Locksmithing Etc.

AN ARGUMENT AGAINST VAN SIGNS

Many locksmiths have some form of signage on their service vehicles. It has been an excellent way to attract attention and gain new business. Unfortunately signs can also attract unwanted attention. Driving an unmarked service vehicle does not attract much attention. Driving a service vehicle with company signs tells some people that you have insurance, making you a prime target for an “accident.”

Several locksmiths have told me that they have removed the signs from their vehicles either following an “accident” or a close call. What do you think?

KEYMARK X4 by MEDECO

The patent protection for the KeyMark is ending in 2011. To that end Medeco has introduced the KeyMark X4. The KeyMark X4 by Medeco is patent protected until 2027. KeyMark X4 lock cylinders are available as SFIC, LFIC, mortise, rim and key-in-lever/knob.

Like KeyMark, KeyMark X4 utilizes the standard A2 pinning system. However, KeyMark X4 also incorporates a betted slider locking arrangement that allows for four times the number of change keys. This expands a seven-pin master key system (16,384 theoretical changes) up to 65,536 theoretical changes on a single keyway.

Unlike the KeyMark, the KeyMark X4 key blanks can be originated using standard code type key machines including the A1 Green Machine, HPC 1200 with the B clamp and CW-90MC cutter and the Best, Falcon & Arrow code card, ITL 9000 and Pro-Lok Blue Punch.

MORE INVOICE PROBLEMS

The 2010 Kia Rio has a sidewinder lock mechanism using the code series “K0001-K2500”. A locksmith called with 2010 Rio. The key code on the Kia Rio invoice was V2406. The “V0001-V1200” code series was last used on the 2009 Rio, which was equipped with an eight cut wafer lock.

Because the 2010 Rio uses a sidewinder lock mechanism, the “V” code series is not correct. Instead use the Kia “K0001-K2500” code series changing the “V” to a “K”. A key was originated to the K2406 code. It operated the vehicle.

NEW JET AUTOMOTIVE KEY BLANKS

Jet Hardware has introduced 11 automotive key blanks. Two of the key blanks are available with or without transponder chip. In addition, Jet has introduced four non-transponder key blanks. Two of these key blanks can be used as “test” keys for determining the bittings.

These new key blanks are:

Jet Hardware                   Bianchi                         Ilco                            JMA                   Transponder             Vehicles            Notes

HU69-PHT                          n/a                            n/a                TP25HU-HAA.P                Yes                         Audi

HU69-PHT-LC*                  n/a                            n/a                TP00HU-HAA.P           Chipless                    Audi           Less Chip

S30FD-PH                          FD3P                      S30FD-P                     FO-6.P                          No                   Ford/Jaguar        Tibbe

KK7-PHT                       BK14TK13                  KK7-PT                  TP19KI-7.P                      Yes                           Kia

KK8-NP                                n/a                            n/a                            n/a                             No                            Kia