At the end of the day

This is Thursday. It’s not Monday, is it?

We rekeyed some Yale lever intruder series classroom locks today. We had to master key them. This system utilizes a great grand master, master, sub master, and individual keys. I started this system back in 2004. Before I had purchased an electronic computer code machine. The machine I designed this system and cut the keys on is made by the same company but doesn’t compensate for human error or just the fact of human tolerances. Another words the machine I used is old. The depth and spacing of the different keys are dialed in using a needle. Like a lathe but not as precise. I guess when they made the machine they thought to them selves that it’s only keys that are being made. But system keys need to be almost perfect when you are master keying 4 different keys to fit the lock. Well this machine that was used did not make the keys all the same exactly. The share cuts on each of the keys. This allows locks to be mastered and have sub master keys along with a grand master key to fit all the locks. Were talking about 500 or more different locks on different floors through out a building. A number 2 cut on key A needs to be exactly the same number 2 cut on key B. Exactly, with no difference. We measure the cuts down to the thousandth of an inch. The pins that are used are measured to a thousand of an inch also. So if they are not exactly the same the keys will not work or they will not work smoothly.

To solve this issue. The code key machine company has developed a code machine that is computer run. It utilizes technology that runs the jaws, angles, depths, and spaces. We just have to enter the different numbers into the computer. We have different key clamping and cutter wheels to use. Using the proper cutters, clamps, and jaws will ensure that the keys are being cut properly. Using this machine ensures that every key cut on the master system will be cut so that a number 2 on one key is exactly the same on another key that is also sharing a number 2.

And that’s the easy part.

At the end of the day we were cleaning up and we had spare keys that needed to be hung up on the back of the work bench on the keyboard. I also had in my hand the four keys on a ring that we were master keying the locks to. You can visualize what happened. I remembered to put the keys away but I couldn’t find the four keys that we were using to key the locks up to. As each minute went by that we were looking for the four keys I was getting more and more frustrated. Had them in our hands most of the day. Frustrated at the quality of the keys being made 12 years ago on a machine that was old. Then frustrated because I can’t find the keys. We looked in all the boxes of locks that we master keyed. We looked in our pockets. We looked in our jackets. We looked at each other. Then we settled down a little and retraced our steps. Mine to be exact. I guess I’m getting old. Let me rephrase that. I am old. We found the keys hanging on the hook where I thought I was helping and cleaning up. I felt bad because it is such a waste of time but they had to be found.

I think it’s Monday.

Brad’s Safe and Lock Service, Inc.
P.O. Box 675 ReisterstownMD21136 USA 
 • 410-526-0200
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Commercial Doors and Hardware

Commercial doors and the locks installed on them are usually and should be hardware that will with stand high usage and last. How long should they last? It’s hard to put a time or how many years. The manufacturers have put how many cycles or how many times the hardware handles can be used. Unlocking, turning levers or knobs, even pulling or pushing the door open utilizes moving parts of locking hardware. Even the hinges on a door get used every time the door is opened. Then there is the door itself to consider. How is it made and of what material is the door made of. All of this is important to consider when working on or replacing.

I have a job that I am working on currently. The doors are made of 16 gauge steel with glass at the top and bottom of the door. The doors have a center rail across the door where a rim exit panic device is installed. The hardware on the doors is of good quality. unfortunately the doors are over 20 years old and the hardware is at least 15 years old. The service on them has been made by maintenance personnel and various contractors. I can see the different service companies work. Nothing is the same and different methods and materials have been used.

The doors do not fit to the frames well any more. Some of the entrances the mortar has swelled from moisture over the years. 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 hinges have been replaced but the replacement of hinges does not and cannot fix all of the problems the doors are having. Door closers are an issue as well. If the door does not shut the door is not secure. Meaning the door has to shut to lock. We do not rely on a person to pull the door shut. That is the purpose of the door closer. If the door hits the frame as it trying to close, but will not, the door is not secure. Some of the door closers are to light and won’t carry the weight of the door.

With these problems we add the hardware problems as well. The rim exit device that is used is locked and unlocked using a rim cylinder. The position and function of the rim cylinder is installed to unlock the lever handle. Some applications utilize the cylinder to retract the latch. This still can be accomplished by drilling a 1 1/4″ hole 3″ above it’s current location. This would change the procedure of turning the key to unlock the lever. The key turned would pull back the rim exit latch, then pulling the door open. This can be accomplished. But I wouldn’t recommend this at this time. Because of all the other problems that are occurring.

Some of the buildings do have hardware problems with the panic devices. Some of the buildings have simple key issues. The key doesn’t turn easily. To make things more difficult, they have installed SFIC cores where you need a Core Key just to remove the core of the cylinder. And guess what? No Core Key is available. Just another problem that makes servicing and repairing difficult and more expensive.

Along with all of these problems the electric strikes that are used and are costly. These are rim exit electric strikes. They are surface mounted on the frame. Low voltage wiring is used to activate the electric strike when a button is pushed inside each unit when the tenant wants to let some one in the building. A few of these are missing or broken.

Seems like this would be some thing to list and repair each of these on an individual basis. I spent 10 hours on this project so far. Materials are going to be needed. The materials needed are expensive. This will not fix all of the problems. Take for instance a door that is hitting a swollen frame. Nothing installed will fix this issue. This will take a new door and frame to fix this problem. I even found doors that the spot weld which makes the door sturdy broken. The door is like rubber. It bends easily. This problem affects how the door lines up to the door stop. This door has to be replaced.

I have made a list of all the materials needed. New 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 hings, door closers, new exit device panic bars, new rim exit electric strikes, new cylinders, new doors and new door frames. This list means spending money that I don’t think should be spent on this older type of building. At least not spending and installing the current application of doors and hardware. This just doesn’t make any sense to me.

So I am going to meet with the owners of this developement and suggest a solution that does not include any of my resources. Another words, I won’t make any money. But my recommendation is in the best interest of the tenants and the owners. What I have seen is they are spending money to fix over and over again problems that require complete replacement to fix them properly. What I have seen is band aids being put on over and over. Good band aids, but it is the wrong approach. The replacement of the same is not a good idea. Replacement of some thing different and still secure. Replacement of doors and frames that will not cost as much as what is installed currently. Replacement of doors, frames, and hardware that will last and will not cost nearly as much. I hope for the sake of money they will not continue to do things as they are and replace with what they are currently using.

I hope they listen and make decisions wisely. I hope I can present this option to them in a professional manner and they won’t think I have any other motive than just thinking of them and the tenants. I will find out how receptive they will be come next week. I also have to listen to their issues. Maybe they are selling the property and just want to make things presentable. I can help with this. If they are keeping the property and want a long term fix that doesn’t bleed their pockets, I can help with advice and recommendations. I have seen quite a lot in 35 years of being a locksmith. Which doors, frames, and hardware lasts and will give them the best bang for the buck.

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Why you should change your locks

When and why should the locks be changed in your new home. You have just come from the closing of your home but you haven’t moved anything in yet. Should you change the locks before you move anything in? You might think that the person was elderly and very nice. The keys to your home are handed to you and you are so excited to get to your home and put the key the lock for the first time. Ask yourself who else has the keys? Do the former owners still have a set? Did the owner make any copies and give them to the pet sitter, maybe the contractor who put in the new kitchen. Family members might have a spare.  What about the owners before them.  Do those owners kids have keys?  What about the neighbors?  What about the cleaning people? One of the first things I did in my new home was change the locks. I did this before anything was moved in. I was sure I was the only person who had keys to my house. I didn’t worry about replacing any of the hardware at this time. I just made sure I was the only person who had keys to my new home. Later, I upgraded the hardware and reinforced the frames for the deadbolts. I replaced a few doors because they were old and thin. In the basement, I added a security door. The security door is also a terrific storm door and it makes

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a potential thief carry a pry tool to force open, if he was trying to break in. Time and noise. These are the two things a thief hates when breaking into a house. They want to get in and out as quickly as possible without any one hearing or seeing them. As far as the opportunistic theives, the keys were changed. I also added consealed blinds on the side and basement doors. These are a great idea. Consealed blinds do not have to be cleaned because they are behind a layer of glass. There is another layer of glass over the doors with glass and I have blinds that don’t have to be cleaned. They are attractive and usable. If potential theives look at the entrances of my home they are not attracted to them. They see doors that they will have to spend more time at and have to make more noise to force the doors open. They will not simply kick these doors open. Or break the glass and open the door. My basement windows have glass block with a small vent in the center of the window. I am able to let light in and ventelate the basement if I need to.

If any one has a key to your house, you are not completely secure with the keys you have. If you are even a little suspicious about someone having keys, then you will not feel safe and comfortable. When your sleeping is not the time to worry about someone having a key. Change or rekey the locks at the least. Be safe and sleep well.

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Store Front Doors

Hello from Brad’s Safe and Lock Service, Inc.

I work on so many different doors and locks that need repair or complete replacement. Most of the hardware on older doors needs to be replaced because the initial installation was wrong.

A store front door is usually an aluminum frame with commercial plate glass. We see theseStore front all the time. The aluminum can be duro, silver, green, or white. I have even seen red. These colors are offered with aluminum frame and doors. Sometimes the establishment owner or the owners of the entire shopping center will paint the aluminum. This makes a mess of the hardware and usually doesn’t last long. It covers up a lot of mistakes. Painting aluminum frames also means the painters have painted door closers, electric strikes, hinges, and all the screws that hold all this hardware in place. This is what I am faced with on the job I am going to share with you.

When I approached this job. I stood and stared. I was looking at a commercial store front that was painted. The door closer was mounted on the outside of the door exposed to the elements. The door would not close all the way by its self. It had to be lifted and forced to close. The customer was requesting a device that would lock the door behind any one who passed through the entrance. Meaning they wanted to restrict the entrance of people to those who only had a key. He did not want to utilize a key pad or a key card access system. He didn’t even need a button on the inside to push to let people in. He just wanted it to lock behind people after they entered with their key.

The first thing I did was remove the rusted old door closer mounted on the outside of the door. The next step was to look at why the door wasn’t closing all the way. I looked closer and saw that the door had been replaced with out changing the frame. They added this door as a replacement door. Probably changing it from a solid door that you could not see through. The replacement included 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 hinges that were just surface mounted to the existing frame. They were old and worn and needed replacing. That was the first thing we did. Next the threshold was loose and sticking up. This was simple to fix and did not need to be replaced. We simply drilled and added new anchors in the concrete to fasten it down firmly. That way when people or anything walking or passing over the threshold wouldn’t jar it loose again. Now the door shuts nice and easy without having to lift it up and force it closed. It is ready to have a new door closer mounted correctly on the inside of the door. This is where it should have been mounted to begin with. I think the reason why is the installers did not know how to install the closer with a parallel mount. This is what is needed. It doesn’t take that much more time, but it is the correct installation for this door. A drop down installation plate was needed because the frame of  the door at the top was only 2 1/2″ wide. After a properly installed door closer, fixing the hinges and threshold, the door opened and closed nicely.

Now it’s time to install a lock that will lock behind people. This was pretty easy. The old installation was a store front bolt lock. The most common are made by Adamsrite. They have a standard mount and come in various back sets. This door had a 31/32″ back set. Like I mentioned, the mounting is standard. We switched the bolt lock out to an Adamsrite Latch. Installed the customers existing cylinder so that all the keys giving out would still work. We installed a push paddle on the inside of the door so people can exit by pushing the paddle and opening the door. A door strike has to be installed so that the latch hits the bevelled edge and falls into the keeper. The strike had to be cut in so that it lay flush with the surface covering up the old hole for the bolt lock. The deadlatch does not fall into the hole to help against credit carding the lock. I also added a latch guard so anyone tempted would not even be able to try. The customer did not want a deadbolt on the door for security because if some one did lock it while the door was open, it would prevent the door from closing all the way and thus the entrance would be not be secure. I thought this was a wise choice and it did save the customer some money.

The job went well and we spent the time that was specked. The customer was happy and gave me 2 more doors to do. I have not seen them yet. I hope they are not as bad as this was. But if they are, we will look closely and charge accordingly. This job was not so bad except for the paint covering all the screws. We had to dig out the paint from the screw heads. We even had to drill several of them off.

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Becarefull when searching for a locksmith

Hello, this is Brad from Brad’s Safe and Lock Service, Inc.

Lock Outs really test a locksmiths honesty and integrity to the fullest. We can do so many things for family, friends, and who’m ever for money. These openings or things we do for lost keyour friends may not be the right thing to do. They may be morally incorrect and we have to put ourselves in the persons shoes who owns the property. The property may be a safe, a car, or a premises. Meaning a home or business. The situation that shows it’s self, tells me everything I need. I have been in so many situations where the person has every legal right but opening is morally incorrect. With this in mind this locksmith company only does these things for customers I know and have a long relationship with. They trust my judgement. If there is a question about a situation, they listen. They don’t get mad and call another locksmith. They understand because I have been in the business so long and have seen just about every situation, to trust my judgement. If I question the job, so do they. I have quit chasing lock outs several years ago. When I ask simple questions over the phone and the person reacts unfavorably, I quit trying to help them right then and there. When opening a premises I am putting myself in danger. Sitting right in front of the door picking the locks so the person locked out can enter. Many of the calls for lockouts we get are legitimate. They simply pulled the door shut without taking their keys. When they tell me this and when I arrive and the deadbolt is locked, I immediately question the person. It’s funny because most of the time they have not taken me to the door they pulled shut. I find most of the time the person that is locked out just has a lot on their mind. All is normal and they really did lock themselves out. But only after taking me to the door they pulled shut will I open it for them. Even a pictured driver license does not guarantee an opening is morally correct. Divorce situations are a good example. The husband or wife could be changing the locks on each other. As a reputable locksmith I, first, don’t want to get involved with that situation, second, there is always someone I am not going to make happy. When I get calls to change the locks in this situation, I inform the person that if they have a legal right to be in the premises, they can change the locks back on you. In this situation I will work for one person, and only that person. I don’t want to get calls changing the locks back and forth. There are locksmiths out there who don’t care about the people let alone about themselves and only want the money. There are morals to consider here. The money is not worth me not being able to sleep well that night.

When opening a safe, a lot of times the person has not lost or forgotten the combination. They are trying to gain access to steal and they are using a locksmith to help them. These people are not professional thieves, they are just acting out on their emotions and trying to get even with the people that own the safe. Questioning them can be tricky. We don’t want to hurt their feelings, but at the same time we need to know if they really are suppose to be in the safe. A lot of times, the safe has malfunctioned or the people really did forget the combination. This does happen quite frequently. Determining this before we open the safe is what our responsibility is as locksmiths. Again, so many locksmiths go after the money. I have walked away from just as many jobs as I have performed my tasks and gotten paid.

Automobiles seem a little easier. The registration has a persons name, tag #, and drivers license number, and matches their drivers license.  It’s a little more cut and dry. But being in the trade so long I have been in situations that test my morals. An example of this is, both names are on the registration and one of the parties, is trying to gain possession of the vehicle. If the persons name is on the registration you would think that is all there is to it. Here is the example, Man is sitting in the car and refusing the wife to take the vehicle. Police have been called before I arrived. There was nothing no one could do because they both owned the vehicle legally. Both names are on the registration. The man had every right to sit in his vehicle. There was nothing the police could do. And they really didn’t want to. I stayed around to learn from the situation. I only would have acted if the police would have told me to. I would have helped them out.

The most recent call was to a house where a drunk son of an Aunt was locked in a house. The niece had legal papers introducing her as the executor of the estate. Again police were called. The police had me open the premisses while they went in and secured the house. They confronted the drunk son. They let the executor come in and get the things she needed. No arrest was made. The son had every legal right to be drunk in his premmisses. He was not threatenning nor had any weapons present. The police locked the door behind them. The aunt got what she needed and the son had a hang over. Everyone communicated in this situation and it was resolved with out any one getting hurt. I did what was needed to help. The police did not want to break down the door, nor did they have any cause to.

The stories go on and on. The first thing to do when I get a call is to listen. I ask pertennant questions and listen. Letting the people talk. Sometimes they say to much and the truth comes out. I don’t try to be difficult, but I am careful. I want to protect the people who acutally own the car, the safe, the home, or even a business. I don’t just let everyone in. This is our moral code, this is what we are suppose to do. It is our judgement call a lot of times. But that’s where experience comes in. So many locksmiths don’t understand this and really gouge their customers. Arrests have been recently made of locksmiths. And it’s about time. These guys don’t care about morals and just want the money and they gouge the customer. Finally laws are going into effect in Maryland that will help us and the consumer. It is only a beggining, but they are going to be in affect. I say it’s only a beginning becuse, the state after many years has finally accepted the fact that this is going on. The bills that have been written are only the basics. It will take many years to get all the things we need to be put in the licensing. But it is a start. Locksmiths have to be made accountable and the licensing is a step in the right direction. This will help the consumer from faudulent charges and the hopes of hiring a truly experienced locksmith who will do the work outlined in a proffessional manor that has the customer in mind.

 

 

 

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Angies List Super Service Award

           www.angieslist.com

                                                 Brad’s Safe and Lock Service, Inc.

                                  Earns Angie’s List Coveted Super Service Award

Award reflects businesses’ consistently high level of
customer service

Brad’s Safe and Lock Service, Inc. has been awarded the prestigious 2011 Angie’s List
Super Service Award, an honor bestowed annually on approximately 5 percent of
all the businesses rated on the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service and health providers.

“Only a fraction of the businesses rated on Angie’s List can claim the sterling
service record of being a Super Service Award winner because we set a high
bar,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks.
“The fact that Brad’s Safe and Lock Service, Inc. can claim Super Service Award
status speaks volumes about its dedication to consumers.

Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements
including earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their clients and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List, but members can find the 2011 Super Service Award logo next to business names in search results on AngiesList.com.

Angie’s List collects consumer reviews on local contractors
and doctors in more than 500 service categories. Currently, more than 2 million consumers across the U.S. rely on
Angie’s List to help them make the best hiring decisions. Members get unlimited
access to local ratings via Internet or phone, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List magazine and help from
the Angie’s List complaint resolution service. Take a quick
tour
of Angie’s List and view the latest Angie’s
List news.

 

It is an honor to win the Angies List Super Service Award

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Gotta Love It!

Hello. This is Brad.

Another day that was not like yesterday.

Every day is different. I never know what I am going to be doing in this trade. I have Birds grouped in a smile in Baltimore Maryland.learned to service, install, and program quite a lot of different things involved with the locksmith trade. One day I could be installing deadbolts on your home or installing fancy designer hardware. Fitting everything to one key and making sure everything works smooth and secure.

The next day is always different. Besides what I have scheduled, the phone rings and I dispatch myself to a call where someone has forgotten the combination to their safe. At their residence or office. Gun Safes in baltimore md.Banks have had problems with their safes. Secure millitary sites have blast vault doors that just don’t want to open sometimes. Digital or manual combination, it doesn’t matter. Then there’s the day that some one baught a 2,500 lb. safe from me and needs it set in their basement. Those are always fun. The days we do these jobs and no one gets hurt and we are still alive to tell the story is always a blessing.

And the next day. Programming new keys to a car. Making the lost key first and then haveing to program the key to the car. All the different vehicle manufacturers keep Auto keys programmed in baltimore md.me on my toes and using equipment that can program most of the brands out there. So much to remember.

Then at 9:00pm at night. A business is trying to close. But the locks won’t cooperate and let them go home. Could be simple or the problem could be in their access control system. Another programming glych. Most of the time the problems are of a mechanical nature and can be fixed on the spot. They don’t want to spend the night at work.

Intalling access control systems or card reader systems and telephone entry systems take a little more time. These are fun to coordinate the materials to the architects and the owners. They want to make sure everything looks fine on their buildings. Just the way they want it to look. And my job is to make sure it works. card readers in baltimore md.When someone walks up to a locked door, they present their card or key fob, the expect the door to open. The most challenging job was at a hotel. Automatic sliding doors, a voice commincating device with door release, and card readers. None of these were working. The hotel manager got tired of paying techs to come out and tell him the problem was with the other components that he wasn’t working on. Upon arrival and assessing the situation, I was able to determine the problems and get all three systems to operate together. Whoo, what a couple of stressful days those were.

So safes, card reader systems, automobiles, homes and businesses. This seems to be a world where we lock everything up. I almost forgot all the different keys out there. Just to give a customer extra copies of the key. And then theres the lock/outs inbetween the scheduled jobs. I do the whole state of Maryland. So I never know where I am going to end up. The trucks are fully stocked and each has a full tank of gas. Ready to go. I’m tired just thinking of all this stuff. Let’s see, when is my next day off?

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