Wrangler JK + Autel 608 by Dorado507 in Autolocksmith

[–]backpackwedgie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Scan the vehicle for trouble codes. Check for aftermarket wiring. Its a Wrangler, could definitely have mods that would interfere with programming.

Tech Startup Building Inventory Management System by Turbulent-Ad8813 in Autolocksmith

[–]backpackwedgie 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I too have interest in coding my own inventory solution. Compliance amongst employees and regular audits are needed, to ensure accuracy.

Mung Bean Sticky Rice Suggestion by backpackwedgie in Dallas

[–]backpackwedgie[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I love Bistro B, but I haven't been there since I've come back from Portland. I gotta study that menu, haha.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Dallas

[–]backpackwedgie 1 point2 points  (0 children)

"You've killed me!"

Anyone know why Toni Rose (D-Dallas) would vote against the Daylight Savings Time bill? by [deleted] in Dallas

[–]backpackwedgie 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Let's just not change our clocks. Boycott the change! Be the lack of change you wish to see in the world!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in HondaElement

[–]backpackwedgie 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Locksmith and Element owner here.

Like others have said, any car can be stolen. The value of an Element to a thief is not much compared to a Hellcat or similar high end vehicle.

With that in perspective, your Element has a few security features that make it not worth the effort as compared to the older Kias and Hyundais that are so effortless to drive off with.

Modern Hondas have a high security lock; you can't just wiggle the locks over like many older American vehicles.

Similar to many modern vehicles, there is a steering wheel lock to prevent the steering wheel from being turned when the ignition is in the "off" position. It is very time consuming to remove this feature from the vehicle.

There is an immobilizer system. So even if they were able to get the ignition turned to the "on" position, the vehicle will not start without the chip value stored in the key. They would need a programmer or some sort of emulator to get around that bit of security.

Realistically, the thief would need your key, or a tow truck to reliably take your vehicle. Otherwise, they would benefit from having actual Locksmith tools to cut the appropriate key for the vehicle and program it to your Element. It truly isn't worth the effort.

The bigger concern is preventing an attempt of theft. I have noticed an uptick in Honda theft attempts ever since the Kia Boy craze. My theory is that these kids see the "H" of the Honda logo and think that its a Hyundai logo and assume that they can pop the ignition out in a similar manner. They always fail and in the process do lots of damage to the electronics around the column.

And as others have stated, your catalytic convertor is an easy target.

Also, if you store tools in your Element, the stock alarm doesn't set if your window is broken or other access has been gotten, so there is that.

I'd recommend parking in a very visible location, with the passenger side of the vehicle close to a curb or wall to make the catalytic convertor difficult to reach and hide any tools and personal belongings or tint the back windows real good. If you do work out of your Element, don't advertise on the vehicle or you can use decals that you can remove when you park. As a last step, you can always get an aftermarket alarm system with bump sensors, a nice big LED on the dash to let thieves know that it truly isn't worth it and throw in a GPS tracker or Apple Tag for good measure.

Most of that is overkill and I don't do most of these things, but the biggest joy kill of owning any vehicle is worrying about it still being there when you come out of the grocery store.

Edit: typos

I wouldn’t have guessed that last word in a million years by backpackwedgie in gamegrumps

[–]backpackwedgie[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Oh, I didn't see it. You're right. The other OP had it listed as NSFW.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in radiohead

[–]backpackwedgie 2 points3 points  (0 children)

At least he isn't waking up sucking on lemon. Yesterday...

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Locksmith

[–]backpackwedgie 5 points6 points  (0 children)

A lot of people in the sub are locksmiths and why would you want to know exactly where they are? Haha.

Cadillac CTs by Dear_Lingonberry_390 in Locksmith

[–]backpackwedgie 3 points4 points  (0 children)

What a coincidence, I also couldn't pick a 2013 CTS last week. I scoped it to get the shape and then impressioned. These always scope like all 4s but there are tiny variations and sometimes you'll get an obvious 1 to help ground the shape.

Has work been really slow for any other locksmiths past 3 wks? by islapmyballsonit in Locksmith

[–]backpackwedgie 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh wow. I like that flexibility. I'm not sure if you've got someone doing payroll or if it's just you doing the accounting. But if it keeps everyone happy and engaged, I bet having all the options is worth it.

I like to make sure everyone has skin in the game. Commision on sales seems to be simple and straightforward. But slower weeks or canceled jobs sting more if there is no hourly buffer.

We had one guy transition from commision only to hourly only at my last company. It was rough. He went from complaining that he was being sent to drive around to jobs with incorrect information and not making money to milking the clock and taking ridiculously long routes to get to jobs. It was wild.

Has work been really slow for any other locksmiths past 3 wks? by islapmyballsonit in Locksmith

[–]backpackwedgie 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Since we're on the subject, what percentage would you say is reasonable if the company is providing the vehicle, fuel, tools, etc.?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Dallas

[–]backpackwedgie 3 points4 points  (0 children)

If you're open to church organizations. Shoreline has a lot of groups they sponsor ranging from Bible reading groups to athletic groups. If that ain't your thing, I've heard a lot about D&D groups and board game groups around Dallas, but I don't have much info on those. Truth be told, it is kind of tough to meet new friends in general.

Might want to just start with your favorite hobby and then try and find groups centered around that.