing the button will allow you to switch easily between regular and zoom modes. Each press of the button will reset the timer for ten seconds.

Powered by two AA batteries - that’s about 1500 peeps - the Peephole Viewer automatically turns off after ten seconds to conserve battery life. The red low battery light will flash to alert you to change batteries. The viewer is fitted with a 1.3 MP CMOS sensor and the optical lens has a view angle of 54 degrees.

Currently only available in Australia for about $160.00 (US$140.00)

(Source...)

Finger Hinge

A new invention by an Australian refrigerator mechanic is creating a stir across the world.

The Finger Hinge is designed to prevent fingers from getting jammed in a door frame.

The simplicity of this design is so intelligent, it is one of those "why didnt i think of that" moments.

It will retro fit virtually any existing door hinge across the world.

(source...)

Bilock Deadbolts - Sale Ends

Announcement

Our September sale on Brass Bilock single cylinder deadbolts, ends today.

We managed to sell virtually all our inventory of the Bilock single cylinder deadbolts in brass, thanks to the many discerning bargain hunting shoppers.

We anticipate a new special in coming months. Stay Tuned.

Paradigm 005 Deadbolt by Lockwood

Last year we talked about the Lockwood 005 Paradigm Deadbolt as a new entrant to the home security market.

The above video shows how well this product is designed and how easy it is to install. It is also one of the few products available anywhere in the world, that provides double cylinder (key lockable inside and outside) protection while providing building and fire code compliance.

Many home owners have beautiful front main entry doors, that are the first thing their guests see when visiting. Many home owners pride themselves on the appearance of their front door and the lock hardware products market is one of the busiest and most competitive industries.

But until now, due to building codes and fire protection laws, primary entrance doors are not allowed to incorporate double cylinder locks. This has been a rather contentious issue across the world, because people have been unable to install adequate security products while adhering to building and fire codes.

It will be interesting to see if the USA market learns from the example of Lockwood Australia and product manufacturers here modify their product range to include these new superior design and function deadbolts.

Service Magic - Prescreened Professionals

I have been a member of the Service Magic contractor network for a little over 2 years now and am reasonably happy with the quantity of work they send me.

The benefits that Service Magic provide are multiple. They screen the customers and the contractors. They utilize premium online advertising opportunities. They provide company profiles and especially testimonials.

I am lucky to have about 60 testimonials on the site with an average rating of 4.8 (out of 5). The testimonials are all genuine, because only the client can fill in the testimonial form.

When I first joined the Service Magic network, there were at least 6 locksmith companies in my region, also listed there. Within 12 months, virtually all had dropped out, but I maintained my membership because it has proven to be a rewarding program that has benefitted my startup immensely.

To aspiring contractor professionals, seeking additional sources of qualified leads, look no further than the industry leader, Service Magic.

ServiceMagic is reaching millions of homeowners with their national ad campaign

• 400 million impressions on TV
• Appearing on The Today Show, The Tonight Show, and across CNBC, MSNBC, Bravo, SciFi, Oxygen and USA.

Cowdroy P697 Pocket Door Lock With Key UPDATE! (discontinued)

News Flash! News Flash! News Flash!

Cowdroy P697 Pocket Door Lock With Key

As informed in a previous article here, we are pleased to announce that we have received confirmation from our local fire marshal that the Cowdroy P697 Pocket Door Lock with Key, will comply with life safety codes and fire and building codes, provided it is not used on primary entrances or exits.

The Cowdroy P697 Cavity/Pocket Door Lock, is secured using a double cylinder 5 wafer (disc) tumbler mechanism, providing a 100% bump proof lock. This means that the selected door can be locked by key from both inside and outside.

Easily replaces almost all existing pocket or sliding cavity door locks.

Securing your pocket doors has never been so easy.

Each unit arrives with complete, easy to follow installation instructions and 2 keys.

**NOTE** This product is designed for doors up to 42mm (1-11/16") thick.

(source...)
Thanks to Garry Aumann of Keyman Services, Gold Coast, Australia.

See also: Keyed Pocket Door Lock Install Instructions

THIS PRODUCT IS DISCONTINUED

we sell and recommend the Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock instead

Creve Coeur, MO City Data

I live and work in the City of Creve Coeur, MO.

I perform locksmith and door repairs for clients in and around the towns neighboring 20 miles.

I came across an interesting site that provides data on different cities, that is of interest to me and might be of interest to others too.

The data on this site, at the time of this post, is for the period 2001-2006.

I am primarily concerned with the statistics of crime. Specifically property crime. The rates here may be alarming to some, however they also indicate that Creve Coeur is an excellent town to live and work.

According the the site, "Creve Coeur's property crime levels tend to be lower than Missouri's average level. The same data shows violent crime levels in Creve Coeur tend to be much lower than Missouri's average level."

As you can see in the chart, Creve Coeur experiences significantly lower statistics than the rest of Missouri. This is obviously the result of exemplary work by the Creve Coeur Police Department and a testament to above average quality of life in the Creve Coeur, MO region.

Kwikset Announces Web Enabled Deadbolts

Breaking News!

Kwikset announces availability of Smartcode with Home Connect technology, remote access control products at

Cedia 2009, Atlanta.

According to the release, "these one-of-a-kind keyless entry electronic locks, developed for interoperability with home automation and security systems, can communicate wirelessly with other devices in the home and deliver a variety of access control options for the utmost in residential security."

Hot on the heels of Ingersoll Rand's Schlage Z-Link technolgy, but using the new Smartkey Bump Proof technology, this announcement signals a major game changer in the residential security products market.

According to the press release, "the lock will allow you to check door lock status, automatically allow you to arm or disarm your security system" (if connected) "and initiate customized scenes upon entry and exit. The lock offers true remote locking and unlocking features due to it's motorized deadbolt, allowing homeowners to monitor and control their locks, using either a Web-enabled device or their home automation system."

"Lock The Door From Virtually Anywhere"

Installation is simple as the new product replaces virtually any existing deadbolt application, uses AA batteries, making it completely wireless and eliminating the need for hardwiring. The lock even has the ability to receive automatic software updates and all wireless communication between devices remains secure using 128 bit encryption.

The primary difference between this new product and other competing brands, is the first time useability to actually operate the motorized deadbolt remotely using a cell phone, web-enabled mobile device, web-connected computer or a security system panel.

I believe this product will signal a significant shift in the dynamics of the home security market.

It will become fundamentally important for physical security products and services providers to update their education and skills, to offer consumers the best possible advantages.

Stay tuned for the imminent release of locations to purchase.

Crime Statistics Maryland Heights 8/14/09-9/13/09

The graphs to the left are another view of the statistics of crime reported by the Maryland Heights Police Department, in the last 30 days.

I find it interesting that traffic offences make up the largest share of police operations.

Perhaps it is high time for police departments to focus more on the other more violent types of crimes than on just traffic crimes.

Is it any wonder that many citizens identify police departments as glorified revenue raisers rather than physical and peace protection agencies?

The police departments, admittedly do a fairly reasonable job of policing the roads. Why? Because traffic citations add directly to local government and police department revenues.

When governments continue to increase funding for municipal police departments, this often does not impact the other areas of police funding.

It is disappointing when statistics like above, prove that police resources are directed more to revenue generating traffic offenses than to actively reducing or preventing crimes of theft, larceny, break and enter, sexual offenses, vehicle theft, robbery etc.

Perhaps it may be time for local governments and police departments to re-examine their priorities?

Concentrate on reducing the crime rate rather than generating multiple revenue streams.

Crime Statistics - Hazelwood 8/14/09-9/13/09

We present the Crime Statistics for the Hazelwood area reported by Hazelwood Police Department for the last month.

The breakdown is listed below.

You can now find out the exact statistics for your individual street (if your local police department releases that information, to this source), by typing your street name into the search bar on the sources website.

Break and Enter - 18

Robbery - 1

Theft - 148

Vehicle Theft - 11

Alarm Response - 97

Domestic Disturbance - 46

Missing Person Reports - 14

Trespass - 2

Weapons/Shots Fired -7

While we are primarily concerned with the increasing or decreasing rates of Alarm Responses, Thefts, Robberies and Break and Enters, the above lists include attendances by Hazelwood Police Department.

In referrence to Alarm Responses particularly, there were 97 occasions where Hazelwood Police Department attended as a result of a monitored alarm activation. This also indicates 97 invoices issued by the police for alarm responses. I wonder if alarm system installers and monitoring companies disclose that residents will receive a police invoice for services rendered, as an inclusion in their sales spiel to customers. I seriously doubt it.

Daring Raid On Apple Store

Below, you will see a news article about a daring raid on an Apple store, by 5 criminals who break in and ransack the store is 31 seconds. They got away with 23 Macbook Pro's, 14 IPhones and 9 IPod touches.

For products that will effectively prevent this type of break in, contact us.

MUL-T-LOCK CLIQ - Vibrated open

The transponder technology industry has progresses toward the introduction of Chip Keys for homes and offices now.

The industry is in it's infancy still but progress is starting to reduce the very high price for this unproven technology.

Assa-Abloy, the world's largest manufacturer of security locking products, including (the recently bumped and picked) Medeco and Mul-t-lock product lines, already introduced the Cliq product line to consumers.

Here is one reason why the technology is still infantile...

Obviously, it helps to have an existing key, but as such, it is not necessary as without a battery, the lock relies on a mechanical component that is easily defeated, as shown above.

On a $ for $ value proposition, Bilock is unbeatable in aesthetics, price and cross-hardware use.

Bilock Deadbolt - SALE! SALE! SALE!

Thanks for your patience.

We are pleased to announce our September Special.

Bilock 4301QC-US3 deadbolts on sale $85.00 each

Polished Brass Finish only with 2 keys, while stocks last.

All Bilock products are restricted access. You will be required to provide a specimen signature prior to goods despatched. This is to enable future key requests.

Add To Cart

New Website

We realize that it has certainly been a long time coming, but we finally decided to build a specific website rather than just using this blog to advertise our business.

There seem to be some inherent difficulties using a blog as the main portal to a company's online image.

There is no doubting that blogs definitely provide the internet with quality content, but unfortunately the internet market has not warmed to them as company websites.

They definitely are warmed by the quantity and quality of the content, with many blogs enjoying superb rankings in search engines. Many blog sites, will convey the searched for messages or information and include a link to the company master website. It could be said that blogs are fueling the web (with content).

Our new site that is still in construction is www.st-louis-locksmiths.com and we invite our readers to visit and offer suggestions (here) on how you think it can be improved.

Thanks.

Why Dont You Make Car Keys?

It is perhaps one of the most common questions I get these days.

For a great many years, I worked with companies that offered automotive locksmithing service works. I managed one companies busiest automotive locksmithing service department. I wore myself out making keys to vehicles, rekeying vehicles, repairing worn or damaged locking mechanisms.

In the late eighties, the automobile manufacturers were forced by insurers through government lobbying to increase the security of all vehicles. Insurers were inundated with regular claims from motorists to replace their stolen vehicles. The insurance companies found this to be a huge and increasing cost to them and were preventing them from making greater profits.

When Texas Instruments produced some new intelligent and inexpensive electronic components, the insurance companies jumped all over the new technology and saw it as their best chance to reduce the payouts they were having to make.

The transponder industry grew from that time and this resulted in the stolen vehicle statistics dropping like a rock. The insurance companies were all of a sudden, saving billions of dollars by reducing claims for stolen vehicles.

This is because it has become virtually impossible to move a vehicle equipped with modern transponder "Chip Key" technology, unless the correctly programmed "Chip Key" is recognized by the vehicles on board computer.

I was talking to the fellow to whom I refer my automotive calls today. He told me that business is brisk, but he is continually pumping money into the latest machinery and diagnostic equipment, in order to be able to continue to offer the services. His latest spend is for <$10,000 for equipment especially designed to produce keys for Volkswagen, Porsche, Mercedes vehicles. These modern vehicle manufacturers, regularly change their onboard vehicle transponder technologies and service companies are consequently forced to update their equipment, to be able to provide customer services.

If I wanted to be able to offer automobile keys, as a part of my locksmith business, I would be forced to spend approximately $20,000.00 just to get set up initially. That is for machinery only. I would still be required to purchase inventory of keyblanks and chips. Then there is the required diagnostic equipment necessary to program all the different makes of cars.

Add to this the ongoing cost of purchasing the updates for new vehicles and the costs soar.

When costs soar, this directly implies that the retail price (the price the customer has to pay for their key) increases accordingly.

It is common for some charges to be upward of $500 - $700 to make new keys for some cars,

It is common for duplicate car keys to cost as little as $75, but the greater majority cost between $100 - $150 for each key.

It is awkward and sometimes embarassing when a potential customer calls me wanting new or additional keys for their new jalopy, expecting that "every locksmith" can make keys to anything. I have worked in this industry for close to 30 years and it pains me to have to say "NO". My customers usually understand when I explain the facts to them, but I cringe because it is business that I know I am missing out on and the other business that comes from it too.

When a customer calls up and asks how much to cut my car key? If I were to quote a "very high" price, just to give the impression that I do that sort of work, with the hope that the customer simply refuses to pay my prices, I believe I am doing a monumental disservice to them and to myself.

Then what happens when a client calls me on it? (they are prepared to pay my price) - The egg on my face is not worth the trouble.

This is Why I Do Not Make Car Keys!

Locked Out in St Louis 314-266-1533

St Louis Locksmiths - Locks210.com unlock doors for stranded motorists and householders.

I receive quite a few calls from stranded customers, facing being locked out of their car or house or office.

Often this is due to the cleaning lady, locking the bottom knob. Many customers will lock their deadbolts but often not the knobset underneath. Probably because the lock is not on the same key and they dont want to carry 2 different keys for the same door.

But when you might have an unfamiliar person attempt to "help" you by making sure your door is secure, this often times causes the locked out situation. You'd be surprised how often this occurs.

Other times are when the turn button in the knob has accidently been partially turned. The knob is always unlocked on the inside but you do not realize that the knob is locked on the outside.

That is where I come in. Like a white knight on a white steed, I arrive quickly and effortlessly open your door, saving you from the heat or cold, helping you to feel better.

We prefer to serve our customers by appointment, however we realize that people rarely lock themselves out on purpose. We will attend to emergencies although we do not advertize as an emergency service.

Over the years, I have seen many advertisements for Emergency Locksmiths and 24 Hour/7 Days service, but too often I have found that many of these companies refuse to answer the phone after 5pm. Why advertize 24 Hour Service if you are not going to do it?

Residential Biometric Fingerprint Locks

I have been extolling the benefits of fingerprint identification locks for a little while now, but recently I have learned by trial and error (some costly errors), that many of the more popular fingerprint scanners used in fingerprint locks have difficulty in recognizing fingerprints of people over the age of 60.

This is very unfortunate and, I suggest a serious setback for mainstream acceptance of fingerprint locks for residential uses.

The problem lies in the ability of the scanner to read the fingerprints. You see, as people age, the tips of our fingers wear, making accurate differentiation of prints, significantly more difficult.

When attempting to program a recently installed fingerprint deadbolt, I was attempting to help an 88 year old to program her fingers into the unit. The application was for an internal cupboard with the desire to make it secure, but not have to carry a key or remember a combination, a task that many elder people find debilitating due to memory loss. You cant lose your finger* though.

Unfortunately the application will require a digital deadbolt, to ensure the user can operate it.

Monitored Alarm Systems - A Fallacy

Monitored Alarm Systems are not Security Protection Devices.

I regularly discuss the above statement with many customers. Usually I am asked if I sell and Install electronic alarm security systems, to which I reply that the statement is an oxymoron.

An alarm system is not and can not be a security system because it does not perform or provide any protection. It can only inform that a condition exists.

Pictured above is a typical advertisement implying that alarm systems that are monitored provide protection for homes.

THIS IS SIMPLY UNTRUE

One of the largest companies in the world, regularly sells their products by trying to convince consumers of the competitive advantage of their monitored alarm systems.

The average cost of a monitored alarm system, often ranges from $30 - $60 per month. This is the raw cost to have a manned 24 hour monitoring centre "watching" your property.

What many companies, similar to the one above fail to inform the client, is the hidden costs associated with monitored alarm systems.

Police or emergency service attendance is often an extra cost borne by the homeowner, that monitoring companies often fail to disclose.

If your property suffers a false alarm and police attend to find no signs of forced or illegal entry, YOU WILL BE BILLED for their time and attendance.

If the monitoring company detects a fire alarm at your property, usually the fire department will be informed immediately and fire trucks will be dispatched. If the alarm condition is false, YOU WILL BE BILLED anyway, for fire department attendance.

If regular false alarms occur, this could become a significantly costly exercise.

Many burglars know the tricks to fool alarm systems. One example is, a burglar gains entry to your automatic roller garage door, closing it behind them. Your alarm system sounds, triggering the monitoring company. Police attend within the average time of 10 minutes. Police find no sign of forced entry and are not allowed to attempt to or enter your premises without a warrant.

Meanwhile, the burglar/s are waiting inside the garage for the police to leave, after determining the alarm was false.

The burglar now has as much time as they need to perform their theft, free from getting caught, while the home owner suffers the loss of their property and the added financial burden of emergency services invoices. The home insurance refuses to pay on a claim, because the police report at the time declares a false alarm.

The only beneficary of this whole episode, is the burglar, who made it off with your property.

Crime Statistics Maryland Heights 7/13/09-8/13/09

The current crime statistics for Maryland Heights area July-August 2009 are listed below.

Assault - 10

Break & Enter - 4

Homicide - 1

Sexual Offence - 6

Theft - 68

Theft From Vehicle - 4

Vehicle Theft - 5

To improve your security protection call us today.

314-266-1533

Securichain by Securicraft

Remember the old door chain we used to have on our entry doors to allow the door to open 2 inches so you can see/talk to the person knocking on your door?

Assa-Abloy Asia Pacific, owners of Lockwood Australia, produce this modern take on the simple door chain.

The Securichain is designed to be mortised into the door, similarly to a cylindrical deadbolt. It provides a flush, neat fit with an easy to release strike/keeper. I think this fashionable design will also work incredibly well as a child safety device, where if it is fitted higher on a door, small children, whose tendencies are to open doors regularly when adults are not looking, to run outside to play, would be unable to get out, yet the adult could easily open the door.

What do you think?

Lockwood 005 Paradigm

Assa-Abloy Asia-Pacific recently released their new residential/architectural deadbolt. The 005 Paradigm, sees a shift toward more safety concious locking products.

This deadbolt combines the benefits of double cylinder locking mechanisms with the primary entrance stipulation of the International Building Code, whereby all primary entrances require to be panic release mode in case of an emergency.

As you can see in the picture, the inside turnbutton has a key hole and an indicator as well. This is designed to give a person inside immediate knowledge whether the lock is "deadlocked" or not.

In some parts of the world, the insurance company definition of "deadlock" is "any lock that is able to be operated by a key from both sides of a door.

The Paradigm cylindrical deadbolt with LockAlert status indicator, SafetyRelease and DualSelect locking is suitable for residential and architectural applications.

Features

• Multi-Mode Slimline Deadbolt providing safety, security and convenience
• Safety features include SafetyRelease to reduce the possibility of being locked in
• High Strength Counterbalance Bolt
• High Security cut Resistant Stainless Steel Bolt
• Adjustable 60 mm - 70 mm bolt
• Box strike with concealed cross grain door frame strengthening screw
• Fits standard door preparation - 54mm diameter cross bore hole

CLIQ Electronic High-Security Locks Easily Defeated at DefCon

Breaking News

Notorious and reknowned lock pickers Mark Tobias, Toby Bluzmanis and Matt Fiddler, have demonstrated techniques to easily defeat the supposedly un-defeatable CLIQ products being manufactured by the world leading High-Security lock manufacturing company Assa-Abloy.

From Wired.com, "The hacks are low-tech and don’t involve attacking the actual electronic component of the lock. Instead, they use standard techniques for opening mechanical locks, similar to bumping — where an attacker places a specially-designed key in the keyway and “bumps” it repeatedly with a device until the lock releases."

“These [locks] are used in some high-security facilities,” Tobias said. “And the makers tout the fact that this is the ultimate in security. And they shouldn’t be saying that.

The locks cost between $600 and $800 apiece, with keys costing about $95 each.

They’re used in government buildings, banks, and critical infrastructures, such as power and water plants and transportation facilities. The Swiss Federal Railway System uses them as does the Ottawa International Airport in Canada.

The locks use what’s called CLIQ technology, developed by top Swedish lock maker Assa Abloy, and its Germany-based subsidiary Ikon. The locks were first made in 2002 by Assa Abloy, but the same core technology is now used all over the world in electronic high-security locks made by other Assa Abloy subsidiaries, such as Medeco, Mul-T-Lock and Ikon."

"According to an Assa Abloy marketing video, the combination of electronic and mechanical offers “a double layer of impenetrable security.”

But the researchers found that none of the technology’s ultra-high-security features — digital ID, encrypted communication, or audit log — matter."

“[CLIQ] is a very sophisticated system,” Tobias says. “Mechanically it’s terrific. Electronically it’s terrific. But from the security engineering standpoint, our opinion is it’s not competent. If you can circumvent accountability, you have a major problem.”

The lock makers say they can’t respond to the issues Tobias is raising until he tells them exactly how his attacks work. But before he’s willing to give them the details, Tobias has insisted the makers agree to fix the vulnerable locks retroactively with no cost to customers who have already purchased them. Something they refuse."

"Bluzmanis demonstrated an attack by taking an Interactive CLIQ electro-mechanical lock made by Mul-T-Lock and inserting a mechanical-only key cut to the same keyway. After inserting the key, he does something to vibrate the key for a few seconds until the mechanical motor in the cylinder turns and lifts the locking element to release the lock."

“There’s no audit trail that the lock has been opened,” Tobias says, “because there are no electronics [involved]. If the attacker entered the room to steal documents or sabotage the facility, the last person who entered before him and who showed up in the audit log, would presumably get the blame."

" When electro-mechanical keys are lost, administrators don’t rekey the locks, they simply reprogram the system to reject any key with that unique ID. But a thief could remove the key’s battery and convert it to a mechanical key. Without the battery, the cylinder wouldn’t know a key has been inserted; the thief could then vibrate the lock to open it."

"Once the lock is opened, it will remain unlocked until a valid electro-mechanical key is inserted. Until then, even an electro-mechanical key deprogrammed to work with the lock — because an employee left the company or the key was lost or stolen — will work. Because the de-programmed key has a battery, the chip in the cylinder will log it as an “access denied” event, but the person holding the key will still be able to open the door."

(source...) Special Thanks to Harry Liebman of CandyTorahs.com for pointing to this article.

Narrow Stile Key Locked Patio/Pocket Door Lock

Pictured here is a product we are now stocking, that enables a patio sliding door lock to be replaced with a key entry model.

It is designed to be a flush mount, meaning that the handles are fitted into the body of the door frame, which also makes them very suitable for pocket doors.

This beautiful and simple design is fundamentally different to many other similar type products because the actual latch only requires a small hole in the door edge for installation.

There are very few key lockable patio/pocket door locks available at such a competitive list price.

Installation of these locks often requires some patch work necessary to fill the holes in the PVC door frame. We use a very special product especially designed to repair virtually any PVC frame or pipe. It is designed to fill the existing hole/s simply and matchable to virtually any color.

The list price on this lock is $29.99 but it can be found even cheaper if you search in depth online.

Pocket Door Lock/Patio Door Lock with key, now available here today.

UPDATE 08/06/09

This product is designed for maximum 1-1/4" thick doors. I know this from first hand experience and not reading the instructions properly.

Chubb M3 (Medeco) Lock Bumped open

This example is from over 1 year ago online by a professional locksmith in the United Kingdom.

Chubb have an overseas license to the Medeco M3 lock system and market it complete with the Chubb name embossed on the product.

Medeco technology is requested by many US companies attempting to maintain some uniformity across their properties, however as this video plainly shows, the Medeco product is NOT BUMP PROOF.

I must repeat that the original and first bump proof pin tumbler lock cylinder product on the market is the Bilock Extreme Security mechanism. With Bilock, you can guarantee that duplicate keys cannot be produced and that bump keys WILL NOT WORK. Bilock locks were first manufactured in Australia in the early 1970's. The product is found in 132 countries around the world and is favored by casinos, banks and government institutions to protect property.

Never Get Lost Again

How often have you travelled to a different town or country, parked your rental car in a multi-level carpark, returned but have forgotten where you parked the car?

How often have you been to an unfamiliar place only to have your bearings all turned around?

Maybe you travel overseas, stay in hotels but forget which corner your hotel is on.

Here is a novel product that can assist you with not having to remember all the gory details. Simply activate the GPS, lock in your current position, go on your way and use it's locator function to return you to home.

Certainly a novel idea.

My primary concern with an item of this kind is that potentially you give a potential thief, your exact location of your property. They will have your key and your property location. Is that smart?

(source...)

Schlage Primus Bump Key Attack

The above video is one of the most recent items of evidence that clearly show Schlage Primus locks are NOT BUMP PROOF.

There are multiple advertizers online that falsely advertize Primus as a bump proof product. It never has been or is capable of being bump proof.

While it is true, that Primus is a very good quality product, this video evidence proves beyond any doubt that the product is not bump proof as advertized by so many online marketers.

So who do you believe today?

If some locksmiths are proven wrong, who do you trust?

Put your trust in Bilock Extreme Security products. The original 100% fully guaranteed bump proof pin tumbler product on the market.

Update 7/20/09

I am not so sure if readers fully appreciate the temerity of the situation with bump keys. Bump keys can be created by anyone who has access to the pin tumbler key belonging to a lock or group of locks. You see, if someone has a key in their hand, that slides into the desired keyhole (it doent have to turn - just slide in), they can create a bump key for that very lock or group of locks.

Where it gets scarier, is considering that large institutions, universities, churches, hospitals, public amenities, government capitol buildings, defense department facilities, naval boats, office complexes etc, that operate using a master key system or multiple systems are even more prone to this simple form of attack. Master key systems that employ the modern pin tumbler principle ( as originally patented by Linus Yale in 1864), which include almost all the most recognizeable brands today, Schlage, Kwikset, Tylo, Yale, Corbin, Assa, Medeco, Primus, Scorpion, Lockwood, Russwin, Baldwin, Cambridge, Plymouth, Mul-t-lock, Best, Falcon, Master, ILCO, American Lock just to name a few are built using multiple pins (also called wafers) in each tumbler position. This fundamentally exposes each lock cylinder to substantially less security. These keyholes are even easier to circumvent using the bump key techniques.

Burglars Hit Mike's Neighbors

Twittermic audiocast...StrikeMaster II


I took a call from Mike the other day who reported a problem with securing his front and back doors. It seems his neighbors in the other three condominiums had all been broken into by having their doors kicked open.

My first and automatic response to this kind of question is to recommend the Strikemaster II product be installed to front and back door jambs.

I explained that the cardinal reason, many doors get kicked open is because they are the easiest way to get in. You see, most locks today are installed on steel case doors. The inside and outside skin of modern external doors is encased in light steel. When installing any lock to the door the lock rarely gives way in attempted break ins. It is more often the door jamb. That area where the door closes into. The strike plate that most existing knobs and deadbolts lock into are most often held on to the door jamb by short 1" long wood screws. Why? Because most door jambs are constructed of 1" wide pine.

The secret to making sure your doors are secure, do go two fold.

First you need to make sure the door locks are unable to be picked or bumped or bypassed. I recommend Bilock Extreme Security products for total lock protection.

Second you need to ensure that the door jamb is secured to the stud behind it. Using the Strikemaster II, provides 5' long laminated steel brace secured by 10 x 3" screws, designed to attach to the stud behind the door jamb.

Combining these two methods will deter virtually any reasonably determined intruder.

We are booked next Thursday, thanks Mike.

Twittermic

I'm trialling a new idea to use to advertise for business and wouldnt mind peoples opinions and subjects of interest related to security.

Bilock - Key of the Future, Here Today

Bilock is without doubt the world's leading modern key system.

Sure, it is a system originally developed in Australia in the 1970's, but it has proven since then that it will fit in the widest range of other manufacturers product lines.

From Schlage to Baldwin, Arrow to Corbin, Carbine to Cal-Royal, Marks to Russwin, USLock to LSDA to GMS, Bilock cylinders will retrofit in almost all quality hardware from many of the leading manufacturers.

To top that off, Bilock's engineers will custom manufacture any requested application. So, if you want to have your obsure lock or handle operate using the remarkably secure and fully protected and patented Bilock Extreme Security locking system, simply contact us today for an estimate.

As you can see in the above picture, Bilock also manufactures many OEM products too. The picture also shows many cylinders designed to retro-fit into your existing hardware.

This means that you can reduce the cost of securing your properties by replacing just the cylinders instead of the complete hardware (handles or locks).

Why not maintain your existing functions while having the leading key control system with the most competitively priced, aesthetically pleasing color coded keys and locks of their kind available today?

Bilock products are found in almost every country in the world. Most casinos rely on Bilock products to maintain the security of poker machines, cash dispensers even hotel room doors. The versatility of master key systems using Bilocks multi-million key changes, the ability to identify easily which key works which lock by the color coded heads, combined with the virtually impossible to pick or bump mechanism makes Bilock your best choice for securing your family and your posessions.

How many different brands of locks do you have at home or the office? Do you need so many different keys to maintain all those locks? Speaking to our trained Bilock technicians could potentially reduce your key needs to just one key, without necessarily replacing all your hardware.

It makes perfect sense in todays economy to give yourself peace of mind with the best security products performing the best and most reliable functionality while maintaining the original look and feel of your existing hardwares, using easily identifiable keys that are color coded and impossible to duplicate.

Why are the keys so hard to duplicate?

Because they are all created as originals. Each key is carefully produced and folded into shape making each key unique (even if they are copies of each other).

As the leading Bilock dealer in the mid-west, we use sophisticated software to build all our systems. All keys are recorded and individually marked with a unique number. Tracking your keys will never be so easy.

Sargent & Greenleaf 8415 Top Security Lock

Pictured here is the Sargent & Greenleaf 8415 Extension 50 Deadlatch.

This superb product comes from the world leader in safe lock design and manufacture. It is designed for use on either inswing or outswing doors that require a much higher degree of security.

This lock operates using a mechanical dial pad with a resettable combination and a turnbutton on the inside for emergency egress.

The unique design of the strike (keeper) makes this lock one of the strongest locks of it's type available today preventing doors and jambs from being spread open.

Perfect for use on ATM's, Computer Rooms, High Security Storage areas, Research Laboratories etc.

All units include a purposely manufactured hardened steel plate to resist drilling, that fits between the lock body and the application or door.

This is a surface mounted lock so designed to suit a wide range of applications.

This is an American manufactured solution that offers the best security available today.

P.O.A

New Twist On Locksmith Scams

A new twist to the issue plaguing American cities and the once reputeable locksmith industry.

It has become apparent that the sham companies and masqueraders are becoming much more bold in their endeavours to destroy the locksmith industry from outside, using techniques that border on the rediculous.

A story appeared last week on CBS2 Chicago about well known and long established locksmith Gale Johnson. Gale is an industry stalwart and editor of the world reknowned Locksmith Ledger Magazine.

This particular story, highlighted a new twist to the ongoing saga of the locksmith scammer issues. It seems apparent that established locksmith companies are now coming under attack through AT&T directly. Not by AT&T but by people apparently calling AT&T to cancel advertizing related to particular established telephone numbers. Johnsons Locksmiths in Evanston Illinois, has been established in excess of 65 years in the Chicago area. They are a repeated victim of the scammers attempts to steal their trading name and telephone number.

And to top all this off, AT&T admit to a problem with multiple free listings in the locksmith sections of their telephone books, across the country.

In my town, there are fake listings not just in Yellow Pages but also across multiple mediums including but not limited to Google, Yahoo, Bing, Yellow Pages etc, for locksmiths that advertise addresses and telephone numbers similar to my personal address and my business telephone number, in the hope that potential customers will be misled to call them instead of whom they were intending (me).

I took a call last week from a customer who told me that they had called one of the numbers asking for me by name and the operator transferred the call to someone posing as me.

The customer knew something was not right due to the person they were speaking to, did not sound like me, nor did they recollect any of our past dealings.

That these people will stoop to such depths to ruin a persons reputation and rip off unsuspecting customers is another example of the loopholes that are being discovered in search mediums.

The current economic situation is bad enough to encourage these charlottans to perform this new breed of espionage on the unsuspecting general public and marketplace.

Magnalatch

Pictured here is the worlds #1 selling product for securing swimming pool gates and the like.

The Vertical Pull Model (on right), also known as the Pet Latch, uses the same revolutionary technology as the Top Pull Model (on left) in a smaller, more compact body. It is suitable for mounting on taller pool gates where it will still be out of reach of children, as well as on garden or household gates to provide a safety barrier for pets. Like the Top Pull Model, the Pet Latch offers easy adjustment, is key-lockable for added security and won't disengage from shaking or pulling. Always confirm local fence/barrier regulations before installation.

(source...)

Bilock - 35% Discount July 2009

In celebration of July 4, USA Independence Day, we proudly offer all Bilock product ordered between July 1st, 2009 & July 31st, 2009 at 35% off the manufacturers suggested retail price.

Conditions.

1. All product must be ordered and paid for during the month of July.
2. All Bilock systems are protected by a registered signature and require specimen signatures prior to goods despatched.
3. 2 keys will be included in the first lock (for keyed alike/master keyed orders) at no charge. Extra keys will be supplied at $9.00 each (initial supply only)
4. Shipping & Handling charges are separate and additional.
5. Taxes charged (Missouri Residents Only)
6. All orders are subject to availability.
7. Email orders preferred.
8. All product is warrantied as per manufacturer specifications.

This SPECIAL is for the month of July 2009 only, in celebration of USA Independence Day.

Happy July 4TH