Notes from the Trenches (Ask the Locksmith Blog!)

Failed Ford Focus Ignition Replacement Service

2008-03-10T14:07:00.000-07:00

Ford Focus Ignition Problems
(Welcome all Ford Focus Forum Folks!)

Failed Ford Focus Ignition Replacement Service

*** Be Proactive & Save $$$ ***
Call or e-mail us when it starts to stick, BEFORE it has to be drilled out!

Ford Focus, model year 2000 through part of 2004 have a factory installed ignition issue. Thousands of owners have been affected, however Ford does not consider it a "safety issue" and have thus far refused to issue a recall.

The problem with the factory installed ignitions, in a nutshell, is that the tumblers (actually "wafers" in a Focus), and the poor quality pot metal used within the Factory Installed ignitions itself, both interact to begin to shed metal shavings (burrs) over time. This is caused by the simple in and out of the key, the poor design, the cheap metal, and scraping against each other, over and over again. This clogs the ignition with tons of tiny metal shavings (burrs), which then wedge themselves into all the moving parts.

Some symptoms to watch for include (may be one, some, or all):

° Increasing difficulty in turning the ignition key.
° Key feeling "dirty" or "gooey" when inserting or removing.
° Ignition "Sticking."
° Key getting "locked" into the "On" or "Accessory" position.
° Unable to remove key at all.
° End result (way too late for warning signs): Unable to start the car at all due to the key being "frozen" solid.

Once stuck, some online sources suggest hitting the key with a mallet or something else hard until the key can be turned again. We do NOT suggest this. Doing so shakes loose even MORE burrs, and makes each successive thump one step closer to a full drill out vs. a simple replacement.

There are also MANY suggestions to put WD40 into the ignition to try to free the key. We do NOT suggest this for ANY lock, ever, but particularly in this situation. If you have read the description of the issue above, you'll see that adding WD40 into the mix will only gum up the works worse, forcing the burrs to stack / clump up and clog even more than they already are. :)

You can add to the damage already done by following any of these "fixes," as well as some of the even more suspect "fixes" out there, potentially adding to the cost of the repair.

Remember, your steering column is a somewhat delicate thing, whacking away at the key/ignition cylinder in any car is under no circumstances a good or wise thing, and may well cause harm far beyond the simple replacement of an ignition cylinder.

Options, based on various symptoms:

*Drill & Replace:
(OEM Ignition Failure - When your Focus ignition key fails to turn at all in year models 2000 through 2004)

Once your Focus ignition has completely locked up (usually with your key in it!), the only way to get a working ignition again is to physically & specially drill out the now irreparable, cheap quality, factory installed ignition, and replace it with the ignition that Ford SHOULD have installed in the first place, and which, interestingly, they ARE using now in some cases - The correct ignition is NOT a Ford OEM product. It is a Strattec.

**Remove, Rekey, & Replace:
(When your OEM Ignition begins to be difficult to turn, but PRIOR to actual ignition lock-up)

If your key still turns, even if with difficulty, and can still start your car, you can save a significant amount by being proactive and having the factory installed but rapidly breaking down ignition replaced in advance of its final failure (unable to turn or remove the key at all). In this case, if the key can still be turned, we do not need to drill the ignition in order to remove it.

***Mail Order Replacement (For local or out-of-area "DIY" customers - Generally applies to the same "hard to turn but not yet locked up" situation directly above, although many of our customers are handy and also do the drill & replace themselves using one of our replacement ignitions - Instructions can be sent for a full drill out):

If your key still turns, and you are reasonably handy, and you are able to take a CLEAR digital picture (See an example of "clear / readable" digital photos here) of your key and e-mail it to us; we will key up a new ignition to your existing key (This technique, and the techniques above do NOT require the keys to be programmed or reprogrammed - You will be able to install and go), and mail it to you via Priority Mail. Once we determine that the digital photo is clear and readable (See an example of "clear / readable" digital photos here), we will invoice you via PayPal for credit/debit card payment (no PayPal account is required for this). This method of payment is the fastest possible turn-around (next business/mailing day). Alternately, you may pay at PayPal via eCheck*. Please be aware that eChecks take an average of 3 to 5 business days to clear your bank and to show as paid. *If you choose to pay via eCheck, your ignition will ship the day the funds clear.

Once cleared payment is received, we will mail your ignition, and simple replacement instructions via two day USPS Priority Mail. This offer applies ONLY within the Continental United States. ***If you have no way of taking a digital photo of your key, please e-mail us at focus@sandiegolockandsafe.com for an alternate solution.

To send a digital picture or to inquire specifically about mail order replacement, please e-mail directly to focus@sandiegolockandsafe.com.

No matter what method you choose, INSIST on a Strattec replacement ignition. It is the ONLY appropriate replacement ignition for your vehicle, and the only one that does not have the same problem reoccur over time. :)

(!) New Keys or Reprogramming Existing Keys (!)
When having your failed Factory Installed Ford Focus ignition replaced, whether by drilling out, or simple remove & replace, don't let any locksmith or dealer mechanic tell you that:

a) New keys, necessitating new programming, are required...
b) Reprogramming of your existing keys is required...
c) Even if they offer them to you at a "discounted" rate..!

New keys, necessitating new programming, or reprogramming your existing keys are both completely unnecessary!

There are NO circumstances where either would be "required." Any competent locksmith should, as a matter of course, and as a matter of courtesy(!), key your replacement Ford Focus ignition TO your existing keys prior to installing it. Keying your replacement Ford Focus ignition to your existing keys is a VERY simple matter, and takes very little time. If the Ford Focus replacement ignition being installed is keyed to your existing keys, your existing keys will work immediately. No programming or reprogramming needed, period.

Any locksmith who insists that new keys are required, or that your existing keys require reprogramming, is padding his or her bill. Period.

As an aside, if you allow the locksmith to make you "new" keys, you'll also end up with a two key system (one for the doors - the "old" key, and another for the ignition - the "new" key). Of course, they'll probably offer to rekey your doors to the new key as well, "at a discount"...lol!

DON'T fall for it!

Below are some informational links you can use to read up on the problem, or at least to know you're not alone. The last link is simply a Google search for the issue. Note the number of results.

Consumer Affairs.com - Ford Focus Issues
Focaljet - Ford Focus Forums - Ignition Locked?
Google Search Results for the search terms "ford focus ignition"

Hello Kim and Bill-

I got the ignition today and it installed in less than 20 minutes!!! Thank you so much for providing such great service!! "Courtesy, Professionalism, Timeliness and Price" couldn't be more accurate.

You'll definitely be getting a plug from me on the Focus forums (where I first, skeptically, heard about you).

Keep up the good work!

Thanks,

J. C.
Rochester Hills, MI

Hi Kim!

Thanks so much for your help. You have been great. Your follow up was fantastic, your emails were personal and not "canned," and you have been extremely easy to work with. If you were on ebay I couldn't rate you A+ because that wouldn't do you justice.

What really made my day was that you are the owner. Even better.

Thanks again,

BJM

p.s. Just wanted to follow up with my voicemail. ALL SET. I got it. Stubborn little son of a gun, but got it out. Thanks so much for all your help. If any issues with the "Foci" (Plural for Focuses) in the area come up, I will have the owner call you for help.
Goshen, NY

Hi Kim,

Received the lock today, installed it tonight and it worked as promised. (But you probably figured it would)

I would refer anyone with the same problem to you.

Thanks,

DG
Hudson, NY

Hello!

I just wanted to let you know that I received the ignition on Monday, and was able to install it last night!...Thanks for making the ignition! It works great!!!

Holly
Tualatin, OR

technorati tags: locksmith, Ford Focus, Ford Focus Wagon, Ford Focus SE, ignition switch, key won't turn, new keys, Transponder Keys, chip keys, replacement ignition, Ford OEM Ignition, ignition changed, Strattec Ignition, key code, locked out, duplicate keys, keys are lost, missing keys

ATL: Ford Focus Ignition Problem!

2008-03-06T12:46:00.000-08:00

Ask The Locksmith Question:

The key won't turn in my 2000 Focus SE wagon's ignition switch. The ignition switch collapsed 3 years ago and was replaced. The key will pull out but not turn. After trying for 1/2 hour, it finally turned, so I drove it to a mechanic who said to go buy a new ignition switch and he's pop it in with no problem. I note the new ignition switch came with a new set of keys. Now the stupid mechanic says the new key won't turn in the new ignition switch either, and he does not know how to fix it.

Does this have anything to do with the new keys? What is wrong now? I'm stuck now with no car because the car is still at the mechanic's shop. Should I buy another new ignition switch from you? If I do, why would it work instead of the new one I just bought yesterday? I'll buy one if you can ensure me that my car will work. Please advise. Thanks. Can you rush the part? What would that cost?

Hi there...

Well... There are a couple of explanations as to the "why's" here. Most of them run right alongside your definition of "stupid mechanic."

You're kind of in a pickle as they say. The following may or may not help, but at least you'll be REALLY informed. :)

First off... If this obviously un-knowledgeable mechanic told you he could just "pop" an ignition in with no problem, he's a) not a knowledgeable mechanic, b) trying to rip you off, or c) not bright.

Ford Focus' use Transponder keys (chip keys). These keys are specifically and specially programmed into the vehicle itself, and once programmed in, are dependant on the cuts in the keys originally programmed in, which are of course, dependant on the ignition being properly pinned to MATCH the existing keys. Very expensive, and highly proprietary computerized equipment is used to do this.

The reason we can sell replacement ignitions without requiring programming is that we pin the new ignition up to your EXISTING keys, therefore the programming in the car and your existing keys themselves are not changed or disturbed.

Any time you get a new ignition that is NOT pinned up to your existing keys (for instance, when a doofus mechanic tells you he can put a new one with new keys in "no problem"), the "new" keys must then be programmed INTO your car, like new, with the proprietary computer, rendering your old keys useless. If this is not done, the keys won't work. Period.

There is never, EVER a reason to allow someone to sell you a replacement ignition for a Focus that comes with keys, or purchase new keys for that replacement ignition. Ever. Only fools or rip off artists sell a new ignition that has new keys with it (thus requiring programming), or sell you a new ignition and THEN tell you that you also need new keys programmed into it, because the old ones won't work, or sells you an ignition and tells you that this is the only way it comes, with new keys, etc.

If you do buy an ignition that comes with keys, and allow yourself to be rooked into having them programmed, you will then have two different keys for the vehicle. One that opens the door, and one that runs the car. You may already be in that situation, if you're already had the ignition replaced, but Ford Focus, as sold, comes with ONE key that works everything.

DO NOT pay this person for the ignition or the "service" performed. You would have an easy case in court should they choose to pursue payment. This is an uneducated, incompetent "mechanic," who apparently doesn't know his job.

The fact that the keys won't turn is not because they haven't been programmed. It's more likely because this mechanic person incorrectly installed the ignition. If it was properly installed, the keys would turn smoothly and easily, all day. The car wouldn't start of course, because they are new keys, not programmed into the vehicle, but the keys would turn.

Other possibilities are;
That you started with the usual Ford Focus problem, but that it has now became a column problem due to inept installation.
That your existing key itself is the issue, and not the ignition at all. If so, this is yet another thing the mechanic should have seen and pointed out, and one we would have noted as soon as you sent a photo of your key.

In addition to the above, what is the brand and part number of ignition you were sold? With what you describe, I'm thinking that it may not have been the correct igntion (First clue, it should not come with keys), and that he didn't notice if it was or was not the right ignition in the first place. While there are several types of ignition cylinder parts that will work with a Ford Focus. there is only one brand and part number of ignition that will prevent the original problem from occurring, and it is not a Ford OEM ignition. Try to find out what the actual part you were sold is, brand and part number.

We absolutely, positively guarantee that the ignitions we sell are a) properly pinned to your existing keys, requiring NO key programming, nor new keys.
We guarantee that the ignition we sell is the ONLY ignition on the market that will not cause the same problem or result in a reoccurrence of the same problem you originally had.
We guarantee that the ignition we sell is the RIGHT ignition for your vehicle.

Having said that, because you're already had your ignition changed once, and had an incompetent mechanic fiddling around with it after that fact, unfortunately I have no way of guaranteeing, as you stated : "if you can ensure me that my car will work" - There's simply no way of knowing if your car will work. I have no idea what he's done to it.

The guarantees I can and will freely make are the above. It's the right ignition for your vehicle. It will be pinned to your existing (original) keys, and if the mechanic hasn't destroyed the existing programming by fiddling around, your current keys will need no programming. And that the ignition sold will never have the same problem that is afflicting Ford Focus'.

I do NOT guarantee, based on the description of the work done of your car to date, that it will make your car work.

If you wanted to give it a try, and have someone, anyone (preferably a locksmith), other than this mechanic be the one to install it, we could sell you an ignition with a guarantee of money back if the replacement doesn't work, so long as the ignition is not damaged and has not been installed on return. It's very easy to test the ignition prior to installing it by putting your existing key into it, and turning it. If your existing key won't turn the ignition cylinder as sent, do NOT install it. Return it for your money back.

However, I honestly would not be willing to sell you an ignition if this same individual is going to be the one installing it.

Ideally, after the fiddling that's been done so far, I would suggest you have a locksmith come and fix it for you.

However, if you have someone trustworthy to install a replacement ignition, and would like to give it a shot, details are below.

All we need is a CLEAR digital picture of the blade portion of the key blank. We prefer to have two photos, one on each side as even though the cuts are the same, in older, worn keys, seeing both sides can make the difference in being able to clarify specific cuts.

Please see examples of what I'm looking for, and what would not work, here:
http://www.sandiegolockandsafe.com/focuskeypics.html

The price is always the posted price, $88.00 for the new, rekeyed to match, Strattec ignition, and $7.00 S&H by USPS Priority Mail (2 to 3 days mailing time).
http://www.sandiegolockandsafe.com/rates.html#focus

For Overnight, the posted price is $88.00 for the new, rekeyed to match, Strattec ignition, and $18.65 S&H by USPS Guaranteed Overnight (Generally arriving by noon).
Total: $106.65

Timeline for shipping is as follows:

For example, once your photos are approved, an invoice will be returned to you. If the payment is made on a business/mailing day, the keyed ignition would be shipped the following business mailing day (Mon-Sat, non-Holiday). If payment is made on a non-business day (Sunday), it will count as being made on a Monday, and the ignition will ship the following day. If payment is made via an eCheck (bank transfer) from within PayPal, the ignition would be shipped the day the funds clear, generally 5 business days.

For Overnight, same rules apply.

***Our Guarantee: The cylinder we send will work with your existing keys based on our best ability to read the cuts shown in the picture(s) sent. Before you install the cylinder, please attempt turning it with one of your EXISTING transponder keys. If the cylinder will not turn freely, DO NOT INSTALL THE CYLINDER. Please send the cylinder back to us Priority - The cost for shipping it back will be refunded to your credit card on receipt of the return, we will retain the ignition, and refund your entire cost (including S&H) immediately.

If, on receipt of the ignition, you have questions on the removal/installation process, please feel free to call and ask for Bill. He may have to call you back if he has a full day in the field, but we will help in any way we can. A print out of installation instructions are included with the pinned cylinder as well.

Also included with your new Strattec ignition, are a business card with your key code printed on the back, and a mechanical key for your convenience. Please retain the mechanical key in your wallet or somewhere safe so you have a spare to open the door if you get locked out (it will not run the Focus, but it will open the doors). Please also retain the business card with your key code somewhere safe. This key code can be used to have new keys cut at any locksmith who handles automotive, even without your existing keys or the vehicle present. This key code has a dual purpose: It allows you to purchase cut duplicates that you can program yourself (if you already have two working Transponders). It also allows for some cost savings in the event all keys are lost, by bypassing the normal labor intensive (and charged appropriately) method of determining the key code with missing keys.

Let me know if we can help. Photos may be e-mailed to the e-mail address on the above Ford Focus page for evaluation.

Cheers!

kim

technorati tags: locksmith, Ford Focus, Ford Focus Wagon, Ford Focus SE, ignition switch, key won't turn, new keys, Transponder Keys, chip keys, replacement ignition, Ford OEM Ignition, ignition changed, Strattec Ignition, key code, locked out, duplicate keys, keys are lost, missing keys

ATL: How do I keep my teenagers out of my bedroom?

2007-12-31T15:41:00.000-08:00

Ask The Locksmith Question:
I have double doors leading into my bedroom. I need to keep our teenagers out when we are not home. I installed a keyed interior lock but all you need is something slim to slip the latch. I have looked for a latch cover but can only find ones really made for exterior doors. I have been searching the web for an hour and finally tried "ask a locksmith" in the search engine. How can we secure our interior double doors?

Hi there...

First and foremost, more than anything else, we always suggest a deadbolt along with flush bolts in this situation, rather than a keyed entry knob. However, if you don't wish to install a deadbolt (which can not be simply "slipped" open), we'll go another way...

I'm assuming you already have flush bolts holding one side of the double doors in place when not in use. These would be slide type bolts, usually in/on the edge of one of the doors, one above, and one below, that slip into both a hole in the flooring and a hole in the top frame alongside the door edge itself. If you do not have flush bolts, installing them would be step one. There's no reason for both doors to swing freely, particularly when you're trying to secure the door. :)

Second step (even if you choose to install a deadbolt) would be to install a T-Astragal. This is a nice piece of molding, usually pine, which can be painted or stained to match your door (they also can come in basic colors already, depending on where you purchase it), and which serves to effectively block the gap between the double doors, thus preventing the casual slipping of your key-in-knob lock.

See examples of one type of T-Astragal here.

*Note: T-Astragal's, when made of metal, are sometimes known as "Mullions."

The end result of having both flush bolts, and a T-Astragal, would be one side of your double doors being stationary at all times when the doors are locked, and the gap between the doors, as well as the key-in-knob latch itself, being inaccessible when the doors are closed.

The kids could still get in, with a crowbar I suppose, but you'd definitely know, and there would be no way it could be played off, or explained off, as an "accident," or "the dog did it, I swear..." :) The T-Astragal is the length of the doors, and is firmly bolted into the entire length. Force would be required to get it off and have access to the gap in order to slip the key-in-knob lock.

I hope this helps...
Please feel free to give a yell back if you have more questions, or need further explanation.

Cheers & Happy New Year!

kim

technorati tags: locksmith, ask the locksmith, double doors, keyed interior lock, slip the latch, latch cover, exterior doors, interior double doors, deadbolt, flush bolts, keyed entry knob, slide type bolts, T-Astragal, key-in-knob lock, mullion, key-in-knob latch, crowbar

A timely repost - Locked out? What now...?

2007-12-06T20:50:00.000-08:00

I thought it time for a repost, with an added addendum - An article that directly applies to why we are as strict as we are. In addition, in this holiday season, with out-of-town visitors having keys to your home, and going out-of-town yourselves, often in a flurry of excitement, it's more important than ever to have proof, at all times, that you belong in your home or business should you get locked out.

An interesting article in The Oregonian today (Thursday, December 06, 2007):
Locksmith tricked in criminal caper

The article above describes, in short, how a locksmith in Oregon took a customers word for it when he called saying he'd been locked out of his business. She let him in, in the middle of the night, without proof, on a vague promise of proof on entry. The "customer" turned out to be a disgruntled former employee who ripped off the business after she let him in, and left her standing in the office, still waiting on the promised proof.

Not sure what Oregon's laws are, but the above story is one of the many reasons why we hold to the law as regards unlocking homes or businesses, and the admittedly strict standards set by ALOA, and the state of California.

Not only did this locksmith allow someone into a business without positive proof as required by ALOA's Technical Standards Policy / Positive ID Policy, but on top of that, she pulled a total Priceline move, and drilled not one, but TWO locks, and destroyed a THIRD to allow entry...! Anyway, that last part is beside the point, just a personal warning to folks to be sure they're using a competent, licensed locksmith, and not a Priceline / Superb Solutions / Dependable Locksmith offshoot (Click on the prior link for further details.).

At the very least, that company could, and probably should, be held liable by the business and local law enforcement for that break-in, which is what it was after all, no proof shown to unlock a business, and could very well be in line to be civilly sued and lose their bonding and/or general liability insurance.

For all our valued customers, time for a repost:

I'm locked out of my house/business, now what?

Time and time again we get calls from understandably desperate folks who've locked themselves out of their homes or businesses, and have no way to prove they actually belong IN that home or business but their own unimpeachable word. No Driver's License/State ID with that specific address on it, no Driver's License/State/Military ID without that address, but with an accompanying utility bill / lease paperwork / mortgage paperwork / car insurance, etc., nothing. Now, we understand that being locked out is quite often a Catch-22 situation, how often after all, do you run out in your skivvies to get the morning paper and carry your Driver's License with you?

However... As harsh and restrictive as it may sound, and I apologize if it does so, by law, and for your own protection, we need to know who we're letting into a house or business, BEFORE we can let them in. What the "BEFORE" means, specifically, is that letting us know you think your Driver's License is inside on the dining room table isn't enough to have us do what is, essentially, breaking and entering, on your word. Neither is a Drivers License, inside OR outside, that doesn't have that particular address on it...

If you're house-sitting or visiting and have locked yourself out: In these situations, unfortunately, there is nothing we can do to help you. There is no proof that you belong in a home that would be acceptable by state or ALOA guidelines. Not a note of permission from the homeowner, not a notarized note, nothing. We are pet owners ourselves, and sympathize wholeheartedly, but even the nightmare of "but the dogs will starve if I can't get in" is not enough to allow us to break and enter you into a home we cannot prove you belong in. Our best advice is to be sure that your trusted neighbors, family, friends, etc., ALL have a copy of your key, and know the house sitter/pet sitter by sight. These folks can let them in for you should they get locked out. An ethical locksmith cannot.

Business lockouts are even more onerous as far as acceptable proof goes. The ONLY acceptable proof that can be accepted is a valid, signed, notarized, lease agreement or mortgage paperwork for the specific property, at that specific address, in the name of the person standing there wanting in, along with a State Issued Picture ID to match. Faxed or Xeroxed copies of lease agreements are NOT acceptable proof.

These restrictions and requirements are for your protection, as well as our own. Your personal property, as well as your personal safety are at stake, and our license, bonding, and ethics are at stake. If we were less lenient, and there are licensed and unlicensed locksmiths both who do NOT abide by the laws, then anyone who simply asked to be let in, could be let into your home or business at any time - Without your say so. It happens all the time with these unlicensed or less stringent locksmiths who are far more concerned with collecting money, than in NOT letting the wrong person into your home. In addition, ALL Positive ID Policy proof must be witnessed in person, recorded on the signed invoice (allowing access to the home by the authorized individual), and maintained for three years against State audit.

It may not help you feel better about us while you're locked out, but it should be reassuring to you, and apparent in a clearer moment why this is for your own protection. Locksmiths on a nearly daily basis run into situations where there is an ex friend/business partner/boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife, or even a parent, or a child, wanting into a home or business where they are no longer welcome, to do damage, steal, or worse. You'd be surprised how often common criminals try this as well. Some of us as locksmiths have even had guns pulled on us in the course of letting someone into a home or business, because while someone DOES have the right proof, they are still not allowed in for whatever reason. There are a million domestic situations in the naked city, and we'd prefer that YOU be safe (it is a locksmiths job after all), even if you're angry at us for not letting you in because you cannot prove residency.

As licensed locksmiths, and as ethical, professional locksmiths, we are bound by the laws of the state of California, specifically the Business And Professions Code Section 6980.53-6980.69, as well as the Positive ID Policy bylaws and technical standards of ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America)

Because of the State of California's requirement for a Positive ID policy, as well as ALOA's requirement for a Positive ID Policy, the following applies, without exception...

FOR HOME/RESIDENTIAL LOCKOUTS WE CANNOT:

Take your word for it, no matter how much we want to believe you. Even IF you're standing there in the shrubbery in your skivvies.

Take your neighbors word for it, no matter how nice they seem to be.

Take your landlords word for it when they're unable to personally (in person) provide a lease agreement (Note to Property managers: Calling us from your cell phone and insisting that "we'll never work in this state again" if we don't just believe you and let someone in isn't an effective threat. If we DO let someone in because a disembodied voice on a cell phone says to do so, we'll never work in this state again. See the dilemma?)

Consider the circular/catalog from IKEA in your car with the right address on it to be the "proof needed" that we should let you in.

Let you in because you're "house-sitting" and the dogs might starve/the plants might die without water. Even if you have a personal note from the homeowner, and yes, even if it's notarized...

Allow you an exemption because you "just moved and haven't changed your Driver's License yet".

Allow you an exemption because you have lived there for 4 years and "it's such a pain to go to the DMV to change your Driver's License".

Allow you an exemption because you are a student and haven't changed your Driver's License at all.

Allow you an exemption because your car "burned down" with your Drivers License in it, or was "stolen" with your Drivers License in it.

Take your word for it that everything we need to prove residency is "inside".

Accept a "Power of Attorney" in your name/your spouses name/your grandparents name, etc., if you cannot also prove residency.

If you are a Real Estate Agent, accept a faxed or Xeroxed home sale contract - An original valid, signed, notarized agreement showing YOU as the agent of note, along with a state issued ID IS acceptable.

Accept anything other than a valid State Issued Picture ID with the correct address, or a State Issued Picture ID with the wrong address AND with an accompanying utility bill / lease paperwork / mortgage paperwork / car insurance, etc., mailed to you at the RIGHT address.

Accept cash as a bribe, or in lieu of the proper ID/proof.

FOR BUSINESS LOCKOUTS WE CANNOT:

Take your word for it, no matter how much we want to believe you.

Take your neighboring businesses word for it, no matter how nice they seem to be.

Take your landlords word for it when they're unable to personally (in person) provide a lease agreement (Note to Property managers: Calling us from your cell phone and insisting that "we'll never work in this state again" if we don't just believe you and let someone in isn't an effective threat. If we DO let someone in because a disembodied voice on a cell phone says to do so, we'll never work in this state again. See the dilemma?)

Consider ANY mail with the right address on it to be the "proof needed" that we should let you in.

Allow you an exemption because there's a potential flood, fire, or other catastrophe inside the business.

Accept anything other than an original, valid, signed, notarized, lease agreement for the specific property, at the specific address, in the name of the person standing there wanting in, along with their State Issued Picture ID. Faxed or Xeroxed copies of lease agreements are NOT acceptable proof.

Accept cash as a bribe, or in lieu of the proper ID/proof.

All of the above are the best reasons in the world for keeping your drivers license address current, and ON your person, at all times...

Cheers!
And Safe, Legal, Secure Happy Holidays!

kim

technorati tags: locked out, Drivers License, breaking and entering, house-sitting, ALOA, lease agreement, personal safety, unlicensed locksmiths, Locksmiths, licensed locksmiths, professional locksmiths, Business And Professions Code, Positive ID Policy, Associated Locksmiths of America, DMV, Power of Attorney, Real Estate Agent, State Issued Picture ID

Buying Medeco(r) because they're "bump proof"? Think again...

2007-11-16T14:36:00.000-08:00

No real commentary today, just the following.
I mean, really, what's to say? Hope they drop that "bump proof" claim soon tho'...

Medeco® Biaxial - Bump by 12 year old (Related Article)

MEDECO® LOCKS: Are They Secure Enough? - Well worth reading...

About Marc Weber Tobias.

Medeco® Readies Assembly-Line Fix for DefCon Lock Hack
In defense of Medeco® - Sort of...

Once more folks, the Best. Possible. Way. of securing your home, regardless of the locks you have, or the locks you choose to buy, is to have your home well kept, well lighted, don't leave doors unlocked, keep the shrubbery trimmed away from doors and windows, leave your windows closed and locked, have the mail and the newspaper picked up if you're out of town, don't hand out keys to casual friends and neighbors, or contractors, or housekeepers, etc.

Bumping is still relatively rare... That being said however, those "security professionals" who sell you on hugely expensive locks on the premise that they're "bump proof"? Well, I suppose anyone can hang out a shingle, and it's good money, preying on fear... They also don't like to tell you that one of the best ways of advertising to criminals that you may have something extra good inside, is by having big, shiny Medeco® locks on your home.

Remember folks, you're still at far more risk of break-in by someone simply walking in through an unlocked door, an open window, or using that old stand by; a brick, than you are from bumping.

70% or more of all burglaries are committed by force (kicking in doors, breaking windows), not stealth. Of the remaining percentage, the vast majority are windows/doors left unlocked, keys disseminated too widely, misplaced keys, not rekeying after a breach (lost key, fired employee, children handing out copies to friends, and more), etc. Bumping is in the negative 1% of that remainder.

Regardless:

~ Use a solid core or metal door for all entrance points, if this is not immediately possible, use quality, inside-only deadbolts in addition to the below.
~ Use a quality, heavy-duty, deadbolt lock, with a minimum one-inch throw.
~ Use a quality, heavy-duty, knob-in-lock set, with a dead-latch mechanism.
~ Use a heavy-duty, four-screw, strike plate with 3-inch screws, to penetrate fully & securely into a wooden door frame.
~ Use a wide-angle 160° peephole mounted no higher than 58 inches.
~ Have your existing locks rekeyed by a professional to utilize bump resistant techniques such as mushroom tumblers, etc.

On the exterior of your home, just a few hints:

~ Keep your shrubbery trimmed to BELOW the windows.
~ Have adequate lighting, motion lighting is one of the best deterrents there is.
~ Keep lights in your home on random cyling timers to make the home look occupied.
~ Don't allow mail or newpapers to accumulate in the drive.
~ KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS! Have them keep an eye out for your home, and you do the same for them.

If you have questions on the way your home is currently set up for best security, call us, even if you just want to ask questions.

We're here to help.

Cheers!

Kim

technorati tags: locksmith, medeco, lock bumping, bump proof locks, biaxial, medeco m3, defcon, marc weber tobias

BBB Warns Consumers of Nationwide Locksmith Swindle

2007-07-13T15:14:00.000-07:00

What can I say?

These guys are everywhere. The ones I highlight prominently on the Locksmith Scams page as practicing illegally in San Diego are the same people / companies mentioned in this article. Dependable, Superb Solutions, Priceline, USA Total Security, and a bazillion empty nothing names (A+, A1, AAA, 24/7, etc.), ALL conveniently located in the 92101 zip code (Did YOU know there are over 300 "locksmiths" and "locksmith shops" in a 4 block radius downtown? Amazing, huh? Wonder how they fit all the regular businesses in?).

Ah well...

Caveat Emptor.
*sigh*

kim

BBB Warns Consumers of Nationwide Locksmith Swindle
You may have been a victim and not even know it.

For Immediate Release

Arlington, VA - July 10, 2007 - The Better Business Bureau (BBB) today is warning consumers to beware of untrustworthy locksmith companies that are ripping off consumers across the country.

Victim complaints to the BBB reveal that several locksmith companies, all using similar methods, are significantly overcharging consumers, charging consumers for unnecessary services, using intimidation tactics, and failing to give refunds or respond to consumer complaints.

"Ironically, these companies operate under names like "Dependable Locksmith" but in reality they exploit the vulnerable situation of consumers who are locked out of their house or car," said Steve Cox spokesperson for the BBB System. "We've found that some locksmiths have made taking advantage of consumers' misfortune part of their business model."

Complaints about locksmith services to the 114 BBBs serving the U.S. increased almost 75 percent from 2005 to 2006, and have continued to come in steadily during the first half of this year.

The BBB has identified Dependable Locksmith - which operates under more than a dozen different names - as a particularly disreputable locksmith. This company poses as a local locksmith in cities across the country and advertises in the yellow pages using local phone numbers and fake local addresses. A consumer might think they're dealing with a local locksmith but their phone call is actually connected to a call center located in the Bronx borough of New York City.

Consumers are quoted a reasonable price over the phone but when the locksmith arrives - typically in an unmarked vehicle - he demands significantly more money than originally quoted, often only accepting cash.

A complaint from Cleveland, OH, where Dependable Locksmith was operating under the name "Superb Solutions," alleges the company quoted fees of $39 and $84 for separate jobs, but the bill ended up at $471, which included add-on fees such as a $65 breaking in fee and a $58 fee to uninstall old locks.

Another complainant reported that the locksmith sent to let her into her car demanded she pay twice the price quoted over the phone. The locksmith offered to drive her to an ATM to get cash - feeling unsafe the victim refused. The victim was ultimately forced to write a check made out personally to the locksmith as he would not let her into her car until she did so. She cancelled payment on the check the next morning, but eventually filed a police report after the locksmith harassed her with continuous phone calls about payment.

The BBB has also heard many complaints from victims who say they were charged for unnecessary services. For example, complainants suspect locksmiths sent over by Dependable Locksmiths of pretending they couldn't simply pick the lock so that they could charge more and install all new locks in homes.

Some of Dependable Locksmith's aliases include, Superb Solutions, Locksmith 24 Hour, Inc., USA Total Security, Priceline Locksmith, and S.O.S. Locksmith.

Two other locksmith contractors fleecing consumers are Basad, Inc. - which operates under more than 50 names nationwide, such as A-1 Locksmith Service, A-1 24 Hour Locksmith, A-1 Lock & Key Locksmith, and AAA Locksmith 24 Hour – and Liberty Locksmith. Similar to Dependable Locksmith, they pose as local locksmiths and run full-page yellow pages ads with multiple phone and address listings. The phone numbers appear to be local, but connect to national call centers such as Liberty's in New York City, while the addresses end up belonging to other established businesses in the local area, or are simply non-existent.

Liberty Locksmith had been a BBB member in Tulsa, OK, but during normal BBB member validation processes, it was discovered that the addresses provided by the company were false. In June 2007, the BBB terminated the membership of Liberty Locksmith for providing false information in its membership application and providing misleading advertisements to the public.

Like others, Liberty Locksmith and Basad, Inc. use common cons such as quoting one price over the phone, but then charging significantly more on site.

"These companies are very good at posing as trustworthy locksmiths," said Mr. Cox. "Before you find yourself in the unfortunate position of being locked out of your car or house, do your research and find a truly dependable locksmith in your area. Ask around and always check with the BBB first to find reputable businesses."

If you feel you've been taken advantage of by Dependable Locksmith, Liberty Locksmith, Basad. Inc., or others, please contact the BBB to file a complaint, or do so online at www.bbb.org.

# # #

technorati tags: BBB, Locksmith Swindle, Better Business Bureau, untrustworthy locksmith companies, ripping off consumers, Dependable Locksmith, disreputable locksmith, local locksmith, Superb Solutions, locksmith, police report, unnecessary services, pick the lock, new locks, Locksmith 24 Hour Inc, USA Total Security, Priceline Locksmith, S.O.S. Locksmith, Basad, Inc, A-1 Locksmith Service, A-1 24 Hour Locksmith, A-1 Lock & Key Locksmith, AAA Locksmith 24 Hour, Liberty Locksmith, trustworthy locksmiths

Did Alice feel like this when she was stepping through the Looking Glass?

2007-07-12T17:35:00.000-07:00

An actual conversation I just had:

Customer:
Do you do mobile locks?

me:
Excuse me?

Customer:
Do you do mobile locks?

me:
Well, we're a mobile locksmith company... (?)

Customer:
Yeah.

me:
Ummm, what is it you need to have done? Can you describe what you mean by mobile locks?

Customer:
The car! You know!

me:
Uh...

Customer:
The ignition! The ignition!!!

me:
Ummm... Ok, are you having ignition problems?

Customer:
NO! The keys man, the keys.

me:
Ahhh! Do you need keys made? What did you mean about the ignition?

Customer:
Yeah, the ignition.

me:
The keys don't work IN the ignition?

Customer:
How do I know if they do or not? They did before...

me:
Ummm... Do you need a new ignition? Are you having mechanical problems with the lock? Describe to me what's going on...

Customer:
*sigh* I can't find my keys you know.

me:
Ok... So you need keys made?

Customer:
Well, yeah, duh! I said that! I asked you if you did mobile locks!

me:
(Frantically looking for any loose Xanax in the bottom of my purse)
Ok, what kind of car is it?

Customer:
It's green...

technorati tags: mobile locksmith company

$8870 to rekey 40 doors???

2007-07-12T09:49:00.000-07:00

Muscatine Journal

Wapello school to get new locks
By Jim Rudisill Muscatine Journal Correspondent

WAPELLO, Iowa - It's been at least 16 years since teachers and staff at the Wapello Elementary building have been able to lock the building's interior classroom doors, but that will soon change, after the school board approved an $8,870 re-keying proposal during its regular monthly meeting Thursday.

The Board accepted the bid of 3D Locksmith, Muscatine, for the work. Jim's Lock and Safe, Burlington, bid $13,847.80 on the project.

Superintendent John Weidner said the school's custodial staff had reported none of the building's (40) interior classroom doors had likely been locked for the past 16 years and no one even knew where any of the keys for the existing locks were stored.

"This has the potential for a safety factor (if) there is an intruder in the building and (it) must go into lockdown," Weidner said.

You know, apropos of nothing... Even allowing for an utterly ridiculous service call/trip charge of $70, the accepted bid still works out to $220.00 per rekeyed door. Now granted, they were pretty smart to turn down the $344.45 per door rekey bid, but they ACCEPTED one for $220.00 - PER DOOR!

Now bear with me, I'm just thinking out loud here...

If this really IS just a rekey, as the article implies, if we had done the job, even if they had flown us out, First Class, put us up at a hotel, First Class, given a per diem, and asked for a custom Master Key System, it STILL would have been cheaper for us to do it, and we charge San Diego prices! LOL! If, by some chance, the bid was for all new classroom function lever hardware (highly unlikely, I don't care HOW long it's been unlocked or the keys have been missing, it's probably still fine) and master keying, we still likely could have come in a good $1500 to $2000 less than the "winning" bid.

Sheesh...

Good Lord City/State/Federal Governments, pay attention! Do some due diligence, find out what rekeying actually costs before you start soliciting bids, and especially before accepting bids. Why pay this kind of money? Do your schools have everything they need? Are your streets well maintained, pot holes gone, etc.? Do your local Big Brother/Big Sister Clubs have what they need, or could they use more...? There was nothing else the Council could have used some of this money for?

Just thinking out loud...

kim

technorati tags: locksmith, lock, classroom doors, re-keying, keys, rekeyed, rekey, Master Key System, rekeying

ATL: Do wood doors splinter when being drilled for a Deadbolt?

2007-06-16T10:53:00.000-07:00

Ask The Locksmith Question:

We have a new deadbolt lock that needs to be installed in a fine solid wood front door. A hole needs to be drilled for the deadbolt. One locksmith refused to do this saying the door might splinter. Is this so? Do you have experience in this? Or should we contact a carpenter, as the other locksmith suggested?

While I suppose anything is possible is this wide world, I personally have never seen a door, which are generally intended for locks, to "splinter" when being drilled for a DEADBOLT. Doors are, for the most part, hardwoods that have been properly cured and aged. They rarely splinter or break in any way if being drilled with the proper equipment, and with the proper skills and abilities. Even the lower end softwood doors do not, as they too have been properly cured and aged.

In my personal opinion? Any locksmith who states something like what was stated to you is either a) lazy (just didn't want to do it), or b) incompetent, or c) afraid of his own liabilities based on his known incompetence. But that's just my opinion. :)

You can certainly call a carpenter if you'd like, that is a definite option for you. A locksmith would be a better bet in my opinion simply because we spend a lot of time fixing/adjusting strikes in deadbolt installations in new construction, as well as hand mortising new locks into new doors for construction companies. A carpenters focus, in many cases, is the expediency of the drilling aspect (get it in, get it working, mostly), not the finer points of being certain the lock you want installed throws all the way, works smoothly, and is optimally the most secure it can be in that placement.

Whether you choose a locksmith or a carpenter, they should come prepared with the correct equipment for the job, the skills and abilities to use that equipment, and the skill and ability to do a proper installation, not simply drill a hole. Even if the door is drilled perfectly, and doesn't splinter (which any marginally competent locksmith or contractor should be able to do in their sleep), it does you no good if the lock itself is sticky, off balance, off alignment, if the strikes are not properly set/aligned, and/or the throw not drilled deeply enough (situations we see daily, done by both "locksmiths" and contractors). They should also come with full state licensing, bonding and general liability insurance.

These are the things that you should be looking for when calling for locksmiths or carpenters.

I'm sorry the original locksmith gave you such a timid and unhelpful answer...

Let me know if we can be of assistance, or can clarify a point, or answer any further questions.

Cheers!

Kim

technorati tags: locksmith, ask the locksmith, licensed locksmith, locksmith blog, deadbolt, strike, deadbolt installation, contractor

ATL: Do I have to be licensed to work as an Institutional Locksmith?

2007-05-10T14:43:00.000-07:00

Ask The Locksmith Question:
I work for the (a California) County Superintendent of Schools and do all the lockwork. I am registered. However, I'm not getting recognized for my trade. I'm the only person who does the locks for (this) County. I would like to know if (this) County Superintendent of Schools is exemp from having a licensed or registered locksmith? Thank you.

Hi there...

Good question!

I'm not sure I completely understand what you mean by "not getting recognized for my trade", but the essential issue of your question is as follows:

Are Institutional Locksmiths required by California State Law to be licensed (registered)?
-And-
Are Institutional Employers required in any way to hire only licensed locksmiths?

The answer to both questions as stated above is no (Or the way you asked it, Yes). With qualifiers:

BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE SECTION 6980.10-6980.15

6980.10. No person shall engage within this state in the activities of a locksmith as defined in subdivision (j) of Section 6980, unless the person holds a valid locksmith license, is registered pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, or is exempt from the provisions of this chapter.

6980.12. This chapter does not apply to the following persons:
(a) n/a
(b) Employees who are industrial or institutional locksmiths, provided that the employees provide locksmith services only to a single employer that does not provide locksmith services for hire to the public.

6980.12(b) applies directly to your situation, and your employers right to treat you as an employee, rather than a licensed locksmith, so long as you do NO work outside of the grounds of the various school districts under his/her control, and that none of your work product is sold to, used exclusively by, or installed at; any location not under the direct control and ownership of the school district (meaning a public building not part of the school district properties, and used by the public only).

For example, while you can be hired unlicensed, and work unlicensed on school property, you could not be asked to rekey personal residences of administrators/teachers/other employees, do repair or installation work for same, or any of the above for a public business not officially part of the district without a license. If a locksmith working for the district is unlicensed, and IS asked to do any of these things as a part of or condition of employment, they are required to obtain and hold a valid state license, PRIOR to the work being performed, and the schools exemption is disallowed.

In short, while I certainly approve of you taking the time and the ethical responsibility to be licensed, the school superintendent does not need to care one whit one way or the other, nor compensate you for doing/being so. He/she could, within the law, dump you and your skills, and hire a 17 year old ex hardware store employee for the same job, and not be impacted by the law one way or the other.

As far as "not getting recognized for my trade", and what I think you mean by that... Having a license doesn't mean a thing in an institutional capacity, but it does give you the option of being more attractive to any reputable locksmith company that hires according to the law. And so long as your skills are commensurate, more bargaining power in wage earning. Unfortunately, the longer you're in an institutional capability, you also run up against the (fair or not) bias against hiring institutional locksmiths within the regular locksmith trade. Just thoughts to consider.

Hope this helps, and please feel free to write with any follow up questions or clarification questions you may have.

Cheers!

Kim

technorati tags: locksmith, ask the locksmith, licensed locksmith, registered locksmith, institutional locksmith, industrial locksmith, locksmith services, rekey

Lock Bumping now "Lock Panic"?

2007-03-09T12:48:00.000-08:00

The following article is, without a doubt, the best researched, evenly written, calmest, balanced, and honest article I've seen on lock bumping yet.

I'm working on permission to post it here in its entirety, but in the meantime, please click through and read it, for your own peace of mind. :)

"'Bump keys' raise alarm"
Joe Lambe
Kansas City Star

On another note...

A portion of an e-mail from a UK Master Locksmith regarding the subject:

Hi Kim,

I've just read your comments on (your blog); very refreshing.

I'm a UK based master locksmith with 30 years in. I have been monitoring with some dismay the total rubbish that is spreading rapidly across local TV stations in the US regarding bumping. It appears to me to be a coordinated effort on behalf of certain manufacturers using the fear of crime to promote their products.

I agree, and it's why I write about it. It does a disservice to the very people whom we're supposed to helping feel secure in their own homes. Based on the panic, at the end of the day, people will have excellent locks, at a very high price, with strict limitations, and still be no more secure from break-in's than they were before. Just relatively secure from bumping, which accounts for a fraction of a percent of all break-in's anyway. :)

A great resource on how to secure your property and make it less attractive to criminals is our own Home Security page, as well as another terrific resource here:

Crime Doctor
Home Security
Burglary Prevention Advice

technorati tags: locksmith, lock bumping, bump keys, master locksmith, criminals, home security, burglary prevention

Not even remotely about locksmithing... :)

2007-02-27T17:15:00.000-08:00

Not intended to turn into a commentary about religion... Just a cool "girlyfan" type of experience (Yes, I have my "girly" moments). Meant for those folks of a certain age group who may have fond memories of the movie, and/or also had some oddly warm tinglies about Ted Neeley at some point.

Saw the Broadway production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" last Sunday at the Performing Arts Center in Escondido... (HUGE facility - 1500 seat gorgeous theater) - The production starred Ted Neeley (The original Jesus in the movie, 64 now, been doing this production nearly continuously for 34 years, and STILL has that amazing voice!)... It was truly an amazing production. Even Bill was floored by it, and truly moved and stunned at the ending.

This is my story of that night...

I got to meet Jesus!

Well, Ted Neeley really, but hey, he's always been Jesus to me. :)

So call me a geek, g'head, call me one... I got hugged by Jesus. :)

Not only did we meet him, but talked one on one with him for a good 30/40 minutes in the most amazing evening... Saw the play, with Ted STILL in amazing voice after doing this for 34 years (!), and Corey Glover (Living Color) as Judas... Not a Carl Anderson, no one is, but a worthy successor.

I have to say, he is simply the most amazing "celebrity" I've ever met, and I have met tons. There are many amazing celebrity and rock people out there that take time with, and genuinely care about, fans, but I'm sorry, this guy takes the cake. Not only did he send someone out to the rope line after the show and ask everyone there backstage, but then singled each person or group out, and spoke with them as long as it took. He spent hours, literally. And not the usual happy talk (nice to see you, glad you enjoyed the show, yadda, yadda, yadda). This was genuine, in depth conversation, tailored to each individual, and each situation. It was amazing enough just watching him with the others. Depending on the person or situation, he variably talked religion, knowledgeably, he spoke of singing, and the art of singing, counseling a young woman to never give up her dream, relating some of his own failures and how they helped him grow with determination, getting down on the floor with children and speaking to them as equals, putting utterly panicked women and men who were star struck totally at ease, politics, philosophy, staging, and passing out sincere, long, hugs.

We were the last ones in (Because Bill was holding the door for everyone - It's a "Texas" thang), and waited to give everyone in first the chance to spend time with him. By the time it was our turn, it was 2am, and they had the tour buses up and running, waiting for him, but he just stayed, easily spending a half hour/40 minutes just talking to Bill and I alone... Making his people wait in the buses - For Lil'Ol Us! I won't go into detail what the conversation was about, it was intensely personal to me, but it spanned religion, philosophy, Carl Anderson (which brought him to tears, this long afterwards), the vagaries of fame, and more... Even had him on the floor laughing when I joked that I had to have 12 years of therapy for lusting after "Jesus"...

MOST surreal moment of my entire life? Seriously? Telling him, with all sincerity, that I had worked with one of the best bands in the world when it came to fan relations, and that, without taking anything in the world away from my boys, that he just simply had them beat, in spades. He asked who the band was, and I told him. He started getting excited... Said "I know them, don't I? What song is that, I'm tired and pulling a blank but I know it... Sing it for me..." So Bill started singing their biggest hit, and he immediately started laughing and yelling "I LOVE THAT SONG - Sing it with me, I'll harmonize..." So Bill and Ted "freakin'" Neeley harmonized the song together... O.M.G. Came every close to passing out there. And I don't GET giddy talking to celebrities...lol!

Soooooooooooooooo Surreal.

Got even more surreal when he asked if any of the guys could make a show someday because he'd love to meet any or all of them, talk music, and get an autograph (!). And he meant it... It would thrill him to tears to get to talk music with any of the guys, and would sincerely thrill him to get an autograph. I love it when celebrities are "girlyfan" about other celebrities... Just strikes my funnybone for some reason. :)

What a humble guy...

He also hugs. Not a "hug". But a "huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuugggggg". And HE instigates them. Hard, sincere, full body clasp - And he doesn't let you go until HE wants to. Long lasting. Very comforting. Even hugged Bill. Bill was totally blown away by the guy.

Amazing...

I feel humbled...

Thanks Ted...

Cheers All!

Kim

p.s. Didn't have ANY idea we'd be going backstage so the camera was in the car (ARGH!), but here's a scan of the programme he autographed for me.

technorati tags: jesus christ superstar, ted neeley

Lock Bumping, a nicely balanced report or two...

2007-02-14T13:07:00.000-08:00

I'm finally starting to see a few of these more balanced, less panicked reports crop up. Here's a good example from NCB6 in South Florida: "Who's Got Your House Key?"

While they still get a plug in for the super high security locks, overall it's far less hysterical, and better balanced. Allows the customer to know of the threat, be proactive, but not rush out in a dithering panic and buy into systems that may not benefit in the long run. It also notes the official ALOA stance on the subject. Nice.

Here's another nicely balanced report: "Lock Bumping Hits 'net"

This author still suggests Medeco or similar, and notes the ultra security available with these types of locks, specifically the owned keyway, signature cards, etc., as a benefit, which it certainly is. The one thing I would add to this article is a slight caution on being sure you buy the proprietary keyway from a long term, well established locksmith shop. You know my feeling on it... We just get too many calls from people who can't do a thing with their proprietary keyways because their locksmith isn't available, and we, obviously, can't help them. Otherwise, another nicely balanced article.

Clear plus in the above article, the suggestion of the keyless deadbolts... One of the common threads in the news reports I see is concerned homemakers worried that someone will come in while they're at home with the baby or children. A keyless deadbolt absolutely negates the possibility of bumping while the home is occupied. Customers must, of course, be kept fully aware that bumping is rare, and that most break-in's occur via the "kicking or shouldering doors" mentioned in the above article, as well as through windows. That's our job as locksmiths. Fully informing the customer, in a calm, proactive manner.

I guess the thing that bothers me most about all of this isn't the fact that a few locksmiths are taking this as an opportunity to up-sell, if the customer is fully informed, it's a great opportunity! My problem is that the reasoning behind the up-selling for a small subset in our industry is so venal. Weaknesses and flaws in existing products should be public knowledge. Locksmiths, as part of a proud, old, ethical, tradition, should work with customers to inform them, and secure them, but never to give a false sense of security.

So a Medeco or a Primus can't currently be bumped... Are we fully informing our customers that bumping is rare? That most break-in's occur through other means? That having Medeco or Primus is not a perfect fix? They should be sold on their merits, which are considerable, but not as the cure-all to crime. I get call after call from customers who outright tell me that the last locksmith said; "There's nothing you can do to prevent a break-in other than buying Medeco or Primus. Period." When asked if the locksmith discussed existing home security, habits, lighting, dogs, last time they had a rekey, etc., they say these issues were never brought up by these locksmiths. Why?

From a business POV, and I certainly understand it (What an ideal!), selling proprietary keyways to everyone within reach would certainly be lucrative, but is it fair? Adding to the whole problem is the Priceline / Superb Solutions plague. They have approximately 200 entries here in San Diego, all under different names and phone numbers, and the lock bumping panic is thrilling them to death. They LOVE to sell Medeco under the guise of a rekey. Install Medeco without telling the customer, throw all the old hardware into the truck, present the customer with a bill for $1500, demand payment. They won't support the install, so even if the customer refuses to pay, the customer is left with a system they can potentially never have rekeyed, or must replace. Now THAT's venal.

Not even remotely about lock bumping, this blog post is one of the best locksmith related blog posts I've ever seen about what our business should be:
"Life As A Locksmith"
This actually misted me up a smidge. We all have those customers from time to time. Who we are as locksmiths, who we are in our tradition, and who we are as humans is in how we deal with them. Too many in these days of ultra competition and Priceline see a situation like the above as a whoppin' money maker. The good ones try to protect the customer. Kudo's to this guy for caring.

Well, I'm done irritating a few of my fellow locksmiths for today... Feeling a little glum about the state of our industry as you can probably see. I'm proud to be a part of this industry. I'm honored at the trust given to me by my customers, and I work ass-over-backwards to live up to that trust. More and more tho' I'm seeing those that want the immediate profit rather than the long term reference, lifetime customers, reputation, etc. I've actually had fellow locksmiths say to me, along with an evil chuckle; "I don't care if they ever call me again, I'm making my money from this job..." Not very forward thinking. And it's not just the Priceline people unfortunately.

Not very cheery...

kim

technorati tags: lock bumping, bumping, keyless deadbolt, high security locks, medeco, primus, locksmith, priceline, superb solutions, venal

Lock Bumping! OMG! Should I panic? The news says I should.... Ack!

2007-02-07T15:56:00.000-08:00

Lock Bumping / Bump Keys:
A few of the flaws and realities in the rather hysterical information being disseminated by the news media...

I'm seeing a flood of news reports on the rather old and worn practice of "lock bumping" and "bump keys." The problem I have with the news reports is the tinge of hysteria attached, and the obvious (to us) ploy to coerce the public into buying more and more expensive locks "for their own security". It's those endless locksmith quotes such as "They may be expensive, but at what cost peace of mind or a good nights sleep?" that grate so badly. Sure, I'm happy to take your money for a service well performed, or a product sold, but I'm damned if I'm going to try to talk you into something you technically don't need, and claim that it's the only way you'll truly be safe so that I can have a bigger paycheck. Based on a rigorous adherence to ethics, I can sleep at night, I'd like to keep it that way. I'll explain later in the post...

Bumping has been around forever. The blanks have been available forever. The information on "how to" has been around forever. It's not new. The concept of bumping is a well established principle of the law of physics. It's an age old technique. Locksmiths and criminals have used it forever. It's NOT new. Criminals have always had access to this information. Sure, the dissemination of it is definitely speedier with the Internet, but folks, the Internet has been around for many, many decades now as well. The main problem today isn't the availability of the information, it's the news media screaming from the rafters, making it HIGHLY attractive, and endlessly fascinating, to bored teens with nothing better to do, or to current or potential criminals who normally would've just broken a window.

Yes, "Bumping" is real.
Yes it's a real threat, particularly with the media making it the "must have" skill of the year.
Yes, you should have the best quality locks within your budget for your home, and make SURE they're keyed and pinned correctly.
Yes, you should be proactive about it and consult with a locksmith on how to best secure your home.

No, you shouldn't panic.
No, you don't need the most expensive locks on the market.
No, high security / proprietary keyway locks aren't the only locks capable of protecting you to a reasonable degree.
No, you shouldn't have to sell a child or take out a second mortgage to secure your home.

Here are a few random quotes from news reports and blog posts about bumping that I'd like to respond to... If only to point out a few of the flaws in the rather hysterical information being disseminated by the news media.... Just to help you with your own "peace of mind"... :)

"...It seems that if you have a cheaper lock set on your door like Kwikset..."

First off, most ANY older regular residential / commercial grade lock is vulnerable to bumping, Schlage (easiest for us anyway, tho' they'd argue the point), Baldwin, Kwikset, etc. Kwikset locks are minutely harder to bump than Schlage when pinned properly with mushroom tumblers. Not impossible, or even really a lot harder, but slightly higher on the difficulty scale. Not only that, but in our 20 year plus experience, and in our own opinion, our personal opinion is that *Kwikset brand are far superior locks as far as the internal workings, the type of metal used, their security capabilities, their hardiness, and most particularly, their life span. Within the lock bumping/lock picking community (and this community is worldwide, from being a national "sport" in the Netherlands, to hobby groups in the States, to endless criminally tinged groups and gatherings), Schlage and Kwikset and all the other brands of residential and most commercial locks (and this is important!), pinned in the "normal" factory manner, are considered "child's play." Schlage costs more than Kwikset, but are just as easy to pick or bump. The old adage of "just because it costs more, doesn't mean it's better" is never more true than in locks. :)

The above ease in bumping does NOT apply to Schlage Primus, or Medeco, or other high end, very expensive proprietary keyway type locks. ***UPDATE: This is no longer the case, as of Defcon 2007. Medeco has been easily, and successfully bumped. See the video here on our blog: Medeco Biaxial bumped. Medeco has now changed their online verbiage to the more honest "bump resistant" from the hyperbolic "bump proof!" These locks ARE extremely provocative to criminals however. If someone "casing" a neighborhood sees Medeco, they're often going to automatically decide there must be something extra good in there, and that house may become a target where it otherwise wouldn't have been. Bumping not needed so long as you have a window. :) There are, in addition, other issues to consider in these proprietary keyways that you should be aware of. They are noted in detail below.

Some locksmiths will swear by Schlage or others over Kwikset or others, others will swear that only a high end system will protect you. For regular residential grade, it's usually personal preference, and experience with the various flaws and foibles of any given brand that leads to most recommendations. For the high end, expensive locks, it's also personal preference, however, it should be obvious why a very small subset of locksmiths push only the higher priced locks vs the less expensive locks, without offering alternative options, and regardless of the end quality. :)

Most ANY lock can be bumped or otherwise compromised. Even some of the high end, high security locks. As mentioned above, it is a national sport in the Netherlands, and an obsession here, and those folks, as well as locksmiths, and criminals, work non-stop to constantly challenge themselves and others to get past the integrity of any lock. You may find it odd, but the vast majority of the sport groups do it to increase customer security, not to provide ways for criminals to get in. They challenge the lock manufacturers to create better locks by showing how easy it is to get into the existing locks. As Martha Stewart says, "It's a GOOD thing."

That being said, ANY lock can be made safer, and far less vulnerable to bumping at a far lower cost than replacing all your hardware. Any old school locksmith worth his or her salt knows how to pin a lock using special pins and/or configurations of pins that make bumping harder than worth it for the average crook and crack head that tries to get into your house. In our humble opinion, this should be done for no more than the cost of a regular rekey - It's the same basic process and principle, with a few extra or different pins - Shouldn't really be more expensive - But then again, that's just the way we do business. :)

Another excellent alternative we often suggest for customers concerned about break-in's while at home, is to install keyless deadbolts. These are extra deadbolts installed in your exterior doors that have thumb turns on the inside, and no key access outside. Once these deadbolts are locked, a bumper would be locked out, having no actual keyway to bump.

Nothing says criminal activity more than a doofus at your door with a rubber headed mallet whacking away again and again at your door lock, cursing the whole time. :) If a crook can't bump his way into your home within a few tries, they will abandon the effort, 99% of the time, if only because a) it's obvious what they're doing, b) it's loud, c) it's not easily disguise-able, and more important d) because there's always another home, further down the street that wasn't proactive, and didn't rekey their locks with the right pins or combination of pins.

"...very easy for a thief to cut some groves into ANY key in a certain way..."

Nope... It has to be the specific key for the specific lock, cut a specific way. Just so you know. :)

"...within 10 seconds the thief is in your home..."

On TV anyway, using demonstration locks, usually only partially pinned. :) This is VERY important: 8 out of 10 locks used for demonstration purposes in TV News reports, and even in a huge majority of the online "How To" videos, are ~~6 or 7 pin~~ (Prev. My bad, had Best on my mind, typing while talking to customers messes up your flow.) 6 pin Kwikset or Schlage locks, pinned with only 1, 2 or 3 pins, well lubed, set to specific tension, and broken in with repeated practice sessions. The actuality of bumping is that it's a exacting technique, not especially easy to master, and depending on the age, the overall environment of the lock, the conditions (exposure to salt air, repeated applications of the dreaded WD40 gumming up the works, etc.) of the lock, and more, can be very difficult, to occasionally impossible.

Proprietary Keyways

For your own information, when you buy into many of the proprietary keyways such as the various ones mentioned on various news reports, the locksmith who sells it to you is generally always and ever the ONLY locksmith who owns that particular series of cuts, and machines that make up that proprietary keyway. They are the only one who can create keys or rekey your locks. You can call only him for a lockout, for a rekey, for a duplicate key, etc. They own the individual proprietary keyway, and it can not be resold to another locksmith. This sounds nice and secure and exactly what you want right up until the locksmith you used retires or goes out of business, is on vacation, or just isn't available when you're locked out. And you can't call Joe's Random Locksmith down the street because he doesn't have a) any rights to that proprietary keyway, b) no machines to cut them, c) no blanks to that keyway, and d) no signature cards to allow you access because he has no rights to it. It also works at odds to your purposes if the person who set up the system is say, a real estate agent who has now left the company... No one else within the company who is not also on the signature cards with full rights can get any of the above services. We run into this all the time.

If this occurs, depending on the proprietary keyway you purchased, you may have to start from scratch with a new locksmith who also distributes his own keyway (a different keyway) within the proprietary system you used, or a different manufacturers proprietary keyway, and he will have to come out and rekey or replace everything to his proprietary cuts at a substantial cost, and with the same potential for not being able to access him at need as above.

As an aside to the above, many of the the high security locks mentioned as a cure-all for bumping require a complex and specific signature card system to get duplicates, or to gain access. The person who bought the lock system and signed the card is the only person who can get duplicates or ask for rekeying. That person must be present with the keyways credit card, their ID and matching signature in order for the locksmith to commence work. When first purchasing the system, other people can be added to the signature card, as well as added later, with appropriate ID and signature, but no one under age. If the person requesting access or duplicates has gotten married, divorced, or otherwise changed their name without going on a special trip to the locksmith shop who sold you the system, and redoing their signature cards, they cannot be allowed access or get duplicates.

Finally, while the high security locks mentioned in several TV reports and news articles are excellent locks, extremely pick and drill resistant, very defensible against any form of physical attack, highly secure, and we recommend them for certain commercial applications/properties, EVERY home has a window, or another vulnerable alternate entryway. Period. What purpose does buying into a very expensive, proprietary lock system serve you if any crook can simply break the nearest window and walk right in?

If ever concerned about your home, or a clients home, call your local locksmith and ask about having the cylinders in your home rekeyed to make them less vulnerable to bumping. Ask about mushroom tumblers, or multi-pinning. If they say "sure, we can do that, and while it's not perfect (nothing is), it'll help because...", you've got a good, ethical locksmith on your hands. If they tell you that alternate pinning won't help, and the nearest rapist is right around the corner, and you'd better buy a proprietary system, and the ONLY way to keep from being broken into is by buying into that high security, proprietary keyway system, etc., they're only trying to sell you expensive locks that give them a lifetime of income first and foremost.

We sell high security and proprietary lock systems as well, but we will always walk the property and point out every flaw and alternate entry that a criminal can and will exploit to get into the home before selling the systems. If the customer fully understands that the locks themselves, no matter how secure, or how expensive, will not fully prevent or guarantee no unauthorized access, as well as the strict security provisions limiting when and how they can gain access, rekey, or get duplicates, then we will sell the system.

"...there is no sign of forced entry..."

This is pure fiction in many bumped / forced entries. Many lockSMITHS (the "smith" is an important distinction), as well as forensic locksmiths can easily detect and record obvious and prosecutable evidence of bumping in many cases, tho' not all of course. But just as in lock-picking, bumping evidence is very hard if not impossible to disguise, tho' it does take some expertise to detect. I won't go into detail for obvious reasons, but consider the force being applied, usually multiple times, to gain entry. Criminal bumpers are always trying to find ways around leaving this evidence, as of now, it's not 100% certain due to the essential makeup of the keys, the locks, and the force required to gain entry.

If you have any questions about bumping, home security, or related, please feel free to contact me from any e-mail link on our website.

Cheers!

Kim

*We generally gently discourage our customers from buying residential grade Schlage locks, as we have been finding for years now that Schlage quality has gone downhill. They "used" to be the standard, sort of, they claimed to be in any case, and they still charge as if they are, but the inner workings of any lock will tell the tale. Among the reasons we personally do not recommend Schlage, is because they are mass produced, using brittle pot metal for their inner workings, and their "innards" break with alarming regularity. We know, we spend a considerable amount of time replacing Schlage tail pieces and other inner parts. :) The same holds even more true with the far more expensive Baldwin brand. This is OUR personal experience, other locksmiths opinions may vary... :)

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