TWENTY YEARS AGO
Don Rochon explained various available types of card reader technologies. Diane Kerpenski, Sargent Mfg., showed how to install a Sargent electrified mortise lock and keypad. T.C. Mickley tested Desmo cam locks sold by Abloy Security Locks. Tom Gillespie used car opening tools by Pro-Lok to unlock a Toyota Camry. Jerry Levine serviced the lock system of a Ford Taurus, which has a lock system identical to the Mercury Sable. T.C. Mickley suggested some ideas for locksmith store layouts. Charles Cole tested a $500 electric lock pick from Custom Security Products without success. Jerry Levine explained how to make a reoval key for Kwikset Titan locks. Bill Schafer reported on the Morse Watchman KeyWatcher. Anita Bishop, Allstate Insurance Company, warned of problems if you do not carry liability insurance. Jerry Levine provided the first look at Ford's Passive Anti-theft system. Ed Hite listed types of keypad products. Bob Psolka wrote about a typical workday at Branson Lock in Branson, Missouri. Hubert Curry reported on the Pannex exit device. Ken Dunckel explained how to 'side drill' a safe and use a scope to view tumbler movement through the change key hole. Milt Wolferseder serviced a Meilink combination fire-resistant and burglary-resistant CSC safe.
TEN YEARS AGO
Aaron Fish described the State of the Locksmithing Industry in our 2006 issue. His words and ideas are even more relevant today. Jerry Levine described how some companies have developed the specialty of converting mechanical locks to electronic operation. Tom Gillespie suggested the servicing of surface-mounted door closers as a new vertical market for locksmiths. Jerry Levine showed how to replace doors and door jambs. Rod Oden described a standard system for managing key records. Tim O’Leary wrote a Q&A primer concerning Electronics 101. Jet Hardware introduced a new group of LC (less chip) transponder key blanks. Tim O’Leary tested the Schlage CM series access control system. Frank J. Martin introduced a Hitchsafe system with a combination lock which could be used for locking keys inside a trailer hitch while at the beach. Richard Formica suggested that locksmiths should get on the access control bandwagon. A Lukwerks video surveillance system was the subject of an article. Where are they now? Schlage presented a success story about upgrading the security system at Boise State University. Tiny serviced the locks on a 2005 Dodge Magnum.
Collectibles
Stuff is what you keep for no good reason but hate to part with. When somebody complains about all the stuff you have, just tell them your stuff is really collectibles and will probably be worth a fortune some day. Many locksmiths hold on to old lock hardware stuff and some even put their collections into display cases so customers have something to look at in the waiting area. Harvey Sass, a Chicago area locksmith, recently received a writeup in the newspapers as a recommended lock museum to visit.
This reporter has also not missed many opportunities to collect stuff. My collection consists primarily of cutaway locks and lock presentation items. I also have several antique key machines, boxes of antique car locks and big rings of key blanks for every circa 1920's automobile that ever roamed the streets. I am hoping that a car restorer like Jay Leno might call some day and ask for a Stutz key blank and I can make a fortune. Probably not.
