Journey of locksmithing

The history of locks and locksmiths started somewhere around 445 B.C. At that time the first lock composed of a wooden casing and tumblers was actually invented.

At that time a wooden pin was used to open this device. However everything is now advanced but the part of the locksmiths has remained the same at its basic core since the invention of the first lock back in 445 B.C.

Learn more about journey locks and locksmith from ancient times to today’s modern period.

4th of July 2010 - may it be a great day for us all.

There are millions of fake locksmiths in the United States now and choosing real professionals is really a tough deal.

Recently I read a story about a phony locksmith company in New Jersey. After many complains that company was accused by state consumer protection authorities for using fake business names, addresses and local phone numbers. They setup more than 400 phone numbers with more than 40 fake listings and cheated many customers in southeast Wisconsin.

Read the full story

Using a wrong deadbolt lock could be very dangerous for you.

Omaha firefighters rescued an old woman from her burning house. She trapped inside her house because she couldn’t find a key of the deadbolt lock. She was taken to the Creighton University Medical Center.

Using a double cylinder deadbolt locks requires a key from inside to open it. It could be very dangerous in emergency situation. It is tougher to break these types of locks but it does not worth the risk. It will be more safe to use deadbolt lock with thumb turn on the inside.

Many New York Locksmiths have the right type of deadbolt locks in their stores. So, choose wisely, it will help you in emergency circumstances.

There are many ways you can prevent yourself from fraud. Make sure you investigate the locksmith company you are hiring. Check for licensing and insurance. Calling the local city license office will let you verify that the current license has not expired. You can also look online to verify a website or local address. If that NYC locksmith is legitimate, they will be more than willing to offer you proof of the fact. There are signs that you can look for that a company is legitimate as well. You can ask for an estimate before the sale and it should include company letterhead. You should also look to see if the vehicle they drive has the company name on it.

Many local companies are aware that these scammers exist and they are putting in crime prevention strategies for their own companies. Most have developed plans that include company photo ID’s and business cards. They will inform you over the phone whom you can expect for your appointment. They also use professionally made forms for estimates and invoices. When you are looking for a professional company, these should be the signs that you have found one. You should also consider the length of time the company has been in business. People that are trying to commit a crime don’t intend to stick around for long.

In order to protect yourself from fraud, keep these thing in your mind before calling any locksmith.

Recently, I have came across a news from Raleigh about a scam in which victims reported a suspect asking for money to pay locksmith.

According to Raleigh victims between 19th May and 3rd June, the person came to their doors, claimed to be their neighbor and said his keys are locked inside his car. He used their telephone to call a locksmith and also attempted to borrow some money from them to pay the locksmith. No money was returned by the suspect. They also mentioned in their report that the person also asked him for a ride to meet the locksmith.

Suspect was described as a black male with 5 feet and 7-9 inches height, slim bulid and well dressed.

Raleigh Police Department also asked people to call 911 at such situations. RPD cautions allowing any stranger into one’s house in any circumstance, one should report suspicious person or any type of suspicious activity immediately.

So be aware about all locksmith scams, in New York there are also many scams available who cheat people. Always call a licensed NY locksmith to avoid scams. Always ask for their identification before letting them in.
Read more about it: [http://raleigh.mync.com/site...ching-raleigh-residents]

There is a page at the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs website where you can check to see if a locksmithing business has a license to practice its trade. http://www.nyc.gov/html/dca/html/licenses/license_check.shtml

All five boroughs are covered by the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs. This includes Manhattan, The Bronx, Staten Island, Queens, and Brooklyn. Therefore, if you live or work in Manhattan, you can locate a Manhattan locksmith business through the licensing office at the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs.

Chubb Detector lock is similar to lever tumbler lock which has complete security features and prevent unauthorized access and indicates lock owner that someone has tried to open it. It was first produced by Jeremiah Chubb in 1818, when someone tries to pick it with a different key or tool, then this lock has a features which automatically jam it in a locked state. It is then opened only by a special regulator key or by original key. When a person triggers, its automatic locking mechanism he will face resetting problem before picking it again. It usually requires very high level of lock picking skill, which very few people have. That’s why it became very popular in the 18th century because of its extraordinary locking mechanism.

A keycard or magnetic strip lock is operated by cards similar to credit card or driving license. It can be opened simply by inserting that card into the card reader. In the 1970s, lodging industry are facing problems of simple locks because these locks have simple keys and the hotel keys or master keys were sold in the market with full specification. These keys were easily copied. That’s why, they were looking for a new type of electronic lock which can prevent key copying and can protect these industries from crime. The first keycard lock was installed in 1977 in a hotel for testing. It was first installed in 1979 at Peachtree Plaza Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia for regular use. Then in 1980s LEDs were used in these lock which can detect holes.

Key code is a randomly generated code which provide a unique identity to a key. Codes which are generated once, will never generated by computers again. These code are very useful because, one code will be used in only one key, if someone have a code which is generated earlier that means he/she has a duplicate key code.

Generally key codes are of two types: 1. Blind Codes 2. Bitting Codes.

Blind Codes: Blind codes are those codes which are used by licensed locksmith to identify keys systems they have installed. These codes requires a computer system or code book to translate. Publication of such books is strictly prohibited in some jurisdiction. Suppose L3100 is used for Nissan or 15H6 for general motors then these codes should be translated to identify in which vehicle they are used.

Bitting Codes: Bitting codes are those codes which are translated from blind codes. These codes are used by locksmith to cut/ make a key. Suppose a padlock’s blind code is W351 and it will be translated to 21539 bitting code, then it will be used by locksmith to cut a key by adjusting their cutting machine to 21539.

Today this key coding system is used everywhere because its a secured way to make a key with no duplication risk.