Locks in general

When buying a lock first consider the purpose of installing a lock. Sound s easy but wait, who you want to keep out - kids, adults, intruders, employees etc. or you just want something to hold the door shut. Always remember most locks are only good as a gadget to show that forced entry had been applied on the door because if you haven’t got the right key then you are meant to damage part or all of the lock mechanism including door and frame Second reason for locks is to delay the time taken by an intruder to gain access and to alarm of someone forcing entry. Only personalized and high security, including expert installation will provide 100% locking out of intruders forcing the door open. With this considered it will help you decide the level of security lock you need. Secondly consider the frequency of opening and closing of the door. The length of period you want the lock to operate in good order Sensitivity of security in the area, building Position of the lock in respect o...

So this week I was faced with cutting a key from lock without a sample, what made it interesting is that I had never worked on this type of a vehicle. Faced with a lock you have never worked on before is not as challenging as it sounds because as long as you know the basics of how a lock works then you will be able to work on any lock. All you need to do is get the barrel in your hands and you done. Every barrel is held by a pin that you either drill out or that has got a spring. Most barrels that are held by a spring usually need to pick the barrel to a certain position before the pin can be depressed.

When you have lost all keys for a lock you don’t always have to replace the lock, With the right locksmith and a old lock in good condition you can have a key cut from the old lock without sample. The advantage of cutting a key from the lock saves time and is cost effective. Less hassle when installing lock back for it will be a perfect fit and no need to alter lock hole on door. If the door is open and you don’t have the keys, you can remove the lock go to the locksmith with it, leave it there for a few hours then pick it up and fit it back, it costs u less. Well if you can’t do it then there is always someone a stone throw away like the gardener, all you need is someone who can tell a flat screw driver from a star, or else the locksmith is waiting with an invoice book Always remember though the golden rule of testing a lock after fitting it - ALWAYS TEST THE LOCK WITH THE DOOR OPEN-, just in case you became a bit macho and over tighten the screws and the lock jams You ca...

Keeping a big bunch of keys with your car key is one of the common mistakes people do. Now what happens is the weight of the keys that are dangling destabilizes levers and springs in the lock and then you end up with an ignition that can be switched on by your childhood teaspoon. Got a buddy who used not to take care of his keys and then one day he came out from work to find his buddies dancing to the radio with his car engine on but lol there wasn’t even a key in the ignition they had turned it on with a coin

Putting oil into a lock to try and make the key slide smoothly- this does help but for a maximum of about a week if you very lucky, but then why try and be lucky when you can prevent a problem. When you put oil into a lock, yes the key slides smoothly for a few days, but then during that period the oil starts to dry then dust starts to collect in the lock. Few more days the dust starts to bond with oil and then it makes a paste that sticks springs and levers inside the lock. Then the past starts to haunt you because to get the oil out you have to strip the lock and then wash with a degreaser put it together then refit, hopefully the door will be open when you realize the sticky levers and springs or else you have to call a locksmith and the poor guy will struggle to open the lock then with a smile give you a bill that leaves you wondering why you ever put oil in the lock.