TWENTY YEARS AGO
Milt Wolferseder opened a Meilink class B safe. Allen Kutchins answered some tax questions. Jerry Levine suggested carrying golf tees in your toolbox to solve strikeplate loose screw problems. Access control was a featured topic with one article on a controller by SecuraKey. Allan Colombo suggested access control as the "locksmith's trump card for the future". The 1990 average hourly rate was $30.96. Gerry Finch complained about the law preventing locks picks from being sent in the mail. Bob Womack wrote about his new attachments for the 1200CM machine. The attachments worked so well that the manufacturer later incorporated some of his ideas into their original machine. The DK-30 access control system by Securitron was discussed. Yaletronics installed their Touchcode system at Brigham Young University. Locksmith Ledger reported on a company which sold lock picks which were made from soft, inferior materials. Tom Mickley reported on the Series 3000 magnetic locks by DynaLock.
TEN YEARS AGO
Jerry Levine introduced us to the Ilco Unican Safelock 515 Convert-A-Bolt. Tim O’Leary explained what standalone access control systems can do and why locksmiths should install them. Jim Glazier detailed which cameras you need in order to be an investigative locksmith. Mike Ferrill took a vacation in Hawaii and interviewed hotel maintenance officials about the features of their hotel security system. Dick Zunkel showed uses for magnetic locks having a delayed egress feature. Tiny serviced the locks on a 1999 Ford Ranger. Of special interest was the special Ford Ranger tire lock key system. Jerry Levine introduced conversion plates for installation of DORMA door closers when replacing other brands. Jerry Levine also explained how LAB pin kits closely match the original manufacturer pins. An Auto Security Product pin kit selector was published showing which ASP pin key to use for various popular car models. Charles Stevenson continued his series on components in a safe lock. Billy Edwards answered the question: "Who owns a master key system?”
YAKIMA SKS KEY SYSTEM
Newer Yakima roof racks have an SKS lock system which allows the owner to remove and install lock plugs on their rack. SKS refers to a 'same key system.' The five-cut, three-depth key code series has 25 codes, A131-A155. Key codes are stamped on the side of the lock plug, but the plug must be removed to find the number.
An Ilco X132 key blank can be used for duplication or key origination. In order to remove the lock plug the lock must be in the unlocked position. Fully insert an X132 blank into the lock and pull outward on the key to remove the lock plug for key fitting. The tip of the X132 will raise the lock retainer to the removal position. A lock pick can also be used to raise the fifth wafer retainer for plug removal. All operating keys have a "3" cut in the fifth position to bypass the retainer.
Spacing: 150-244-343-441-559.
Depths:1) 287 2) 256 3) 224.
The Yakima 'control key' to remove the lock plug lists for $4.00 (same as an X132 blank). A set of four Yakima lock plugs with one control key and two operating keys lists for a pricey $55.00.
