Loki - Hybrid Bike Helmet And Security Device For Bicycles

 The Loki is a concept hybrid bicycle helmet and lock system designed to minimize affordable bicycle locks and safety helmets.

Stylish in it's design, the helmet has an in-built reflector that can house a flashing light for extra visibility and a novel cam lock that is hidden while on your head but sports a retractable chain that conveniently allows you to lock the front wheel of your bicycle, making would-be thieves unable to ride away.

 Simply connect the helmet to your front wheel using the embedded lock system and secure with your personal key.

Having a built in reflector is an excellent added safety feature, but the battery powered rear light is also a step up in safety. Similar to head mounted tail lights seen on many cars and trucks on the roads today that increase visibility.


Safety and Security. A Concept that has real-world benefits.

(source...)


Folding Bike Zone is an informative site designed to help searchers find information about different bicycle products especially about folding bikes. Folding bikes are becoming a highly sought after product by the bicycling consumer for their obvious advantages. An article there in about How To Choose A Bicycle Helmet is a very worthwile introduction to anyone comparing products currently available. Check out their interesting site for additional details.

https://www.foldingbikezone.com/how-to-choose-a-bike-helmet/

Ovio - Concept Restricted Key Cylinder That Is Self Changing And Aimed At Eliminating Locksmiths

 The Ovio is a concept mechanical key cylinder aimed at eliminating the needs to call a locksmith to rekey your locks.

This uniquely designed concept allows you to alter the combination of your desired lock yourself, negating the need to call a locksmith to change your locks and provide you new keys.

 While self-changing lock cylinders are nothing new in the market, with the likes of Kwikset Smartkey and similar iterations already gracing the marketplace, this unique product could be a step up in terms of restricted keys and pick or bump resistant mechanisms.

The unique styling and ability to change your own locks, on the fly, make this concept quite intriguing, especially to locksmiths like me.

The ability to use your own key and adjust it to different combinations for different cylinders, makes this concept even more exciting.





Imagine a situation like an apartment complex for example. Every tenant, requires their own key to access their own door and often apartment managers will ask locksmiths to build complex master key systems that allow for individual keys to operate individual doors, while maintaining separation from each other and those same differing keys to operate communal doors (like the laundy or swimming pool access or parking lot gate etc).

The Ovio concept would allow each cylinder to be coded with an individual code and the user/keyholder would be able to adjust their individual key themselves, to access communal doors.

Will this concept see the light of day? It would depend on cost of course, but this is one concept that I suggest will be favorable to dwelling managers who use and operate master key systems today.

(source...)

New Award - Thumbtack Service Professional Award 2015

Thumbtack, a service provided online to provide customers in need, with professional service providers recently awarded us as their #1 Locksmith in Saint Louis Missouri.

We strive to always provide the best possible services to our clients and we appreciate being nominated and subsequently receiving this award.

(source...)

Best of 2015 - Locksmiths in Saint Louis

These professionals have received great reviews from Thumbtack customers for projects related to locksmiths in Saint Louis, MO.

1. 

   Unique Security Products

   Master Key Systems America LLC - St Louis Locksmiths

   5/5 stars 8 reviews · 3 credentials

   #1 Locksmith in Saint LouisRequest a quote

Locksmiths Ready to Help in Nearby Locations

• 

  Business Locksmith Services

  Master Key Systems America LLC - St Louis Locksmiths

  This company provides creditable local locksmith services at a price that is budget-friendly. They handle all kinds of lock problems for both residential and business properties.

  5/5 stars 8 reviews · 3 credentials

  Request a quote
• 

  Local Locksmiths

  GACO

  Do not let broken door locks deny you access. Hire Jim Arnold. This professional is among the best locksmiths who also offer minor home repair services.

  5/5 stars 1 review · 5 credentials

  Request a quote
• 

  Locksmith

  ASAP Lock and key

  For reliable residential and commercial locksmith services, choose ASAP Lock and key. They specialize in safes, deadbolt, car keys and rekeying locks, among others. Get in touch with them by viewing their Thumbtack page.

  7 credentials · Licensed in MO

  Request a quote
• 

  Lock Services

  USA-Locks

  Select USA-Locks if you need mobile locksmith services. They have technicians who are also available for 24 hour locksmith services.

  1 credential

  Request a quote
• 

  24 Hr Locksmiths

  Ebers Electrical & Locksmithing

  For emergency home and auto lockouts, check out Ebers Electrical & Locksmithing. Aside from locksmith jobs, they also perform electrical services.

  1 credential

  Request a quote
• 

  Trusted Locksmith

  Pop-A-Lock

  Are you looking to find a locksmith who is dependable and reliable? No need to look further as Pop-A-Lock has a team of vehicle locksmiths who will help you out anytime you need them.

  1 credential

  Request a quote
• 

  Locksmith Services

  Owen Ford

  Are you looking for a business that will do commercial and residential locksmithing, key duplication, key cutting, transponder key programming, and more? This company will provide quality service with free estimates.

  0 credentials

  Request a quote

Bilock Deadbolt And Strikemaster II Prevent Break In Attempt

Even us locksmiths are sometimes preyed upon by nefarious people.

I arrived home just now, from running a service call, to find this picture of my lockbox smashed open.

Luckily there was no key inside.

I also saw a boot mark on the door, where they might have attempted to kick-in the door. About 3 years ago, I installed one of my Strikemaster II door frame protectors to this door frame and apparently it has performed it's task perfectly.

The Bilock deadbolt prevented picking or bumping and the Strikemaster II prevented the frame from being destroyed.

No losses occurred except for the one elcheapo lockbox.


So.....this is one of the reasons we continue to sing the virtues of the products we sell and recommend.
We choose to practise what we preach. If it's good enough for our select customers, it is also good enough for us too.

We have been designing, constructing and installing Bilock products for over 25 years and across 4  continents. It is one of the best products aimed at maximizing your security, while minimizing potential threats from picking, bumping or even unauthorized key duplication.

We became a distributor for the fabulous Strikemaster II Pro, about 5 years ago and have installed a great number, usually to customers who have already suffered a door frame failure resulting from their door being kicked in. The Strikemaster II Pro is one of the best methods for repairing a failed door frame, without the need to replace your entire door and frame. (Average cost in the greater St Louis region to replace a standard entrance door and frame is about ~$1200.00 - ~$1500.00)

I must say, I am very pleased that these products have lived up to their hype.

Zephyr 3310 - User Reset-Able Mechanical Combination Locker Lock

Pictured above is a Zephyr 3310 Mechanical Push Button Locker Lock. 

This lock is quite unique in it's design, in that it has a user reset-able combination. This means it is another inexpensive solution for use in gymnasiums, schools, staff locker rooms etc.

Using a unique over-ride key (25 different combinations available) so that manager access can be granted easily.

below is the Zephyr 3310 in the locked position.

Locks are unlocked by default and set by the user at the time of use. Totally mechanical means no batteries and therefore no ongoing maintenance (unlike comparable electronic/battery powered versions)

Certainly there are other uses than just lockers for these locks, but that is the market it is aimed at.

(source...)

Smart Safes - Not So Smart

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

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

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

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

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

(source...)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock - New Pricing As Informed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Maunder Minimum - A Natural Revolution

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, why is this pertinent to this website?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


(source...)

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

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

We are expecting replenishing supplies July 24th, 2015.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But it is still newsworthy.

(source...)

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

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

Luckily the homeowner survived the brutal attack.

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



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

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

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

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

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

(source...)

Ring - Nouveau Wireless Peephole

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

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

Impressive to say the least.



(source...)

246 Padlock - A New Bluetooth Padlock

Locks that operate through a bluetooth connection appear to be the rage today. While we continue to sing the praises of mechanical lock products, many consumers seem to desire an electronic or keyless option.

The 246 Nii Yon Lock is one such animal that looks promising, although I doubt will see traction due to the unrealistic cost and the fact that it's built in battery is designed to last for 180 days.

What do you think?



(source...)

Adams Rite Issue Resolved

I was called out late the other night, just as the rain was settling in for an all night torrential downpour, because some ladies were locked inside their shop.
I resolved their issue quickly but couldnt complete the necessary repairs due to the rain. Went back the next morning and produced this fix...





EDIT: 9/1/2015
It seems that the same issue resurfaced after a couple of weeks. The maintenance company called another tradesman who promptly re-installed the screws. According to the manager, it worked for about 1 day.

The maintenance company called us back a week later and we attended under our warranty and repaired the offending door again.

Turns out the pin that signals the locked or unlocked state on the inside of the door, was jamming due to the original installer drilling the hole in the incorrect location. we removed the bent pin and it all works well. Now been 2 weeks and all working fine.

Bricwave - Express Smartphone Charger/Flash Drive

The Express by Bricwave™ is a new product currently seeking funding through Kickstarter (in fact has has exceeded it's goal as of today, with still 9 days to go).

The product makes it to this blog because of it's portability with it's keyring attachment.

I see many benefits with this product. there may be multiple choices across the market, but few are made to similar quality control standards.

This product is available for iPhone (lightning) or Android (micro-usb) devices.

It contains a express function for high speed charging and a 64GB flash drive for storing, transferring or running applications and programs.

A unique product that has many uses.

(source...)

Sentry Safes - Vulnerability Detected

I cannot be sure as to how long the above video will be available, but if you are lucky enough to still be seeing this, you may understand why 99/100 locksmiths prefer NOT to sell or recommend Sentry safes (of the electronic variety).

These boxes (I feel i cannot use the term safe, because this vulnerability clearly shows it is not safe) are sold almost everywhere by big box stores like Kmart, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware and many specialty hardware stores. The product is widely distributed online by a great many online retailers.

This technique has been used by locksmiths for some time and until now, not publicly demonstrated (AFAIK).

I realize that many consumers prefer to shop at big box retailers for the convenience aspect without doing their due diligence about the products they are purchasing and the big box retailers will never take responsibility for the products they sell and recommend. But seriously, anyone who calls this product a "safe", really needs to have their head examined, especially in light of this mildly entertaining clip.

(source...)

Keys To The City - A Film About A Retiring Locksmith In Brooklyn

An interesting story about a retiring locksmith and his travels in the city of Brooklyn is currently seeking additional funding through Kickstarter.

This unique story is quite heart warming and shown through the eyes of native Brooklynites.

Special thanks to Tom Lynch, founder of The Society Of Professional Locksmiths for making us aware of this undertaking.

Consider throwing your support behind this ambitious project to shine some light on the daily struggles of an American Made Locksmith. Kickstarter link in the source below.

Pocket Door Locks, Flying Off The Shelves

Our very popular Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock is literally flying off the shelves.

Demand is so strong for this product with no reprieve in sight, that we are now looking to expand our stock holding.

The anticipated release date for the expansion kit, to make installation to 1-3/4" wide doors much simpler has been set back due to the manufacturer of the desired part making a manufacturing blunder.

We have since tailored a work around that we anticipate release before the end of this year, after we complete our testing.

We will provide an instructional video to show how to install with the modification kit.

Because of the strength of the US$, manufacturing costs abroad have increased and we expect that new products (next shipment) will increase in retail cost, so if you're on the fence about ordering at this time think about pushing up your decision before the price rise.

Life Paint By Volvo

Anyone who has ever ridden a bicycle at night remembers exactly how dangerous it is and the need to wear bright colors to be extra visible to other road users.

A new product, yet to be released worldwide, designed and produced by Volvo Car UK Limited is set to modernize the bicycle safety market.

This unique product is not limited to use on bicycles and clothing. It can work on other materials too. It is also only a temporary use product that doesnt leave permanent stains on your selected item.

It is visible under the light of headlamps but during the day is invisible.

Read More...

Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock Expansion Kit - Delayed

Our expansion kit for converting the Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock, to allow use on 1-3/4" thick doors has hit a snag. Our manufacturer of the replacement part has sent us incorrect parts. this means that our planned May 1st release is being pushed back.

Hopefully our manufacturer can produce the corrected parts soon so we can begin supplying these parts to customers who have 1-3/4" doors too.



The products are selling very quickly and there are almost no issues or problems being fed back to us.
A couple of times, some customers have reported the bolt mechanism not working correctly and we have sent out replacement parts quickly which rectifies their issues.

We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause, but we feel that releasing the expansion kit, prematurely is a costly mistake we wish to avoid.

Thanks for your patience.