Masterkeying Problems - Your Incompetent Locksmith Has Filed Down Your Cylinders

Chances are there are some locksmiths in your area that are highly incompetent. They drive the vehicle, wear the shirt, and have the advertisements; but they have no real clue about quality work. In Nashville, TN, even some of the oldest locksmiths are destroying customers locks so that they cannot be master-keyed securely. You would be surprised by who it is, because they are highly regarded in the community. When an incompetent locksmith re-keys your locks, he removes them, puts the wrong sized tumblers in the chambers, and grinds the lock cylinder down on a grinder or he hand files them. When he does this, he is removing from .020 to ,045 of an inch of valuable metal from your lock. He is ruining your lock!

Now, let us say that you call another locksmith in to master-key the locks. When a lock is master-keyed, a master key works the lock and an individual, different key works the lock as well. In fact, a master key system can have more levels than just two. But the problem comes when your incompetent locksmith files the cylinder plugs down to fit his wrong tumblers. Why? Because there are master pins that start at .024 of an inch. If he files the plug down to .045 of an inch, you can see that a .024 inch master pin will float in empty space and jam your lock.

There is a way around this problem, however. Today I did a small master key job where a locally famous, incompetent locksmith preceded me. The plugs were all filed down and some of the chambers were mauled. Because the master key system was small, I designed it to take larger master pins. Instead of making small two-step increments in the system, like a #2 cut in the master and a #4 cut in the change key, I went to a #5 in the change key. The difference between the #4 and #5 was sufficient enough to compensate for the filed cylinder plugs. So, the difference between a #2 master key cut and #5 change key cut is 3. A 3 master pin is thicker than a number 2 master pin.

I will tell you just how prevalent lock cylinder filing is. A number of years ago there was locksmith school here in the southern part of the country. The owner told me to insert the pins, grind the cylinder, and that would take care of the job; and this guy was grinding away a fourth of the cylinder. His excuse was that the lock was not pick-proof anyway. What he did was to make the lock no longer fit to be keyed. He also made the lock easier to pick and made the chances greater that a wrong key could "jiggle" the lock open.

So, if you want your locks master-keyed, you will need to know if your locksmith has filed the cylinders down. If he has, and he won't tell you they have been filed, he will have to sell you replacement cylinders. The cost of your job will be double.

If you suspect that your locksmith is filing your cylinders, have another locksmith install a new cylinder and call the suspect locksmith to key it. Have the first locksmith inspect the work. If the lock has been filed, fire the old locksmith.

Replace the Stock Cylinders That Come With Your New Commercial Glass Door

If you have a commercial glass door, and it is a newer door, chances are there are stock, glass door lock cylinders installed. Of course, you pay quite a hefty sum to have these doors installed; but the truth of the matter is that the lock cylinders that come with it are "dollar-trash" locks cylinders. If the lock cylinders are newer, then the keys will work okay for a while. If you try to re-key them, and the locksmith uses some deeper cuts in the key, the tumblers will just refuse to operate properly. If you have had these cylinders for a while, it is best to ask your locksmith to install solid brass cylinders on his next visit. Here are some things you should know about the lock cylinders that come with your glass doors.

1. The are made of cheap metal and are die cast. They are not finely machined brass. Die cast metal tends to corrode more easily than brass.
2. The tailpieces or cams cannot be held on to the cylinders as tightly. Eventually, the screws work themselves free and jam the lock. I have seen this too many times to remember.
3. The cams on these locks are often die cast material of inferior quality as well. If you have to force the key to lock the bolt, the pressure can be enough to shatter the cam, causing a lock out.
4. The Adams- Rite set screws which hold the lock cylinders in place just never hold very well, causing the lock cylinders to spin freely when you turn the key.
5. It seems that, over time, the tumblers wear a pattern into the cylinder plug and make accurate re-keying impossible. If you insert your key into the cylinder and it hesitates before turning, your lock has a wear pattern and the top pins are not falling correctly into the chambers.

Locksmiths With Blank Invoices Should Be Turned Away - The Scams Abound!

There is a locksmith running around the Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Nashville area who is reached through a 1-800 number. Of course, not every locksmith who uses a 1-800 number is a scam business either. But this locksmith will show up, probably be unable to fix your most basic commercial job, and, if he is unable to do the job, will charge you a service call. He will hand you a blank receipt without a name, address or Tennessee locksmith license number, and demand cash. This locksmith is sent to you when you use the Internet PAID ADVERTISING SITES. When you call a 1-800 number from the premium website search result listings, you usually get the scam artists who work out of another state. Here are some things you should know.

1. Never hire a locksmith who has a 1-800 number unless you know he is local and you have checked his references.
2. When any locksmith shows up at your place of business, ask for 1) his Tennessee locksmith license ID card and 2) his invoice booklet. If he has no license and his invoices are blank, ask him to leave because he is working under the radar and cannot be trusted to do the work correctly and charge you fairly.
3. If you get one of these locksmiths, do not pay him a service call, as he will not be able to collect since he is operating outside of Tennessee law. Get his vehicle type and write down his vehicle license plate number and call the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.
4. Always ask a price before you ask the locksmith to make a service call. If the locksmith call center tells you that the service call will be $14, $15, $19 or some other low amount, and if the person refuses to give you a final price, cancel the call.
5. The locksmiths who are dispatched are dispatched from businesses you will not be able to find, hence the blank receipts. These locksmiths also get half of the money for the job they do, so of course the price is going to be jacked up. I have seen an $85 job go for $375; and the invoice was blank! The customer could not lodge a complaint nor get a refund.
6. If you do get stuck with one of these hucksters, and he is doing your work, rest assured that he will come to you when he is done and give you a bill three to four times what you thought it was going to be. In the event you do not pay the up-charge, the locksmith will remove your locks at closing time and threaten you with legal action. Do not pay the bill and do not sign it. Get his tag numbers and call the police, because the locksmith will remove your locks and leave you vulnerable!
7. For more information, go to www.a-bestlocksmith.com or www.commerciallockservice.com.

Make Part-Time Money Repairing and Re-Keying House Locks

It isn't as hard as you think! In fact, if you would like to do two or three house re-key jobs each month, you could be taking home $300 or more! Who couldn't use an extra $300? In my book, The "Dollar-A-Minute Locksmith", I show you how you can tap into this lucrative market; and my book shows you why you shouldn't be afraid. Believe it or not, making money on your own is as easy as doing a job for someone and then asking for payment.

My book covers most, if not all, scenarios you will encounter on a house lock call. Everything from latch replacement, re-keying, door hinge issues, dead bolt installations, and more. This whole thing is really very simple. I also talk about the paperwork side of the business, equipment needs, advertising, and licensing. Licensing is a pain in the backside, to be sure, but most states do not regulate locksmiths. This book shows you the picture and the explains the steps to make it happen. This book will answer most of your questions and make you comfortable in taking the next step: tools and business cards.

Although I do recommend that you buy a $800 key copying machine, I believe you can still do lock work without one. All you need to do is to go by a better hardware store and get copies made from original keys. It is that easy.

My 54 page spiral bound book is a small investment if you would like to explore this business. You can begin with homes and, later, move on to businesses. I also recommend some DVDs you can buy online that show you how to re-key locks. If the truth be known, house re-keys and lock repair is easy. Today, I drilled out one house dead bolt, replaced it, re-keyed three other locks, and walked away with $154. The deadbolt was $10. My take for 20 minutes worth of work was $144.

This book is $40. And that includes USPS Priority shipping. This book cost me $10 to print. Then I have to ship it. Oh, and I also spent a while writing it. 

No, this book is not returnable for any reason. There is no reason for me to send you this 23 year experience only to have you read it, copy it, and ask for a refund.  Email me at abestlocksmith@gmail.com or call me at 615-308-6794. We can discuss payment by phone or you can mail a check. If you have any questions about locksmith work, please send it to this blog.

A Murfreesboro Locksmith Does Shoddy Work and Lies to Customer

I received a call from a new client on St. Andrews Street in Murfreesboro, TN. The manager called me over to look at her Adams-Rite dead latch and exit paddle. There was no faceplate on the Adams-Rite lock mechanism. The manager asked the locksmith about the absence of the cover plate and he replied that the lock does not come with a cover plate. He could not fool the manager, however. I was called to tighten the lock, which was falling out of the door, and install a make-shift cover plate, which looked so good the manager decided to just keep the plate and not have me come by and install the "correct" plate. When it comes to glass door dead latches, the face plate plays a vital role in keeping the lock centered. Without it, the lock moves in the door and the activation plug of the paddle falls out, disabling egress.

Remember: if the completed lock service does not look right, then it isn't right. This is especially true when it comes to glass storefront doors. Demand that your job be done properly. If it isn't done properly, refuse to pay.

Managers Should Keep A locksmith Service File For Warranty Purposes

Whenever you call a locksmith, plumber, electrician, etc., be sure to ask about any warranties that might be available to you for the services performed and the goods purchased. Before you send the receipt in to corporate, be sure to make a copy of it and place it in a folder labeled, "locksmith" or "plumber". On that invoice copy, include what was done, where it was done, and what was purchased. Write down any warranty information that the technician provides you. If you have as service issue that arises, check the file to see if the service you now need was something that was recently done. I wish I could tell you how many times I have serviced locks for customers who had no idea when the locks were installed. Without paperwork, a technician can seldom give you warranty service.

Some locks, for example, have 1, 3, 5, and 15 year warranties. No paperwork? No replacement. Other things that have warranties are door closers, panic bars, Detex alarms, Alarm Lock Trilogy units, door levers, safes. Keep a file for every service that you contract. Make notes. In the end, it might just save your bonus.

Replacing a Commercial Glass Door Pivot Doesn't Make Any Sense

If you have a commercial glass door with a pivot on the top and bottom of the door, do know that they wear out! In fact, you can test the integrity of the pivot system by opening the door and pushing against the door from the lock side. You will probably notice the pivots moving. If you see this, there are a few possible reasons.

• The pivots are worn out
• The screws holding the pivots to the jamb and door are loose

Pivots, as compared to after market continuous hinges, are not very strong. I have seen customers have their doors blown off by wind! If the pivots are bad, here are some associated problems.

• Door leans from the top
• Lock bolt does not catch properly in the strike cut out
• Top pivot actually fails and door falls out of the upper portion of the pivot
• Door drags on thresh hold

Here are some things you can do that may help fix your problem.

• Get a ladder and a set of open ended wrenches, tighten the bolts inside the hollow part of the door at the top
• At the top, tighten the three Phillips screws
• Check the bottom pivot. If it has a flat head type screw on the top, you can adjust the door by removing that screw. Down in the hole, there is an Allen wrench screw. If you tighten it, the door will elevate and eliminate dragging and realign the lock and strike. If the door is to high, seldom a problem, lower it by turning the screw counter clockwise

If the pivots will not adjust or tighten, then opt for a continuous hinge. This hinge runs from the top of the door and runs all the way to the ground, distributing the weight of the door equally along the entire door. Most hinge companies guarantee their hinges for the life of the opening, except for vandalism. A-Best Locksmith can install a continuous hinge on your door, if the application is standard, for $395 total. Expensive? Yes. But you will not have to worry about the door again!

The Deadbolt On Your Door Will Not Keep You Safe

I do not know how may times I have seen residential doors easily kicked open, even when they have deadbolts. Of course, you should have deadbolts on your doors in order to keep neighbors from using their credit cards to slip your knob open; and most neighbors will stop short of kicking your door down. But do understand that, if you have a back door that is obstructed from view, then a burglar will go for that door and he will kick it in. Also remember that 1 in 5 homes will experience a home invasion.

To date, the only cost-effective device you can use to make a door kick-in attack unlikely, is A-Best Locksmith's Secure Bolt pictured above. This product is said to be tested to hold up to 800 pounds of force. Granted, you cannot leave for work from your front door and hook this Bolt on the way out. But you can have them in place on your garage and rear doors. Hopefully, your front door is visible to neighbors. When you are home, this bolt can secure every door, making you as secure as you can be from a home invasion. In the event you hear somebody trying to come through one of your doors, you will have ample time to prepare. In fact, I doubt if anybody can get past this device without spending a large amount time ripping the door frame out! With this bolt, you should consider an alarm and motion sensor activated lights above each door to your home. If you live in an apartment complex, you simply cannot afford to not have this product.

A-Best Locksmith can install this on your door for $60 each plus a service call of $50. (Murfreesboro, Nashville, Manchester, Tullahoma, Shelbyville, Mt Juliet, and Lebanon, TN.) If you would like to order this product over the phone, your cost is $29 each. Bulk rates are available for apartment complexes. Call David at 615-308-6794. Flat rate shipping of $10.95 USPS. Visa and Master Card accepted.

Murfreesboro, Tennessee Locksmith Rates

In Murfreesboro, Tennessee, you can expect these kinds of rates for locks service. First, I will list the rates that A-Best Locksmith charges.

•  Service call $45 - $50
• Price per lock cylinder to re-key - $13 to 17.50
• Car opening - $55 (I pay the sales tax!)
• Safe recombination - $125 to $150
• Grade 2 commercial door lever - $150 installed
• Deadbolt installation - $50 if lock provided by customer, $75 if I provide the lock
• Open home - $65 to $75
• Door Closer - $195 for basic grade 1 overhead surface mount, $395 for concealed closer

Here are what my competitors charge

1. Car Opening - $45 to $75
2. Basic Service Call - $45 to $60
3. Lock re-key per cylinder $13 to $18.50
4. Grade 2 commercial lever - $185 by one locksmith

Changing The Key On Your Schlage SecureKey

Here is how to change the key on your Schlage SecureKey lock. You will know this lock when you see it because, right above the key hole, there is a plus sign.

1. You must first have a working key. Take it to Lowe's and have it copied onto the blue-looking special Schlage change key.
2. Buy the Schlage SecureKey re-keying kit. Ask the Lowe's attendant about this. The new Schlage blue key is going to be cut to match exactly the new key you will actually use to open the lock. So, have copies made while you are at Lowe's.
3. Insert the first blue key (old key) into the lock and turn it to about 11 o'clock. Once there, carefully remove the key. 
4. Insert new blue key in that same position. Turn to the right. You are done. Your old key is now obsolete.

What Store Managers Need To Know In Order To Save Money

If you are a store manager, then you probably receive a bonus at the end of each month. If you manage a restaurant, you are probably shorting your customers by giving them smaller portions than what the recipes call for. There is another way, however, that can make a difference in your bottom line. Consider these solutions to common problems.

• Once each month, use WD-40 (not Superlube, oil, Tri-Flow, graphite, or some other dry lubricant) and lightly spray the key cylinders and lock latches. Yes, WD-40 does attract dust; but it will not be enough to worry about. The dry film Teflon lubricants do not hold up for very long. This is twenty-three years of experience talking here.
• On a weekly basis, test your Detex exit alarms. These units are designed to keep customers and employees from exiting secretly with stolen merchandise.
• Do not allow employees to put broom handles, bricks, or other similar things between the hinge side of the door and the jamb to keep the door open. When you have something holding the door open in this fashion, the least amount of force on the door can ruin a $1000 door. Why? Because the piece of wood acts as a fulcrum.
• Keep the thresholds swept on a daily basis. Dirt, rocks and other debris often collect in the threshold and will make the door harder to unlock and lock.
• Check your door closers for slamming or leaking oil. Do this weekly. If a door slams it can break bones and sever small fingers. I fit needs adjusting, use an Allen wrench or screw driver and tighten or loosen the adjustment screws, but do so a little at a time. If there are traces of oil around the unit or dripping from the arm screw attached to the closer, replace it. This oil can cause a slip on the floor or ruin someone's nice clothes.
• Install a Don-Jo latch protector on the office door. If you have just a lever, then your employees are using a credit card to gain access.
• Check the restroom locks. Open the door, push in the lock button, let the door close. The lock should unlock itself automatically. When a customer uses the restroom and locks the lock when the door is closed, it stays locked. The unlock feature is designed so that the door cannot be locked accidentally by a person who is exiting. If needed, buy a new privacy function lever. Make it a grade 1 for durability. 
• Consider getting a lock and key system that uses hard-to-duplicate keys. Otherwise, your employees are copying keys at Walmart that end up working poorly and end up prematurely wearing out your locks.
• If the safe combination is not working every single time, or takes multiple tries in order to open the safe, have it serviced or replace it. A new lock may cost you $400 to $700. But, if the safe locks up on you, add to that $350 to $500.

Re-Keying Your Front Glass Door Swing Bolt Lock

If you have a a #2 Phillips head screwdriver and a small flat head driver, then you can re-key your own front glass door. When I say "re-key", I mean removing the round cylinder and replacing it with a new one. Go to your better hardware store, not Lowe's, and ask for a 1 inch mortise cylinder with the Adams-Rite Cam. Have extra keys made and test them. Here are the steps in the change-out process

1. Remove the lock face plate on the side of the door. Usually held in with three Phillips head screws.
2. Look for two more Phillips head screws, one at the top of the lock and one at the bottom. Loosen these just enough so that the bolt body wiggles a bit.
3. Look for two sunken flat head set screws opposite each lock cylinder. Look closely. Each cylinder will have one. (Your door does have two cylinders, one inside, one outside.) Loosen these by about three turns, just so you can grab the cylinder you are changing and unscrew it.
4. Unscrew the lock cylinder. You will notice from the new one you purchased that the cylinder is threaded.
5. Take the spacer off the old lock and put it on the new one. Reinstall lock.
6. Do note that, if you screw the lock in too far, the cam may bottom out on the Adams Rite bolt workings inside the door. If you do this, you will feel the key grind as you turn it. If it is grinding, back the cylinder off by one turn.
7. Options you can add to this job are lubing the inside of the Adams Rite and adding an anti-wrench collar in place of the standard collar.
8. Reinstall the set screws, tighten the two top and bottom screws, reinstall the face plate. You just saved yourself $70.