customer’s lock, we didn’t. We began using this one-step for any Schlage we initiated. We used it for single keys or master key systems of any size for this reason. When our competitors tried to read a key or measure a pin from our system, they were confused. Even a simple rekey would frustrate the locksmith trying to decide which pin to use to make our key work smoothly. A key with the shallowest or deepest cut (or the related pin) would read as a valid 0 or a 9. Other than those two cuts, nothing matched Schlage values. The poor guys measure our #3 cut as .219, but Schlage uses a .210 for a #3 or a .225 for a #4. Is it a deep 3 or a shallow 4? Maybe my gauge is worn? The next cut is our #5 and it’s a .273. Gosh, a .273 must really be a Schlage #7 which is .270... right? I’d better check my micrometer. So now you know the story of the 40 year- old one-step system for Schlage. If you nev- er use it for a customer master key system, at least cut a few keys and give them to one of your techs or an apprentice to decode with a Schlage decoder plate (or a microme- ter), and set up a cylinder. That’s what I did, ‘cause that’s the kind of guy I am. Did you ever do some trick with a lock or figure out a unique way to solve a security problem when others said it couldn’t be done? Tell your colleagues your story using photos, graphs or illustrations and get paid for it. The pages of Keynotes and Safe & Vault Technology are the perfect place to share that information. To find out how, contact: [email protected] Note: A special thanks to Randy Main of Main’s Lock Supply, John Soderland CML, CMST, CJIL of Professional Safe & Lock Service Inc. and Terry Hender- son of Al’s Lock Shop for providing some of the 1200 key machine photos used in this article. Tom Gillespie, CML, CIL, CCL, is a 46-year veteran of the security ndust ry. Since 1969, he has worked in the retail, manufacturing and distribution segments of the industry. Tom has taught educational seminars for ALOA and dozens of locksmith associations throughout the U.S. and Canada and has authored numerous books, newsletters, ar ticles and columns for a variety of security industry publications. MAGNETIC CAM LOCK CYLINDER AND LATCH PROTECTOR Widely used on storefronts Resists wrenching Quick and easy installation Corrosion resistant Ask about our FREE engraving offer Keys cannot be copied Lock cannot be picked/bumped Resistant to glue, dirt, and other contaminants Retrofit from any standard cam lock Build new keys on-site 1.800.567.0451 #392 [email protected] capitolindustriesinc.com WWW.ALOA.ORG JANUARY 2017 KEYNOTES 33 MAGNETIC CYLINDER SHIELDS Ideal for remote locations or harsh environments Deters vandalism, picking and bumping Resistant to glue, dirt, and other contaminants Prevent unauthorized key use
