Back Page, Jan. 2015

Jan. 2, 2015

20 Years Ago

Jerry Levine wrote an article about the Curtis #15 cutter, still a usable tool when equipped for originating Y11 type keys.  Phil Agius explained the operation of the Framon IC 234 machine for originating interchangeable core keys. Ilco displayed their 040 automatic duplicator. HIT series installation jigs from Major Manufacturing Inc. were featured. Tom Gillespie reviewed the Blue Punch by Pro-Lok.  Specialty padlock manufacturer Wilson Bohannan provided a history of their company. David House began a series on masterkeying.  Louis George suggested basic tools required by our trade.  Ray Menard wrote an article on Rethinking your Business. Twenty years later the article is still important reading. Jerry Levine interviewed David Lasier, retiring president of the Ingersoll-Rand Door Hardware Group.  Ed Hite described the future of locksmiths in the security world.  Bob Psolka visited the locksmiths who work at the United Nations building while Gale Johnson visited the engineering department at For Lock.  Ken Dunckel experimented with the Diebold safe deposit pick by Lock Defeat Technology.

10 Years Ago

A comment in the January 2015 editorial was that "nothing ever stays the same and success goes to those who are the first to learn about new technologies and then put what they have learned to good use."  Rod Oden introduced readers to a wide array of available cylinders which have high security features. Mul-T-Lock wrote an article about their Lock 500 for doors and window openings.  Sargent explained the unique Keso high security line.  Dale Bowman explained the protection value of Medeco padlocks.  Tom Gillespie reported on continuous hinges as a profitable vertical market.  Jerry Levine had tips on steel door installations.  Ledger visited the Ceco Door factory.  Tim O’Leary suggested the Kaba E-Plex 5000 lock system.  O’Leary also introduced the Trine 4800 rim-mounted strike.  Jerry Levine tested his skill att the practice installation station by Major ManufacturingLockmasters introduced the Softdrill, an electronic manipulation tool. Tiny serviced the locks on a 2004 Kia Amanti. 

Windy Solution

A locksmith subscriber contacted Locksmith Ledger asking if we had a solution to a wind problem. A local restaurant was requesting assistance as their inward-opening front door was being pushed open every time there was a gust of cold wind.  Restaurant customers were complaining about the fluctuations in temperature while trying to enjoy their meals. 

This reporter remembers a door holder product made by Bommer spring hinge company several years ago but could not find it in their currrent catalog.  A search of the internet produced a European company called Dictator which advertised a product they call a "door check." The door check consists of a spring-operated roller which is mounted vertically on the door.  A cup- shaped strike is mounted on the jamb. As the door is closed, the roller moves upward into the cup strike and roller spring pressure holds the door in a fully closed position.  

Our locksmith subscriber ordered and installed a Dictator door check and the restaurant wind problem was solved. Roller spring pressure is adjustable which allows the correct balance between firm closing and ease of opening.   

For further information contact:  Dictator US Inc., 770-427-0555, www.dictator.com or [email protected] (Georgia).