When every vehicle had at least four key-operated locks
When you needed several dozen car opening tools
When fitting keys to cars only required a Curtis Clipper and a few blanks
When 'depot' was only used when the discussion was about trains
When the mortise cutout in every door was different
When your livelihood depended almost entirely on AAA lockouts
When progression was an important key fitting procedure
When the Ilco Universal code machine was a necessary machine in every shop
When 'electronic' was mentioned, the subject was about electric strikes
When no AC power was available, the next choice was an auger bit
When the only pin kits were original kits from each factory
When Yankee screw drivers were the best way to drive screws
When the only place to buy hardware was from a locksmith distributor
When a large keyboard was required to hold your commercial keyblanks
When a small keyboard was required to hold your automotive keyblanks
When the first column-mounted ignition lock appeared
When a Foley Course and $200 worth of supplies put you in business
When the word “scammer” did not exist
When key codes were stamped on every automotive lock
When Sears was the one and only place to buy tools
When foreign cars were a mere curiosity
When a Segal jimmyproof was the best lock money could buy
When you needed a flat steel key machine for mail box keys
When you needed an Ilco turrret machine to cut bit keys
When double-sided car keys first appeared for domestic cars
When every good locksmith knew how to file and feather old pins
When High Security referred to tubular locks and keys
When 'Fob' was only used in reference to pocket watches
When 'laser' was only connected with Star War movies
All of these topics can be lumped into references to the Good Old Days. Anyone who remembers back to those days must realize how far our business has changed and continues to change. Fortunately, providers of servicing tools and educational programs are working 24/7 to keep locksmiths up to date. Take some time to investigate what the changes are.
