Wednesday 18 December 2013

how it works... a cylinder lock

Sunday 24 November 2013

Finding a locksmith in Stockport

Now there are over 2,000  locksmiths currently trading in the UK how do you know which locksmith in Stockport to choose? 

Firstly, check out whether a locksmith is licensed by the Master Locksmiths' Association (MLA). This body is recognised as the authoritative body for locksmithing by the Home Office, setting and promoting standards of conduct, practice and materials within the trade. 

Gaining a licence from the MLA is very difficult, prospective locksmith companies undergo comprehensive inspection procedures. Look out for the logo indicating that the company advertising it is approved by the MLA, which features two crossed keys on a yellow background and bears the name of the MLA




Locksmiths are often based in a shop, but many are mobile, working out of a vehicle, with a workshop. Many are employed by large locksmithing companies, while others are "one man bands". 


Stockport Locksmiths will cover a whole range of services:

General domestic locksmith, such as wooden door and window locks & keys
UPVC door and window locks and locking mechanisms 
Access control, such as maglocks, code locks and proximity systems
Commercial locksmith, such as shutter locks, master key systems, door closers, padlocks etc.
Safes supplied, repair and service 
Auto locksmith

As described above, the services offered by different companies can vary. Many locksmiths specialise in one aspect of the trade. Check your locksmith is knowledgable in the areas you require, you might be able to find a locksmith who is an expert in that field, and locksmiths are frequently certified in specific skill areas or to a certain level of skill within the trade. Always consider a locksmith's level of skills  and whether or not he or she has the expertise to do the best possible job.


Look at the reviews of the locksmith company online, some are obviously not genuine! Yell and Thomson seen to be worse for this, with very similar reviews posted by allegedly different customers. 
Always check your locksmith's credentials. In the UK check to make sure the company is Licensed by the Master Locksmiths Association


Tuesday 19 November 2013

A history lesson from Yale Locks

http://www.yale.co.uk/en/yale/couk/About-us/History-of-Yale/pin-tumbler-invention/
Yale_pin_tumbler_padlock

The Yale Pin-Tumbler Lock Invention

Yale's best-known lock design is the cylinder Pin-Tumbler Lock.

What is a Pin-Tumbler Lock?

The Pin-Tumbler Lock is a lock mechanism that uses pins of varying lengths to prevent the lock from opening without the correct key.

The invention has new become widespread around the World and is, by far, the most used security locking mechanism in use today. In Stockport common derivatives are the rim "nightlatch" aka Yale lock and the recently popular "euro profile" cylinder used in uPVC and composite doors used across the Stockport area. This type of lock is simple to use and is very reliable. If your pin tumbler lock is worn, or, you have lost your keys contact your local Master Locksmith in Stockport of advice and service - 0161 669 4597

Friday 1 November 2013

Key cutting in Wilmslow

Finding someone who can cut keys in Wilmslow can be quite difficult, with the usual Cobblers or heel bars cutting expensive and, in many cases, badly fitting keys. These can sometimes accelerate wear & tear on your locks ultimately requiring a lock change.

At Cusworth's, we make sure all our machinery is calibrated correctly, and we had finish each mortice key (such as Chubb or Union mortice locks), by hand ensuring the key works with the lock - not wearing it out prematurely.

Properly trained staff ensure the correct key blanks are selected, using "universal" type keyblanks are used only when absolutely necessary.

Master Locksmiths Association key cutting information

Tuesday 22 October 2013

Wilmslow Locksmith Company Boss Convicted

Security Solutions Wilmslow Locksmith

Stiffer sentencing for Rogue Traders

Proposals on tougher sentencing for rogue traders who defraud and bribe the public have been welcomed by TrustMark, the Government endorsed quality mark for reputable tradesmen.

Responding to the Sentencing Council’s consultation on fraud, bribery and money laundering, TrustMark has endorsed a revised framework for sentencing that will affect rogue traders who operate on the black market and win business by fraudulently using registration marks.

“The Sentencing Council’s new proposals will hopefully act as a deterrent to those cowboys who give tens of thousands of great law-abiding tradesmen a bad name,” explains Liz Male, chair of TrustMark. “These criminals put their victims at risk and rip them off. The new guidelines are tougher on those who commit multiple offences, especially when the victims are particularly vulnerable.”

TrustMark is also calling on the Sentencing Council to consider even tougher penalties if rogue traders are fraudulently winning work involving electricity, gas and other potentially lethal substances such as asbestos.

“Tougher, simpler, sentencing guidelines will help us get the message across to rogues that their activities are unacceptable and have no place in our industry,” states Liz. “Ripping off the vulnerable and putting safety at risk must be deterred and we believe the Sentencing Council’s guidelines go some way to help doing that.”

To co-incide with the consultation, TrustMark has introduced a new logo download system this month for all its 14,500 registered firms in order to reduce the risk of logo abuse and fraudulent misrepresentation.  Every firm will now be required to use their personlised TrustMark logo in all of their marketing and website activity, detailing the trades that they have been inspected and licensed for by TrustMark. 

“The new TrustMark logo will provide a more transparent environment of trust for consumers as they will now be able to immediately see if a TrustMark firm has been inspected and is licensed for a particular trade.  And tradesmen will be able to give themselves a competitive edge by demonstrating to customers that their work has been inspected and they offer warranties.” added Liz.
TrustMark has taken action against almost 100 firms so far this year which have been found misusing its logo, and regularly liaises with Trading Standards and the Police when rogue traders come to light. Following successful legal action against such firms and in order to warn other homeowners the business names are published on TrustMark’s ‘Fakes and Forgeries’ page in it’s Essential advice section.

For further information and to stay up-to-date with developments at TrustMark, visit www.trustmark.org.uk

Tuesday 1 October 2013

Tuesday 10 September 2013

Overheating & Apollo Tank

Apollo tank

Level when hot - around 90

a few mins after switch off

Rover expansion bottle

Thursday 25 July 2013

Sequential Shift Lights

Sequential Shift Light Unit SLD5

I have just fitted programmable shift lights from a local company called Digital Race Electronics (DRE)

Fitting was easy, Just a 12v + & - and a tach signal. Very simple, yet feature packed product!

Sunday 2 June 2013

MG Midget front wheel bearings

I have found some NOS new old stock bearings for the front of the midget. there is a lot of talk about the inner bearing fit on the stub axle especially the inner radius. Here's what I have found:


Lockheed Delphi WBK105 single kit
QH QWB105C BK5 double kit
Outer Bearing - RHP 11/MJT17

This is the most critical, due to the inner radius - RHP 39/LJT25

Friday 3 May 2013

High Security Extenal Keysafe - Supra C500


Supra's Impressive C500Has been designed following extensive consultation with users. The security of the C500 is the highest level ever awarded to a key safe in the UK, achieving LPS1175 level 1 accreditation, equal to a front door of the same standard. As a result of this security rating, the product has achieved Police approval through the Secured by Design initiative.

supra c500 keysafe
CONSTRUCTION
The C500 KeySafe™ is made of heavy gauge stainless steel and a thick zinc-alloy shell. It has a double wall construction. A stainless plate around the buttons adds additional security and is scratch and fingerprint resistant. The heavy duty locking mechanism uses a long-travel bolt, making it extremely pry-resistant. A clutch mechanism prevents the handle from being forced open. If the C500 is locked and the handle is turned with force, the handle slips and turns easily without opening. Just turn the handle back to the closed position until it clicks to re-latch the handle.
INSTALLATION
Four heavy-duty masonry screws and a template are included for mounting. For further information about installing the C500 Keysafe™

APPROVALS
This C500 KeySafe™ has been tested against physical attack and as a result has received LPS1175 Level 1 certification. To maintain the security certification, the C500 KeySafe™ needs to be mounted on a brick wall with the included masonry screws.
APPLICATIONS
Business applications: home healthcare access and home services, commercial office buildings, remote sites, storage areas, property management, equipment storage, after hours delivery, and alarm or emergency access.
Residential applications: children get home, unattended servicing, spare keys, secure storage for hidden keys, emergency entry and vacation homes.
STANDARD FEATURES
  • Solid metal construction
  • Easy push button access
  • 4096 possible combination codes
  • Store 5+ keys
  • Weather cover included
  • Mounting hardware included

SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions, exterior (HxWxD): 5 7/8" x 3 1/8" x 2 1/2"
Dimensions, interior (HxWxD): 3 1/8" x 2" x 7/8"
Weight: 1800grms
Salt fog: ASTM B117-02; 96 hrs
Freezing rain build-up: MIL-STD-810F, Method 521.2; -25° C, 6.35 mm
Resistance against chemicals/cleaners: Standard household chemicals
UV exposure: ASTM G115, Cycle 1; 1000 hrs w/o spray
Dust bombardment: SAE J1211-78,4.5;24 hrs
Operations: 7500 openings / closings, 23° C
Possible Combinations: 4096
Certifications: Security Loss Prevention Standard (LPS) 1175,  level 1

Tuesday 30 April 2013

Car and boat electrical parts

I'm tidying up some of the electrics on my Boat Aquaholic II. 

 It does not have a Battery isolator fitted. So I had a look and decided to fit a isolator which I had from My Midget race car. I have a borrowed a large cable ratchet crimper from a pal. 

Tin Plated Tube Terminals

PVC starter cable 16mm 110 amps. Red.

It is Always best to use tinned copper cable for harsh environments, such as marine use. I got the cable and lug terminals from PoleVolt Ltd who are Suppliers of Auto Electrical Parts for Trade and DIY 

 

I'd used them a year ago when wiring my K series Midget and was very pleased with their service and prices

 

 

 

 

 

 

 










Monday 15 April 2013

Wilmslow Burglaries

Following a Large increase in Burglaries, Police are advising residents to be extra vigilant in the Wilmslow, Handforth and Alderley edge Areas.


 Over the last few weeks there has been a massive increase in burglaries, with many houses being 'fished' whereby the keys to the house and car are being accessed by a long pole (also known as the 'hook and cane' approach), to reach people's keys through their letter plate. Other methods employed are less subtle, with forced entry through doors and windows to the rear of the house. In the majority of cases, thieves are targeting car keys so that they can steal cars from the driveway.

A police spokesperson said "Could I please remind you to close and lock all windows and doors when leaving your property and also leave lights and alarms on so that it looks as if someone is at home. Even if you are in the house please keep rear doors locked. Hide all car keys, never leave them on display on windowsills and hall tables. Put cars in the garage if possible."

I would add when securing your home at night, please make sure after checking and deadlocking your doors and windows to keep your keys(including any car keys) away form view from windows or letterboxes. Additionally, Please make sure the keys are in a safe place - where they can be found if you need them to escape in an emergency, such as a fire. it is advised to leave them at the top of he stairs where all occupants know where to find them if a situation arises. Also if the worst happens, an intruder will find them without disturbing your family.

Don't Automatically think its only large, New, German cars. I know of a smart 8 year old Mini Cooper S being targeted.

According to Wilmslow.co.uk -"During March house burglaries have occurred in the following areas : Knutsford Road, Bulkeley Road Handforth, Broadway, Fulshaw Park South, Swinley Chase, Westminster Drive, Alveston Drive, Albany Road and Stanneylands Road. There were attempted burglaries on Alderley Road, Thorngrove Road and Oak Lane. In addition, vehicles were stolen from the following areas: Grangeway Road, Delamere Road, Derwent Drive Handforth, Dean Drive, Hampton Court, Marina Close Handforth, Wilmslow Road Handforth and Kilncroft Lane Handforth. A motorcycle was also taken from the Knowle Park area of Handforth. Please contact the police on 101 if you notice anybody acting suspiciously in your area and take down any registration numbers belonging to suspicious vehicles."

Saturday 23 March 2013

A busy Locksmith in Wilmslow



It has been a busy few weeks for us at Cusworth Locksmiths in Wilmslow. 

Some of the jobs recently carried out were making a small master key system for a business in Knutsford. 

We also supplied some patented keys to an Alderley Edge company, cut on our new computerised machine, which cuts most keys from the code. 

We have also repaired a broken Lockmaster mechanism on an uPVC front door in Hazel Grove, Stockport. It was jammed shut and would not fully unlock, the roller and hookbolt would not unlock. We soon had it open using some of our specialist uPVC locksmith tools. Once open we quickly repaired it - without the need for a new uPVC gearbox or complete locking mechanism. 

We also fitted a new BS3621 5 lever Deadlock to a front door in Heald Green. A quick trip to Knutsford to pick open a piece of furniture, and a Yale 77 nightlatch lock was fitted in Wilmslow.

We had an urgent night time call out to an elderly person who needed a emergency locksmith in Bramhall, who had lost their rear door key and was unable to lock the pvc door. Our Locksmith quickly fitted a new kite markedTS007 Euro cylinder, which is pick, bump and snap resistant.

We are increasingly asked to fit external security keysafes for keeping keys safe and accessible to visitors, these are especially handy for the elderly who have regular visitors such as meals on wheels and healthcare visitors.

Monday 18 March 2013

Locker Keys Cut to Code

Office Keys Cut to Code

Keys cut to code number
We now cut most locker keys from the code number. We use P.C. controlled computer cutting to ensure consistent and fast service.

Locker Keys, Desk keys, Tambour unit keys, Filing cabinet keys, Cupboard keys & Petty cash tin keys.


All leading key series can be provided:
  • Lowe & Fletcher L&F
  • Ronis
  • Ankerslot
  • Bisley
  • CES
  • Corbin
  • Eurolocks
  • Dom
  • Evva
  • Gege
  • Hafele
  • Helix
  • Iseo
  • Kaba
  • Kinnarps
  • Master
  • NCR
  • Project
  • Renz
  • Roneo Vickers
  • Rexel
  • Ruko
  • Senator
  • Steelcase
  • Strebor
  • Tower
  • Triumph
  • Twinlock
  • Weiser
  • West Alloy
  • Yale