Twenty Years Ago
A listing of part numbers, voltage and pricing for every known key machine was printed in the August 1993 Ledger. Locksmith John Rench described how a devastating truck fire caused by an electrical short prompted him to invent a new type of electrical fuse. Jerry Levine developed a system for progressing keys for Chrysler locks. Richard Dickey warned against static shock when working with micro chips. Various Borkey key machines were shown. Bill Bower pointed out ways to compete for business with the mass merchandisers. Excerpts from a Jerry Levine book show how to work on MATS-equipped cars. Shane Crosby explained a method by Lockmasters of moving safes by using a cushion of air. Milt Wolferseder had good things to say about Meilink insulated file cabinets. Care and adjustment of Curtis No. 15 clippers was discussed. Rytan showed the features of their RY256 key duplicator. It also duplicates Medeco keys. GPLA staged their 1993 convention and banquet April 21-23. Breck Camp was presented with the Philadelphia award that year. The full line of Federal padlocks was introduced. Where are they now? Jerry Levine listed 1993 vehicles which used airbags. Every car has them today.
Ten Years Ago
Tom Gillespie listed the 12 locksmith tools you probably use every day. Rod Oden outlined the best tools for interchangeable core cylinder servicing. Tim O'Leary reported on choices in electromagnetic locks. Tim O'Leary also described the tools necessary for installing mag locks. Jerry Levine participated in the installation of a delayed exit mag lock system by Securitron. Gale Johnson demonstrated the procedures involved in replacing Rixson floor closers. Jerry Levine developed a chart showing vehicles which used transponder keys. Frank Markisello introduced his new Ford ignition lock removal tool. The Locksmith LedgerNational Average Price List showed an hourly rate of $50. Jerry Levine listed which domestic vehicles are equipped with either Saginaw round or CSS steering columns. Tiny featured a 2002 Hyundai Accent in his monthly lock servicing column. Steve Kaufman interviewed Bill Young, 2004 ALOA president-in-waiting.
Name That Car
A Canadian locksmith called with an unusual request. He needed an ignition lock for a 1931 Buick. While he was trying to impression the lock, the cylinder plug had actually broken into pieces. This is a normal occurance. As diecast parts age, they tend to expand and the parts become crystallized and fragile. When fitting keys to any antique auto lock which is made of diecast, first insert a small screwdriver into the keyway and gently rotate the screwdriver left and right. If there is no looseness in the plug it does not pay to go any further or you will usually end up with a pile of dust in your hand.
One of the Locksmith Ledger editors reached into his box of antique car locks to try locating a replacement ignition lock. Unfortunately, we did not have a replacement but we did find some other old beauties. If you didn't already guess what they were for, left to right, the locks are for Ford, Nash, another Ford model and a Model A. If you have an ignition lock for a '31 Buick, our locksmith friend is still looking for one.
