Cylinder Type Locks

In most homes around the country, you will find that their front door is equipped cylinder type lock-sets. A standard lock cylinder would normally contain pins that can be changed in order to match a particular key. Once the cylinder was matched to the new key using different sized pins inside it, the key will now operate the lock successfully.

There are several advantages to having a cylinder type lock. One of them as mentioned is the fact that they can be re-keyed to fit a different cut key. This can save money instead of changing the entire lock or lock-set, a professional locksmith can simply remove the cylinder from the lock and change the combination of the pins even without removing the entire lock. In addition, a cylinder can be easily reconfigured  in order to turn it into a wafer tumbler lock or a disc tumble lock for example.

A cylinder can be used to implement a type of high security system as well such as master-key. A master-key system will typically allow you to use the same type of key on all the locks in your home. A task in which a cylinder type lock will easily allow. In a cylinder type lock for that purpose, the mechanism can be removed and set-up to adapt a master-key type system. However, if needed, the locks can be configured to use different type of keys.

For additional security, a home owner has the option to choose between a single or double cylinder type locks. In a situation where a double cylinder lock is desired, a key would be needed from both sides of the lock in order to get it opened. This option is mostly popular in homes where there is an easy access to the front door where there are windows around it. That way, an intruder won't be able to reach in and unlock the door from the inside. However, in some places in the U.S., having a double cylinder type lock is not permitted due to safety reasons in case of an emergency.

With a long list of advantages for using a cylinder type lock in your home, there are some disadvantages as well. One of the main issue with a cylinder type lock is the fact that most types can easily be picked open. Intruders normally equipped with a pick tool set can easily use it in order to force the pins inside the cylinder to the open position. Another type of method many intruders like to use on cylinder type locks is a bump key. Although it have to be from the same name brand such as Schlage or Kwikset as the targeted lock to be used on, it is normally the quickest way to unlock a cylinder type lock.

For more information about cylinder type locks and higher security solutions, give us a call or visit Premier NorthWest Locksmith Spokane.

Ford Ignition Cylinder Solution

As a locksmith technician with many years of experience in the field there were many times I ran into common issues with certain vehicle makes and models. The issues will mostly be related to the ignition system of the vehicle. Whether if its the switch, cylinder, key, or all 3, I found that there is a solution around for most issues. However, many times, these types of issues can throw the beginner locksmith technician off track chasing solutions that not only will add the cost to the service, but also most likely wont solve anything.

One time I remember getting a call from a customer who had some issues with getting the key to work the ignition switch of his 98 Ford F-150. According to him he recently had a hard time removing and inserting the key to the ignition switch. Back then, I did not have much experience working with vehicles' ignition switches, but for me it didn't seem such a big deal, I figured that the cylinder probably just needed cleaning inside it.

The first thing I did once I got to the customer's location was grabbing a bottle of WD-40 and a key blank to assist me with the cleaning process of the cylinder. After I finished the cleaning process, I noticed that there was no improvement in the function of the key with the ignition cylinders. Before making other conclusions, I decided to call a Spokane locksmith co-worker of mine to see if he had any insights regarding the issue at hand.

According to my co-worker, this type of issue was very common with Ford 10 cut ignitions. Apparently the ears on the switch tend to become loose from constant force being applied using the key when operating the ignition. He mentioned that there was no official fix for this type of problem, so the plug would need to be replaced with a new unit which meant I had to go to the dealer and see if they had one in stock. Unfortunately they didn't have the part I needed in stock and since the customer could not wait few days for the part to arrive, I went with an aftermarket cylinder plug which tuned out to be more rigid and according to the customer the issue did not came back.  

Midget Key Origination

Key origination service for a locksmith technician can go the easy way or sometimes the hard way. Depending on the year, make and model of the vehicle, for most vehicles produced since the late 90's a key can be made from scratch by retrieving a unique code using the vehicle's VIN number. However, on the older models, one of the ways to retrieve that special code to make a new key is by taking apart the ignition cylinder, door, or trunk lock in which the code will be engraved on it. The other option is impression a key which I would usually try to avoid as this method has its flaws.  

I got a call the other day from a customer who needed a key made for his 77 MG Midget vehicle. When I looked at my key origination locksmith book, it was mentioned that both the ignition and the door keys lack the code on them which meant I would have to take some stuff apart to reveal the codes and make the keys. I did not have many jobs on me that day, so I decided to accept it and was headed to the customer's address.

Once I got to the customer's house and ran a quick evaluation of the situation with the vehicle, I figured I could probably make the door key using the code that is on the glove box lock which may be much easier to take off than the door lock. From when I started working on the glove box, the lock was already in my hand within a minute and I was able to retrieve 3 digits. The code book I had mentioned a specific series model and tried that in addition to the 3 digits I retrieved and I was able to make the door lock key without further issues.

Next step was making the ignition key which was a little bit trickier since the ignition and the door lock keys initially have different cuts which meant I had to take apart some of the steering column in order to get to the lock mountain plate where I was able to read the code from. I was able to retrieve 3 digits, however, the book called for a 4 digit code starting with either series 2 or 3. Having only one key blank in stock, I didn't want to take my chances and decided to call another Spokane locksmith fellow of mine for advice.

Once I got him on the phone, he recalled doing couple of this type of vehicle and could swear to me it was most likely a series 2 key.  I went ahead and tried adding the 2 series digit to the other 3 digits I was able to pull from the ignition and it seem to work perfectly fine. It saved me a lot of time trying to impression in order to make the ignition key and by saving me the hassle of wasting the only blank I had in my possession.