Locksmithing etc. Nov. 2014

Nov. 3, 2014

Tubular Key Decoding

I received the following information from a locksmith on how he was taught to measure the depths of a tubular key. His suggestion is to measure the material remaining on the key stock instead of measuring the depth of the cut. Most tubular keys key stock (barrel) is mounted onto a head having the upper edge exposed. This allows the distance to be determined from the upper edge to the bottom of each cut.

This is much easier to measure than to try to measure the length of the cut itself by eyeing the starting point.

By taking a measurement of the uncut key barrel and subtracting it from the cut measurement, you will have the depth of the cut.

Command Access Technology "Push to Set "

Command Access "Push to Set" electronic travel adjustment for latch bolt pull back-equipped exit devices simplifies having the latch bolt retract fully when the push pad has been fully depressed or partially.

Once the motorized latch-pullback kit has been installed and tested, press the device push pad to the desired setting. While maintaining the position of the push pad, present the credential to the reader to apply power. Keep the push pad in the same position until the device beeps six times. Then release the push pad. The exit device is in adjustment. Test the operation to be certain. If not satisfied, repeat the procedure.

The "Push to Set " feature is available on all Command Access Technology's motorized latch-pullback kits.

For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or Command Access Technology at Telephone 888-622-2377. Web  Site: www.CommandAccess.com.

Indian Keyless Motorcycle

The Indian Motorcycles Chief Classic, Chief Vintage, Chieftain and Roadmaster built after 2011 are reported to be keyless, having no key-operated locks on these motorcycles. They are operated with a fob.

QID Intruder Locks

Securitech has introduced the QID Intruder Lock and the QID Mechanical Intruder Lock. Both of these mortise locksets provide deadbolt lockdown. The QID Intruder Lock, Securitech's double-cylinder electromechanical mortise lockset, provides one-inch throw stainless steel, deadbolt protection. It can be locked using either lock cylinder or a remote teacher/security pendant, incorporating a wireless receiver, eliminates the need to approach the door. An LED system is on the interior escutcheon plate adjacent the mortise cylinder.

The QID Intruder Lock can be incorporated into existing access control systems. It can be operated as a single electromechanical lock, or in conjunction with remote status and control console as part of system wide door lock down controlling up to 24 QID-equipped doors. Pendant can be programmed to operate a single door or multiple doors.

In addition to the inside lock cylinder, the QID Mechanical Intruder Lock has a button beneath the inside lever that when pushed extends the one-inch throw deadbolt, locking the lockset. To provide visual notification, a lockdown indicator beneath the inside mortise cylinder illuminates when the deadbolt is thrown.

Both mortise locksets are based on the same mortise body and escutcheons. The exterior lever disengages when excess force is applied. Both models are designed to provide free egress at all times.

For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or Securitech, 54-60 46th St., Maspeth, NY 11378 .Telephone: 800-622-5625. Web Site: www.securitech.com.

884 Decryptor Ultegra Update Tool

Keyline is offering a new update tool for the 884 Decryptor Ultegra cloning device. Go to the Keyline USA Web Site, www.keyline-usa.com, and download the latest software update for the 884 Decryptor Ultegra (Windows-based PC needed).

Ludlow Series Digital Locks

S. Parker Hardware has introduced Ludlow Series standalone touchscreen digital access clutch lever locks that are ANSI/BHMA A156.2 Series 4000 Grade 1. They are UL/CUL, and ADA compliant for barrier-free accessibility.

Access can be gained using the digital keypad or the “Smart Card” proximity card, which employs RF technology. The Ludlow Digital Lock can accommodate one code for the Master, three for the Managers, a one-time user code and up to 1,000 Users. All programming is accomplished at the lock.

The pressure cast Ludlow Series lock body has weather and high impact resistant screens. They display the standard 12-character telephone keypad. The non-handed levers are field reversible. Four AA batteries power the lock for up to 50,000 cycles. There is a low battery alert and an emergency 9VDC batter contact. The key override lock cylinder accommodates an SC1 keyway.

Ludlow Series Digital Locks  are available in a US3, US26D or a US10B finish. Locks can be ordered to accommodate interchangeable cores.

For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or S. Parker Hardware at Telephone 1-800-772-7537 Web Site: www.sparker.com.

ABUS Camera Systems

ABUS will be introducing the 19000 Pan & Tilt Dome Indoor Camera System, the 19100 Indoor/Outdoor Fixed Camera System and the 18000 Digital Camera System. The smart phone/tablet application-driven 19000 System includes a wireless ball turret 720p indoor camera with pan, tilt and zoom. The system supports up to eight cameras with email or push notification via app when motion is detected. The 19100 System is similar to the 19000 System with a wireless bullet-style indoor outdoor fixed lens camera.

The ABUS 18000 Digital Camera System includes two indoor outdoor wireless bullet style cameras with VGA resolution and infrared capability and a controller for the with HDMI connectivity. The smart phone/tablet application driver supports up to four cameras.

For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or ABUS USA LLC at Telephone 623-516-9933. Web Site: www.abus.com/us.

Door Security

Does the deadlatch of the cylindrical lock slide into the strike plate opening when the door is closed? If yes, the latch can be manipulated with the door shut and the lock in the locked condition.

When a cylindrical lock deadlatch extends into the strike plate cutout, the locking mechanism that prevents the latch from being pulled out of the strike plate is no longer active. The latch becomes rigid only when the deadlatch does not fully extend. Check the condition of the strike plate and replace if filed or worn.

Adjusting the strike plate not only removes the extra movement of the door, but also prevents bouncing the door that can result in unauthorized access. No matter which way the door swings, the strike plate must be moved towards the jamb stop. As an alternative, adjustable strike plates are available.

Ilco Neuter Bow Key Program

Kaba Ilco Corp. has introduced their Custom Neuter Bow Key Program. Neuter bow key blanks provide you, the locksmith, with a way to make it more difficult for a "key cutter" to duplicate unrecognizable headed keys. The second advantage is to have your business name and information professionally embossed or incised with the option of a plain, pebble, Florentine or cross hatch background. 

Ilco offers more than 500 commercial and residential keyways with a neuter bow. Most are available in bright brass, nickel plate or nickel silver.

For information on specific keyways available, quantities and fees, contact your local locksmith distributor or Kaba Ilco Corp. Telephone 252-446 3321 Web Site: www.ilco.us.

Car-Opening Techniques: 2005-2014 Cadillac CTS

This month we will offer car opening tool manufacturer's recommended techniques for opening the 2005-2014 Cadillac CTS. This four-door sedan is equipped with front door electric lock-unlock controls and rear door vertical linkage rods.

Warning: The 2005-2014 CTS is equipped with an electronic door lock system. Probing within the door cavity will not unlock the locking mechanism. If the vehicle has a dead battery, manipulating or operating the door lock will not unlock the vehicle.

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.

The following opening methods can be used to unlock the 2005-2014 Cadillac CTS:

Use the Access Tools #67 Tool and a wedge to unlock the front passenger door locking mechanism. Carefully wedge out the front passenger towards the rear. Insert the #67 car-opening tool with the tip facing the rear of the vehicle. Lower the tool into the door cavity. Rotate the tool until the tip slides underneath the shield for the latch mechanism. Carefully raise the tool to flip up the latch in order to unlock the locking mechanism.

Use the Pro-Lok AO-07 “Astro Tool” and an inflatable wedge to unlock the rear passenger door locking mechanism. Begin by inserting the inflatable wedge 3 inches from the forward edge of the split rear door window. Inflate the wedge according to manufacturer’s instructions.  Insert the small hook end of the AO-07 1 inch from the front edge of the split rear door window with the tip facing rearward.

Lower the AO-07 tool into the door 10 inches into the door cavity. Tilt the tool's handle 45 degrees towards the front of the vehicle. The tip of the tool should contact the vertical rod. Position the tool under the vertical rod and twist counterclockwise to capture and bind the linkage rod. Once bound, lift the tool to unlock the door locking mechanism.

Use the Slide Lock AutoBuster III to unlock the front passenger door locking mechanism. Insert the first of two wedges near the side view mirror. Lubricate the weather stripping. Insert the AutoBuster III down into the door cavity. Continue to lower the car-opening tool until the loop is beneath the bottom of the window glass. Remove both wedges. Make a slight clockwise twist and lift the AutoBuster III through the weather stripping and into the passenger compartment. Maneuver the tip of the tool into position above the power lock button. Manipulate the button to the unlocked position.

Use the Steck Manufacturing BigEasy “Glo” with the BigEasy Loop and a wedge to unlock the front passenger door locking mechanism. Begin by inserting a wedge or inflatable wedge into the top corner of the door. Once the door has been wedged out, insert the BigEasy tool with the Loop attachment into the passenger compartment. Manipulate the tool to position the loop over the vertical locking button. Bind the locking button. Carefully lift the car opening tool to unlock the locking mechanism. Pull on the outside door handle and open the door.

Use the Tech-Train Productions TT-1003 car-opening tool to unlock the rear passenger door vertical linkage rod locking mechanism. Insert the wedge just forward of the split windows. Carefully insert the short end of the TT-1003 tool forward of the wedge. Probe at a 45-degree angle for the vertical linkage while watching the inside lock button for movement. When the button moves, capture the linkage in the short end of the car-opening tool. Bind the tool and raise the linkage up to unlock the locking mechanism. It may take several tries to raise the linkage high enough to unlock the locking mechanism.

The direction to rotate the door lock plug to the unlocked position is clockwise.

For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or following car-opening tool manufacturers:

Access Tools: Telephone 800-323-8324 Website: www. AccessToolsUSA.com

Pro-Lok: Telephone: 714-633-0681. Website: www.pro-lok.com

Steck Manufacturing: Telephone: 800-227-8325. Web Site: www.steckmfg.com

Slide Lock Tool Co. Inc.: Telephone: 800-336-8812 . Website:  www.z-tool.com

Lockmasters Inc. (Tech-Train): Telephone 800-654-0637 Website:  www.lockmasters.com

We are interested in printing opening methods from other car opening tool manufacturers. Contact Jerry Levine, Telephone: 818-700-0640.  E-mail: [email protected].