New Caterpillar Code Series
Caterpillar appears to have two new code series for their 2012 trucks. We have received one key code from each series. One code series appears to use Chrysler depths and spaces and the Y157 style key blank. These double-sided convenience seven-cut keys can probably be originated using the 1200CM CX60 code card or the Ultracode 537 card. It appears the cuts resemble the Z001-Z262 code series.
FYI
While researching another article, I learned that lock boxes are manufactured from at least three different materials: steel, aluminum and stainless steel. Aluminum lock boxes are manufactured mainly for the Southeastern United States where the weather can quickly rust steel. The aluminum lock boxes are installed into aluminum fencing. Steel lock boxes are used in other areas. Stainless steel lock boxes are used in food service, marine and hazardous environments. For food service, they often are required to power wash areas of the facility once a day or more.
Key Pricing
How do you determine what price to charge for a duplicate key? Key blank pricing has changed over the years with the introduction of so many different types including metal head, plastic (rubber) head, four-pin, five-pin, six- and more pin, original equipment, original looking, aftermarket standard, aftermarket less expensive, high security automotive, high security commercial, electronic equipped, etc. Then we have the quantity breaks, fives, 10s, 50s, 100s, 250 packages, etc.
Key blank manufacturers have different pricing categories. For the aftermarket, key blank manufacturers can set the price for a key blank by the number they produce for a given time period.
As locksmiths, we may stock 500 or more key blank numbers. There are about 5,000 different keys ranging from the most popular to the ones that a package of ten was ordered years ago and you still have eight.
The way the key is duplicated is different as a cylindrical key blank is cut with a standard duplicator, whereas a Sidewinder key blank requires a specialized key machine and more time to duplicate.
A big box store sells the most popular key blank for sometimes a not too expensive price. They cannot duplicate high security key blanks.
What do you do? We are looking for your input.
Rytan Carbide Cutter and Pulley Kit
Some key blanks have small amounts of ferrous metal added into their ingredients. With the cost of copper dramatically up and requirements to eliminate lead in key blanks, a few key blank manufacturers are adding ferrous metal. The problem is the standard key blank cutters are not designed to cut ferrous metal. Plus most key blank duplicators cutters operate at around 800 to 1,000 RPM, way too slow to cut ferrous metal.
To solve this problem, Rytan has introduced the RY103 carbide cutter and pulley kit designed to speed up a Rytan Ry100 or RY200 Duplicating Key Machine to approximately 1800 RPM.
For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or Rytan Inc., 455 Maple Ave., Torrance, CA 90503. Telephone: 800-447-9826. Web Site: www.rytan.com.
DORMA Glass Door Exit Hardware
DORMA has introduced the DG1000 Series Exit Devices designed for Herculite style frameless glass doors that are 1/2" to 3/4" thick tempered safety glass. They are available as panic hardware and deadbolt equipped hardware. The DG1000 Series exit devices are UL-listed and ANSI/BHMA A156.3 Grade 1 certified. They feature a latching bolt or deadbolt mechanism hidden within the interior of the handle mechanism.
The DORMA DG1000 exit device has a top locking mechanism with interchangeable core (IC) on the exterior and IC or thumbturn on the interior. The DG1100 exit device has a bottom locking mechanism with IC on the exterior and IC or thumbturn on the interior. The DG1300 exit device has a choice of top, bottom or top and bottom locking deadbolt configurations. The top locking bolt configuration can be equipped with an electric strike for electronic access control. For magnetic shear lock applications, the DG1000 can be configured with a mechanical release switch in the vertical tube. Dummy pulls are available. These exit devices can be ordered in polished or satin stainless steel or brass finishes.
For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or DORMA, telephone 800-451-0649, Web Site www.dorma-usa.com.
GM Key Codes
A locksmith called regarding a key code stamped into the ignition for a 1990s General Motors vehicle. The code was six characters long. The first four were the actual key code. The last two were the VATS value. The six-character code can be found on some GM models equipped with a CSS steering column. You can sometimes get the six-digit code from a code service.
The last two digits are the VATS value. The two digits will be either two letters or a letter and a number for the 14 VATS values (2-15).
They are: 2-CN; 3-FW; 4-GP; 5-KA; 6-N5; 7-UN; 8-XB; 9-GA; 10-NP; 11-FY; 12-C5; 13-XY; 14-KB; 15-UW
Keedex Lever Guard
Keedex has introduced the GRD-LVR lever guard for gates. The non-handed guard is designed to protect the inside lever from outside manipulation. The lever guard is constructed from 16 gauge steel. Dimensions are 11-3/8” long by 9-1/2” wide and 2-7/8” deep with a ¾” bevel.
For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or Keedex, Inc., 510 Cameron Street, Placentia, CA 92870. Telephone: 714-993-4300. Web Site: www.keedex.com.
Key Machine
A Lowes store I occasionally frequent had a key duplicating machine about the size of a soda machine for a period of time. The machine would duplicate a key for a set price. The styles of available keys were very limited. The machine is no longer there.
New Medeco Deadbolt
Medeco has introduced the 14 Series ANSI Grade 2 Deadbolt. The 14 Series is available with the Medeco patented key control using a BiLevel or Medeco3 mechanical cylinder, an M3 Logic Medeco mechanical/electronic cylinder or an eCylinder electronic cylinder.
For more information, contact your local locksmith wholesaler or Medeco, Web Site: www.medeco.com.
Schlage CT5000 Controller
The Schlage CT5000 offline single opening controller is designed for applications where an integrated electronic lock may not be compatible with the opening. The CT5000 can be used with electric strikes, magnetic locks and electric latch retraction exit devices on non-standard openings including narrow stile aluminum storefront doors.
The Schlage CT5000 has three inputs, three form C relay outputs and supports up to two Weigand reader inputs. It is compatible with keypads, 125KHz Proximity, 13.56 MHz Smart Cards and Magnetic Stripe credentials.
The CT5000 offline controller supports up to 5000 users and 5,000 audits. The controller can be programmed at a compatible keypad or using Schlage SMS software, a PC and the Schlage Handheld Programming Device. A UL294 listed Class 2, 12 or 24VDC 2Amp power supply is required.
For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies, Telephone 866-322-1237. Web Site: http://w3.securitytechnologies.com/irst/Pages/default.aspx.
Car-Opening Techniques: 2004-Up Ford F-150 Pickup
This month we will offer recommended car-opening techniques for the 2004-up Ford F-150 pickup. These F-150s are equipped with inside vertical lock control linkage rods and lock buttons. Portions of the vertical locking rod are unprotected, enabling in-the-door car-opening tools to be used to unlock the door locking mechanism. Ford redesigned the F-150 for the 2004 model year.
The following methods can be used to unlock the 2004-up Ford F-150 pickup:
Use the High Tech Tools 47 Tool and a wedge to unlock the passenger door locking mechanism. Insert the wedge forward of the front edge of the outside door handle assembly. Insert the #47 car-opening tool into the passenger door cavity with the tip pointing rearward. Lower the tool into the door cavity. Rotate the tool counterclockwise to contact the vertical linkage rod. When the tool contacts the vertical linkage rod, the lock button will move slightly. Once contacted, capture the vertical linkage rod in the tip of the car opening tool. Bind the linkage rod and carefully lift the tool to unlock the door locking mechanism.
Use the Pro-Lok AO-07 Astro Tool, an inspection light and an inflatable wedge to unlock the passenger door locking mechanism. Insert the inflatable wedge 11 inches from the rear edge of the front passenger door window. Inflate the wedge according to manufacturer’s instructions. Insert the inspection light seven inches from the rear edge of the window in order to identify the vertical linkage rod. Insert the small hook end of the AO-07 car-opening tool into the door cavity five inches from the rear edge of the window glass with the tip facing forward. Lower the AO-07 10 inches. Rotate the tool 90 degrees counterclockwise and lift the tool until it contacts the vertical rod. Gently lift the AO-07 tool to unlock the door locking mechanism.
Use the Slide Lock Inverted Z-Tool and a wedge to unlock the front passenger door locking mechanism. Insert a wedge into the passenger door towards the forward end of the outside door handle. Slide the large end of the Inverted Z-Tool into the door cavity with the tip of the tool pointing forward. Lower the tool six to eight inches. Rotate the tool counterclockwise one-quarter of a turn until the large end points towards the left rear corner of the cab. Pull up on the tool until it contacts the horizontal portion of the vertical linkage rod. Contacting the linkage rod will cause a slight movement of the lock button. Pull up on the linkage rod to lift the vertical lock button to the unlocked position to unlock the locking mechanism.
Use the Tech-Train Productions TT-1017 car-opening tool and a wedge to unlock the passenger door locking mechanism. Insert the wedge forward of the outside door handle assembly. Carefully insert the TT-1017 into the door cavity until the car opening tool shaft is against the weather stripping before rotating the tool. Rotate the TT-1017 until the hooked end is on the outboard side of the linkage rod. Carefully lower the tool until it is about five inches deep in the door. Rotate the tool clockwise until it contacts the vertical linkage rod. The locking button will move slightly. Once the tool contacts the linkage rod, pull the tool forward until the rod is trapped within the hooked tip. Continue to maintain pulling pressure and lift the tool to unlock the locking mechanism.
The direction to rotate 2004-up Ford F-150 pickup door lock plug to the unlocked position is clockwise for the passenger or drivers door lock.
For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or the following car-opening tool manufacturers.
High Tech Tools, 1628 NW 28th St., Miami, FL 33142. Telephone: 1-800-323-8324. Fax: 305-635-1015. Website: www.hightechtools.com
Pro-Lok, 655 North Hariton Street, Orange, CA 92868. Telephone: 714-633-0681. Fax: 714-633-0470, Website: www.pro-lok.com.
Slide Lock Tool Co. Inc., 1166 Topside Rd., Louisville, TN 37777. Telephone: 800-336-8812. Website: www.z-tool.com.
Lockmasters Inc. (Tech-Train), 2101 John C. Watts Drive, Nicholasville, KY 40356. Telephone: 800-654-0637. Fax: 859-885-7093. Website: www.lockmasters.com.
We are interested in printing opening methods from other car opening tool manufacturers. Write or fax to Jerry Levine C/O Locksmith Ledger 3030 Salt Creek Lane, Suite 200, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. Fax: 847-454-2759. E-mail: j[email protected].
