Back Page, Oct. 2015

Oct. 1, 2015

Twenty Years Ago

Joey Dalessio provided opinions on the stzate of locksmith associations.  Jerry Levine discovered how to service Kwikset Titan locksets.  A Locksmith Ledger article showed how to repair mis-aligned door preps.  Jerry Levine discussed the OM-135 lock by Omnilock.  A report also covered the Assa V-10 high security lock.  Louis George looked at secondary 'add-on' door hardware.  Louis George also reported on how to add electronic access control productss to an existing door. Jerry Levine suggested using M.A.G. filler plates if required when updating hardware on a door.  Gale Johnson described his visit to the Medeco factory.  Bill Newns showed how to install a Powerstar invertor in a service vehicle.  Steve Lasky outlined the ways in which Locksmith Ledger is your key to success.  John Grist reported on the Diebold 175-70 lock pick which was inventee by Phil Shearer.  GM glove box locks were the subject of an article.  Milt Wolferseder worked on a Chubb-Mosler TRTL 30X6 safe.  Shane Crosby reported on a meeting of manufacturers of electronic safe locks.   Ed Hite noticed the expansive amount of electronic locks compared to just seven years ago.

Ten Years Ago

Servicing Assa Twin series lock cylinderss was the topic of an article by Jerry Levine.  Rod Oden looked at life safety issues connected with building exit doors.   Gale Johnson reported on high security interchangeable core (IC) lock cylinders which were newly introduced by Scorpion LocksMedeco introduced their Key Wizard key managememt V4.5 software. Readers sent in their pricing and The National Average hourly rate was $51 dollars ten years ago.   Jerry Levine assisted with the installation of Sargent T-Zone lock using a Don-Jo remodeler plate.  Tom Gillespie install a Z*LOKK gate lock by D&D.  Jerry Levine reported on the Hit-42FB8 installation jig by Major Mfg.  Tim O’Leary checked on Von Duprin exit device trim.  Tim O’Leary also suggested ways to troubleshoot electronic access control systems.  Jeff Trepanier programmed transponder systems on a Pontiac G6 and an Acura TL.

New Keys In Town

As the amount of automobile keys decreases in favor or remotes, all is not lost in the mechanical key arena. There are still millions of traditional keys in use for utility locks and electric switches. Many of the new key blanks for mopeds and four wheel off-road vehicles are for locks which are made overseas.  Due to low volume, aftermarket key blank manufacturers do no always produce replacement blanks.  It then becomes the job of locksmiths to find a substitute blank for duplication. Two recent pictures we received are good examples. A substitute for the Mercury boat key is an Ilco X77 / YH38.  A substitute blank for the 4-wheel vehicle is an Ilco X75 / YH33. The pictures helped Locksmith Ledger to determine a substitute key blank and provided new code cut numbers for our list of key codes.