Questions & Answers
Got a challenging question about a recent installation? Our online discussion forums might just have the answer you need. The following are some of the Locksmith Ledger reader questions recently asked of editor-in-chief Gale Johnson, along with his answers.
Post your questions at http://forums.locksmithledger.com/ and see if your colleagues or our editors can provide an answer. Forum topics include Ask An Expert , General Locksmithing, Electronic Access Control, Safe Servicing and Automotive Locksmithing.
I’m looking for depth & space for PADO profile cylinder, 5 pin ILCO key blank 1528. I can't find any information in my code programs. Do you have the information?
Download the information at www.locksmithledger.com/12002551. It shows Ilco 1528/1528R depth & spaces and includes a card you can print out and use on an HPC 1200 machine.
Can you provide a code for programming a Fobik on a Chrysler 300 2008 model?
It is our understanding that Chrysler programming codes are determined by the VIN number plus some other factors such as the current date or time. Therefore the programming code for any individual Chrysler car is not a constant. Our suggestion would be to contact a local professional locksmith for assistance.
We have a Curtis Industries Model 2000 automatic with a ton of keys we found in our warehouse We are trying to find out more about this machine and what it is worth. I have photos I can send. Any chance anyone with your company could help us? Or know anyone who might be interested in buying this machine?
I believe that the Curtis 2000 machine was last made in approximately 1996. Types of keys have changed and the vise jaws on older machines often cannot firmly hold newer style key blanks. If the key blanks are the same vintage as your machine, present demand for 20-year-old key blank types is diminishing. Under the circumstances your machine is less valuable as a daily working machine and more valuable to a key machine collector. Our suggestion would be to place an economical Locksmith Ledger classified ad with [email protected] and test the market for your machine.
Where can I find a mortise jig for antique door hardware?
Approximately 40 years ago lock sizes were standardized within certain general dimensions. Several companies now make jigs for installing locks of these ANSI standardized dimensions. Before about 1970 each company had their own mortising dimensions. Any available jigs at that time were made specifically for a given manufacturer like Yale or Corbin.
Major Mfg. at www.majormfg.com still makes a jig which can be moved to different heights for mortising the large cutout for lock cases but the face plate, strike plate knob and cylinder cutouts must be made by hand.
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