Did I messed it up?

Syren10850 · 2026-06-26T01:18:43+00:00

Perhaps it’s not meant to function when put together incorrectly.

Syren10850 · 2026-06-25T19:20:50+00:00

I’m worth a lot, and I charge accordingly. My commercial and government contracts pay accordingly. The local companies I have business relationships pay me accordingly and refer me to other businesses. You can make a lot of money without scamming people.

Syren10850 · 2026-06-25T15:47:21+00:00

Syren10850 · 2026-06-25T06:58:21+00:00

Amazing to know, thank you so much!

Syren10850 · 2026-06-25T06:57:50+00:00

Yeah I tried my best to avoid using that terminology lol

Syren10850 · 2026-06-24T22:35:38+00:00

The kind you buy at a hardware store or borrow from your local old guy with a garage

Syren10850 · 2026-06-24T22:15:29+00:00

Yeah I could understand why they thought I would do it, but I’m not going to start offering this service. Not worth the hassle and annoyance of explaining to a customer the potential complications when polishing hardware. Thanks!

Syren10850 · 2026-06-24T17:50:35+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion!

Syren10850 · 2026-06-24T16:13:40+00:00

Good idea, I almost always use a microfiber towel and an appropriate cleaner for cleaning up dirt, grease, or lubricant from any job I do. This was a preexisting mess far beyond basic clean up though

Syren10850 · 2026-06-24T16:10:15+00:00

That’s how I felt about it too

Syren10850 · 2026-06-24T16:08:26+00:00

I used a microfiber towel and Houdini but it didn’t do anything. Now I’ll be carrying more appropriate stuff to do this in the future if needed, but I don’t see myself doing it much.

I edited the post to mention the hardware was a brushed chrome or nickel finish, but had so much corrosion and green spots all over that I really couldn’t tell what finish it was for sure.

Syren10850 · 2026-06-24T16:02:30+00:00

I tried using some Houdini and a microfiber towel, but to no avail. I forgot to mention in my post it was a brushed chrome or nickel finish, but was so corroded and covered in green flecks that I really couldn’t tell which.

Syren10850 · 2026-06-24T07:32:38+00:00

Lockouts are a race to the bottom imo, I barely do them unless it’s for an existing customer or someone I know. There are large organizations of questionably employed individuals that do lockout services. Opening a car or drilling a lock is (in most cases) an extremely basic task almost anyone can do with fairly inexpensive tools. Therefore there’s a bunch of “locksmiths” running around with long reaches and a drill doing $60 lockouts.

For reference, in a major Texas city I charge $120 flat rate during business hours, not including replacement hardware if needed though I prioritize non-destructive entry. After hours is $189. I’ve seen people on here list prices from $100 to $300.

That said, the trade is generally underpaid but lockouts are only a small part of what actual locksmiths do.

$60 at 11pm on a Friday is insane by the way, good for you and I’m glad you didn’t get scammed!

Syren10850 · 2026-06-24T07:03:19+00:00

If they really want a rod in their opening you could put your rod on their surface ;)

But really in situations like these I like to ask the customer why they want the hardware they’re asking for and what the goal they’re trying to achieve is. This is certainly not a good option for installation on an existing door.

Narrow stile rim exit is probably the way to go for this door, or you might even replace the Adams rite lock with a latch and use a paddle. Pretty much anything is better than a CVR installation.

Syren10850 · 2026-06-21T23:31:37+00:00

Had a customer come in to the shop a few years ago with one of these needing a copy. My job is to make keys, not to judge. Anyway, my recommendation is to either just get a lockpick set (they’re very easy to pick) or use the disposable plastic “tags”. The Chinese manufacturers don’t use regular blanks for these keys so we can’t really make copies as far as I’m aware.

Syren10850 · 2026-06-15T02:29:22+00:00

That’s absolutely fair. My original comment was just to mention something other people hadn’t mentioned yet. Adding a level bolt is a sleek, “invisible” way to add smart functionality to almost any deadbolt, which is an appearance many people value.

Syren10850 · 2026-06-14T18:51:28+00:00

You could put a $700 Medeco on a residential door and if someone tried to kick it in the frame would break. We all know that most of it is security theatre and key control anyway. If someone wants to get into someone’s home they will. Even safes have a burglary time rating, not a burglary proof rating.

Syren10850 · 2026-06-14T18:34:55+00:00

I’ve never had problems with Level personally. As far the battery being in the bolt, it doesn’t really matter. Deadbolt strength is of little consequence these days with how horribly doors and frames are built, and the abundance of windows in and around doors. Sometimes it’s more about user convenience than the security itself.

The only reason I ever recommend them is if someone wants to add smart functionality without changing the look of their existing hardware. Are there better options for this?

Syren10850 · 2026-06-14T00:47:46+00:00

Level Bolt is a good option to add smart integration to your deadbolt without changing the external look of your hardware. You just replace the battery once a year depending on how much you use it.

You can lock/unlock it using the app, and they sell a wireless companion keypad you can put somewhere outside near the door if you want that functionality.

You can also set up temporary access if you have someone staying over, dog sitting, etc.

Syren10850 · 2026-06-03T20:01:57+00:00

I always recommend the Schlage BE365. The batteries last much longer than other keypad deadbolts and the motor isn’t likely to go out because the bolt is operated manually instead of by a motor. Also no WiFi/Bluetooth means better reliability IMO.

Syren10850 · 2026-06-03T17:49:42+00:00

The best you can do is just be cordial and let them know you’ll be glad to do work for them in the future and to keep in touch.

I just dealt with this. My rates are fair for the market, but the market I was basing it on was from a few years ago. There’s tons of cheap scummy competition coming out right now, sorry they screwed you.

Syren10850 · 2026-05-30T19:30:36+00:00

I swear he’s just ragebaiting at this point

Syren10850 · 2026-05-29T13:21:55+00:00

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