CANEI - Constant And Never Ending Improvement - Always Learning

The Life Of a Locksmith

The 5th most hit on post in this website is “How much does it cost to change locks?”

My business is almost 20 years old and the market, economy and industry, locally, nationally and internationally has seen significant price fluctuations in this short time,

To help you make heads or tails of the average costs for changing locks by using professional locksmiths, please see the following AI generated article to help guide you.

You are welcome to check out our previous articles in the menu to the right and below…

Thank you 

Danny

 The cost of changing locks can vary significantly depending on several factors. Here's a breakdown of the potential costs involved:

1. Locksmith Fees:

 Hourly Rate: Locksmiths typically charge an hourly rate for their services, which can range from $50 to $100 per hour.

 Service Fee: Some locksmiths may charge a flat service fee in addition to their hourly rate. This fee can cover the cost of travel and other expenses.

 Emergency Fees: If you need a locksmith to change your locks outside of normal business hours or in an emergency situation, you can expect to pay higher rates. Emergency fees can range from $75 to $125 per hour, and there may be an additional trip charge of $100 to $150.

2. Lock Costs:

 Type of Lock: The cost of the lock itself will depend on the type and brand. Basic doorknob locks can cost as little as $20, while high-security or smart locks can cost several hundred dollars.

 Number of Locks: The total cost will also depend on the number of locks you need to change.

3. Additional Factors:

 Door Type: The type of door you have can also affect the cost of changing locks. Some doors may require more specialized tools or techniques, which can increase the labor cost.

 Complexity of Installation: If the installation is more complex, such as if you need to change the strike plate or reinforce the door frame, the cost will be higher.

Overall, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $500 or more to change your locks, depending on the factors mentioned above.

Here are some tips to help you save money on changing your locks:

 Get quotes from multiple locksmiths: Compare prices from several locksmiths in your area to find the best deal.

 Consider changing the locks yourself: If you are comfortable with basic DIY projects, you may be able to save money by changing the locks yourself. However, it is important to make sure you have the necessary tools and knowledge to do the job properly.

 Choose basic locks: If you are on a budget, you can save money by choosing basic doorknob locks instead of high-security or smart locks.

 Change locks during normal business hours: You can avoid paying emergency fees by scheduling the work during normal business hours.

Antique and Specialty Furniture Locks on Cabinets, Armoires, Hutches and more

Antique and Specialty Furniture Locks

How Locksmiths Open and Make Keys for Antique Furniture

Antique furniture carries a unique sense of history, character, and elegance. Whether it is an inherited mahogany desk, a vintage wardrobe, a delicate curio cabinet, or an old cedar chest, these treasured pieces often feature intricate mechanical locks. However, time takes its toll: keys get lost during moves, mechanisms rust, and vintage drawers become permanently stuck shut. Restoring functionality to these specialty items requires a unique blend of historical appreciation and technical expertise in Antique Furniture Lock Repair & Key Making.

Unlike modern doors that use standardized cylinder locks, antique furniture typically utilizes lever locks or bit-key mechanisms. Opening a locked vintage piece without a key requires immense patience and specialized tools. A skilled locksmith uses a delicate technique known as lock impressioning. By inserting a blank metal key into the locked cylinder and applying gentle pressure, they can read the subtle marks left by the internal levers, allowing them to file down the blank until a brand-new, perfectly fitting skeleton key is crafted from scratch—all without damaging the delicate historical wood, brass, or iron around it.

Maintaining antique hardware also requires specialized care. Lubricating vintage cabinet locks with the wrong substances can attract dust and gum up the internal springs. Professional locksmiths can safely disassemble, clean, and restore old cabinet locks, preserving their historical value while ensuring they open smoothly for generations to come.

Call to Action:

Have a locked vintage piece or specialty cabinet that needs attention? Call our specialty hardware team at (314) 266-1533 or email sales@locks210.com for expert restoration advice and key-making services.

How To Re-key Old Yale Mortise Deadbolt Locks

How do you re-key old Yale mortise deadbolt locks? 

This week we completed a re-key project for a new customer that involved these 75 year old Yale double cylinder mortise deadbolts. Pictured here is the image of one cylinder installed to the outside of the back door. At the left of the image you can see where someone had deliberately drilled the connecting screw to remove the ability to unscrew the screw from outside.

To be able to remove the cylinders from these really old Yale mortise deadbolts, both inside and outside connecting screws require to come out before the cylinders can be removed for re-keying.

Getting the screws out is not difficult, but that's why we are called as opposed to a handyman or carpenter contractor.

Just about any locksmith with some experience will know the method and skill required to easily disassemble any lock that uses these type of blind screws or bolts, without destruction and enabling the ability to reuse the same screws or bolts when putting the locks back together.

 Pictured next is the image of the cylinder on my bench, already removed from the door. You can clearly see the connecting screw hole.

This image displays the reverse side of the Yale mortise deadbolt cylinder. This style of Yale Mortise deadbolt lock was designed using the original rim style of pin tumbler cylinder, originally patented in 1865 by Linus Yale Jr.

Rekeying these types of older Yale cylinders can be a trap for younger players or less experienced technicians and we will explain the method below to help you with disassembly.

My pointer here is aimed at the retainer clip that holds the tail piece and cover to the rear of the cylinder and core. It is necessary to carefully squeeze the ends of the clip together first.

The next image shows me applying pressure to the retainer clip to allow the clip to be withdrawn from the back of the core.

Here you can see the clip beginning to come out of the cover plate that holds the tail piece on. Carefully use an awl to lever the clip from the core.

This image shows the retainer clip, almost fully withdrawn from the tail piece cover assembly. If you're careful enough, you will not damage the tiny clip enabling you to reuse it for reassembly,

Next, we were also required to disassemble an equally as old entrance knobset to extract the cylinder core for re-keying. To be able to remove the core (plug) from the cylinder it is necessary to remove the rear tail piece and cap assembly and retainer circlip, before you can then remove the core (plug) from the cylinder and replace the tumblers.

Here is an image of the tail piece assembly and retainer circlip removed and the cylinder ready for re-keying.

Some technicians may choose to not disassemble the clip and tail piece, preferring to remove and replace the top cap from the bible (top pinning chamber).

We choose to not show the actual re-pinning method and combination of the re-keyed locks, to protect the customers interests.

Benefits Using Locks210/St Louis Locksmiths For Your Re-Keying Projects

• Almost 40 years local, national and international experience
• Qualified, knowledgeable and field-experienced technicians
• Quantity discounts
• High-quality product options
• Quality Assurance
• Family owned and operated local business

Are you concerned how many keys exist to your home?

When you purchase your new home or move into your new rental property, it is common to want to be the only ones to have keys to your place. You can choose to purchase complete new locks and door hardware or simply contact your local locksmith to simply re-key your existing locks at much less cost, while maintaining the existing products and aesthetics. Contact Locks210/St Louis Locksmiths today and experience the difference we are known for.

AI Powered 3D Security Camera Manufacturer Closes Down

Back in mid 2017, a new company formed to produce and sell an ambitious new product called the Lighthouse AI Security Camera.

Well known former Google manager Andy Rubin was instrumental in the development of this technology.

Well, another one bites the dust....

The company just announced that they are closing due to insufficient sales orders of the revolutionary product.


Originally the company claimed...

The camera is powered by AI and a 3D sensor that can supposedly distinguish people from pets and recognize faces. Its onboard laser (similar to the 3D sensing devices used by self-driving cars) can measure the structure of what it sees and therefore differentiate objects and people from one another. Because of this capability, Lighthouse promises that you won't be bothered by false security alerts from shadows or pets because the camera can tell small objects from large ones.

The AI also understands normal speech patterns, so you can ask the camera questions like, "Did anyone walk the dog between 10 and 11 am?" The different types of tech within the camera work in tandem to deliver a full experience.

"Custom optics for a time-of-flight camera that directly measures the 3D structure of the environment," CEO Alex Teichman says in a blog post. "Recurrent neural networks for computer vision specifically tailored for use cases within the home. And a natural language interface to simplify -- and amplify -- the user experience."

A announcement on their website (in the source) below explains they are shutting down and closing their doors. It seems apparent that not enough customers were happy to pay $300 for each unit and a $10/month access fee for this advanced technology.

The announcement thanks their few customers for their interest.

(source...)

Solar Powered Power Option For Controlling Electronic Security Products

In June 2010 we posted an article (below) about solar powered power options designed to be used to enable electronic security products.

We have seen a great number of pageviews for this particular post and thought we'd follow up that article with an opinion about the multitude of electronic wireless, battery powered products that continue to enter this (getting) crowded market segment.

In a number of other articles we have written here, we have continued to question the benefits and quality of many battery powered security products.

We believe that the battery powered security devices, specifically deadbolts, entrance sets and the like can offer only 2 primary benefits that can make them appealing.

These benefits are:
1. The ability to remotely lock or unlock the product and the ability to inquire as to the lock status (is the door locked or not)

2. The ability to set automatic locking on the product, to ensure your product locks independent of human involvement.




Understanding that many consumers today are increasingly interested in the many and varied battery powered options, aimed at simplifying their lives, unfortunately the convincing sales pitches will rarely tell you about the genre's shortcomings. Specifically, the need to be constantly replacing batteries to maintain continued operations and the other primary issue, being that as all doors and frames move with weathering, settling, ground movements etc. your beaut $200+ deadbolt or entrance set WILL become useless before long and suffer electronic operability issues.

We believe that the best security offered by deadbolts and entrance sets, is still the mechanical options that can be physically operated by hand. When a condition occurs that inhibits your ease of use, mechanically you can still play with it to get it to operate. Electronically, this is not possible.

Key Cutting Across The World

Key cutting shops pop up all over the world.

The following images are of key cutting enterprises around the world. We have visited a lot of similar businesses in the different countries we have lived, worked and visited.

Feel free to add your images in the comments section. Post are subject to moderation.

If you recognize any of the locations, please mention where they are. Thanks.

You can see that key cutting goes hand in hand with hardware and locksmithing, but also engraving and other general mercantile many people require.

I have no doubt this shop in somewhere in England.

Talk about a hole in the wall!

Godrej - 19th Century Indian Manufactured Money/Cash Box/Safe - Open And Make Key

 Godrej were a 19th century Indian manufacturer of money boxes, safes and cash boxes who closed down in the early 20th century.

A few months ago, a customer contacted us to get their money box opened and have a key made.

We made sure to take some pics of this very old box and how we made the key.

After combing through multiple key blank provider sources and trying to find even something close, our misfortune to find an appropriate key blank made us decide to modify another key blank that was suited to another product.

This particular box, we sourced back to about 1908. It appears to be in surprisingly great condition for it's age.

You can see the key blank we decided to use to modify.

This money box used a coin slot/note slot on the reverse side
of the key operated lock. The slot has a welded on flap inside that is designed to prevent removing coins or notes from the locked box.

 Some of the tools, we locksmith craftsmen choose to use when impressioning keys to locks include a selection of files.


In this case we used a 4" warding file as our primary file of choice for this project.

The impression system of key fitting is a long time treasured skill, unique to the craft/trade of locksmithery. There are many books written over the years that teach the skill to new players, but practise makes perfect. After all, "Repetition Is The Mother Of Learning", according to popular theory.

One of our most popular posts in this blog is "How To Open And Make Keys To Antique Furniture Locks" and explains the method to impression keys to old fashioned 'skeleton key' type locks without damage.

You can see in this pic, we were required to drastically modify our selected blank and hand file the key. We were required to reduce the guage of the key to enable it to enter the keyway, because we could not find a suitable blank.

The finished key works beautifully in the lock, maintains it's originality (and antique value) and can only be withdrawn from the lock when the door is closed and locked.

Not a difficult project for an experienced locksmith, but rewarding nonetheless.

There are many talented locksmiths around this country and the world who still practise the art of impressioning today.

The skill is unique to the locksmith trade and one that can save customers money and heartache when needing service to their antique lock, safe or furniture product.

History Of Locks - Sargent & Greenleaf

Sargent & Greenleaf are arguably the second most well known lock industry brand. Right behind Yale. Their history dates back to 1857, when young James Sargent, an engineer with Yale & Greenleaf, decided to branch out on his own with his invention, a magnetic dial combination lock.

Halbert Greenleaf was the partner and financier (known today as Venture Capitalist) of Linus Yale Jr. Yes, the same Linus Yale Jr credited with the invention of the modern day pin tumbler lock cylinder system, which was awarded it's patent in 1865. Their joint company was called originally Yale & Greenleaf. Halbert Greenleaf ended his partnership with Linus Yale Jr. at the outset of the American Civil War to become an officer in the Union army. After completing his service, Halbert sought out his former employee James Sargent and decided to finance his company, creating what we know today as Sargent & Greenleaf.

The above 7 minute video gives a brief history of the evolution of the company from it's roots.

It is interesting to see in the video, some of the products that Sargent & Greenleaf produced, many of which are still in operation today in the field. Products like the reversible panic exit device, door security bolts, entrance door hardware, push/pull plates among others.

Below find a 15 minute industrial video from the 1950's that shows the production of Sargent & Greenleaf products.

Hosse & Hosse - A Brief History Of keys

Keys have been in use since nearly 4,000 years ago, according to clay tablets that depict keys used in the Babylonian Empire. The first of these keys looked nothing like the historic keys we might imagine today. Some, in fact, may have been as long as an arm and quite heavy. No way you’d have a keychain filled with these keys.

Similar keys were used in Ancient Greece, most likely to lock temples and other structures of significance. They keys were so large that women carried them over their shoulders. You can view one of these at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston—the key that once locked and unlocked the Temple for Artemis Hemera in Arcadia.

The Beginning of Modern Keys

Where we begin to see the stirrings of modern keys was Rome. The Romans took the technology developed by the Greeks and refined it for more common use. Of course, only those with belongings to protect were concerned with locking their doors. The keys of this time resemble the skeleton keys we think of when “historic keys” some to mind, but they weren’t quite as advanced.

A Step Up in Technology

During the 6th century, European keys took another leap forward. Lever tumblers within locks were created, so keys could be even more specialized. One look at these keys, and you can see exactly how they may have preceded our modern keys. These keys also featured more decorative accents, which often featured crosses or the shape of a bishop’s miter.

Fast-Forward…Way Forward

Lock technology didn’t advance much for hundreds of years. The advancements that were made mostly occurred in England, most notably the double-tumbler lock invented by Robert Barron in 1778. Then in the 1860s, Linus Yale, Jr. of Massachusetts brought us right into the future with his cylinder lock. From that point on, lock technology grew by leaps and bounds.

While we still use some variation of the models produced by Linus Yale, Jr., we also have some technology the Ancient Greeks and Babylonians might have considered supernatural. Current transponder keys make it possible to enter and exit a vehicle without even touching the key.

And, believe it or not, Hosse & Hosse can help you with historic locks and transponder keys. The lock mechanisms from Ancient Greece are no longer in use, so we can’t help you there. However, if you’d like to repair a lock or produce a duplicate key for your home built in the 1800s, we can. We can also reproduce the transponder keys for your cars and keycards for digital commercial locks if you lose them.

That’s one of the most fascinating things about being Nashville’s locksmith and security hardware provider for 150 years. We’ve seen it all, and we can still do it all, too.

Hosse & Hosse Safe & Lock have been proudly serving Nashville Tennessee for 150+ years, providing the region with locksmith and safe sales and services, architectural hardware, entry systems and good old fashioned customer service.

Hosse & Hosse are the oldest continually operating locksmith company in Tennessee and the 7th oldest business in Nashville Tennessee. Located in 918 Woodland Street, Nashville TN 37206, they continue to serve residents, businesses and institutions with premium quality lock products and services.

(article reprinted with permission)

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Safes Of A Different Era - Superb Craftsmanship

Wow!

How To Open And Make Keys To Antique Furniture Locks

Antique furniture locks come in all shapes sizes and styles. Often people lose their keys when the pieces are locked. As a locksmith, I have been called upon numerous times to open and make keys to these antique furniture pieces.

Many antique furniture pieces including curio cabinets, use really old hardware made from brass and iron. Many of the locks are small and can be rusting.

The most efficient and easiest method for opening a locked drawer or door...

Antique Lock Restoration - A Lost Art

International Silver Plating Inc. are a Glencoe Illinois based company that have been around over 80 years.

As locksmiths and iron workers they continue to provide their unique and hard earned and acquired skills to rebuild and repair many products for many discerning customers.

Many of their pieces are of museum quality and they are often the go to source for specialized piece restoration and repair.

Check out their website in the source below, it is a wonderful insight into the true art and craftsmanship of locksmithing.

While I personally have repaired and restored a few pieces for different customers across the world, I wish I had the depth of knowledge and expertise these chaps possess.

(source...)

Many Manufacturers Announce Price Increases Today

A recent memo from some of our suppliers informed us about many of the leading brand manufacturers increasing their prices for their products, effective February 1st, 2012.

Assa-Abloy, HES, Schlage, HID, etc are among the few who have raised their prices.

Lucky for some, we actually lowered many prices on our specialty inventory items.

It is a competitive market out there and by offering the identical products to everyone else online and offline, the only way to remain competitive, many vendors can only compete on labor charges.

Fortunately, by offering products that are less mainstream than brand named lines, we can offer super-competitive prices, as long as you are not fussed about having the brand named products.

We offer Cal-Royal, Carbine, LSDA, Baron, Emtek, Meroni, Cowdroy, Lock Focus, Bilock products that are often similar in application to the more mainstream brands but at more competitive prices.

We will also provide any brand, upon request if we can get it.

Silca are the world leader in manufacturing of locksmith keyblanks, key duplicating and originating machines, engraving mechines and software tailored to the key making industry

I personally have used their products for much of the last 30 years in the business and have no hesitation in recommending them as the number 1 source for locksmith machinery equipment and inventory.

The range of keyblanks manufactured far surpasses many competitors in the field. The quality of product is second to none. In fact, many of the available machines sold in the USA are often re-branded Silca machinery.

If you are in the locksmith business you will be aware that Silca are indeed the most respected manufacturer in the field.

From hard to locate keyblanks, to exquisite and precise machinery, to modern electonic keys, Silca are well known and respected worldwide as the standard setter in the field.

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Electronic Key Cabinet

Many companies, hotels, corporations and especially automobile sellers require sophisticated monitoring and tracking of the keys important to their organizations.

Organized departments require systems that manage effective and useful access control, to maintain security, reduce costs and keep the well oiled machine running at maximum capacity

Enter Key Monitoring Control Units

An easy to use wall mounted system, offering total control and complete management of keys and their use. Keys housed in the Key Monitor may only be accessed by authorized personnel after entering their valid means of identification. Only keys programmed as available to a particular user are shown on the Key Monitor touch screen for release, all other keys are electronically held within the cabinet.

A virtually unlimited number of users and various access levels may be programmed into the Key Monitor onboard computer. Keys may be individually timed and alarmed, ensuring attention is drawn to keys not removed or returned at a designated time. A complete record of the systems operations is retained in the event log which can be viewed onboard or remotely.

Features and Functions:

• virtually unlimited number of keys can be monitored
• networking is by a standard RJ45 connector
• remote monitoring via network option
• multiple sites can be monitored via networking
• event log records store the last 1600 events
• printing to network capable printer for reporting purposes
• touch screen for ease of use
• battery backup allows full operation after mains power failure
• solid metal outer door available (optional)
• duress alarm available with silent output
• can be connected to central alarm system
• virtually unlimited number of access levels available

(source...)

Unlocking Antique Furniture Locks

Antique furniture locks come in all shapes sizes and styles. Often people lose their keys when the pieces are locked. As a locksmith, I have been called upon numerous times to open and make keys to these antique furniture pieces.

Many antique furniture pieces including curio cabinets, use really old hardware made from brass and iron. Many of the locks are small and can be rusting.

The most efficient and easiest method for opening a locked drawer or door, is to impression a new key to the lock. The impression system of key fitting is the one skill that is unique to locksmithing.
Impressioning is used daily by few locksmith technicians these days and the art and talent is diminishing.

Impressioning enables the use of a keyblank, some hand files and some practised techniques to produce working keys to locks without the need to dismantle the piece of furniture. Largely, there is also rarely any damage to the woodwork, which is a good thing, because this maintains the value of the piece.

How does one impression an antique cupboard lock?

1. Select Key blank
2. Cut down flag to enter keyway.
3. Blacken the flag (with carbon or a match)
4. Insert key into keyway and turn as far as it will go.
5. Turn and wiggle key numerous times.
6. remove key from keyway
7. Examine keyblank for "impressions"
8. File minimally, where the impressions occur on the keyblank

This method need to be continued until such a time that the key operates the lock smoothly. It is a talent that few tradesmen technicians still use today. It definitely requires practise, but it save the needs to dismantle a perfectly good lock.