10 Years Ago
Back in 2014, ALOA was held in July and August was an Electronic Trends cover focus, rather than the New Products focus this year. An article titled “Electronic Lock Programming: The Ultimate Challenge?” looked at installation and programming of Arrow, Schlage and Stanley locks. “Code Implications for Mechanical Hardware” offered guidance on replacing damaged door hardware, noting that the locksmith's first step is to verify whether the opening is a fire door assembly, door in the means of egress or door on an accessible route. An article on the latest wireless products featured at BEA’s 900 MHz wireless transmitter, Kaba’s E-Plex Enterprise with Zigbee mesh network and Stanley’s Wi-Q™ Wireless Technology. Ledger also provided a comprehensive article on servicing aluminum glass storefront doors. A hands-on installation covered replacing a narrow stile aluminum door lock with an exit device. “Servicing the Schlage Everest 29 Primus XP Lock Cylinder” gave tips for this popular keyway, patented until 2029. New products included in April 2014 included the Olympus MRI cabinet locks, Numberall rotary hand stamp, Axis F Series modular cameras, Capitol industries MKS-5000 key safe, Ilco American eagle key blanks and SecuRam Bluetooth safe locks.
20 Years Ago
Impulse items were the topic of the August 2004 Locksmith Ledger. Jerry Levine suggested making use of open spaces in your store to display impulse items. Tom Gillespie visited several Midwestern locksmiths and took pictures of their impulse item displays. Gale Johnson reported on a tour of the Sargent factory in Connecticut. Jerry Levine assisted in the installation of a Securitron magnalock at a school building. Gale Johnson visited an educational presentation staged by Markar. In addition to first-hand knowledge, every student received a bottle of Markar hot sauce for chicken wings. Tim O’Leary offered an overview on available exit alarm products. O’Leary also reported on the Kaba Peaks Global high security lock system. Jerry Levine wrote a historical account of the movement towards vehicle electronic locking systems. Locksmith Ledger cautioned readers to learn about building safety codes to avoid legal problems when installing hardware in commercial buildings. Ledger also reported on the procedures to use when opening a safe with a Kaba Mas electronic lock. Tiny serviced the locks on a 2004 Nissan Murano. Gale Johnson explained the reasons behind early failure of sidewinder locks.
Lock Restoration
Back in August 2014, Editor-in-Chief Gale Johnson took on an interesting lock restoration project. The lock is a reproduction of a Williamsburg rim bit lock which was originally made during the 1800s. Its Corbin CO7 keyway was popular in the 1940s and 1950s. This still made the lock 60 to 70 years old.
His first order of business was to disassemble the cylinder. Two screws at the back of the cylinder hold the threaded portion onto the portion containing the pin tumblers. Once the cam and threaded portion were removed, it was a simple chore to shim the plug and remove it for cleaning.
There are only four tumblers in the lock which uses spaces two through five. Housing to hold the first tumbler has been milled away to allow the face of the plug to fit through the outer escutcheon. The cylinder cam had been rubbing against the turn piece in the lock, so a small amount of metal was milled off of the cam for extra clearance.
The final step was to remove every operating piece in the lock and completely clean the parts with a wire brush until they shined like the first day they were made. Photos were taken before disassembly to simplify re-assembly and to make sure that the proper handing was retained.
The tag on the lock case showed a price tag of $350. This is probably a used door price charged by some antique shop. We guarantee that it will function like new for many decades to come.
