Twenty Years Ago
Key machines were featured in the June 1997 issue of Locksmith Ledger. Jerry Levine reported on the ITL 9700 and Hugh Curry tested the ITL 950 code machines by Intralock Tools. Tom Gillespie, Pro-Lok, showed the features of a Blue Punch code machine. Hubert Curry also suggested the Silca Delta Force as a quality duplicator key machine. Locksmith Barry Leas outlined the versatility of the Framon KX-1 machine. Richard Formica showed his secrets for servicing the locking system on a 1997 Ford Escort. Jerry Levine installed a Chexit exit device by Von Duprin. Jerry Levine also explained the features of Pak-A-Punch quick change kits by A-1. Combination keying kits by Auto Security Products was the subject of another article. Charles Cole explained how to fit keys to lever tumbler locker locks. Tom Seroogy, All-Lock Co., provided information on the many lock tumbler servicing kits available from All Lock. Where is Tom Seroogy now? Anita Bishop, Allstate Insurance, provided pointers on how to control employees. Milt Wolferseder showed how to service a Victor/Remington Rand record safe.
Ten Years Ago
Wireless security products were featured in the June 2007 issue of Locksmith ledger. Jerry Levine demonstrated how an Omnilock OP2000 could be converted to a wireless management system. Ingersoll Rand contended that locksmiths should not turn down wireless access control jobs. Gale Johnson reported on wireless gate products made by Universal Wireless Solutions (UWS). Tim O'Leary suggested the E-Plex 5700 system by Kaba Access Control. Jerry Levine showed ways to boost your bottom line with by installing impulse item displays in your store. Laurie Simon wrote about simple mechanical lock systems which could be used to provide security for educational facilities. Steve Kaufman interviewed locksmiths Dean Nickel and Vernon Kelley to learn more about their non-commercial experiences as institutional locksmiths. Jerry Levine used a Major Mfg. HIT-136 drill jig to install a Sargent tubular door lock. Steve Young showed his technique for servicing VW Toureg and Porsche Cayenne lock systems.
Originating Fort Lock 16000 Series Keys
Fort Lock is now part of the CompX Security Products family. At one time Fort Lock was an independent lock manufacturer making several different types of single-sided, double-sided and tubular lock systems. Some of the original Fort Lock designs can even be traced back to products first introduced by Dominion Lock in Canada. One Fort Lock with Dominion ancestry was called Maxi. The last known use for Maxi locks was in Compaq computers.
Fort Lock now offers a 16000 series cam lock which appears to be a shoulderless version of the former Maxi line. Original Fort K84 blanks must be used since there is no aftermarket key blank equivalent. Fort K84 blanks easily fit into old Fort Maxi locks in our lock collection.
A locksmith contacted Locksmith Ledger requesting information on how to originate keys for a Fort 16000 series cam lock used in a DoorKing access control system. We determined that the Fort 16000 series cam lock used the exact same depth and space dimensions from the old Maxi lock, except that space dimensions must be taken from the tip. The cam lock contains five pairs of tumblers.
Spacing from tip: 700-640, 605-515, 480-390, 355-265, 230-140. Depths: 1)365, 2)345, 3)325, 4)305.
All tumblers have a window of approximately .307. Keys must be cut on both sides to a total width of .305 before the key will fit through the tumbler windows. Top and bottom cuts add up to "5". Example: A "2" cut on one side must have a "3" cut on the opposite side.
16000 series locks follow exactly the same key origination rules used for Illinois double-sided locks.
