Arched Door Closer?
I’m looking to buy an arched door closer. What specs are needed so I purchase the right one?
What's the shape of the arch? Normal door closer installations require the door closer arm to clear the top of the door during opening. If the door arch is almost flat, then a standard door closer can be mounted on a slight angle. Any door closer that has spring power strong enough for the weight of your door can be used.
If the arch is similar to the one pictured in our Special Purpose Door Closers article, then a special bracket must be used along with a parallel arm system for the door closer. For this installation, the closer must be mounted on the side of the door opposite of where the hinges are mounted. Parts for this installation are special order from a builders hardware or locksmith dealer and aren’t something that can be ordered "off the shelf" on the internet.
- Editor-in-Chief Gale Johnson
Blank Transponder Key?
I bought a "blank transponder key” from a local locksmith. I tried to program it, but it didn't work. Is there a way I can find out that I was sold just a regular key (no chip) without cutting it open?
- Peter Andrach
Nontransponder keys often have a number stamped on the key. If any information is printed on your key, I might be able to determine whether it's a transponder key. If no information is stamped on the key, a special tool is available that professional locksmiths use to check for the existence of a transponder without damage. There's no nondestructive way to determine visually whether a transponder is present.
Even though you might have had a correct transponder key, if programming wasn’t done correctly, your transponder might be ruined and can’t be reused. The best idea is to find a professional locksmith who can furnish the key, do the programming and stand behind the work.
- Editor-in-Chief Gale Johnson
Subscribe To eNewsletters
Want monthly updates delivered right into your Inbox? Subscribe to Locksmith Ledger’s monthly eNewsletters.
In This Issue gives readers an online preview of each new issue.
ProductWatch showcases the newest products being marketed to locksmiths.
EventWatch notifies readers of upcoming trade shows and educational opportunities.
Notes from the Editor is a timely, interesting monthly report from Editor-in-Chief Gale Johnson.
Just visit www.locksmithledger.com/reg/newsletter/display, select the newsletters you want to receive and type in your email address. Soon, these monthly updates will arrive in your inbox.
Coming Attractions
Next month in addition to our regular May magazine issue, Locksmith Ledger subscribers will receive our annual supplement, Automotive Locksmithing 2020. Other special supplements planned for 2020: Access Control Trends and Technologies, packaged with our August issue, and the Spring 2020 Big Book tabloid-size guide to new products.
Send Your Letters
The editors of Locksmith Ledger welcome reader input. We would like to hear your comments and suggestions on any of our articles or general industry trends and topics.
Share your opinions on relevant topics, such as locksmith licensing, the shift from key to keyless for automotive and residential and the state of our industry in general. Let us know what works and doesn’t work for your business.
Letters can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to Locksmith Ledger, 125 S. Wilke Rd., Ste. 300, Arlington Heights, IL 60005.
