Locksmith from around the corner

We had need of a locksmith for 2 issues. First, it was the back door with no key. This gave access to the service patio and the stairs to the rooftop patio. If a wind blew the door closed we would be locked out. Second issue was in the master bedroom. There are built-in wall closets and drawers and in the middle of these there is a locked cabinet with a mirror. What would be inside and how do I get to use that space?

Well, there is a locksmith just up the street and he happened to be open when we walked by. Great opportunity to have our locks looked after. The young man, maybe 25 years old, was happy to grab his tools and follow us home. First job was to bust the lock on the upstairs cabinet.

Back in Toronto a locksmith would drill out the centre cylinder to open the cabinet and then replace the lock with a new one. But our young locksmith took out his lock picking tools just like on TV and proceeded to pick the lock. When he opened the cabinet he then removed the lock and replaced it with a new one. Very simple and very clean work and all done for C$20. What a deal!.

I was expecting to find some very valuable stuff inside. Why else would it have been locked. The cache was 3 empty binders and a Samsumg video camera. Useless camera because there was no battery and no cables. And who uses video cameras anymore when the iPhones and iPads do such a lovely job. Maybe I'll research to find out how expensive a replacement battery would be. 

By the way, the cat in the cabinet was a recent addition after the cabinet was opened.

Okay, the next project-replace the back door lock.

Inside view of lock

Outside view of lock

Here is what I am expecting the young locksmith to do-Remove the lock and replace it with a new one which has keys.

Well surprise NO! First he takes off the cover and opens up the lock. He takes it all apart and pulls out the locking cylinder. Just a small cylinder. Next he opens up his tool kit and takes out a blank key and using a hand file he commences to shape the blank key to fit the cylinder. One by one he notches the key to fit. Within 20 minutes he had the lock apart, a new key shaped and the lock back together again. And yes, the key works beautifully.

And what do you expect the cost of this one to be, including a second key that he cut on the regular key duplicating machine at his shop? An astounding C$15.

So, 2 lock repairs for C$35 and maybe an hour's work. Fantastic! And good thing because I locked myself out in the service patio today and got to use the spare key we keep out there for just this purpose.