This week, I decided to take it easy and focus on getting my ever-growing stock of keys, remotes, locks, and tools in order. I turned off the ads and hoped for a quieter week to tackle this task. While I made some progress, I quickly realized that saying "no" to calls is easier said than done.
It's not just about the money; it's about ensuring that my clients aren't taken advantage of by some of the less scrupulous "locksmiths" in Buffalo. So, despite my best intentions to stay organized, I ended up having quite an eventful week. Here are some of the jobs I remembered to snap pictures of:
One of the more interesting calls I got this week was for a 2006 Honda Accord. The owner, communicating through his friend due to a language barrier, explained that he couldn't unlock his car even though he had the key. Intrigued, I decided to take a look.
Upon arrival, I discovered that the car would immediately lock again after being unlocked. Inserting the key into the lock, it was clear something wasn't right. I suspected a rod in the door cavity might need repositioning. The customer also requested a remote head key for his car, so I quoted him for both services, and he agreed, returning to his work while I got started.
After removing the door panel and inspecting the locking mechanism, I found the culprit: a gear controlling the lock functions, located right behind the door lock, had several worn teeth. This caused it to skip positions, so when the key was turned back to be removed, the mechanism kept applying locking pressure. I was able to reset the gear, and after reassembling everything, the lock worked fine. However, I couldn’t guarantee the fix would last since the gear needed replacement.
I then made him a remote head key. Using the remote avoids putting pressure on the faulty gear, preventing the problem from recurring as long as he uses the remote. I quoted him for a permanent fix and went on my way.
Evening Call: Unlocking a Real Estate Dilemma in Buffalo
One evening, I received a call from a real estate agent in Buffalo who couldn’t lock the door of a house she was listing. Typically, this would be a straightforward job—perhaps adjusting the strike plate, realigning the door, or quickly replacing a broken lock. However, this particular job involved a mortise cylinder, which complicated things.
Mortise cylinders are quite expensive to replace and usually need to be special ordered, especially in Buffalo where they’re not commonly stocked. I first tried lubricating the lock, but it didn't help. Next, I tried tapping it gently, but that didn’t work either. So, I proceeded to take the lock apart.
Modern mortise locksets are far more complex than the older models. While older locks were simpler and more durable (though that's a topic for another post), these new ones can be quite intricate. As you can see from the pictures, these locks have many components. The key to figuring them out is to remember that every piece, knob, protrusion, and crevice has a specific purpose.
After disassembling and reassembling the lock a few times, I finally discovered the out-of-place piece. Once I put it back where it belonged, everything worked fine. I left the agent with a few maintenance tips to ensure the lock lasts at least until the new owner can decide what to do with it, and then I went on my way.
Take a look at the pictures. Anyone that can figure out whats wrong will get a free duplicate Buffalo Bills key!
Crafting Keys for a CanAm DS250 Four Wheeler
Making keys for the ignition of a CanAm DS250 four-wheeler was a fun and challenging task. With so many "off-brand" recreational vehicle manufacturers out there, it’s often difficult to determine the right key blank to use, as well as the correct space and depth settings for cutting the key.
For this particular job, I found a key that fit into the lock but needed to use the space and depth settings from a different key. I also had to trick my automatic key machine into making the precise cuts exactly where I needed them. After some trial and error, I finally crafted a key that worked smoothly in the ignition.
Fixing an Andersen Storm Door: A Familiar Customer in Buffalo
The final job for this post was for a repeat customer—a very friendly guy whom I always enjoy helping. This time, his Andersen storm door had quit latching. He was convinced it was the lock, but after a quick inspection, I could clearly see the problem was with the hinge.
Fortunately, the hinge was still under warranty, as confirmed by the EMCO representative I contacted. While the broken door closer was not covered, it wasn’t too expensive. EMCO shipped the continuous hinge at no cost, and I ordered the closer as well.
After replacing both the closer and the hinge, the door worked perfectly! That's all for now. Stay tuned for more locksmith adventures and tips in the future!
I think I have a simlar issue with my car. Can I schedule an appointment?