10 Years Ago
The FDIA launched its online Swinging Fire Door Inspection Course and Locksmith Ledger Technical Editor Jerry Levine completed the course, which was a first step for locksmiths wishing to become certified as fire door inspectors. Tim O’Leary wrote about Alarm Lock’s RR receiver, used to remotely unlock Trilogy locks. Another article looked at the benefits of the SARGENT 8200 Series Ecoflex mortise lock. O’Leary also reported on handy tools for running and connecting wires needed for hard-wired access control devices. “IP Video Surveillance Camera Guide: Choose The Right Camera for Your Installation” was part of our video surveillance series. A transponder programming tool article looked at products including the Advanced Diagnostics Tcode Pro and MVP Pro, the KeylessRide Hotwire, the Silca TKO, the DMAX Crysler Skim Tool and the EZ Flasher. The technology growth in the automotive sector has been amazing, with many more cutting-edge products replacing the devices from 10 years ago.
20 Years Ago
Electronic locks were the focus for the month. Tom Gillespie pressed readers to 'Step Up' to standalones. Gale Johnson explained the Schlage line of King Cobra locks. Tim O'Leary suggested ways to add CCTV to an existing access control system. O'Leary also reported on request to exit (REX) products. Jerry Levine installed an Omnilock access control system by OSI. Rod Oden digs deep into the concepts of master keying to produce incidental masterkeys. Steve Young discussed the pros and cons of long-reach car opening tools. Jerry Levine introduced readers to the new Klinky Bejewelled Keys. Keedex showed their new DRLSR door laser guide which uses a laser to accurately aim the drill bit while coring a door. Richard Formica described problems encountered during a safe moving project. Rick Duskiewicz introduced readers to the New York Association of In-House Locksmiths, Inc (NYAIL). Tiny serviced the locks on a Chevrolet Aveo. Steve Kaufman interviewed industry notable Carolyn Connelly.
Pricing Through the Years
In the September 2014 issue of Locksmith Ledger, we included a mail-in postcard so locksmiths could participate in our annual National Average Price Survey. These days, it’s all done online, and results of the 2024 National Average Price Survey will be published next month.
The following price survey results are the oldest ones in our archives, dating back 70 years. Tasks such as installing automotive springs are no longer required. Hourly rates were around $3.50/hour and most keys cost less than a dollar.
DUPLICATING KEYS
Cylinder Type: 35 cents
Bit keys: 75 cents
Steel bit: 50 cents
Bit master keys – steel: $1
Flat steel: 35 cents
Flat steel (double sided): 50 cents
Double sided cylinder type: 50 cents
Duo & other irregular types: $1
Safe deposit box keys: 75 cents
Broken Cylinder keys: 50 cents
QUANTITY PRICES
25 or more all alike: 10% discount
200 or more all alike: 20% discount
FITTING FIRST KEY
Rim (pin tumbler): $1
Rim (wafer tumbler): $1
Best cylinders: $1.50
Mortise cylinders: $1
Padlocks (pin tumblers): $1
Padlocks (wafer tumbler): 50 cents
Automotive cylinders: $1
Bit keys (1 tumbler): 75 cents
Bit keys (3 tumblers): $1
Locker keys: $1
Flat steel cabinet locks: $1
Suitcase keys: 50 cents
KEYS BY NUMBER
Automotive: 75 cents
Suitcase keys: 75 cents
Trunk keys: 50 cents
Mailbox keys: 75 cents
DOOR CLOSER REPAIRS
Screen door type: $2.50
Repack and refill overhead type: $4.50
Floor checks: 11.50
OUT OF SHOP SERVICE
Hourly rate (1 hr. min): $3.50
Fitting 1st key automotive: $3.50
Mileage: 10 cents/mile
SHOP WORK
Hourly rate: $3.50
Installing auto springs: $3.50
CYLINDER WORK
Mortise and rim type set to sample key: $1
Master keying (per cylinder): $1
Schlage, wafer type master keyed: $1.50
Schlage, pin tumbler type, reset combination: $1.25
