Twenty Years Ago
High Security Locks was the issue focus. Jerome Andrews tackled the mathematics of pinning Peaks lock cylinders. Where is Mr. Andrews now? Stephen Sharpe showed the techniques for using Pro-Lok opening tools on a Honda Civic. Fort Lock started a "Put American First" contest which had a top prize of a Harley Davidson motorcycle. The winner was to be announced at the '93 ALOA convention. Bob Buhler had some unusual ideas on making collections as a small businessman. Milt Wolferseder described the steps needed to drill open a rusty Armor in-floor safe. Scott Hooper was featured as a member of the Briggs & Stratton team. Peter Lindermann wrote an article about "The ADA and You." Mr. Lindermann explained that 43 million people were listed as having disabilities in 1993. Locksmith Ledger had a exclusive introduction of how to cut Chicago double-sided keys by depth and spaces. For unknown reasons, Chicago double-sided locks seem to be less popular than they once were. Jerry Levine suggested that a locksmith was the best source when the public needs keys duplicated. Continental Micro described the new code cards they had available for the 1200CM machines. It’s hard to find any new cards today. Bob Psolka provided a historical perspective on the Acme Code Cutter.
Ten Years Ago
A Locksmith Ledger editorial describes a New York Times article about the vulnerability of master key systems. Jerry Levine reported on the Alarm Lock PDL3000 Prox Lock. Dick Zunkel discovered the wonderful world of power transfer devices. Tim O’Leary explained how to program access control systems. Several pages were devoted to specific instructions for programming various electronic locks. Important information when you are asked to program a lock you have never seen before. Jerry Levine used a Trimco adaptor for a retrofit installation of a Sargent cylindrical lever lock in place of an old unit lock. Jerry Levine also reported on the Audi/Porsche/VW sidewinder keys. Mr. Levine also showed ways to measure with dial calipers. Gale Johnson stated the case against master keying. Richard Formica had some suggestions for sight reading wafer locks. Tiny fit keys to a GM Hummer. Writer Steve Kaufman offered his opinions on the "Future of Locksmithing," still very interesting reading ten years later. Tiny offered suggestions on servicing hand-change safe locks.
Believe It Or Not
Locksmiths are known for their ingenuity but sometimes it is taken too far. This is a picture sent in by one of our subscribers. He was on a service call to change the combination of a Weiser deadbolt and found this unusual cylinder retainer system. The mess might be blamed on a do-it-yourselfer except that a mortise cylinder tailpiece was used as a retainer. More likely it was the work of a newbie locksmith who could use some additional basic training.
