Locksmithing Etc. February 2010

Feb. 1, 2010
News You Can Use

FIRE RATED DOOR VS FIRE DOOR

A fire rated door is a door that has a fire label. A fire door is a door that not only has a fire label (a label on the jamb that matches), but also has been installed in an area that code requires a fire rated door. For example a door leading into a fire corridor requires a fire rated door.

Not every door in a building that has a fire label is a fire door. A number of door manufacturers build most of their doors to the fire rated standards and have a fire label to limit the number of products to stock. I have purchased doors for non fire rated applications that came with a fire label.

FORD AND MAZDA

Ford and Mazda are parting ways. For the 2010 model year, Mazda will not be selling the re-badged Ford “B” Series pickup. However, Mazda is selling the 2010 Tribute, a re-badged Ford Escape.

TRICK OF THE TRADE

Always carry a clean shop rag. I have found when I come across a lock that is in pieces, I can wrap the lock pieces in shop rag and safely carry them to be serviced. In my experience, plastic and paper bags can tear.

MINIATURE TRUCKS

Miniature or mini trucks are being imported from Asia, mainly Japan, for off-highway transportation applications. Suzuki, Subaru, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Daihatsu, Honda, etc., manufacture these mini trucks. These trucks and vans are identifiable as they have smaller wheels and tires. This limits their use on roads and highways. A few examples are the Suzuki Carry, Suzuki Super Stalker, Daihatsu Summit, Daihatsu HiJet, Mazda Scrum, Subaru Sambar, Mitsubishi Mini Cab Mighty and the Honda ACTY.

We have discovered the Suzuki models built from 1993-on use locks having the 18,100-19,617 code series. An operable key blank is the Ilco X186, Jet SUZ17-NP, JMA SUZU-8, Barnes SU-17.

If you get any mini truck key or code information, please share it with us. Thanks.

SCHLAGE ND-SERIES LEVER OPTIONS

Schlage has introduced ND-Series Cylindrical Leverset lever options for competitor removable cores and lock cylinders. The ND Leversets levers are available for Corbin Russwin 8000 Series (six pin), Sargent 6300 Series and the Yale 1200 Series removable cores. For conventional key-in-knob and key-in-lever lock cylinders, Schlage has a ND lever option for Sargent Lock.

The competitor cores and cylinder require different levers, spring cages and tailpieces. The levers that accommodate the competitor cores or cylinder have the appropriate core cavity dimensions. The spring cage is designed to accommodate the core/cylinder. The tailpiece accommodates the core/cylinder to ensure smooth operation of the lock.

Lever designs that are available with these competitor cores and cylinder are the Athens, Rhodes, Sparta and Tubular. The standard finish is 626. For other finishes, contact the factory.

For more information, contact your local locksmith wholesaler or Schlage Lock at Web Site: www.schlage.com.

NISSAN SUPERCODE DONGLE

Advanced Diagnostics has introduced their Nissan SuperCode Dongle for converting Nissan BCM codes using the TCode Pro or the MVP Pro machines. This dongle eliminates the need for the software or a personal computer to convert the security code. Instead, the Pro level machines can convert the BCM codes for Nissan models through 2008 model year.

According to Advanced Diagnostics, the BCM Codes from 2009 and beyond may require dealer only conversion.

For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or Advanced Diagnostics USA, 1435 Huntington Ave. Suite C, South San Francisco, CA 94080. Telephone: 650-876-2020. Web Site: www.adausa.us.com.

ILCO REPLACEMENT SHELLS

Ilco has introduced replacement shells for Chrysler, Lexus and Toyota vehicles equipped with integrated remote head keys. Replacement shells are only the plastic housing with the uncut blade. Shells do not contain the electronics.

Ilco has introduced seven shells. The three Lexus and Toyota shells differ by the blade. They are the TOY-40 3-Button Shell, the TOY-43 3-Button Shell and the TOY-48 3-Button Shell. The TOY40 has the long internal sidewinder blade. The TOY-48 has the short internal sidewinder blade. The TOY43 has the convention double-sided blade.

There are four Chrysler shells. Unlike the Toyota and Lexus shells, the Chrysler shells have only one blade for the M0001-2618 code series. They are the Chrysler 3-Button Type 1 Shell, the Chrysler 3-Button Type 2 Shell, the Chrysler 4-Button Shell and the Chrysler 6-Button Shell.

The differences between the shells are the number and shapes of the buttons. There are two three-button, one four-button and one six-button shells. The three-button shells have different shaped buttons. Before replacing a customer’s remote head key shell, make sure the replacement is correct.

To setup the new shell, whenever possible, try the new shell key in the customer’s vehicle to ensure compatibility. Originate or duplicate the cuts into the new shell blade. Open the shell of the customer’s key. The shell’s halves either screw together or snap together. Once the halves are separated, remove the electronics package and any other parts. Install everything into the new shell. Make sure the buttons operate properly in the new shell.

NOTE: You may want to sell the customer new batteries to ensure proper operation.

MASTER KEYING A VESTIBULE LOCK

Setting up a master key system that includes a vestibule lock requires additional thought and implementation. A vestibule lock is a common entry lock for residences or offices. The common entry lock must be uniquely keyed to accommodate each key bitting that operates the individual offices or residences.

Because the vestibule lock can be combinated with pin chambers having multiple master pins, it is important that the master key system have the first and last pin chambers as constants. The first pin chamber and the last pin chamber should be combinated with only a bottom pin and a top pin. This bitting configuration forces the tenants/owners to insert their key completely into the keyway in order to operate the vestibule lock. This limits the possibility of key picking and having unwanted keys operate vestibule lock.

HPC AUTOMOTIVE SUPER JAW KIT

HPC’s new Automotive Super Jaw Kit, part number ASJ-1200, is designed to secure double-sided key blanks without using shims, matches or wires. The Super Jaw Kit has a double-sided, reversible vise jaw that fits the HPC 1200 Blitz™ code machine. The kit includes the Super Jaw and 20 new double-sided key code cards.

For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or HPC Inc., 3999 N. 25th, Schiller Park, IL 60176. Telephone: 847-671-6280. Fax: 847-671-6343. Web Site: www.hpcworld.com..

CAR-OPENING TECHNIQUES: 2006-09 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE

This month we will offer recommended car-opening techniques for the 2006-09 Mitsubishi Eclipse. This vehicle is equipped with bicycle style cable linkage and lock-unlock rocker switch.

Care must be taken when inserting, manipulating and removing car-opening tools. Improper procedures may damage or even break the window glass.

The following opening methods can be used to unlock the 2006-09 Mitsubishi Eclipse.

Use the High Tech Tools Flexible Long Reach Tool #78SG and a glass wedge to unlock the passenger door locking mechanism. Insert the #78SG tool into the passenger compartment with the tip pointing downward. Insert the glass wedge between the tool and the glass and use the groove to guide the tool. Slide the tool until the tip is positioned in front of the lock button. Pull back on the tool to rock the button to the unlocked position. Open the door using the outside handle.

Use the HPC CO-80 car-opening tool, an inflatable wedge and a sleeve to unlock the passenger door locking mechanism. Begin by inserting the inflatable wedge at the rear corner of the passenger door and inflate according to manufacturer’s specification. Insert the sleeve into the vertical edge of the window glass beneath the wedge. Slide the CO-80 tool into the passenger compartment. Position the tip of the tool on the mechanical or electric lock switch and pull to unlock the door locking mechanism. Open the door using the outside handle.

Use the Pro-Lok AO-42 Long Reach Tool, sleeve and an inflatable wedge to unlock the passenger door locking mechanism. Begin by inserting the inflatable wedge three inches from the top edge of the passenger door window. Inflate the wedge according to manufacturer’s instructions. Insert the sleeve at the top vertical edge of the window. Insert the “L” end of the AO-42 tool through the sleeve into the passenger compartment with the tip facing down. Manipulate the tool until the tip contacts the manual lock-unlock button. Seat the tool behind the button and pull rearward to unlock the door locking mechanism. Open the door using the outside handle.

Use the Slide Lock Frameless Window Tool™ and a wedge to unlock the passenger door locking mechanism. Begin by inserting the wedge along the upper portion of the rear vertical edge of the door frame to relieve gasket pressure. Slide the Frameless Window Tool into the passenger compartment above the wedge. Slide the tool in carefully to avoid the coupler damaging the car’s finish. Manipulate the tool over the inside door handle. Pull back on the handle and quickly open the door.

Use Steck Manufacturing’s BigEasy “Glo” and a wedge to unlock the passenger door locking mechanism. Begin by inserting the plastic wedge or inflatable wedge into the top of the door. Insert the BigEasy tool into the passenger compartment. Manipulate the tool to position the 90-degree bend tip against the lock-unlock rocker. Manipulate the rocker to the unlock position. Pull back on the handle and open the door.

Use the Tech-Train Productions TT-1025 car-opening tool and two wedges to unlock the passenger door locking mechanism. Begin by inserting the two wedges about eight inches apart above the passenger door inside handle. Insert the TT-1025 into the opening between the two wedges. Carefully lower the tool until the upper bend is beneath the bottom of the window glass. Manipulate the tool so the upper bend slides along the interior side of the window glass. As soon as the upper bend is visible, remove the two wedges. Slowly and carefully raise the tool until the tip is in the passenger compartment. Position the tip of the tool over the lock control rocker and flip the rocker to the unlocked position in order to unlock the door lock mechanism. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for removal of the tool.

The direction to rotate the 2006-09 Mitsubishi Eclipse driver’s door lock plug to the unlocked position is clockwise. There is no passenger door lock.

For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or the following car-opening tool manufacturers:

High Tech Tools, 628 NW 28th St., Miami, FL 33142. Telephone: 800-323-8324. Fax: 305-635-1015. Web Site: www.hightechtools.com..

HPC Inc., 3999 N. 25th, Schiller Park, IL 60176. Telephone: 847-671-6280. Fax: 847-671-6343. Web Site: www.hpcworld.com.

Pro-Lok, 655 North Hariton St., Orange, CA 92868. Telephone: 714-633-0681. Fax: 714-633-0470. Web Site: www.pro-lok.com.

Slide Lock Tool Co. Inc., 1166 Topside Rd., Louisville, TN 37777. Telephone: 800-336-8812. Web Site: www.z-tool.com.

Steck Manufacturing Company, 1115 S. Broadway, Dayton, OH 45408. Telephone: 800-227-8325. Web Site: www.steckmfg.com.

Lockmasters Inc., 2101 John C. Watts Drive, Nicholasville, KY 40356. Telephone: 800-654-0637. Fax: 859-885-7093. Web Site: www.lockmasters.com..

We are interested in printing opening methods from other car-opening tool manufacturers. To have your instructions published, enclose a contact name and telephone number. Write or fax to Jerry Levine C/O Locksmith Ledger 3030 Salt Creek Lane, Suite 200, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. Fax: 847-454-2759.