Archive for the ‘tools’ Category

uPVC repair systems – don’t be mis-sold a new door!

Saturday, April 25th, 2009

Discreet Security now has both the skills and equipment to repair all your uPVC “plastic” doors and windows, from failed or jamming locks and locking strips, right through re-glazing a failed unit, to repairing both structural and cosmetic damage to both white and wood-effect PVCu windows and doors.

Repairing a frame made of unplasticised PolyVinylChloride, which is the “white plastic” door and window (and, increasingly, barge boards, soffits, fascias and gable ends) seen on many houses build or remodelled in the last 30 or so years, is now possible, with repairs from just £50 for minor repairs, up to around £200 for major work*. While £200 might sound like a lot, it is still less than half the cost of replacing the entire door!

The Konig repairs system is ideal for the repair of crowbar damage, drill holes, even large cracks and the sometimes brutal holes left by the un-sophisticated 2-day course locksmiths. Rather than being forced to buy an entire new uPVC unit, you could get it repaired by us for rather less. And the results are, in skilled hands, mind-blowing, with even large damages flawlessly repaired.

Repairs are also possible to the “woodgrain” finished PVC systems, those that look like wood but are uPVC underneath. Damage to these normally shows through the skin to reveal the white material underneath. Again in skilled hands the results are amazing, with the repair visible only under the closest scrutiny.

*The most extreme example we have seen was a double door that was hit by a reversing builders lorry, which shattered the entire base and both doors. This was fully repaired and the glazed units replaced, for around £500. The replacement costs for these newly fitted units in the brand new house were over £2000!

White paper: A guide to the manipulation of various combination locks

Monday, March 16th, 2009

There have been many people who have reviewed and tested safe combination locks, including large organisations such as Underwriters Labatory and the British Standards Institute. It is the same with door locks, and insurance grade keyed padlocks. However, when I was recently asked to provide a secure combination lock for a set of factory gates, there was nowhere to turn to.

After buying and testing several combination padlocks, I decided to publish my notes, and at that point, I decided that it would be worth testing some of the lower end locks too.

If you use any of the locks given a poor score, you should probably think about upgrading them if your security is important to you. The advice for opening them is limited to very basic manipulation, the kind of thing that most people could work out in a few minutes if they were so inclined. No fancy tools are needed.

I am releasing the paper as “linkware” – you may have a personal or business copy, in exchange for a link back to here. If you are a locksmith, and would be interested in a full copy of this paper, please leave a comment with your website details, and, please link to this site. I will verify it and send you a full copy of the paper to your registered email address, which contains the manipulation process for each of the locks featured. Feedback, as ever, is welcome.

combo-padlock-white-paper-public

“Ban the BumpKey” campaign

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008

A new campaign, backed by the ICL and several other organisations, aims to get the law changed, so that burglary tools such as bumpkeys, that have no legitimate uses to hobbiests or anyone other than professional locksmiths and the security forces, are restricted to those with a real need.

Bumpkeys are designed to open a specific brand of lock. Sadly, in the UK the standard rim cylinder and euro locks found on an estimated 65% of homes are all the same profile, meaning that, unless you have an upgraded, treated lock (and you won’t unless you have specifically obtained one from a locksmith) you are vulnerable. Even higher security locks, if made more than a few years ago, are generally vulnerable. Call or email us for more information.

http://www.banthebumpkey.co.uk/ – you can also sign the on-line petition here.

Electric pickgun upgrades

Saturday, May 17th, 2008

Available in limited quantities only, we are proud to announce the availability of the now infamous Doodlebug upgrade to the HPC EPG.

Give your tired old HPC, with its dying batteries, the upgrade of a lifetime. Save a fortune over buying a Wendt, and get a tool that is even more powerful. And, dare we say it, rather more reliable.

It’s just £120+VAT* for the upgrade of your existing HPC EPG, so a considerable saving. Drop us a line or give us a call. Numbers are strictly limited, & locksmiths only please.

*Includes UK shipping. Happy to quote for overseas delivery.