Locksmithing etc. Feb. 2013

Mazda Rebadged Ford Vehicles

Mazda has rebadged a number of Ford vehicle over the years. The B-Series pickup models that were equipped with a V6 engine were rebadged as Ford Ranger pickups. The Navajo was the two-door rebadged Ford Explorer, and the Tribute was the rebadged Ford Escape. When Ford introduced the 8-Cut in 1996, the changeover was not complete. Vehicles use either the 10-Cut or the 8-Cut lock mechanisms. Chart 1 shows the short list.

According to the Grapevine

By the time you read this, Best Lock Company to will have changed their distribution policy (starting January 2013). They will no longer sell direct and go back to selling locks through distribution.

AMSEC AmVault x6 High Security Safe

The AMSEC AmVaultx6 is a U. L. Listed TL-30x6, a six-sided high security composite safe  made in the USA. It constructed with 3-inch thick walls and 6-inch thick doors. The composite is inner and outer steel plates encompassing an interlocking heavy duty steel barrier with concrete and a ceramic matrix. The ceramic and concrete incorporated in the door and body provides two hour, 350-degree F factory fire rating.

The locking mechanism ranges from six to ten 1.5"-diameter chrome plated solid steel locking bolts sliding through the reinforced drill resistant doorframe. The bolts remain in the retracted position when the door is open and automatically engage when the door is closed. 

There are five models of the AmVaultx6. Interior capacity ranges from 4.6 to 29.2 cubic feet. Weight ranges from 1,433 to 4,578 pounds. Optional features include three-way boltwork, electronic locks, auxiliary key lock and glass relocking mechanism.

For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or www.amsecusa.com/amvaultx6.

FYI

If a door operator is to be installed on a fire rated opening, the operator must have the U. L. Listing, which should be included in the brochure certification section. If not, check the installation manual. Without a U. L. Listing, the door operator cannot be installed onto a fire rated opening.

IR Security Group Splitting Off

According to resources, Ingersoll Rand is splitting off their residential and commercial electronic and mechanical security group to focus on their industrial, transport refrigeration, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning groups. This security group includes Schlage, LCN, Von Duprin, Steelcraft, Falcon, Ives, Glynn-Johnson, XceedID, aptiQTM, Dexter, Kryptonite, Fusion Hardware Group, Interflex, CISA, BOCOM Systems, Briton, Bricard, Randi, Dalco, ITO Kilit, Legge, Normbau and Martin Roberts.

The transition will occur within approximately one year if approved. Ingersoll-Rand will surrender ownership interest in the new business.

New Bianchi Key Blanks

Bianchi has introduced nine key blanks. Although these key blanks are not common to the North American market, they are used on some lock devices that may be imported. Chart 2 lists these key blanks

The key blank material for the ML8P and the ML41P is silver nickel. The remaining seven key blanks are steel. 

For more information, contact Bianchi at Web Site: www.bianchi1770usa.com.

Finding Codes and Regulations

An excellent place to be able to view codes is your local library. Look in the Government section. When researching Uniform Building Codes, search the chapter titled Means of Egress. Read the chapter titled Means of Egress when researching the Uniform Fire Code. Codes are not normally displayed in their complete form on the Internet.

Since the building and fire codes have to be ratified by each state, there will be different year building and fire codes for each state. This is because the codes cannot be implemented until they are adopted and time has been provided for the inspectors to get up to speed.

Engrave-It XP

Ilco Corp. has introduced the Engrave-It XP, the latest incarnation of engraving equipment capable of engraving keys, IC cores, key tags, luggage tags, pet tags and plates. It can engrave additional materials including different metals, acrylic, wood and plastic.

There are two limitations of the Engrave-It XP when compared to the Engrave-It PRO. First, the key and IC core trays are 6” x 8”.  Second, the XP model does not have the capability to engrave typical lock cylinders, faces of IC cores and padlocks.

For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or Kaba Ilco Corp. at Web Site: www.kaba-ilco.com.

Iris by Lowes

Lowes, a nationwide home improvement store has introduced Iris, a hub-based home automation system that can control door locks, appliances, lighting, video cameras and temperature control. Up to 100 devices can be controlled. There are two monitoring options, basic and premium.  Three starter kits are available with individual components sold separately.

For more information, see the Lowes Web Site, www.lowes.com, and search "Iris"

Los Angeles Auto Show

The LA Auto Show was in December and highlighted features and concept vehicles, with little emphasis on "new" vehicles. New cars included the 2014 Acura RLX and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. Just about all of the other new vehicles are already at your local dealerships. There were a few concept vehicles including the NSX.

New Kenworth & Peterbilt Code Series 

The new P0001-P1500 code series has been introduced for some Kenworth & Peterbilt trucks. This seven wafer code series uses groove 86 keyway locks and keys. Use the vehicle's code series for correct key blank identification.

The spaces and depths are:

Spaces Cut-To-Cut .0921"

1- .757"     2- .665"

3- .573"     4- .481"

5- .389"     6- .297"

7- .205"

Depths Increment .0252"

1- .340"     2- .315"

3- .290"     4- .265"

Aftermarket key blank numbers are: Ilco P1108, Ilco EZ B88, Jet B88-NP and JMA GM-21

Important: Do not substitute the Ilco K1994 or similar key blanks, as these key blanks are designed for a six wafer tumbler lock.

The 1200CM card number is CF207. The Universal II card number is 468.

Looking for Armstrong Locks?

Lock Solutions sells furniture locks, glass door locks, cam locks, keys, glass hardware, etc., manufactured by Armstrong Locks and other companies. For more information, contact Lock Solutions at Web Site: www.locksolutions.com.

Car-Opening Techniques: 2000-12 Volvo V70 Series

This month we will offer car-opening tool manufacturer's recommended techniques for opening the 2000-12 Volvo V70 Series including the XC70. These Volvo four-door models are equipped with vertical inside locking buttons on front and rear doors.

These vehicles are equipped with multi-layer weather stripping at the trim panel. The weather strip is pinched between the front and rear door. Use liquid dish soap to lubricate the weather stripping before inserting a tool. Dish soap will dissipate with water, where a lubricant can stain the door trim panel or the surrounding area.

The following opening methods can be used to unlock the 2000-12 Volvo V70 Series including the XC70 vehicles:

Use the High Tech Tools One Hand Jack 78SG Tool to unlock the front passenger door locking mechanism. Insert an inflatable wedge along the middle of the top of the front passenger door. Inflate the wedge to wedge out the doorframe to provide access for the car-opening tool. Insert the 78SG through the opening created along the rear edge of the doorframe. Slide the tool into the passenger compartment and hook the front passenger door handle. Pull back on the tool to unlock the door locking mechanism. Pull on the handle a second time to open the door.

Use the Pro-Lok AO-42 “Long Reach Tool,” the AO42SL Tool Sleeve, a wedge and an inflatable wedge to unlock the front passenger door locking mechanism. Begin by inserting the wedge two inches beneath the top of the rear edge of the glass. Insert the inflatable wedge six inches from the top. Inflate the wedge. Insert the AO42SL Sleeve four inches from the top of the glass. Insert the "L" end of the AO-42 car-opening tool through the sleeve into the passenger compartment with the tip facing down. Reach the car-opening tool across the passenger compartment until the tip of the tool contacts the electric lock-unlock button on the driver’s door arm rest. Push down on the electric lock unlock button to unlock the door locking mechanism.

Use the Slide Lock Japanese Tool™ car-opening tool and a wedge to unlock the rear passenger door locking mechanism. Insert the wedge forward of the outside door handle at a distance that will accommodate the car-opening tool. Carefully insert the Japanese Tool into the door cavity with the tip pointing forward. Lower the tool until the tip is beneath the bottom of the window glass and rotate slightly counterclockwise until the tip is on the passenger compartment side of the glass. Remove the wedge. Carefully work the tool until the tip slides up into the passenger compartment. Manipulate the car-opening tool until the tip is against the vertical locking button. Carefully lift the car opening tool to raise the vertical locking button and unlock the door locking mechanism.

Note: Using this method may mar the locking button.

Use the Steck Manufacturing BigEasy “Glo” and a wedge to unlock the passenger door locking mechanism. Begin by inserting the wedge or inflatable wedge into the top corner of the door. Once the door has been wedged out, insert the BigEasy tool into the passenger compartment. Manipulate the tool to position the ninety degree bend tip behind the inside door handle. Pull on the tool to unlock the door locking mechanism. Pull on the handle a second time to open the door.

Use the Tech-Train Productions Plastic Strip car-opening tool to unlock the front passenger door locking mechanism. Lubricate the weather strip between the front and rear passenger windows. Begin by using a plastic shim to create the opening and to move the weather strip out of the way. Once an opening has been created, insert a wedge or small Jiffy Jak Lever to gain access at the upper vertical edge of the front window glass. If using a wedge, use a sawing motion to lower the wedge as far down as possible. Slide the Plastic Strip Tool into the opening. Loop the closed end of the tool over the vertical locking button. Tighten the loop and carefully lift the car-opening tool to unlock the door locking mechanism.

The direction to rotate the driver’s door lock plug to the unlocked position is counter clockwise.

For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or the following car-opening tool manufacturers:

High Tech Tools, 1628 NW 28^th St., Miami, FL 33142. Telephone: 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.

Steck Manufacturing Company, Inc., 1115 S. Broadway, Dayton, OH 45408. Telephone: 800-227-8325.  Web Site: www.steckmfg.com.

Lockmasters Inc. (Tech Train products), 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. Contact Jerry Levine, C/O Locksmith Ledger, 3030 Salt Creek Lane, Suite 200, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. Fax: 847-454-2759. E-mail: [email protected].