Locksmithing etc. November 2011

Removing Shear Head Bolts

Removing the ignition switch with mechanical lock from Honda, Toyotas, etc. requires removing the two shear head bolts. They are called shear head bolts because the shank portion of the bolt is narrowed just above the enlarged section that secures the horseshoe clamp onto the switch body. The shear head bolts have a standard octagonal bolt head that is used to thread and secure the lower portion of the bolt. Once sufficient torque is exerted against the bolt to tighten it in place, the bolt head shears off.

To remove the shear head bolts in order to remove the ignition switch with lock, the non-head portions have to be removed.

There are two common ways to remove them - using a pointed punch and heavy hammer to loosen them or grind a slot into the top and uses an impact wrench with a straight slot driver to unscrew them.

No matter which method you use, take care not to damage the dashboard or the instrument panel.

Note: Sometimes loosening the steering column mounting screws can provide a bit more room.

Price Increases

With the cost of raw materials continuing to go up, the price increases are continuing. Some companies are raising their prices across the board and others are targeting specific products. I have heard of a 5 percent and higher price increases.

It is a good idea to get a price for the remainder of a day before you give your customer a quote. Explain that prices are jumping and if you could get an answer the same day, you can guarantee the price.

Powerful Pliers

I do not know if this is true, but I was told that the person who demonstrated the Snap-on Talon Grip™ combination slip-joint pliers was able to lift a penny not by grabbing the edge, but by grabbing the stamping of Abraham Lincoln. According to the advertisement, the diamond tip serrations offer up to 58 percent more pulling power.

For more information contact, Snap-on at Web Site: www.snapon.com

New From DynaLock

DynaLock has introduced the 1400 Series Dual Voltage Cabinet Locks and the 7500 Series Standalone Digital Keypad. The stainless steel locking pin cabinet locks are rated for 440 lbs. holding force. The self-adjusting catch assembly locks can be installed into cabinet or drawer applications. These 12 or 24 VDC field-selectable, Fail-Safe or Fail-Secure cabinet locks require 200mA @12VDC or 100mA @ 24VDC.

The Dynalock 7500 Series proximity card reader/digital keypad is designed to operate as a single or two door access controller. This single or dual credential reader can accommodate up to five hundred users. Power requirements are 12-24VDC or 16-24VAC. The backlit metal keypad is weather and vandal resistant. The 7500 Series has two - 2 Amp rated SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) relay outputs, and a REX and Auxiliary inputs. A built-in heater automatically activates at 4° Fahrenheit to prevent freezing.

For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or Dynalock at Web Site: www.dynalock.com

Ilco RW4 Plus/EZ®-Clone Plus

Kaba Ilco has a software update for the RW4 Plus and Ilco EZ®-Clone Plus Cloning Devices. The free software update, version 02.00.056, enables these devices to clone Philips (ID46) transponders on many vehicles when only one LED illuminates on the Snoop during the cloning process. Previously, all Phillips transponder based engine immobilizer systems required two illuminated LED’s to successfully clone.

According to Ilco, “It is still recommended to turn the key in the ignition several times to attempt to receive 2 illuminated LED’s on the Snoop. At this point, if only one LED is illuminated, please proceed with the cloning process with the RW4 Plus or EZ Clone Plus.” A partial list of the vehicle requiring only one LED is available, see Technical Bulletin TB-02-11. See the web site: http://www.kaba-ilco.com/key_systems/literature/literature_grid_automotive.aspx?id=57

For the free software update, contact Kaba Ilco Customer Service at 800-334-3321(option 1) or e-mail: info@irm.kaba.com