Master Lock Introduces New Generation of Set-Your-Own Combination Locks Featuring First-of-Its-Kind Technology, Just in Time for Back-to-School

MILWAUKEE, WI--(Marketwire - July 23, 2009) - Whether you need to secure your gym clothes, text books, secrets or your future, Master Lock, the industry leader in locks and security products, offers several solutions, just in time for back-to-school. In addition to introducing two new families of patented combination locks -- the 1500iD Speed Dial™ Set-Your-Own Combination Lock and the 1590D Set-Your-Own Combination Lock -- the company is also introducing the "Master Lock Secret Vault" Facebook application. This fun application will help keep users' secrets safe and secure, as well as offer participants a chance to win a cash prize in the "Master Lock $5,000 Secure Your Future Sweepstakes."

Revolutionary Combination Locks

Available now, both locks offer increased strength and security, customizable functionality and new technology that targets users' unique learning styles.

"Master Lock is thrilled to debut a new generation of resettable combination locks that deliver the practical improvements our customers have been requesting for years," said Rebecca Smith, vice president, marketing for Master Lock. "It's a total paradigm shift in the way combination locks work, both in ease of use and enhanced security. These locks include technology features you won't find in any other padlock."

The patented 1500iD Speed Dial Set-Your-Own Combination Lock features a first-of-its-kind design that opens on directional movements -- up, down, left and right -- instead of the traditional rotary dial. The lock is faster to open than traditional locks, more secure and customizable. Users can create their own easy-to-remember, resettable combination consisting of any number of movements in any sequence. For users who prefer more traditional methods of recalling their combination, the lock includes adhesive letters, numbers, colors, shapes and symbols that can be applied over the lock's directional arrows.

The 1500iD Speed Dial Set-Your-Own Combination Lock is particularly appealing for teens who have limited time between classes and are always looking for faster access to their school lockers. The lock also provides improved ease of use for visually impaired consumers, because users don't need to see the dial to open it.

The patented 1590D Set-Your-Own Combination Lock is designed for the traditional, nostalgic user who is more comfortable with using a rotary dial. For the first time, Master Lock is now able to offer those users the dial combination locks that they fell in love with in high school with a resettable feature. Users can choose their own combination using three letters or numbers and operate the lock with the standard right-left-right combination lock movement most consumers are familiar with. An enclosed reset tool ensures that users will never forget their combination again.

Both locks feature anti-shim locking technology, making them more secure than traditional combination locks. Vibrant, high-tech color choices mirror popular consumer electronic colors. The 1500iD Speed Dial Set-Your-Own Combination Lock is available in red, blue, black with chrome and black with green accents; while the 1590D Set-Your-Own Combination Lock is available in a matte black, blue or green finish.

The 1500iD Speed Dial Set-Your-Own Combination Lock is available at Staples stores in the United States and Canada for a suggested retail price of $6.99 USD and $7.98 CAD. The 1590D Set-Your-Own Combination Lock is available at The Home Depot stores in the U.S. for a suggested retail price of $5.99 USD.

Facebook Application and Sweepstakes

Master Lock is also offering a solution for locking up secrets online with the introduction of the "Master Lock Secret Vault" Facebook application, featuring the new 1500iD Speed Dial Set-Your-Own Combination Lock. For Facebook users who have a juicy tidbit or fun photo they want to share with a select group of friends but not broadcast to their entire friends list, they can now install the application at www.facebook.masterlock.com and lock up their secrets in their own Secret Vault by creating a custom combination to share with only the friends they desire.

In addition, now through October 15, "Master Lock Secret Vault" users have a chance to win a $5,000 cash prize to help them secure their future in the "Master Lock $5,000 Secure Your Future Sweepstakes." Whether users aspire to attend college, embark on a new business venture or simply pay their rent, Master Lock will help one lucky winner accomplish his or her future goals. To enter, entrants must meet the eligibility requirements.(1)

"Master Lock has been at the forefront of lock technology since introducing the first combination lock more than 50 years ago, so it is only fitting that we're utilizing the latest online technology in a fun and unexpected way to keep users' secrets safe and secure," said Smith. "Whether it's valuables, secrets or your future you want to protect, Master Lock is the leader in security solutions."

For more information, please visit Master Lock's media room at www.masterlock.com/media, visit www.masterlock.com/brightcove.shtml for videos or contact hannah@jsha.com for additional images.

About Master Lock

Master Lock is the world's largest manufacturer of padlocks and related security products providing innovative security solutions for home, automotive, campus, power sports, bike and storage security needs for consumers and contractors alike. Master Lock Company L.L.C. is an operating unit of Fortune Brands, Inc., a leading consumer brands company. Headquartered in Deerfield, Ill., Fortune Brands (NYSE: FO) is included in the S&P 500 Index. (www.masterlock.com)

(1) "MASTER LOCK $5,000 SECURE YOUR FUTURE SWEEPSTAKES"

Abbreviated Rules

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, D.C. and Canada, 13 years and older. Void where prohibited. For complete Official Rules, prize description and odds disclosure, visit http://www.masterlock.com/secretvault_rules.pdf. Sweepstakes begins on July 15, 2009 at 12:00:01 a.m. CDT and ends on October 15, 2009 at 11:59:59 p.m. CDT. Sponsor: Master Lock Company LLC, 137 W. Forest Hill Avenue, Oak Creek, WI 53154.

Contact Information: Hannah Schroder 630.932.7938 Kristin McCormick 630.932.9346