Seattle's Maple Leaf Locksmith LLC – (206)335-4559

Author: Bjørn Madsen

  • Nanawall Multipoint Lock Cylinders Don’t Use Normal Pins

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    Bjørn Madsen
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    Before considering getting a “Nanawall” installed here are some pitfalls for you to consider. TLDR: use SFIC pins or reuse the bottom pins in a different configuration. The Nanawall appears to be a well constructed door, my issues are with the lock cylinder itself. The main problems with this lock cylinder are that it is…

  • Interlock multipoint sliding door locks

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    Bjørn Madsen
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    Sliding door locks are notoriously crappy. Usually it is just one little hook holding the door shut and customers think that hook is going to keep them safe. Well I’m here to tell you that it won’t. Aside from the obvious shattering of the entire door a large screwdriver can pry the door away from…

  • Key Codes and How to Use Them

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    Bjørn Madsen
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    Key codes are a big part of my day and simplifying it. They can also save the customer a ton of time and money! When I rekey a house or business I always tell the owner the bitting for their new keys if they are interested. With this information you can always get a key…

  • On the Security of Fobs and Codes

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    Bjørn Madsen
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    Changes have come to the security of the shared front door utilizing keyless locks. For at least ten years people have enjoyed the convenience of keyless entry to their buildings. It is also much cheaper to maintain security of these locks when a fob is lost or somebody moves. Simply delete their credential from the…

  • Smartkey Locks: So easy to rekey you can do it yourself!

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    Bjørn Madsen
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    People call me every day to rekey their house for a variety of reasons. Sometimes there are legal issues or concerns for one’s safety and people just want their locks changed regardless of cost. I don’t mind coming out to rekey your smartkey locks but I feel bad charging for it since it is usually…

  • How to rekey a Kwikset Smartkey cylinder with no working key

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    Bjørn Madsen
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    There are lots of things that can go wrong doing this and I refuse to accept any responsibility for what happens if you decide to do this. It probably voids your warranty, do it at your own risk. Do it over a surface in case you drop springs or little bits so you can find…

  • Rant: Rekeying locks versus fixing locks

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    Bjørn Madsen
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    When people ask me to rekey their locks I like to ask them to walk through the house and show the locks to me. I try the locks out to see if there are any blatant issues with them because sometimes you change the key for a lock and the customer gets upset that some…

  • PSA: Unlocking your car isn’t the same as making a key for your car

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    Bjørn Madsen
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    If you lost the keys to your car you want to ask people to originate a key for your car or just make a key for your car. Don’t ask them to come unlock your car. You don’t need your car unlocked, you need a key for your car. Asking people to unlock your car…

  • Barn Doors and How to Secure Them

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    Bjørn Madsen
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    Barn doors seem to be all the rage with architects. The only problem is that securing them isn’t very straightforward. Because they slide away from a wall or another barn door or maybe slide next to another barn door without meeting you can’t use a conventional deadbolt or typical hardware from the big box store.…

  • Ultraloq: Rekey it to Schlage SC1

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    Bjørn Madsen
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    I don’t take any responsibility for anything that might happen or who might be maimed as a result of your interpretation of these directions which are clearly provided for entertainment only. Ultraloq deadbolts are starting to become more popular in the residential electronic deadbolt market. They are even being carried at Home Depot. I guess…