Locksmiths have a vast array of tools to help them to get the job done quickly and in a workmanlike manner. Typical locksmith toolboxes include power tools, jigs and the like.
However, today’s locksmith requires a few tools that go beyond “specialty” territory. Here is a selection of these more oddball tools for you to consider.
Sex Bolt
These tamperproof fasteners are used for architectural hardware, such as exit devices, continuous hinges and maglocks.
A sex bolt is a type of mating fastener that has a barrel-shape flange and protruding boss that’s threaded internally. The bolt sits within the components being fastened, with the flange providing the bearing surface. The sex bolt and accompanying machine screw sit flush on either side of the surfaces being fastened.
The sex bolt consists of a “female” threaded barrel or nut and a “male” threaded screw. The barrel and screw have heads designed to bind material between the head of the barrel and the head of the screw or to bridge the gap between two parts.
They’re attractive looking for nearly any environment. Besides not providing any readily accessible attack points for thieves or vandals, sex bolts provide the big advantage of through-bolt mounting of devices. Through bolting is a vastly superior method to mount door hardware that must withstand pulling force and possible vandalism and abuse.
Rivet Nuts (Rivnuts)
Sheet-metal screws can grab only by one thread when used with sheet metal and aren’t reliable when installed and removed repeatedly. They fatigue the material surrounding the screw. Meanwhile, when you work on tubular door frames in restricted spots where access is only from the mounting side, through bolting isn’t practical or possible.
In such cases, a rivet nut, or rivnut, also known as a blind rivet nut, is useful. A rivnut is a one-piece internally threaded and counterbored tubular rivet that can be anchored entirely from one side. It’s a type of threaded insert. Rivnuts were introduced in the 1930s for use on airplanes but rapidly were adopted for many other uses.
There are two types: One is designed to form a bulge on the back side of the panel as a screw is tightened in its threads. The other is drawn into a sleeve instead of creating a bulge.
They can be installed with a specialized tool or by using a simple setup that involves an adjustable wrench. When confronted with an installation into sheet metal where there will be stress and movement, the benefits of rivnuts are difficult to dispute.
Armature Safety Cables
Maglock armatures are heavy, have sharp edges and are mounted on doors so they can pivot to provide the most secure mating bond between the armature and electromagnetic coil.
On rare occasions, the armature might separate from the door and injure pedestrians. Besides, injuring somebody can lead to nasty litigation.
This type of mechanical failure is inexpensive to mitigate by using armature safety cables.
We found the best way to install the safety cables was with blind rivets (see below). You can fabricate your own or buy them manufactured.
Blind Rivets
There’s a reason Stanley’s brand name is synonymous with blind rivets: POP was the original manufacturer of these fasteners.
I must have installed a million of these rivets by using compressed-air powered rivet tools, but most times, you use humble hand power for fast, effective installation.
Butane Soldering Kit
What low-voltage work you take on will depend on where you work and what type of work you’re qualified to perform. The rules vary among jurisdictions. In some states, low voltage is part of the locksmith certification, but not all.
Making low-voltage electrical connections can involve a wide variety of tools and some special skills. I have used many types of devices for wiring, but a butane torch kit is handy. By using one, you can solder and heat-shrink the majority of low-voltage projects without requiring extension cords, heat guns or soldering irons.
(Heat-shrink tubing is a common element in most electrical setups that insulates electrical components and terminations from external factors, such as moisture, dust, abrasion, physical stress and sharp objects that might otherwise damage wires and electrical components.)
Initially, butane soldering was appealing because it allowed precise temperature control, minimized the possibility of damage to equipment and didn’t require line voltage or external electrical power.
Now, butane soldering kits are convenient, cost-effective and work well. They replace the necessity for a separate heat gun and a variety of different size soldering irons. Also, they don’t require a line cord or an extended cool-off period after use.
Klein Probe
I began my career using test equipment that used vacuum tubes and involved delicate meter movements. If you’re unfamiliar with these, good for you. In my opinion, that wasn’t the golden era of electronic security.
Digital voltmeters (DVMs) are way better, particularly for field work where ladders might be involved. Many DVMs are reliable, accurate and inexpensive.
One of my newest toys is my Klein Tools NCVT-2P Dual Range Voltage Tester. Most electronic access control service calls require determining whether some volts are on the wire, and the Klein is sensitive enough to test without resorting to a DVM. That said, you should own one or two DVMs “just in case.”
Door Pressure Gauge
Such a tool confirms that door closers, exit devices and door operators are adjusted within code specifications. In my opinion, you’re throwing away money if you aren’t equipped with one of these.
Wiring Tools
Wire pulling and concealment still are required even in a wireless world. Even on commercial jobs, you likely will be required to span ceilings over partitioned walls. In such cases, you have to use your time efficiently.
The goal is to conceal the wires without destroying finished surfaces, and raceways are a great way to accomplish that when conduits aren’t appropriate.
Other wiring tools, such as spanners and retrieval tools, will prove valuable.
Endoscope
Endoscopes sometimes are referred to as borescopes. Briefly, an endoscope is a camera at the end of a semi-rigid cable. Many have LEDs built in to illuminate where they’re aimed.
The diameter of the camera cable, accessories and connectivity depend on which model you select based on your requirements. The smaller the diameter of the camera, the more places the endoscope will be able to fit in and view. Looking in walls for wires is helpful, but the possibilities are virtually endless for how you can use these tools.
Tim O’Leary is an experienced security consultant and a regular contributor to Locksmith Ledger.
Tim O'Leary
Tim O'Leary is a security consultant, trainer and technician who has also been writing articles on all areas of locksmithing & physical security for many years.
