Ilco American Eagle Key Blank
Ilco, a member of the Kaba Ilco Group, has introduced the American Eagle, oversized head key blank. The made in the U.S.A. eagle design is available with the SC1, KW1 and KW10 keyways.
For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or Kaba Ilco Corp., Web Site: www.ilco.us
ABUS Electronic Video Security
ABUS has introduced high definition video surveillance systems for residential applications including a door viewer and wireless camera systems with a 3.5" TFT monitor (TVAC1500B) or a 7" TFT monitor (TVAC1600B), each operating up to four 2.4GHz infrared cameras with 56-degree view angle and motion detection sensor. Each camera has an infrared range of 33 feet. The bullet style camera has an IP66 (Ingress Protection) rating. The housing keeps out dust and provides protection against water spray (moisture resistant). The operable wireless range between the camera and the monitor is about 300 feet outdoors and 120 feet indoors.
The TVAC1600B video surveillance system has mobile access using a monitoring app. The app allows monitoring the camera any time and from anywhere using a Smartphone.
For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or ABUS USA, 23910 N. 19th Avenue, #56, Phoenix, AZ 85085. Telephone: 623-516-9933. Web Site: www.abus.com.
Cap Popper
Cap Popper tools provide non-destructive entry methods of unlocking residential Kwikset deadbolt and Schlage F Series knob pin tumbler lock cylinders equipped with clip-on spring retainers. Cap Popper tools are designed to raise the clip-on spring retainer, releasing the pin tumblers and enabling the plug to be rotated. Once unlocked, the lock cylinder can be serviced, a key originated or rekeyed and re-assembled. A second Cap Popper tool is designed to release the locking mechanism on Schlage F Series lever locks. Cap Popper tools are designed to unlock these locks in a matter of seconds.
For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or Cap Popper, LLC , 602 Lynbrook St, NW, Palm Bay, FL 32907 .Telephone: 321-914-4697. Web Site: www.cappopper.com.
AccuReader GM Ignition Removal Tool
The AccuReader HU100-IRT GM Ignition Removal tool is designed to remove the General Motors two-track (HU100 keyway) ignition lock cylinder in the “OFF” position. The HU100-IRT tool is designed to remove the ignition with no disassembly, drilling or damage. According to AccuReader, the tool can even remove an inoperable ignition lock cylinder.
The HU100-IRT can remove the ignition lock cylinder from the:
- 2010-14 Buick Allure
- 2010-14 Buick Regal
- 2012-14 Buick Verano
- 2010-14 Chevrolet Camaro
- 2011-14 Chevrolet Cruze
- 2013-14 Chevrolet Orlando
- 2012-14 Chevrolet Sonic
- 2010-14 GMC Equniox
- 2010-14 GMC Terrain
As an added benefit, the HU110-IRT can also remove the ignition lock cylinder in the locked position from specific General Motors Z-keyway equipped vehicles including the:
- 2008-14 Buick Enclave
- 2008-14 Chevrolet Traverse
- 2008-14 GMC Acadia
- 2007-10 Saturn Outlook
For more information contact your local locksmith distributor or Accureader.net at Web Site: www.Accureader.net
Jet Hardware Mfg. Update
Jet Hardware Mfg. has introduced their 2014 Auto Guide and released the B112A-CP-PHT, the round-hole version of the General Motors Circle+ key blanks. The 89-page Auto Guide provides updated information on current makes and models including key blank number, remote shell guide, key blank cross reference and on-board programming procedures. The 2014 Auto Guide can be downloaded from the Jet Hardware Web Site: www.jetkeys.com/PDFs/2014_Auto_Guide.pdf
The B112A-CP-PHT key blanks are for the General Motors ignition system recall. They are in stock and ready to be shipped in limited quantities.
For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or Jet Hardware Mfg. web wite: www.jetkeys.com
General Motors Recall
As we know, General Motors has been conducting a massive recall for the ignition lock issue. In addition to the ignition switch, GM dealerships are replacing keys, two per vehicle, which is a mind boggling number of key blanks for key blank manufacturers to produce. The various ignition recalls will probably involve around 10 to 12 million vehicles. The keys in question are the Z-groove and the two track.
Vehicle models recalled that are equipped with the two-track lock mechanism include:
- 2014 Buick Encore
- 2014 Buick Regal GS and LS
- 2013-14 Buick Verano
- 2014 Cadillac XTS
- 2010-14 Chevrolet Camaro
This makes mis-cut keys a major problem especially for the two-track key blanks, since only dealerships are receiving them in extremely limited numbers. Proof of ownership is required to purchase the small key ring hole key blanks. In addition, I have heard locksmiths will probably become involved in the process. FYI the cost of two-track key blanks, sold in twos by the car dealers, is about $70.
A locksmith discovered that the factory original two-track Camaro key blanks, part number 2357735, have unique construction. If the key is mis-cut, the blade can be pulled out of the bow and a flip key blade without roll pin can be used as a replacement blade.
Here is how to remove the blade:
- Secure the key blade in a vise positioning the head in close proximity.
- Place a long screwdriver between the head and the edge of the vise. You may want to use a cloth to protect the head.
- Carefully apply pressure against the head of the key.
- The head pops off.
- Insert a new blade into the opening in the same direction as the blade removed.
- The new blade snaps into place.
I have to include a disclaimer, since a number of key blank manufacturers are producing the two-track key blanks, not all of them may be using the same design and components as the key disassembled for this column. No matter what, if the key is a mis-cut, it is already unusable. Trying to remove the blade, if nothing else, is good practice.
BEST Visual Indicator for Mortise Locks
Stanley Security Solutions has introduced BEST Visual Indicator Thumbturn (VIT) for their 40H Series Mortise Locks. This thumbturn is equipped with a window that indicates in green the exterior is in the unlocked condition or red if in the locked condition.
The VIT can be retrofit for both right and left hand doors equipped with the 40H series mortise locks.
For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or www.STANLEYSecurity.com.
car-opening Techniques: Chevrolet Express & GMC Savana
This month we will offer car-opening tool manufacturer's recommended techniques for opening the 1996-2014 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans. These full-sized vans are equipped with horizontal linkage rods inside the driver and front passenger doors.
Important: When attacking the inside door release handle or the lock/unlock buttons, cover the tool's tip with tape to protect the vehicle from the metal tool.
Use te following opening methods to unlock the 1996-2014 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana:
Use the High Tech Tools #91 Downward Hook Tool and a wedge to unlock the front passenger door locking mechanism. Lubricate the area. Carefully wedge out the front passenger door forward of the outside door handle. Carefully insert the #91 tool into the center of the door cavity with the tip facing forward. Lower the tool below the inner doorframe. Rotate the tool until the tip contacts the lower linkage rod. Capture the linkage rod and twist the tool to bind. In this condition, move the car-opening tool towards the front of the vehicle to unlock the locking mechanism.
Use the Pro-Lok AO-38 “Honda Tool” and a wedge to unlock the front passenger door locking mechanism. Lubricate the area. Begin by inserting the wedge 13 inches from the rear edge of the front passenger door window. Insert the inspection light 11 inches from the rear edge of the window glass and identify the guard plate. The lock-unlock linkage rod is not visible. Insert the small end of the A0-38 nine inches from the rear edge of the window glass with the tip facing forward. Lower the car-opening tool 14 inches into the door cavity. Rotate the tip of the AO-38 90 degrees counterclockwise. Raise the car-opening tool up under the lower horizontal linkage rod. Capture the linkage rod and bind. With the linkage rod bound, slide the car-opening tool forward to unlock the locking mechanism.
Use the Slide Lock Frameless Tool™ and an inflatable wedge to unlock the front passenger door locking mechanism. Lubricate the weather stripping. Begin by inserting the thin plastic wedge along the middle of the forward angle of the passenger window glass to help establish an opening for the inflatable wedge. Insert the inflatable wedge in the center of the forward angle of the front passenger door. Make sure that 50 percent of the inflatable wedge is within the opening before inflating. Inflate the air wedge slowly making sure there is enough room for the Frameless Window Tool.
Slide the Frameless Window Tool Blue Tip into the passenger compartment carefully to avoid the coupler damaging the car’s finish or damaging the weather stripping. Manipulate the tool over the inside door handle. Pull back on the tool to move the handle into the unlocked position. Open the passenger door by pulling on the outside door handle.
Use the Steck Manufacturing BigEasy “Glo” and a wedge to unlock the passenger door locking mechanism. Begin by inserting the plastic wedge or inflatable wedge into the top of the front passenger door. Carefully slide the BigEasy tool into the passenger compartment. Leverage the tool to position the ninety degree bend tip against the inside of the pull door release handle to unlock and open the door.
Use the Tech-Train Productions TT-1006 car-opening tool to unlock the rear cargo door locking mechanism. Begin by removing the two 7mm bolts that secure the license plate light. Lower the light to gain access to the linkage. Insert the short end of the TT-1006 into the opening and, if equipped, over the top of the plastic shield. Manipulate the tip of the tool slightly left of vertical into the cavity of the cargo door as far as possible. Rotate the tool until it contacts the linkage rod. Lower the tool until the tip contacts the bell crank. Push against the base of the bell crank towards the right and the door locking mechanism should unlock. If not, reposition the tool more towards the right of the opening in order to contact the linkage rod.
The direction to rotate the door lock plug to the unlocked position is counterclockwise.
For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or the following manufacturers.
High Tech Tools, 1628 NW 28th St., Miami, FL 33142. Telephone: 305-635-1011. Fax: 305-635-1015. Website: www.AccessToolsUSA.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
Steck Manufacturing Company, Inc., 1115 S. Broadway, Dayton, OH 45408. Telephone: 800-227-8325. Web Site: www.steckmfg.com
Lockmasters Inc. (Tech Train),2101 John C. Watts Drive, Nicholasville, KY 40356. Telephone: 800-654-0637. Fax: 859-885-7093. Website: www.lockmasters.com
We are interested in printing opening methods from other car-opening tool manufacturers. To have your instructions published, contact Jerry Levine, telephone 818-700-0640, email [email protected].
