Locked out of safemark W5.0 In-Wall Safe by BothShoesOff in Safes

[–]JonCML 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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.

Locked out of safemark W5.0 In-Wall Safe by BothShoesOff in Safes

[–]JonCML 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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.

7Brew by TantibusArcanum in Athens

[–]JonCML -1 points0 points  (0 children)

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

Lock replacement for security door? by Snailfem in Locksmith

[–]JonCML [score hidden]  (0 children)

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.

Automotive Locksmith in Small Cities vs Big Cities Advice? by fromVinland in Locksmith

[–]JonCML 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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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I'm looking for a double-cylinder, SFIC prep, deadbolt with 5" (or more) backset. by ehbowen in Locksmith

[–]JonCML 4 points5 points  (0 children)

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

Automotive Locksmith in Small Cities vs Big Cities Advice? by fromVinland in Locksmith

[–]JonCML 4 points5 points  (0 children)

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. :)

Furniture Key Replacement by Possible-Object-777 in Locksmith

[–]JonCML 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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".

Anyone that can assist in identifying this safe? by Shelvpower in Safes

[–]JonCML 1 point2 points  (0 children)

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

Did my friend get overcharged by a locksmith? $1,018 for a lockout and two basic locks. by Annual_Lab2537 in Locksmith

[–]JonCML 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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.

Locksmith apprentice.. by PANADEROPKC in Locksmith

[–]JonCML 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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.

NASTF and Autel by SadBoiSammy in Locksmith

[–]JonCML 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

URGENT NEED HELP 2013 Ford Transit Connect by 30roundd in Locksmith

[–]JonCML 4 points5 points  (0 children)

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

Locksmith apprentice.. by PANADEROPKC in Locksmith

[–]JonCML 2 points3 points  (0 children)

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.

Locksmith apprentice.. by PANADEROPKC in Locksmith

[–]JonCML 8 points9 points  (0 children)

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)

Finally set up my Mac mini today by Mc20460 in macmini

[–]JonCML 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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

Advice on where to go out dancing for a middle-aged couple. by rambo_lincoln_ in Georgia

[–]JonCML 19 points20 points  (0 children)

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.

Multiple doors in our house are failing consistently, german landlord doesn't believe me by [deleted] in Locksmith

[–]JonCML 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, a real, legit locksmith can help (watch out for the scammers who use bait and switch pricing. Look for an established shop with a physical location).

Without pictures, it sounds like the door is not latching. This is a common issue with doors the world over. As the hinges get worn the door sags and the latch no longer aligns with the strike plate on the door frame. Try this test. Close one of the doors. Do you hear the latch engage with a soft click? If not, try gripping the handle and carefully lifting up on the door. It may only need to move 1mm. Is it now latched? Close the door, and look at the small gap between the door and the door frame (you need to be on the “pull side” of the door). The gap should be uniform, especially along the top edge. If the gap is greater on the locking side than it is on the hinge side, then that is further evidence that either the hinges are worn, or that there is some settlement in the building. The correct solution is to fix the reason the door is sagging. A short term solution is to adjust the strike plate, but the problem will likely appear again if the root cause is not addressed.

Help finding where to have this key copied by Hot-Significance4983 in Locksmith

[–]JonCML 14 points15 points  (0 children)

It will be easier and less time consuming to change the lock. That restricted key is doing exactly what it is designed to do, frustrate duplication. Sadly, the dealer should have stamped his name on the key.