A recent visit to the Chicago Auto Show reminded me again of the changes happening in the locksmith field. It wasn't too many years ago that every new car had at least five locks: two doors, ignition, trunk and glove box. As automatic door locks, transponders and remotes became popular, the first thing to disappear on new vehicles was the passenger door lock. Hundreds of 2015 vehicles were on display at the Chicago Auto Show and only a few of the least expensive models still had key-operated ignition cylinders. Most cars had push button start and no ignition or trunk lock cylinders. Remaining driver side door cylinders on almost every new car having push button ignition are using sidewinder-type emergency key systems.
If these observations can be used as a barometer, then an increase in electronic locking systems for residential and commercial buildings will follow the lead taken by the automotive industry. It has been approximately thirty years from the introduction of VATS for the 1986 Corvette to the transponder/remote/push button start systems which are popular today. Key-operated building locks will not all disappear overnight but changeover is bound to increase at a quickened pace as time goes on as has happened in the automotive industry.
A Colorado locksmith called today and asked about servicing electronic locks. He apparently had a good customer who had purchased a keypad-operated electronic lock on the Internet. One afternoon his customer could not make the lock operate. The locksmith wanted to know how to service this malfunctioning electronic lock.
An important lesson to be learned as a beginning locksmith is how to service pin tumbler locks. Once someone knows about pin tumber lock construction, it is simple to use that knowledge to service Yale, Corbin, Kwikset or dozens of other brands. Pin tumbler construction is basically all the same regardless of the original manufacturer.
Truth is, there is very little which can be repaired on most electronic locks. The only universal procedure available is to check for dead batteries, failed power supply or disconnected wires. If the problem is any deeper than those simple tests, it is time for replacement whether the electronic lock is 10 days old or ten years old. Electricity generates heat which can lead to failure. Built-in obsolescence is a fact of life today. Go to any electronics store and you will see the myriad of profit-making products which those stores depend on to either go out of style or fail on a periodic basis.
Modern times require modern approaches. Changing from a repair-based business to a product replacement business requires new thought processes but there is no other way.
