20 Years Ago
Maxis round key lock systems were the subject of an article. The Maclock 1500 blade locking system was discussed. Where is that company now? Billy Edwards explained a new Arrow Icore option called Flexcore. Locksmith Ken Holmlund demonstrated how to repair a faulty Ford ignition switch. Barry Leas introduced readers to the Worldwide Web. It all began just 20 years ago. Gale Johnson visited the Illinois Lock Company to report on their new instantly rekeyable Warlock II lock system. Locksmith Ted Graham provided information on the Timberline furniture locking system. Tom Gillespie demonstrated how to open popular Toyota Camry vehicles. Securitech described their line of products for securing read exit doors in commercial buildings. Ed Hite outlined types of locks which could be used for electronic egress. Ilco Unican presented their New Era transponder cloning machine. Art Gurwitz, Schlage Lock, introduced features of the Schlage Primus high security lock cylinder.
10 Years Ago
A new Schlage keypad deadbolt was reviewed by Chris Clark, a consultant for Schlage Lock. Gale Johnson reported on a fingerprint-operated deadbolt Biolock by Sequium Corporation. Where are they now? Tim O’Leary investigated the expanded use of biometric technology in the security field. Rod Oden outlined the documents used by construction specifiers. Rich Franken, Dugnore & Duncan, showed how to electrify an existing Sargent exit device with the next generation 56 electric latch retraction (ELR) system. Tim O’Leary suggested the installation of door and gate operators as a new profit center for locksmiths. Jerry Levine reviewed the LaGard Smartpoint access control system for safes. Tom Gillespie recommended the Pro-Lok laptop computer safe. Brad Smith, Arrow Lock brand manager, showed how to compete with the box boxx store retailer. Locksmith Steve Kaufman suggested replacing key operated locks with digital counterparts. Locksmith Josh Heath showed how to originate GM 6-cut keys in 10 minutes with the SIK system.
Using Detective Skills
A Locksmith Ledger subscriber had a problem fitting keys to a T-handle. The handle did not contain a key code. Although the keyway was quite open, the usual suspects of Y11 or Y13 type keys would not enter the keyway. This handle also had an unusual lock cam so replacement was not an option. The lock was sent to our office for assistance.
The first notable feature is the keyway. There is no shoulder stop on the bottom of the keyway. This limits the search to key blanks without bottom shoulders. Wafer keys without bottom shoulders considerably limit the possibilities to Dom or Lowe & Fletcher. A Google search of "L&F T-handles" produced a picture of a mini T handle with the identical flat ends on the handle.
An Ilco key blank catalog search displayed an LF16 with the proper blade shape. The blade shape is identical to an Ilco 1098X which fit perfectly into the plug. An 1/8" section was trimmed from the bottom shoulder and we had our keyblank. The final step involved picking the lock plug to a partially turned position. There are only three L&F wafer depth dimensions. A ball pick was moved across the tumblers and the decoded cuts were 32121.
