Locksmithing Etc. April 2007

April 1, 2007

CHRYSLER UPDATE

The 2006-on Dodge Charger is factory equipped with an ignition lock not available through the aftermarket. The Original Equipment ignition lock on the 2006-on Dodge Charger is wafer only, being equipped with double throw wafer tumblers. The aftermarket ignition lock for the 2006-on Dodge Charger has a side bar and uses different, not interchangeable double throw wafer tumblers with side bar notches. The double throw wafer tumblers used on these Original Equipment ignition locks are not available through the aftermarket.

When servicing a 2006-on Dodger Charger, you will either have to rearrange the wafer positions, purchase additional wafer tumblers from a Dodge dealership, or replace the ignition lock using an aftermarket unit available from STRATTEC and use the double throw wafer tumblers with side bar notches. The STRATTEC ignition lock part number is 703719, and the wafer tumblers are 322691 (#1), 322692 (#2), 322693 (#3), and 322694 (#4). The proper spring is part number 56115.

WEISER UPDATE

Weiser Lock is in the process of introducing their “Smartkey” deadbolt lock. According Weiser, this ANSI Grade 1 deadbolt can be recombinated using a wedge-shaped adapter after rotating the key 90 degrees. The operating key is removed, and a new bitting key is inserted. This key is then rotated and the combination has been changed to accommodate this new key.

For more information, go to web site www.weiserlock.ca, then click on the Weiser Lock Canada English, and then click on the “Smartkey” logo.

TRICK OF THE TRADE

Many of the late model General Motors vehicles, especially Pontiacs , no longer have the indicator light for programming a new transponder key. To resolve this issue, try using an egg timer or a stopwatch. One suggestion is to set the time for approximately 12 minutes. After the timer runs out, turn the ignition key to the locked position and turn back to the on position. Be sure to reset the timer.

NEW TOOL

Major Manufacturing has introduced the SARGENT Removable Core Cylinder Capping Tool, part number CCT-200. This tool is designed to install the brass cover strip onto SARGENT removable cores.

An added benefit is the CCT-200 is designed to keep a loaded core together in order to test the control, master and change keys, eliminating testing after the cover strip has been installed. If the keys properly operate, use a mallet to secure the cover strip to the core.

For more information, contact your local wholesaler or Major Manufacturing, 1825 Via Burton, Anaheim , CA 92806 . Telephone: 714-772-5202. Fax: 714-772-2302. Web Site: www.majormfg.com.

ACQUISITIONS

Pemko, a manufacturer of door hardware, has been purchased by Assa Abloy Group Co.

TRAILER KEYS

Fastec Industrial Corporation produces door locks for travel trailers. The code stamped into the lock face is 9901, which is probably stamped into all of the locks. Note: This number can be misread upside down as 1066. The code number 9901 is for the master key. A master key can be ordered from Fastec; however, it is not recommended as this key will probably operate all of the locks.

It is better to remove the backplate and look for a paper tag with a CF, EF or HF key code printed on it. Cut a key to this code number using Ilco 1617/EZ FIC1 key blank. You will find the letters FIC stamped into the original plastic bow keys. (The FIC acronym is for Fastec Industrial Corporation.) The code series numbers are 301-351.

If there is no paper code number, pick the lock to the unlocked position and depress the retainer at the rear of the plug and pull out to decode. These lock have five wafer tumblers and only three depths for the change keys.

Keys can be ordered from Fastec Industrial Corporation. Telephone: 800-837-2505. Web Site: www.FastecIndustrial.com.

Fastec also produces locks and keys for the Wells Cargo trailers. The Wells Cargo precut key number is 85003. At this point in time, we do not know of a replacement key blank for Wells Cargo.

TUFLOC® LOCKS

Want a lock to secure the doors of your service vehicle? Take a look at TUFLOC Locks. These surface mount, hinge appearing locks are manufactured of investment case 304 stainless steel and equipped with a Medeco® high security five-pin tumbler lock cylinder. A turn of the key releases the central bolt and unlocks the TUFLOC. A spin free carbide rod in the bolt resists sawing.

To lock and unlock a TUFLOC requires using the key. TUFLOC locks are available key retained or non-key retained. Lock cylinders can be removed and replaced.

TUFLOC supplies six grade five carriage bolts for installation. The lock bolt holes are recessed to resist tampering.

For more information or to purchase, contact TUFLOC Locks, 1406 Fifth Street, SW , Canton , Ohio 44702 . Telephone: 800-321-0870 or 330-452-9132. Fax: 330-452-2557. Web Site: www.esmet.com

AUTH-FLORENCE UPDATE

Auth-Florence has made a running change from mail box locks produced by the Wind Lock using the AF code series to a Hudson mail box locks using the H4001-H5000 code series.

ON-STAR FACTOID

According to On-Star, the service unlocks approximately 46,000 vehicles per month.

SLIDE LOCK UPDATE

Slide Lock Tool Co., Inc. has introduced the 2007 Grand Master Z-Tool System manual and “The Big Reach” 60-inch, one-piece car-opening tool.

For more information, contact Slide Lock Tool Co. Inc., 1166 Topside Rd. , Louisville , TN 37777 . Telephone: 800-336-8812. Website: www.z-tool.com.

REPLACEMENT SAFE DEPOSIT LOCKS

MBA USA, Inc. offers a number of replacement mechanical safe deposit box locks including locks for S&G 4440, Kaba-Mas A400, Diebold 175-05, Mosler 5700, Kaba Ilco 5400 and S&G 4500. Where handed, the replacement locks are available as either left or right.

For more information, contact MBA USA, Inc., 200 Orchard Drive , Nicholasville , KY 40356 . Telephone: 888-622-5495 or 859-887-0496. Fax: 859-887-9491. Web Site: www.mbaUSA.com.

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CAR-OPENING TECHNIQUES:

Chevrolet Colorado , GMC Canyon , Isuzu i280/i350, and Hummer H3

This month we will offer recommended car-opening techniques for the 2004-on Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, 2006-on Isuzu i280/i350, and 2006-on Hummer H3. These vehicles are equipped with bicycle-style cables in place of linkage rods.

Note: The inside door handles are designed not to unlock and open the door without first unlocking the locking mechanism. The inside lock control rocker is slick and putting a bit of duct tape on the tip of the under the window tool will avoid potential scratch marks.

IMPORTANT: These vehicles have multi-layer weather stripping and a tight fitting window that can cause problems when inserting wedges or tools into the door cavity. Be careful to avoid damaging the weather stripping.

The following opening methods can also be used to unlock the 2004-on Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, 2006-on Isuzu i280/i350, and 2006-on Hummer H3:

Use the High Tech Tools “Inside Access” Tool #35 and a wedge to unlock the front passenger door locking mechanism. Begin by separating the glass from the weather stripping using a wedge just to the rear of the inside door handle. Insert the #35 tool just forward of the wedge. Make sure the tip of the tool is pointing forward. Reposition the wedge to the front edge of the window. Slide the tool into the door until the “V” shaped portion of the tool is beneath the bottom of the window glass. Rotate the tool counterclockwise in order for the tool to be on the interior side of the glass. Raise the tool until the tip is visible in the passenger compartment. Tilt the tool so the tip is positioned in front of the door lock button. Pull on the door lock button towards the rear of the vehicle in order to unlock the locking mechanism.

Use the HPC CO-60 opening tool and two wedges to unlock the front passenger door locking mechanism. Begin by inserting the wedges eight to ten inches apart in the forward corner of the front passenger door. Insert the CO-60 tool into the door cavity until the loop is beneath the bottom of the window. Rotate the tool so the loop is on the interior side of the window. Remove the wedges. Carefully raise the car-opening tool into the passenger compartment. Manipulate the tool so the tip is positioned against the inside lock control button. Flip the button towards the rear to unlock the door locking mechanism. Note: Carefully follow the car-opening tool instruction for proper removal of the tool.

Use the Pro-Lok AO-34 MCOT-Narrow Tool and an inflatable wedge to unlock the front passenger door locking mechanism. Begin by inserting the inflatable wedge 12 inches from the front edge of the front passenger door window. Inflate the wedge. Insert the AO-34 tool into the door at eight inches from the front edge of the window glass with the tip facing forward. Lower the tool into the door cavity until the curve is beneath the window glass. Rotate the tool. Deflate the wedge. Carefully raise the car-opening tool into the passenger compartment. Rotate the tool ninety-five degrees counterclockwise and position the tip of the tool in front of the manual lock-unlock button. Rotate the button rearward to unlock the door locking mechanism.

Use the Slide Lock Frameless Tool and an inflatable wedge to unlock the front passenger door locking mechanism. Position the inflatable wedge at the top rear corner of the window glass. Inflate this wedge. Insert the Frameless Tool into the passenger compartment until the tip is positioned against the lock-unlock rocker. Use the tip of the tool to pull on the rocker in order to unlock the door locking mechanism. Open the door using the outside door handle.

Use the Tech-Train Productions TT-1032 car-opening tool and two wedges. To open the front passenger door, insert the first wedge forward of the inside handle. Insert the second wedge rearward of the inside handle. Carefully insert the TT-1032 tool into the door between the two wedges with the tip facing towards the rear of the vehicle. Lower the tool until the upper bend of the tool is beneath the bottom of the window glass. Rotate the tool slightly clockwise and raise the tool along the inside of the glass. When the tool's upper bend is just visible above the weather stripping, stop and remove the two wedges. Failure to remove the wedges can result in breaking the glass.

Continue to raise the tool until the tip is inside the passenger compartment. Maneuver the tool until the tip contacts the forward side of the inside lock control rocker. Manipulate the tool towards the rear of the vehicle to unlock the door locking mechanism.

The direction to rotate the front driver's door lock plug to the unlocked position is counterclockwise. There is no door lock in the front passenger door.

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

High Tech Tools, 1628 NW 28th St. , Miami , FL 33142 . Telephone: 800-323-8324. Fax: 305-635-1015. Website: www.hightechtools.com.

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

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

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

Lockmasters Inc., 5085 Danville Road , Nicholasville , KY 40356 . Telephone: 800-654-0637. Website: www.techtrainproductions.com. Fax: 859-885-7093.

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