Twenty Years Ago
Safes were the topic in May 2000. Wade Landrum tested a new safe auto-dialer from Lockmasters and gave it his nod as "user friendly." Jerry Levine introduced readers to a LaGard LG Basic electronic safe lock. Wade Landrum also ran tests on a Triple L safe moving trailer made by Premco Products. Hubert Curry outlined the features of the StrongArm MiniRig Pro Kit, which simplifies safe openings. Brian Costley, Sargent and Greenleaf, explained the company’s Comptronic 6150 safe-lock management system. John Grist demonstrated his servicing techniques for repairing a Cobalt Gun Safe. Gale Johnson showed the features of Master Titanium Series padlocks, which have a concealed shackle. A comprehensive workbench article explained how pin stacks affect the operation of IC core cylinders. Aaron Fish wrote an article on "Changing Horizons in Locksmithing," an article worth reading today. Tony Vigil, High Tech Tools, provided instructions for opening a Toyota Tundra pickup. Tim O'Leary commented on Marks’ Survivor series lever locks. Locksmith Mike Ferrill reported on Bob Murray’s Safe Book, giving it high marks. John Grist reported on his safe-opening procedures after an ATM safe was vandalized. Milt Wolferseder showed the workings inside a Hayman safe cabinet.
Ten Years Ago
Single-door access control was featured in May 2010. Jerry Levine outlined the electronic access control products required to secure a conference room. Chris Clark, Ingersoll Rand Security, reported on the Schlage AD-series electronic locks. Tim O'Leary explained the term Internet Protocol (IP) as it affects locksmiths. Jerry Levine listed products and features available from manufacturers of electronic cabinet locks. Gale Johnson discovered CX-5 high-security lock cylinders as a possible low-cost alternative. Tim O'Leary tested the Stealth electronic cabinet system by CompX. Gale Johnson outlined the features of the Framon Sidewinder 2 manual code machine. Locksmith Dennis Petrin reported on the locksmith licensing situation in Oregon.
Golden Oldies
Mike Schmidt, a locksmith in Penham, Minnesota, sent pictures of a security device invented before the days of steering-wheel locks. The device patent date is 1914. Those were the days when few cars had ignition locks, and cars could be stolen easily. Cars also used wheels that had wooden spokes. An enterprising company made a product called a Security Auto Theft Signal System. The product could be fastened to a wheel on the car and contained a pointed spike. Roads of that era were mostly plain dirt. If a thief tried to steal the vehicle, pointed marks in the dirt from the device could be followed by the owners to retrieve their vehicle.
