Hello, i'd like to take a moment and introduce myself as a new member to these forums.
I have lived in the state of Pennsylvania within the United States for all 22 years of my life. Most of that time was spent in Philadelphia ( a solid...though not consecutive...19 years ).
I remember my interest in locks beginning when I was about 13 years old, and it comes from my father. He owns some houses that he rents out, and does all his own work - plumbing, electrical, drywall...etc..., which includes doing all his own lock work. Sitting there helping him re-key locks started me down the path. (it was cool 'cause he always keyed in a master key so I learned that in my first introduction)
Naturally this drew me to trying to beat the lock (without breaking it!!) and popping my first lock was a completely exhilirating experience, it made me feel like a little kid opening a christmas present (ok... well I was but that's besides the point, the feeling can be captured by individuals belonging to any age group).
This made high school interesting, as there was no area of the building that I did not explore at any of the high schools I attended. (note I say explore, not burglarize - being a Boy Scout helps to instill ethics) I'll also admit that there have been a few times where the skill has come in handy (like the time my mother accidentally locked the filing cabinet she got at a yardsale and didn't have thhey key for)
I've also been interested in computers ever since I can remember, and had taken that direction when I went to pursue a higher education...only to learn that poor posture from the time I started using computers leads to repetitive stress injuries kicking in earlier. So while I am still able to make another choice i've decided that computers are not the way for me...but meanwhile I have a nice chunk of student loans to pay back and no trade to speak of.
Having a strong foundation of the basics in this area, and an overwhelming curiosity for all things with moving parts brings me back into this area - and I am elated to find this place. the people here seem extremely (gasp!) friendly and helpful, and after having spent a while reading through most of the posts on this forum, I am glad to be able to sign up as a member of this community.
The information contained within these forums is a gold mine for someone not sure where to look or what to look for to get started, and will be of great service to me in the future as I am sure it already is to so many here.
Apologies for the long winded introduction, but my way is to use ten words where one will do
so get used to it.
just trying to absorb as much as i can....thanx
)