Steve’s Lock Out has just recently aquired some new key generating equipment. What does this mean? It means that we can now make keys for some of the cars that have issues that make extra keys previously impossible.
Here are 2 major examples that urged the purchase of this equipment.
Many Lexus and Toyotas previous to 2003 require a “Master” key to open the programming mode to add extra keys. This key isn’t anything special except for the fact it was programmed as a master. The only way to previously make copies of these keys with out a master key to open the programming cycle was to actually remove a control module and “reflash” it. This is a process that can cost major $$$. Now with our new key cloner we can simply “clone” and cut the key and send you on your way. No need for a master key to open the programming cycle.
Another is the 2000 Nissan Altima. We previously would not make keys for these cars. It turns out that there is a wiring fault in many of these that when plugged into by a scan tool could completely ruin the programmer and turn the car into a paper weight until the cars computer is replaced. Now we can simply clone a key for this car.
A note about “cloned” keys: The auto that these are used on recognize the original key and the cloned key as if they are the same key.
This is a loaded question. There are so many aspects that are overlooked when judging whether a home is secure or not. Here is a break down of most of the main factors to consider.
Lets start with the obvious. Doors. First of all does it have a properly working lock on the door? Does the lock employ a deadlatch? A deadlatch is a part of the door latch that keeps someone from using something like a credit card to “shim” the latch back. Does the door have a deadbolt? Is the strike of the deadbolt resistant to kick-ins by using long, strong screws that go through the jam into the frame behind the jam or does it use a security strike that is longer and uses multiple screws spread out along the jam? Are your hinges secured with long, heavy screws like discussed in the previous sentence about the deadbolt strikes or does it use short screws that only go into the jam that could easily be forced? A door can be kicked in on the hinge side as well as the lock side. Is door actually a strong exterior door or is it a weaker interior style door? Could any0ne else possibly have a key to your home?
Windows. Do your windows have locks? Are your windows close to the ground? Do they have a break resistant film? Consider second story windows as well. All it takes is a ladder to make them just as accessible as your ground floor windows.
Visibility. Is the entrances to your home well lit and the view unobstructed?
Alarm. Does your home have an alarm? Even an alarm that is just a noise maker can scare off a would be theif, however, a monitored alarm is best.
Good neighbors. Will your neighbors call the police when they notice something strange happening in your absence?
Their are more things to consider, however, this will give you a good place to start.
I really like to entertain people. If I wasn’t a locksmith I thing my dream job would be running a family fun center, but I still get to have some fun. Here’s a video of our light show for the fourth of July. The camera had trouble staying focus. I’m guessing because it is so bright. It is actually looks much better in person. If you get the chance come by 1806 Main in Parsons, KS. The shows begin at 8:30 and play every half hour. The show this year is just one song “The Star Spangled Banner”. The flag has 3200 LEDs. Enjoy.
Sagging has always been an issue that any high traffic door will have to deal with sooner or later. Solutions were things like replacing the hinges, using reinforced or reinforcing hinges, etc.
Now there is a much better solution. A solution that could possibly out last the building the door is attached to. Continuous hinges. Some have been tested to 25,000,000 cycles and beyond.
Continuous hinges are a better solution for more reasons than just the life span. Many times on older doors they offer the solution to special hinges or door pivots that are no longer made. And even ones that replacement of the pivots is not practical. Pivots that are embedded in concrete for instance. Let me clear up what a pivot is to those who don’t know. It’s just that. Something for the door to pivot on. Many aluminum framed glass storefront doors use these in place of standard hinges.
Security is another benifit. Continuous hinges virtually eleminate hinge attacks on a door. Of course this is only part of the solution for security. When considering security there are many more aspects that need to be considered.
The pictures in this article are from an installtion done by Steve’s Lock Out. And Adam’s Rite dead latch and paddle handle was also installed on this door and 2 others.
Here is a video tour of Steve’s Lock Out. And of course Smelly Good Stuffs (my wifes part of the shop). I noticed that in the video I consentrated alot more on her stuff than mine, but it’s still a tour none the less.
More than 900 children between 1 and 14 die each year in drowning accidents. In California, drowning is the number one cause of accidental death for children 1-4 years of age. Pool alarms could help substancially lower this number. Statistics are there to prove a point, however, does the chance of loosing a child need to be great before you take action? You already know the answer to that.
A Pool Alarm is an electronic monitoring system that automatically sounds an alarm when children or pets fall into your unsupervised pool. It’s portable, self-contained and light weight. The unit is simple to operate. Entry into the pool will be detected by the Pool Alarm’s electronic sensor, triggering a loud pulsating alarm at the unit and inside your house from the remote receiver.
The pool alarm installation is very easy. It sits on the pool deck as shown in picture.
After you install the pool alarm, it can’t be de-activated; it is always in the alarm ready mode until you put it in Sleep Mode.
If someone who does not know how to put the pool alarm in sleep mode attempts to remove the alarm, it will sound an alarm.
The Pool Alarm comes with a remote receiver which can be mounted in your home up to 200 feet from the main unit. It comes with a 12 volt power supply.
The Pool Alarm uses one a 9-volt battery (not included) which should last approximately one year.
There is a audible low battery indicator which will sound at the poolside alarm and the remote receiver.
Keep in mind that a pool alarm is not a replacement for fences, gates ,locks or supervision. Keep in mind that a pool alarm detects disturbances in the water so it is possible to slip into the pool without setting the alarm off. Never leave a child unattended near a pool.
Just wanted to promote my new website for peppersprays, Mace and other defense sprays at http://www.pepperspraydefensespray.com It’s a new site strictly for personal defense sprays. Give it a look and tell me what your think.
This is a recent article that I made a key for and thought it may interest some. I would be interested if anyone could give me a little more information on the history of this box.
Strong Box
Fortunately this was brought in unlocked. You will see why shortly.
I removed the lock to do a quick inspection.
Then disassembled. I found a lever that was missing a spring and one with a very loose spring. This is already fixed in the following pictures. Notice that this is a six lever lock. The levers are layed out in order. The second one with the odd colored spring was the one we replaced the spring on.
Here is a better picture of the lever. The levers were not of uniform thickness. The springs were quite strong. This would not have been an easy opening without drilling.
Lever with Replaced Spring
I picked through my inventory of obsolete bit keys. I found this old Taylor that had a post and flag of a usable size.
Uncut Taylor Bit Key
After about 45 minutes of work grinding, filing and cutting this is what I ended up with. Note the large cut in the left side of the key. This was needed to pass a large ward in the lock. It is very possible that this lock had 2 different keys the way the ward is. One that would only lock and one that would lock or unlock.
Lock with Cut Key
I noticed when it came in that the key cover was backwards. This was an easy fix though, two screws and it was done. This was probably done to keep anyone from inserting the key in and locking it. With the missing spring the lock was malfunctioning and may not have been able to be opened again by just using the key.
Cover Plate
Here are some pictures of the finished product.
Side View of Lock with Key Inserted Lock with Key Inserted
Continuous hinges are a better solution for more reasons than just the life span. Many times on older doors they offer the solution to special hinges or door pivots that are no longer made. And even ones that replacement of the pivots is not practical. Pivots that are embedded in concrete for instance. Let me clear up what a pivot is to those who don’t know. It’s just that. Something for the door to pivot on. Many aluminum framed glass storefront doors use these in place of standard hinges.
