TWENTY YEARS AGO
Automotive security using transponders arrived with the introduction of 1996 model vehicles. John Grist contributed an article which showed his CCTV installation at a factory site. Jerry Levine provided technical information on Kwikset Titan cutting dimensions. Tom Gillespie discussed vehicle opening procedures for Chevrolet Monte Carlo models. Locksmith Ledger featured an article on Tweeds Hardware Wholesalers. Gale Johnson visited the Chicago Lock Company then in Pleasant Prairie, WI. Sally Fradkin provided a personal glimpse into the locksmith business career of her husband, Marty Fradkin. Stephen Sharpe described profitable opportunities in the sales of electronic safe locks. Not heeding his own advice, Mr. Sharpe later went into the business of manufacturing custom motorcycles. Locksmith Ledger visited the Medeco factory and interviewed V.P. Sales, Joey Dalessio. Jerry Levine reported on the AL-Series leversets by Schlage (Allegion). A chart showed part numbers and grade types for most popular residential leversets. Louis George outlined the features of various keyless locksets. Jerry Levine described the new 8-cut system to be installed on 1996 Ford vehicles. Unfortunately some lock delivery questions arose and 1996 Ford cars used either the 8-cut or 10-cut locks depending on the month of manufacture. Jerry Levine introduced the PointGuard access cntrol system by Litton Security Systems. Where are they now? Milt Wolferseder opened a Meilink closet safe.
TEN 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 suggesteed CCTV as a new vertical market for locksmiths. Tim 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 privided an article on their new Edge patented lock cylinder and key system. Laurie Simon found a key interlock system inside a smoke stack. 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.
Obituary: Thomas F. Hennessy Sr
Lock industry icon Thomas F. Hennessy Sr., founder of the Lock Museum of America and creator of modern masterkeying systems, died June 25, 2015.
During WWII Mr. Hennessy developed his interest in locks while servicing aboard an aircraft carrier. In 1948 he began working for P&F Corbin and later worked for Yale Lock, Eagle Lock, American hardware Emhart Corp. and Lori Corporation.
Tom Hennessy developed the construction master key system and standard key coding system which have been universally adopted by the hardware industry. In 1955 Mr. Hennessy also started Hennessy's Locksmith Shop in Bristol, CT.
In an interview with Locksmith Ledger Tom Hennessy once related how he used his ideas to design the key system for the World Trade Center buildings when others said it could not be done.
Tom Hennessy holds 10 patents to his name. In 1972 he co-founded the Lock Museum of America which is located in Terryville, CT. The museum houses his own lock collection and other historical collections as well. Mr. Hennessy has received the prestigious Philadelphia Award for locksmiths and was the author of a book titled "Early Locks and Lockmakers of America".
Contributions made to the locksmith industry by Thomas Hennessy Sr. cannot be overstated.
