Pull up a chair, grab a cold one, and talk about life as a locksmith. Trade stories of good and bad customers, general work day frustrations, any fun projects you worked on recently, or anything else you want to chat about with fellow locksmiths.
by 1mrchristopher » 21 May 2014 15:25
I did a long overdue rekey last night for the local newspaper, and ended up selling them a new mortise cylinder for the front door because of all the wear to the plug (nearly oval pin cavities), 3 bound top pins with broken springs, and front to back play of the plug in the cylinder body. All of that was shocking enough, then I found out the only way they were getting the lock to operate was to stick the key in and then shake vigorously until it would turn, but what got me when I disassembled the thing was that the pins were worn to the point of... well not having any point, they looked like old Weiser pins! It was a PPG cylinder SC1 keyway. I told them after the fact that I was very surprised I hadn't been called earlier because the lock was on the verge of failure. As it was the screw holes for the lock body were stripped out and had to be tapped for some 10-24 replacements as the 10-32 just weren't going to work. I had a cheap pot metal loaner cylinder with me, but not one worth selling, so I got them set up temporarily, and got what they needed coming. Probably not that unusual, but I still can't get over how worn and rounded down those pins were. They gave me a working key, and I gave up making it turn, shimming the two pins that were still functional was faster.
One of the keys to happiness is a bad memory - Rita Mae Brown
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1mrchristopher
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by GWiens2001 » 21 May 2014 15:34
No pictures??? Why are you so mean and heartless to us?  Gordon
Just when you finally think you have learned it all, that is when you learn that you don't know anything yet.
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by 1mrchristopher » 21 May 2014 16:08
Didn't have time in the heat of the moment to snap any, but I have the parts, so I'll throw what I can up.
One of the keys to happiness is a bad memory - Rita Mae Brown
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1mrchristopher
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by GWiens2001 » 21 May 2014 16:55
Thanks, you're a pal!  Gordon
Just when you finally think you have learned it all, that is when you learn that you don't know anything yet.
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by billdeserthills » 21 May 2014 17:19
There are few things apart from a lock that can be broken in so many ways and continue to function in any way Sounds like ppc found something cheaper to undercut the competition with but I betcha it lasted through the warranty period...
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billdeserthills
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by 1mrchristopher » 21 May 2014 18:29
To be fair, it hadn't been serviced in 15 years 
One of the keys to happiness is a bad memory - Rita Mae Brown
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1mrchristopher
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by GWiens2001 » 21 May 2014 20:04
Funny how many people never even consider having their locks serviced until they fail. Even if it is working absolutely horribly, they will spend five minutes jiggling the key, almost snapping off the key with force (sometimes they do), and still they won't consider calling someone to check it out. Gordon
Just when you finally think you have learned it all, that is when you learn that you don't know anything yet.
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by cledry » 22 May 2014 5:48
It isn't uncommon to find this sort of scenario. When we do quotes we always have a disclaimer that states all locks and cylinders are presumed to be in good working order.
What surprises me most is that you didn't have a replacement cylinder on the truck. They cost about $4 so really should be stocking SC1, KW1, Y8 at the very least in both finishes in 1" & a few in 26D in 1 1/8" in the SC4.
Those diecast cylinders go right in the trash.
Jim
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cledry
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by 1mrchristopher » 22 May 2014 8:17
Well Cledry, I'm just getting my start, and so I've been careful about not purchasing too much until I have a good feel for what is actually in use in the area. I do have a few SC4 1 1/8" 26D, but hadn't gotten any farther in building my stock, as I'm just buying a bit at a time as the money comes in. The cylinder I removed wasn't die cast surprisingly, but actual machined brass. The one I threw in to hold them over is die cast, and the reason for it being temporary. It was pulled new from another job, along with a few others and saved for just such a scenario. I would never leave it in service, or sell it, but it can be reasonably expected to hold up for a week.
I will try to get those pictures posted later today.
One of the keys to happiness is a bad memory - Rita Mae Brown
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1mrchristopher
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by silvfox1200 » 22 May 2014 11:07
Am I glad I don't work everyday. I choose and pick what I do.
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by cledry » 22 May 2014 18:14
1mrchristopher wrote:Well Cledry, I'm just getting my start, and so I've been careful about not purchasing too much until I have a good feel for what is actually in use in the area. I do have a few SC4 1 1/8" 26D, but hadn't gotten any farther in building my stock, as I'm just buying a bit at a time as the money comes in. The cylinder I removed wasn't die cast surprisingly, but actual machined brass. The one I threw in to hold them over is die cast, and the reason for it being temporary. It was pulled new from another job, along with a few others and saved for just such a scenario. I would never leave it in service, or sell it, but it can be reasonably expected to hold up for a week.
I will try to get those pictures posted later today.
I understand, but I am assuming you won't be charging a second service call to swap in the permanent replacement. So not having that $4 part has probably cost you $80-$120 in profit. Depending on what you charge. I can almost guarantee those parts are must have items in any area of the US. If in doubt on what to stock just shoot me a PM, I'll be happy to try and offer useful advice to help you maximize bang for the buck so to speak.
Jim
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cledry
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by 1mrchristopher » 22 May 2014 19:38
Roger wilco
One of the keys to happiness is a bad memory - Rita Mae Brown
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1mrchristopher
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by billdeserthills » 22 May 2014 23:32
Actually I agree with cledry on this, I get $25 for a brass mortise cyl and that doesn't cover the rekeying either. They are a high profit item, because where is the customer gonna go and find one? Actually I hate making return visits and doubling (or higher) prices on inventory is too good for me to do anything but stock as many different usable items as I can. I try to remember what my Dad used to say a lot "No Stock, No Sale" which is def true in the shop, maybe less true on a jobsite. Your client is lucky to have You 1mrchristopher, I stock 4 or 5 makes of mortise lock bodies in a couple of dif backsets and I prolly woulda just changed out their whole mortise lock body instead of tapping the retainer screws, and called it My Lucky Day 
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billdeserthills
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by cledry » 23 May 2014 1:40
I also generally replace rather than repair. Depending of course on the item. I'm assuming this was a storefront door with a A/R lock. This is one of those items I don't repair as they are inexpensive and the imports from General Lock are very good and make you a good profit. If you stock a couple of hook bolts, a couple of deadbolts, and a couple of latch locks in 3/32" and 1 1/8" you will be covered for most situations. They come with multiple faceplates to cover duro or alu doors, and the latch locks are field reversible of handing.
When you repair these inexpensive locks you may end up getting a return recall which costs you plus doesn't look good, even if it isn't your fault. You should also carry a few door closers in the two finishes. Any time you see one leaking, point it out to your customer and sell them a new one. Big profit item again and the General Lock imports are very good products. Same with flush bolts.
Now if it is a Von Duprin 99 or Sargent 8800 I will give the customer the option to replace parts if the rest of the unit is in good condition.
Jim
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