TWENTY YEARS AGO
Locksmith Ledger reported on the State of the Industry. Like a Monday morning quarterback, it is interesting to look back and read the problems and perspectives reported at that time. Aaron Fish suggested that the future course for locksmiths will be in electronics and high-end hardware sales. Rex Parmelee emphasized the need for education as our industry undergoes changes. Sean DeForrest, American Lock & Supply, observed that most locksmith revenue will be coming from service sales and not product sales -- perhaps a prediction of his own company demise. John Schum discussed the Locknetics 140 console. Jerry Levine reported on the problematic compared ‘N' & 'J' series GM ignition locks. Ed Hite offered suggestion on when to use a mag lock and when to use an electric strike. Kwikset explained their plans to market mid-priced lock hardware for the home remodeling market. Jerome Andrews provided ways to plan a Peaks IC core master key system. Lock Tight reported on their add-on automotive central locking system. Where are they now? Henry Printz, 1993 ALOA president, explained the value in joining ALOA. Len Guyt, Rofu International, offered suggestions on using electric releases for security systems. Doug Selby showed how to use under-the-window car opening tools. Milt Wolferseder opened a Knight TL-30 safe cabinet. Ashley Rolf outlined the Newman Tonks product lines. The venerable Abus Diskus padlock line was shown. Steve Goldstein used a Pro-Lok jig to install a lever lock.
TEN YEARS AGO
Jerry Levine practiced sidewinder key cutting with an Ilco Triax-E code machine. Jerry Levine also used a Jet duplicator and programming equipment to clone keys for a Honda CR-V. Gale Johnson reported on the Framon KX-1 code machine. A list of the 100 top selling key blanks was printed. A article on new key blanks focused on profitable decorative key introductions. An application list for the A-1 Pak-A-Punch showed the dozens of car models and code series supported by this machine. Tim Oleary described questions to consider before choosing an electric strike for your next access control job. Locknetics offered solutions for securing drawers and cabinets. Jerry Levine listed the various original lock manufacturers’ locks which could be operated by the convertible HES 1006 electric strike unit. Jerry Levine also offered basic instructions for installing electric strikes in aluminum door frames. Falcon Lock wrote an article on solving unit lock replacement problems with their Falcon RU series lever-style unit locks. Tiny fit keys to a Mauck MSV Special vehicle. Tiny also showed how to disassemble and service a Schlage A series knob lock. Our Locksmithing Etc. column had important lock and key information for Polaris ATV vehicles. Tim O’Leary explained how to use a digital voltmeter (DVM).
Chinese Puzzle
Furniture from China is often locked with handmade padlocks. Locking fingers spring out when the shackle is inserted. The key shape is designed to move the fingers inward so the shackle can be retracted. Each padlock uses a simple design and it is just a question of time to make an operating key.
A local locksmith challenged us to fit a key to this padlock and we put our milling machine and rotary table to the test. The padlock keyhole is "H" shaped. After brass stock was machined to fit into the keyway, the sides of the key moved the locking fingers in and the job was done.
