Back Page, Sept. 2025

10 Years Ago

Scott Lindley, Farpointe Data, wrote about “Migrating Comfortably from Deadbolt Locks to Electronic Access Control.” Tim O’Leary gave some tips on when to go wireless. For retrofit installations, pulling and concealing wires is difficult and costly. Wireless provides easier installation, less disruption and cost savings, the article said. Another wireless-themed article offered tips for troubleshooting wireless installations. Gale Johnson wrote about wafer lock replacement with the MicroIQ narrow one-inch wide keypad. Jerry Levine checked out tools for servicing IC cores, including key gauges, pinning slide charts, capping blocks, decoding blocks, I-core tension tools, drill jigs and capping presses. Levine also wrote about “Storefront Security with Ilco 452 Series Heavy Duty Deadlatch.” Advantages of this new-at-the-time product included exit only free egress, the ability to change handing without disassembling the deadlatch, and ability to accommodate beveled, radiused and flat stiles and depth tube spacer assemblies. A safe article looked at residential specialty safes from Hollon Safe, Pro-Lok, AMSEC, Hayman Safe, Gardall, Stealth Safe and SoCal Safes. Steve Young answered the question “What’s new with car-opening tools?” Original Lishi picks were making their debut at that time.

20 Years Ago

Gale Johnson was invited to the filming of the "To Catch a Thief" TV show on Long Island.  An article showed how to replace a floor check with an MDC pivot arm and then control the door by installing a surface-mounted LCN door closer.  A second installation article provided the steps needed to replace an Adams Rite 4500 product with their newer 4900 reversible latch model.   The simple procedure of installing a Corbin Russwin DC6210 door closer was also presented.  Matt Orcutt, LCN product manager, suggested the replacement of leaking door closers as a profit opportunity.  Jerry Levine presented the Cannon Patriot line of safe products.  Tim O’Leary suggested CCTV as a new vertical market for locksmiths.  O’Leary also wrote an essay on how to design door control systems by asking the customer specific questions.  An unusual line of Squire padlocks was reviewed.  Master Lock provided an article on their new Edge patented lock cylinder and key system. Laurie Simon found a key interlock system inside a smokestack.  Steve Kaufman described how to make cold calls to develop business.  Tiny reported on a Unicorn Decoder for reading automotive laser-type locks without disassembly.

State of the Industry 2025

It’s time for Locksmith Ledger’s annual State of the Industry survey, open through Sept. 15. We ask a series of questions about profitability, pricing, challenges, staffing, market sectors, training and other factors affecting locksmith businesses.

Please visit  www.research.net/r/LedgerSurvey or scan the QR code to participate. It should only take a few minutes of your time.

Results will be featured in our November issue and online at www.locksmithledger.com. Then we will host a webinar in December or January to take a deeper dive into industry trends.

Read last year’s results in our digital issue at https://editions.mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=833496&p=16&view=issueViewer