A preamble to one of the original Reed code books explains that locksmiths should not show customers how easy it may be to unlock some types of locks and they should keep any lock opening secrets to themselves. This provides "a feeling of protection and security in even the simplest locks."
That statement was written 75 years ago during a different era. In those days lock servicing procedures were handed down from generation to generation of locksmiths. Specialized locksmith tools were invented and handmade by each individual locksmith. Key fitting was in most cases a matter of hand filing a key blank until the shape was close enough to operate.
During the last 75 years the public has become wiser. You can blame it on the internet, on TV or on picking clubs but whatever the reason may be, the public today is requesting more and better locking solutions. The "simplest locks" of the 1930s have disappeared and have been replaced in many cases by electronic versions which are a real challenge for locksmiths to service and repair.
New locking systems require new servicing procedures. Locksmith Ledger has picked four market areas which we call the "Best of 2015." These are markets which were either unheard of 75 years ago or at least these markets have changed to an extent that they deserve special attention. Locksmith Ledger has chosen a few example products in each market segment which help to exemplify the individual market topics.
Market One is electronic technology. Statistics show that there are over 100 million homes in the United States. Homes built during the last century often only had either a key-in-knob lock or a bit lock for security. The last few generations of locksmiths profited by adding deadbolts to a large percentage of those homes. The next wave of home security updates is to replace older key-operated deadbolts with new electronic locksets operated by push buttons or even by cell phones. Electronics begin where key-operated locks end. Time, attendance and audit trails provide automatic procedures which key-operated locks are not capable of. Access control for small office buildings with possibilities for recurring monthly revenue (RMR) can open up new market segments for locksmiths.
Market Two is rim-mounted electric strikes. Mortised strikes have existed for 100 years. For most of that time electric strike manufacturers offered a short line of approximately a half dozen electric strike models which met every application requirement. Most electric strikes were used to operate latch locks on vestibule doors and a small variety of electric strikes filled the bill. During the last few years life and fire safety laws plus new security requirments have expanded the need to control fire exit doors. Every electric strike manufacturers now has rim-mounted electrick strikes to solve the problem.
Market Three is electronic key machines. This reporter has lived through the era during which bit keys comprised 50% of the duplicates requested by customers. Later, single-sided and double-sided keys could still be hand filed if necessary. Beginning approximately 15 years ago laser (sidewinder) keys became the vehicle key of choice. Laser, high security and keys for interchangeable core locks require precise key making machinery. Electronic key machines eliminate human error and can produce keys with factory-original cut dimensions. Electronic keys machines which were once luxury are now a necessity for any locksmith if he or she wants to be prepared to duplcate or originate the popular keys of today.
Market Four is automotive tools. At one time a locksmith could be prepared for automotive lock service by owning a set of car opening tools and stocking a few popular auto keys. A large percentage of vehicles on the road today have transponder security and many of them also use laser keys or remotes with no regular keys. Specialized tools are needed in order to duplicate or originate keys for modern cars. Impressioning files have been replaced by electronic tools which plug into OBD ports and read onboard computers, then receive programming information via Wi-Fi.
Consult your favorite locksmith distributor for their suggestions of products made by other companies in addition to the ones listed in our Best of 2015 section. And see our special Coming Attractions section, starting on page 50.
