TWENTY YEARS AGO
Locksmith Ledger tried to define what a 1991 locksmith was. "A Locksmith is an individual who has the ability to rekey a lock, install a lock, repair a lock and bypass/neutralize a lock." Does this definition still fit today? The care and installation of power inverters was explained. Tech-Train introduced two VATS interrogator tools, still handy tools to have. T.C. Mickley tested the A-1 Vulcan Button Grabber vehicle opening tool. Steve Guard showed how to open BMW 3 series vehicles which have deadlocking systems. Where is he now? Locksmith Ledger carried articles on opening both a Mosler TL-15 and TL-30 lug door money chests. Allan Halverson explained how to make permanent door repairs after drilling a safe open. David Halls how to electrify the lock system on tempered glass (Herculite type) doors. Secura Key suggested card reader systems for customers who want an audit trail of their lock usage. Chuck Charter continued his series on proper techniques for door closer installations. Peter Hall explained the life of a "lock fitter" in Great Britain.
TEN YEARS AGO
The November 2001 issue was written weeks after the World Trade center attacks. The editorial suggested that locksmiths will become "Security Professionals" as the public requests better protection against terrorism. Has your business changed? Key machines were featured in the November, 2001 issue. Jerry Levine tested the new Jet 7090 key duplicator. Framon also had a new key duplicator called the "Express" which was tested by Gale Johnson. Stephen Fish reviewed the Ilco Ultracode machine. Another article featured the CodePro 4500 code machine. Steve Jones explained the variety of metallurgy used for the manufacture of key blanks. Dick Zunkel suggested biometrics as a good system for access control. Steve Young lamented the addition of bicycle cables as a replacement for locking rods in new car door construction. Tiny serviced a 2001 Chevrolet Malibu. Dave Franchuk explained how to drill open an NKL safe.
Tribute To Former ALOA President Hank Printz
Fomer ALOA president Henry (Hank) Printz, CML, passed away on Sept. 20, 2011, after a long battle with cancer.
“ESO” has become a code used when a service call has resulted in a technician’s wasted effort due to the originator’s ineptitude or general ignorance and stands for “Equipment Superior to Operator.” It definitely does not, however, apply to the life of Hank Printz. Nothing could manage to become superior to Hank, be it a lock, a computer, an 18-wheeler, a committee, nor a dictum from Robert’s Rules of Order which he could quote chapter and verse, much to the consternation of some fellow committee members.
Hank was an original Renaissance Man having served in Korea, returning to the states to drive an 18-wheeler cross county, joining Cy Drake Locksmith Company in Morristown NJ as a full partner, serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Associated Locksmiths of America as well as its Northeast Vice President and, finally, its President. In between time, he managed to serve as President of the Safe and Vault Technicians Association as well as local locksmith associations.
Recipient of several prestigious national awards including the Philadelphia Award and the ALOA President’s Award, Hank was the holder of the first Certified Master Locksmith (CML) designation awarded by the ALOA Proficiency Registration Program (PRP) which he was instrumental in creating.
During his time on the ALOA Board, the association navigated through major changes which resulted in a large membership growth and the dawn of professionalism for its members.
Henry is survived by Jong, his wife of 48 years, his daughter Alice, two grandchildren and a multitude of friends from within our industry, both here and abroad.
-- Breck H. Camp, CML
