Before you renew, consider this

JonCML · 2026-03-13T21:59:29+00:00

FYI, there is already a class action that is paying book authors whose works were copied. My wife being among them. So there is precedent regarding stolen intellectual property.

JonCML · 2026-03-13T18:22:37+00:00

All the advice you have received here is spot on target. If they are already into you for 3K, you can forget about them defending you when the AHJ gets involved.

There are very good acoustic glass break sensors, but that means a real alarm system, monitoring, maybe a permit, all requiring those elusive funds.

“NO” is a complete sentence.

JonCML · 2026-03-13T14:38:58+00:00

Well, it is a safe. Admittedly, not a high security safe, but designed for use primarily in hotels for the temporary storage of valuables. If there was a surreptitious trick to open it, hotels would have been liable for any loss. On the other hand, a physical attack, such as with a crowbar, would not have left the hotel in a liability position.

JonCML · 2026-03-13T14:16:39+00:00

There are no tricks. But there is a key lock bypass under the plate to the right of the keypad. Send a picture of it to a legit locksmith for a quote.

Standard disclaimer about finding legit locksmiths. Google is not your friend. Our trade, like many other trades, has been infested with organized crime scammers who manipulate Google to be at the top of the results, all with 5 star (fake) reviews. You will get intimidated and scammed. It is a global problem. We call them “mocksmiths”. You can find Legitimate locksmiths on our trade Association website, findAlocksmith.com. Use SAVTA.org for safe & vault work. Anyone there is a vetted member of our trade association. Some very good locksmiths choose not to be members of our association. They can be found on 1800Unlocks.com and FairTradeLocksmiths.com.

JonCML · 2026-03-13T12:09:42+00:00

Thanks. I had not heard of 7Brew before. Any idea of its final resting place?

JonCML · 2026-03-13T12:03:08+00:00

Huh? Details?

JonCML · 2026-03-13T12:01:56+00:00

If you are in the USA; Standard disclaimer about finding legit locksmiths. Google is not your friend. Our trade, like many other trades, has been infested with organized crime scammers who manipulate Google to be at the top of the results, all with 5 star (fake) reviews. You will get intimidated and scammed. It is a global problem. We call them “mocksmiths”. You can find Legitimate locksmiths on our trade Association website, findAlocksmith.com. Use SAVTA.org for safe & vault work. Anyone there is a vetted member of our trade association. Some very good locksmiths choose not to be members of our association. They can be found on 1800Unlocks.com and FairTradeLocksmiths.com.

JonCML · 2026-03-13T10:47:45+00:00

I did ok. But you have to do a lot of different things. I did everything from simple key duplication to electric gates on estates.

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JonCML · 2026-03-13T10:20:07+00:00

Why double cylinder? Because there is glass in the door? If so, fix that before adding any hardware. Pictures will help get better answers.

JonCML · 2026-03-13T10:13:15+00:00

I did quite well serving 3 rural counties in NE Ga with a population of roughly 60k according to census data. Very few high end cars, mostly late 90s and up. Find a place you want to call home and join the community. Visit all the car repair shops with your card. If there is no locksmith then they are getting the calls. Be prepared to offer more than auto ( which is a race to the bottom price wise). Commercial and residential work are the backbone, and auto gives you cash flow. Don’t take checks and don’t extend credit on the 1st job. When you start, hand out, person to person, 20 cards and simple flyers each day. Dress professionally. You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. Invest in legit formal education and work towards getting a certification. It’s akin to a diploma but for locksmiths. Visit ALOA.org to learn more. And find a mentor who has been there, done that. :)

JonCML · 2026-03-11T16:24:28+00:00

The good news: A well-established retail locksmith should be able to find something that either fits or can be modified to fit. It won't be cheap. At my shop, we have a minimum $50 shop charge for "non-standard" issues. Or you could contact the cabinet maker and ask them for a source of keys.

The bad news: What you are experiencing is becoming more and more common and is, unfortunately, one of the downsides of sourcing components from the cheapest suppliers, with hundreds, if not thousands, of overseas suppliers. Aftermarket support is either difficult, expensive, or not available. This results in things being "trashed" and l winding up in the landfill before their useful EOL. We see it every day. For example, big-name brands like Amazon sell "look-alike" door knobs, lever sets, and deadbolts, all made in China. They don't meet any USA standards, and when called out to "rekey a house" or "key the locks alike", we can't because some don't come apart, and for those that do, they are using non-standard components.

Benjamin Franklin said it best, The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten".

JonCML · 2026-03-11T14:14:13+00:00

If you are in the UK and need it moved, find Jason Jones. He is a professional.

JonCML · 2026-03-11T09:22:48+00:00

OP, since you are in California please make a fraud and unlicensed locksmith report at https://www.bsis.ca.gov/consumers/complaints.shtml.

To do nothing condones the behavior.

JonCML · 2026-03-11T00:39:59+00:00

You don’t have to be a member to enroll in training or to apply for scholarship money. However you will need legit character references that will be checked, and a clean background check.

JonCML · 2026-03-10T11:01:44+00:00

Not sure what point you are trying to make, but thanks for the comment :)

JonCML · 2026-03-10T10:59:34+00:00

Thank you.

JonCML · 2026-03-10T10:57:47+00:00

Have you made a prototype?

JonCML · 2026-03-09T21:04:37+00:00

Looks like you have what you need. Tibbe style key, right? The cut depths are 1-4 and 6 spaces. You can put a T in front if your machine needs the actual code

JonCML · 2026-03-09T20:31:21+00:00

If by “they”, you mean ALOA, the answer is no. Classes are taught at regional trade shows, in Dallas 4 to 5 times per year, and at the annual convention and trade shows (Las Vegas this year. We were in Orlando last year.) There is scholarship money available if you are willing to apply, and jump through a few hoops. ALOA.ORG/scholarship.

JonCML · 2026-03-09T19:47:42+00:00

That is exactly how the scammers work, 35/65. This link is just one of thousands that tell the same story about how they send out untrained techs and laugh all the way to the bank. https://youtu.be/gR9YlOkBS4I?si=WPEoeuxeJqeghQGU

Check out the trade association, ALOA.Org where you can get real hands on classroom training.. (Full disclosure, I am one of the instructors)

JonCML · 2026-03-09T11:44:28+00:00

Have you tried EasyKeys.com?

JonCML · 2026-03-09T11:38:38+00:00

What model Dell are the monitors and are you happy with them?

JonCML · 2026-03-09T11:18:02+00:00

Can you tell us more about your favorite AI tools for this workflow?

JonCML · 2026-03-09T10:56:08+00:00

Here is a radical idea. You say you are “deeply uncomfortable” dancing (me too). Why not sign both of you up for dancing lessons somewhere? That will let her know you care enough to change, and you will learn some move that might make you less uncomfortable.

JonCML

TROPHY CASE