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  Whether you’ve thought about it before or not, using a standard spray to clean or lubricate a lock is not the most efficient method to do so. Standard spray straws are directed at the back of the lock while the lock straw eliminates waste and directs the cleaner or lubricant where it is needed the most: on the wafers and wafer chambers. In order to use the Lock Straw, remove the standard straw and replace it with the lock straw. Make sure that the yellow lines are located in such a way that the lubricant or cleaner goes to...

Changing a shackle on any Abus 83 series padlocks is not a very difficult task. Remember that, whichever shackle your current padlock has, it can be replaced with any 1” long, 2” long, 3” long, 4” long or 6” long shackle that you can find at our online store. The first thing you’ll need to do is pop open the padlock. In order to do so, insert the key and open it. Once you have it open you’ll see a Phillips screw at the bottom of the shackle hole. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove it. This is going to...

The Silca Futura Auto Electronic Key Machine by ILCO is an innovative addition to the business of any professional locksmith that works with automotive keys on a regular basis. The Silca Futura Auto Electronic Key Machine can cut automotive keys or duplicate them with amazing precision. This electronic key cutting machine comes with one cutting station and two interchangeable clamps for duplicating and originating all types of automotive keys, from motorcycles to heavy trucks and anything in between. The database also includes information related to any additional key used in a car: glove boxes, roof racks, etc. It’s a remarkable...

Citiloc is the brand of Grade 3 knobs that we have for sale at CLK Supplies, LLC since 2004. They have proven to be beautifully designed and a great value for their price. These knobs can be pinned up to OEM specs for Kwikset or Schlage and they can be master keyed. One of the frequent questions we get at CLK Supplies, LLC is how do we take Citiloc knobs apart to rekey them. In this article, we’re going to take you step by step through the process. You’ll learn how to take the entrance knob or even the lever...

The Pro 8 In 1 Key Gauge is one of those tools that professional locksmiths simply need to have at their locksmith shop. It’s more like a Swiss army knife as this key gauge has three different spots to remove C clips, a detent pusher and it helps locksmiths decode the 8 more popular types of keys: Kwikset, Schlage, Weiser, Yale, Arrow, Weslock, Master, and SFIC A2 in the USA. If you are new to the business or you haven’t used a key gauge before, let’s see how this great Pro 8 In 1 Key Gauge works.Anytime you have a...

Toyota Split Wafer Ignitions are known to fail. Follow this step by step technique if you need to take them apart to repair or rekey. You will find it handy whether you are using a brand new OEM ignition, an aftermarket ignition or even one that is used inside the vehicle. There are two main applications you will need to do this to: on the one hand, if the split wafers are failing (which is a common problem) or, on the other hand, if you get aftermarket ignition. In the first case, you will need to take this ignition apart...

The ASP Honda High Security Pinning Kit (A-19-108) provides locksmiths with everything they need to rebuild the tumblers inside of a Honda lock. Yes, this pinning kit makes it trouble-free to fix ignition, door or trunk locks from almost any Honda vehicle you receive at your locksmith shop. It is well known amongst professional locksmiths that Honda has had a notorious problem with wafers wearing out and causing problems with the keys not turning the lock. The most cost-effective solution for your customers most of the time is to replace the wafers inside. The ASP Honda High Security Pinning kit...

The Silca Speed 045 is a great tool for locksmiths that regularly cut automotive, residential and commercial keys. Designed as a replacement of the Ilco 045HD, professional locksmiths will find it similar to the Bravo 3 machine but with interesting additional features that are highly appreciated by users. The Silca Speed 045 is the model of choice for the shops or stores of professional locksmiths because of its modern, open style, safety details and operational features. And the mounting bracket included makes it ideal for mobile use as well. Silca Speed 045: Outstanding Features Let’s discuss some of the most...

In October 2018, Ilco announced that they would start doing a rolling change over from GTI glass chips to a ceramic GTI chip. Ilco says "The new physical shape will not affect performance or vehicle applications that are covered. Ilco will continue to refer to this transponder as the GTI."   Ceramic chips are more reliable and stable than glass chips and we have seen a trend by all transponder manufactures moving toward ceramic chips, I think it's good for them and for the end user!   So next time you get a Ilco GTI chip and it's not the...

Gator VATS Bypass Module: How To Video | Solve Ignition Lock Failure on GM Vehicles The Vats Bypass Module (#VBM054) is one of those tools that automotive locksmiths like the most. It’s a great problem solver for automotive locksmiths especially when they need to assist a customer with an older GM vehicle with the VATS System. Professional locksmiths know that the Vats Bypass Module #VBM054 is designed for those times when the General Motors ignition lock (with the VATS system installed in it) fails. One of the most common issues with VATS ignitions as they age is that either the...