TWENTY YEARS AGO
Our Ledger editorial for April 1993 suggested that locksmiths should charge what they are worth. Even better advice today. Each April issue is devoted to providing helpful information about every known locksmith distributor. Information is also provided by regions of the country. Joey Dalessio explained how to overcome sales resistance when describing the value of high security locks to a customer. Patricia Lilly wrote an article on the value of the National Locksmith Suppliers Association (NLSA), a forerunner of today's Security Hardware Distributors Association (SHDA). Tom Gillespie provided advice on tough-to-unlock Toyota vehicles by using Pro-Lok tools. NT Falcon introduced their fully adjustable concealed vertical rod exit devices. David House had some magic formulas to be used when rekeying Corbin-Russwin master ring cylinders. Milt Wolferseder had a difficult time opening and repairing an insulated HHM Ledger file safe. A rather short chart showed all the 1993 domestic vehicles which had factory airbags installed. Jerry Levine provided some advice on what signs to look for which would indicate that your customer is trying to pass a bad check. Rick Segerstrom, of Mansfield, Texas, introduced the AccuMark I stamping tool for marking cylinder caps with your name and address. Where is AccuMark today? Bill Bower listed some ways to gain name recognition for your business. With the advent of the internet, there are many more ways today. Jerry Levine interviewed the owners of Stone & Berg. They are "ready for today and prepared for tomorrow."
TEN YEARS AGO
Our editorial ten years ago suggested 'ambulance chasing' as a way to alert the public on security solutions available through locksmiths. Gale Johnson suggested ways that distributors and locksmiths can work together for the common good. Tom Gillespie explained what exit devices are and why we need them. Jerry Levine replaced an old exit device with a Sargent surface-mounted, vertical rod exit device. Jerry Levine also provided some pointers on fitting keys to older European vehicles. Jet Hardware added to its line of Groovy Keys. Tim O’Leary had a response to an article in a New York newspaper showing how to bypass a master key system. Mr. O’Leary suspected that the publicity may have been pushed by someone with a new electronic lock system. Locksmith Bruce Huebner explained why it took three days to fit transponder keys to a 2002 Mitsubishi Galant. Jerry Levine studied the new T-Code programming tool by Auto Security Products (ASP). Jeff Trepanier (Tiny) had servicing techniques for an Adams-Rite latch lock. Jerry Levine told of his first impressions of Von Duprin 994L handle trim. Steve Kaufman explained how locksmiths and distributors can work together. Tiny serviced the locks on a 2002 Ford Ranger. Milt Wolferseder had some good tips for opening a Mosler TL-30 round door safe.
Notes from the 2013 Chicago Auto Show
While most visitors were trying out every car at the Chicago auto show, this reporter was checking each and every model to determine if mechanical keys were still being used.
The first revelation was that vehicle cost is no longer a determing factor in which cars had keyless ignition systems. Even some low-end models from Kia were keyless. A conservative estimate would be that about 30 percent of all the passenger vehicles at the show had keyless ignition systems.
Sidewinder lock systems have also gained in poplarity. Almost every 2013 GM and Ford vehicle at the show had a sidewinder key system.
Another noticeable trend was that no first-year car models were on display. All-new vehicles were limited to trucks. Ford has a larger truck similar to a Dodge Sprinter while Nissan displayed a small truck model similar in size to the Ford Transit Connect. Auto lock work will now definitely require programming equipment, a sidewinder machine and a good supply of transponder key blanks.
