c/locksmiths

Sketching out a key system finally made sense to me

I was totally lost on a multi-unit building job. Putting it on paper cleared up the whole pinning plan.

I've been told I'm old-fashioned, but I think mastering impressioning is a skill every locksmith should have, not just a party trick.

Unpopular opinion: Electronic locks are overrated for residential use

They break down too often and need power. A solid deadbolt is more reliable in the long run.

I always thought decoding a car key was too hard, but a simple video tutorial changed my view completely.

Graphite from a pencil fixed my sticking deadbolt after I painted the door.

I had a stuck deadbolt after painting. Rubbing a pencil lead on the key and working it in freed it right up.

Just realized that thorough lock cylinder inspection trumps speedy service every time

I often hear locksmiths prioritize quick turnarounds to keep clients happy, but I disagree that this should come at the expense of diligence. Taking those extra minutes to examine each cylinder closely saved me from a callback on a commercial job last Tuesday.

Vent: A stranger at the hardware store asked me to divine which lock would 'resist psychic intrusion'...

I was just picking up some spare parts when this guy corners me near the deadbolts, recognizing my work shirt... he proceeded to explain in detail how his previous locks were compromised by 'mental vibrations' from his neighbor. I tried to keep a straight face while suggesting a high-security cylinder, but he kept asking if I could sense any 'auras' from the packaging... ended up spending twenty minutes discussing metaphysical lock theory instead of grabbing my springs. Honestly, some days I feel more like a therapist than a locksmith...