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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...

 Manual vs. Electric Lock Picking  As a locksmith, you might have a hard time deciding between keeping things traditional with manual lock picks and upgrading to electric picks. CLK Supplies understands your conundrum, and we want to share more information about both types of lock picks in order to help you make a better decision for your needs and customers.  Manual Mode Only your hands and common lock picking tools are used during manual picking. Examples of such common tools include:   Rakes, which mimic the bitting on a real key Hooks, which are often using for single pin picking...

Creating a Locksmith Business Plan   So you’ve decided to become a locksmith. Great! CLK Supplies welcomes you to the industry, and we would be happy to supply you with your first locksmith tools. Before doing anything else, we recommend that you sit down and develop a well-thought-out business plan that is sure to attract customers, boost your profits and bring out the best in your business. Here are a few tips to get you started.  Your Executive Summary The executive summary of your business plan is where you define your reason for starting your business and what you want to...

Your Locksmith Business: Mobile vs. Brick and Mortar  The advancement of the locksmith industry has given locksmiths the option of opening brick-and-mortar businesses or mobile operations. Both come with their own unique advantages and costs, and CLK Supplies is here to describe both business types with the intention of helping you decide between them. Whatever your decision, we are here to supply you and your business with your next set of locksmith tools. Going Mobile Speaking from a sheer financial point of view, mobile is most definitely the way to go. Mobile business costs range anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000,...

Things You Should Do Before Drilling a Lock For those locks that are impervious to your skills with lock picks, you may have no choice but to turn to a customer and inform him or her that you have to drill into the lock. Doing so results in a complete loss of the lock, much to the customer’s horror. To keep from being the bearer of bad news, and to save your customer the cost of a new lock, CLK Supplies is here to share a few steps to complete before resorting to brass and drilling tacks. Know the Type...

Padlocks: A History If you’ve ever tried to pick an old combination lock or padlock, you know it’s a bit trickier than you would expect. Behind every lock and key, there’s a story of evolution. While locks are extremely common today, they were a commodity in the Roman Empire and remained such for many centuries after. Where did the padlock originate? Rise of the Roman Padlock The oldest padlocks known to archeologists and historians originate at around 500 BCE with the Romans. Iron locks held a bolt in place and were manipulated with a key. The most common Roman lock...

 The History of Locksmithing In modern times, locksmiths work for such varied employers as security services, hospitals, schools and colleges, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And, of course, locksmiths are the people who get called at one a.m. when folks are locked out of their homes and cars. The history of locksmithing is rich, varied and intriguing. As you market your locksmithing business, think about ways to capitalize on the history. You could have an infographic timeline, for example, or a blog post on the history of key blanks. Another post could discuss common locksmith tools. To get...

A Guide to Mortise Locks Every locksmith should know about the mortise lock because they are going to be the source for many of your projects. This incredibly popular lock is found in many commercial and residential settings. As with any lock, working with the mortise lock isn’t difficult if you understand how the lock operates. Read this guide to learn what you need to know. Common Usage Mortise locks are commonly found in commercial settings because they are reliable and strong. The design is meant to withstand normal and heightened levels of wear and tear. Additionally, the internal parts...

A Guide to Tubular Locks Tubular locks aren’t the most popular lock, but they frequently show up when individuals want a secure lock. Variable pin options provide an added layer of security, but if you know about the locks, you can open them with the right set of tools. Common Thoughts on Tubular Locks If you’ve ever noticed the lock on an ATM, a glass store display, and a bike lock, you’ve seen a tubular lock in action. Why are these locks so commonly used on important security items? These locks are commonly regarded as safer than standard options. However,...