Lockey Lever Lock

Recently a large institution reached out to us to change a standard commercial lock to a pushbutton lock. Initially we assumed that the installation would be relatively straightforward. Remove the existing  lock, set the new combination, install the new lock and we would be done.

Upon removing the existing lock we discovered that the lock was not drilled out and a typical fashion. Normally a lock for a commercial application will have through  bolts. These are extra bolts they provide additional security and strength to the lock. However, this lock was drilled out larger than a standard lock and had holes drilled for through  bolts.  The interesting thing is that this lock did not have through bolts. So essentially, They drilled these extra holes for no reason.They drilled these extra holes for no reason.

So we couldn’t simply install the new lock as planned. We started looking around for wraps and plates that would cover these holes, maintain aesthetics, and be cost effective.

We soon discovered that the company actually has a solution for this exact problem. We used the plates designed for a lever locks by Lockey.

The installation required the drilling of a new hole for a supporting screw. The whole who is precisely drilled using a custom to jig and clamps.

The code was sent prior to arriving in order to decrease the amount of time required to be on site and interfere with normal hours of operation. After the lock wasn’t installed we train the staff on how to use the lock, especially the passage function.

At the end of the day I believe we provided a cost-effective solution for this company. We were happy that they were just as pleased as we were.

 

 

 

 

Cleveland Heights Overview

Cleveland Heights is a popular city and thriving city. The city’s population was 46,238 in the 2010 census l. As of the 2010 census, Cleveland Heights was ranked the 8th largest city by population in the Greater Cleveland metropolitan area and ranked 20th in Ohio.

Cleveland Heights boasts several older style mansions that are incredibly impressive. Maintaining original doors and door hardware is a difficult task. Lock Alchemy works with owners of these homes to update the function and look of their hardware while maintaining an older style aesthetic.

Cleveland Heights also has many rental properties. Propert management companies and individual landlords use locksmiths to fix doors and locks and change the key between rentals.

Cleveland Heights is also the home of many small businesses. One area that hosts several small businesses is the Coventry area. Coventry has many small trendy stores, restaurants and other more commercial businesses.

Locksmiths change out locks between tenants of commercial property. They also change locks if an employee is fired or quits. They also fix and repair commercial doors and hinges.

Locksmiths can also provide other security services to small businesses like master keying, padlocks, security cameras, drop safes, file cabinet locks, and regular safes.

Cleveland Eviction Services

Evicting tenants is not an easy thing to do. Of course, no one wants to be responsible for removing someone from their home. The legal fees, time, and hassle required can create stress and financial burdens. Bailiff and sheriff assisted evictions can make landlords and real-estate professionals uneasy.

We strive to make the locksmith part of an eviction as easy as possible. We coordinate with local law enforcement and legal entities to ensure an eviction occurs legally. Lock Alchemy can provide full locksmith services during an eviction. We can gain entry to an occupied or unoccupied house. Remove the current locks then rekey them or replace them entirely. We can also gain access to garages, storage areas, and secure them with the appropriate padlocks and other security hardware.

We can provide key duplication services on site and record the keys for future reference. After an eviction is complete we can also provide door repair and replacement services. Door services can increase the value of a home for sale or for rent.

Our experience in coordination with real estate professionals, law enforcement and physical security allow us to provide cost effective solutions. We are able to provide services for one or two evictions or a several in one day. Please reach out to use for more information.

 

Cam Pushlock Accidentally Locked

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Yale Smart App Causes Problems in the UK

Some people were unable to leave or enter their homes. Technology to solve a mechanical problem creates another failure point. Read the full article here www.zdnet.com/article/yale-botches-smart-lock-update-imprisons-users-in-their-own-homes/

Don Jo Cheat Sheet for Locksmiths

Here is a cheat sheet I made for Don Jo door wraps also called wrap arounds. Standard residential backset is 2-3/8″ and the standard commercial backset is 2-3/4″. Interior doors are typically 1-3/8″ while exterior doors are typically 1-3/4″.

Finishes are:

10B (613) – Oiled Rubber

AB (609) – Antique Brass

BZ (612) – Satin Bronze

PB (605)- Bright Brass

S (630) – Satin Stainless Steel

 

Number 51 CW
Dimensions 4″ x 4-1/2″
Backset 2-3/8″
Door 1-3/8″
Number 61 CW
Dimensions 4″ x 4-1/2″
Backset 2-3/8″
Door 1-3/4″
Number 71 CW
Dimensions 4-1/4″ x 4-1/2″
Backset 2-3/4″
Door 1-3/8″
Number 81 CW
Dimensions 4-1/4″ x 4-1/2″
Backset 2-3/4″
Door 1-3/4″

 

 

Number 5 CW
Dimensions 4″ x 4-1/2″
Backset 2-3/8″
Door 1-3/8″
Description For DEADBOLTS with 1 1/2″ hole
Number 6 CW
Dimensions 4″ x 4-1/2″
Backset 2-3/8″
Door 1-3/4″
Description For DEADBOLTS with 1 1/2″ hole
 

Number 7 CW
Dimensions 4-1/4″ x 4-1/2″
Backset 2-3/4″
Door 1-3/8″
Description For DEADBOLTS with 1 1/2″ hole
 

Number 8 CW
Dimensions 4-1/4″ x 4-1/2″
Backset 2-3/4″
Door 1-3/4″
Description For DEADBOLTS with 1 1/2″ hole

 

 

Number 70 CW (blank)
Dimensions 4-1/4″ x 4-1/2″
Door 1-3/8″

 

Number 80 CW (blank)
Dimensions 4-1/4″ x 4-1/2″
Door 1-3/4″

 

 

New Lock Install for John Carol Rental

I just installed a new lock the other day for a student at John Carol in University Heights. She bought an electronic lock online and wanted me to install it. I informed her that it wouldn’t be under my warranty but I’d gladly install the lock.

The lock was from a major manufacturer but I was shocked by the quality, or lack there of. It was a surface mount lock and would have been a real pain to install. It would have required series modification to the door door and door jamb. If it would ever be removed it would leave some nasty holes. Additionally, it only used key fobs and cards not number entry. That’s a strange choice for electronic access control for home. The point of keyless entry is defeated if you need a fob!

I suggested a Lockey M210 Lock that I have in stock. This lock offers several advantages.

This Lock Mounts in the Typical way

The surface mounted lock would have required modifications to the door jamb and leave screw holes in the door. The Lockey can be replaced be any standard door knob, deadbolt, or filler plate.

No Batteries

Batteries are another fail point for a lock. Imagine a student goes home for a two week break betweenn semesters. They don’t hear the low battery warning and return to their rental unable to get into their room!

Quality

A good lock that has a low probability  to fail is what you need. An all mechanical lock is going to almost always be more durable than an electronic lock.

Ease of Use

It doesn’t require fobs or cards are required, just a simple code. The code can be given to someone in a pinch if you need someone to access you’re room.

I drilled a new lock bore, strike, set the code and installed it within under an hour! They were very happy with the product!

 

how does a locksmith know its your house

Ever wonder if someone can just call up a locksmith to open a house and rob them? It’s extremely uncommon for several reasons. 1), no one wants a trace of who they called and paid to open a house. 2), even an unscrupulous locksmith wouldn’t want to risk the financial and legal liability of opening a house for someone they shouldn’t. 3) locksmiths verify residency. In lock out situations this can be tricky. People are outside of a house without valuables and important items they need. If a person doesn’t have proof, the locksmith will verify before leaving. Many documents verify a person’s residency: drivers license, gas bill, electric bill, emails, car registration and more. If they fail to produce verification they can lock and close the door. Then call the police and let them sort it out.

can a locksmith make a key from a broken key?

Absolutely. Keys can break inside a lock or outside a lock. If the key broke inside the lock a locksmith can remove the broken key allowing the lock to function again. In cases in which the key broke cleanly they can read the key cuts and make a new key. If for some reason a key broke outside a lock, they typically can just read the key and make a new one. If the locksmith is unable to read the key they can disassemble the lock in order to make a new key. One way to prevent keys from breaking is to not use the key as a handle. The key unlocks or locks the door. Turning the door knob or pressing on the lever is the way to open a door. Worn keys should be duplicated before they stop working or break.

what do locksmiths use to open doors?

what do locksmiths use to open doors

Locksmiths use various tools to open doors. The first tool in a locksmith arsenal are lock picks. Lock picks are curved or bumpy pieces of still that act like the up and down points on a key. The locksmith inserts the lock pick and raises the pins to act like the appropriate key is being used. Another tool is used simultaneously to turn the lock.

Many locksmiths will not discuss opening techniques especially for higher security doors and locks. Some won’t even discuss how to pick locks with people who aren’t locksmiths. They figure that they shouldn’t make it easier for criminals to do crime. You go to school to gain special knowledge. Locksmiths study and train to gain special knowledge. This knowledge can unfortunately be used for crimes so they choose not to share it.