Ziptide, July 2013

July 1, 2013

No Mystery Here: Cue Stick Lock

Editor’s Note: This letter is in response to the following item titled Mysterious Hardware from The Back Page of our June 2013 issue:

Mike Foty is a locksmith in Fairmont, Minn. A customer brought him a long board which has a row of "U"-shaped hardware. Each piece of hardware on the board contains a barrel key lock.  The lock is fastened to a hinge. When unlocked, the lock can be pivoted out of the way.

The brass or bronze hardware was covered with mold and the board was partially disintegrated. This seemed to indicate that this strange unit may have been submerged in water or perhaps was used on a boat at one time.  If a subscriber in our vast audience has information on what this hardware may have been used for, both Mike Foty and Locksmith Ledger would be very interested to learn more about this mystery hardware.

This is where you locked up your cue stick for billiards. Back in the day, they were one piece and hard to transport. They were made of brass and usually lined on the inside of the U-shaped neck to protect the cue. There should be a matching rail for the bottom of the cue to sit on.

I made keys for a set of them from an old pool hall and bowling alley that was in downtown Sandusky, Ohio.

Bruce Andres

Hobbs Lock and Key Inc.

Sandusky, OH

Questions? Try Our Online Forums

Got a challenging question about a recent installation? Our online discussion forums might just have the answer you need.

Post your questions at http://forums.locksmithledger.com/ and see if your colleagues or our editors have an answer.  Forum topics include Ask An Expert (moderated by editor in chief Gale Johnson), General Locksmithing, Electronic Access Control, Safe Servicing and Automotive Locksmithing.

Subscribe To ENewsletters

Want monthly updates delivered right into your Inbox? Subscribe to Locksmith Ledger’s four monthly enewsletters.

  • Our issue promo enewsletter gives readers an online preview of each new issue.
  • ProductWatch showcases the newest products being marketed to locksmiths.
  • EventWatch notifies are readers of upcoming trade shows and educational opportunities.
  • Notes from the Editor is a timely, interesting monthly report from Editor-In-Chief Gale Johnson.

Just visit www.locksmithledger.com and type in your email address, and soon these monthly updates will arrive in your Inbox.

Send Your Letters

The editors of Locksmith Ledger welcome reader input. Share your comments and suggestions on any of our articles or general industry trends and topics.

Our mailing address is Ziptide, Locksmith Ledger, 3030 Salt Creek Lane, Suite 200, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. Letters can also be faxed to 866-827-8020 or E-mailed to [email protected].