Saturday 30 July 2011

Man hurt using gun to remove locking wheelnuts! God bless USA!

Changing a tyre
Man hurt using gun to change tyre 


A US man has injured himself in both legs after attempting to loosen a stiff wheel-nut by blasting it with his gun. The 66-year-old man from Washington state was repairing his car outside his home when the accident took place.
Shooting at the wheel from arm's length with his 12-gauge shotgun, he was peppered with buckshot and debris.
The man - who police say was on his own and not intoxicated - was taken to hospital with severe, but not life-threatening, injuries.
The man, from South Kitsap, 10 miles (16km) southwest of Seattle, had been repairing his Lincoln Continental for two weeks, according to the police, and had removed all but one of the nuts on the right rear wheel.
Frustrated by the one remaining nut which refused to budge, he resorted to fire power in an effort to shift it.
"He's bound and determined to get that lug nut off," said Deputy Scott Wilson, a spokesman from the sheriff's office.
He sustained injuries from his feet to the middle of his abdomen, with some pellets reaching as high as his chin, police said.

for a safer way to remove them pesky locking wheel nuts see here!

Thursday 21 July 2011

uPVC Door Locks Can Be Bypassed In Under 20 Seconds! – 22 Million UK Homes At Risk

You may have seen recent reports on television news or in the newspapers of a weakness in the locks on uPVC doors. The weakness is currently being exploited by burglars in some areas of the UK, notably the West Yorkshire Police area. To our knowledge, such attacks are not yet common place in the Stockport, Macclesfield, Cheshire and south Manchester areas.
snapped cylinder following attack


The problem, known as snapping, which is growing around the country, are various methods are used by the burglars using simple everyday tools, allowing them to exploit an inherent flaw in the design of these Euro Profile Cylinders. The cylinders, in many cases, can be overcome in a matter of seconds and although we know the methods used we will not disclose these methods in any detail, as a precaution against “copy-cat” burglaries.
The lock in question is not of any particular make, but is the type of lock fitted to the majority of uPVC, PVCu and some wooden doors throughout the world, it is commonly known as a Euro Profile Cylinder. It is the part which provides the key operation to the multi-point locking mechanism fitted to the door. No matter how secure or elaborate the multi-point locking mechanism is, if the cylinder is compromised the multi-point lock can be opened in seconds without difficulty.
All major Lock Manufacturers are now working hard to find solutions to the problem.
Currently there are limited products on the market to combat this form of attack. Two major lock manufacturers notably Mul-T-Lock and Squire have produced a new design of cylinder which ensures the cylinder snaps at a predetermined position leaving the door still secured and requiring the use of the correct key to unlock the door. Mul-T-Locks range of anti snapping cylinders are called ‘Break Secure’ and Squire’s range are called ‘Snapsafe’
Although this design of cylinder is still not 100% guaranteed to prevent all the methods of attack used on uPVC doors. It will prevent the most common methods slowing down the burglars attempts and making it considerably more difficult, therefore increasing the chance of him giving up.
In addition to these cylinders some manufacturers notably Squire and ERA are producing cylinder enhancers or cylinder security devices. Various designs are available to suit uPVC and composite doors these consist of a metal surround which is secured to the existing cylinder underneath the door handle. ERA’s range is possibly the most secure, with the designs securing through the door to sandwich the cylinder in place making it virtually impossible to remove the ‘snapped’ cylinder. These devices used in conjunction with a Break Secure or SnapSafe cylinder will ensure the methods currently being used are ineffective.
The risk of forced entry via the methods used is reduced if the cylinder fitted is of the correct size and properly fitted. However often when cylinders have been replaced in the past it is found that an incorrect size has been used leaving the door vulnerable. It is recommended that the euro profile cylinder should not protrude outside of the door furniture any more than 2-3mm.
Remember burglars always choose the easy option!
In order to ensure you do not become one of the many victims of this type of forced entry review your current door cylinders now and consider upgrading your cylinders to the newly available ‘Break Secure’ or SnapSafe ranges currently available or fit an additional Cylinder Security Device or Enhancer to your existing cylinder.

There are now available for many uPVC doors security handles, and cylinder enhancers.
In the meantime, ensure you deadlock your doors whenever your home is unattended. We also advise that a door chain be fitted and used on the main entrance door when the house is occupied and if uPVC doors are fitted to other areas consider fitting additional internal secondary bolts, such as “sash jammers”
Other sensible precautions include ensuring that any keys (particularly car keys) are not left where they can be found by burglars. (The most common method of car theft is by breaking into homes and stealing the keys). Other portable valuables should also be removed from vulnerable areas.
A safe will compliment any form of security to the property by reducing the risk of sentimental and valuable items being taken should a burglar gain entry. Securing small valuables can save a great deal of inconvenience and upset and it is recommended that you keep spare keys, passports, jewellery, cameras etc. locked in a safe.
For guidance and advice from reputable qualified locksmith’s only choose a locksmith that is a member of the Master Locksmith Association whose members would be pleased to offer advice and guidance, without obligation on any aspects of your properties physical security.
By using an MLA approved Locksmith you are assured that the locksmith you employ is of the highest standard of Integrity and that the work undertaken will be carried out to very high standards.
All Master Locksmiths have undertaken and passed an independently assessed BLI examination to ensure they are qualified and competent to carry out all aspects of the Locksmith trade. And every Approved Company undergoes stringent, regular inspections, thus ensuring that it maintains high standards in workmanship and administration. Additionally members are expected to conform to legal requirements and follow a customer charter to service customer satisfaction.
The Master Locksmith Association has a freephone call line allowing people to locate and authenticate locksmiths claiming to be members.
Tel: 0800 783 1498 or visit their website @ www.locksmiths.co.uk

Thursday 14 July 2011

Locksmith upvc lock repair service for Wilmslow redsidents

uPVC Doors and Window lock repair and replacement in Wilmslow
We supply and fit most types and makes of uPVC door locks and mechanisms on the market today. where a lock is no longer available we take the time to fit an alternative which can save the cost of a replacement door.
We have a wealth of knowledge and experience in fixing uPVC door lock problems in Wilmslow.

Below are some of the most common faults found on uPVC doors.
  • Unable to remove key from lock when locked
  • Unable to lock when handle lifted
  • Unable to unlock
  • Door will not latch
  • Door Will not open - handle floppy
  • replacement keys for locking window handle
  • lock replacement following loss of keys

Avocet Winkaus Sarecen Coldseal Era Ferco Fullex Hoppe  G-UGu  Saracen  Mila  Yale  Lockmaster  Mila Millenco Securistyle  Maco  Fuhr

For emergency service Call us on 07792 517113
UPVC Repairs Wilmslow Replacement Locking Mechanisms - If your UPVC door mechanism fails we supply a professional service for fitting a new one for you. There is also no need to worry if your door is shut when it fails, as we are  experienced in opening them quickly and with the minimum damage. If your UPVC mechanism fails, we aim to have a new one fitted and working on your door the same day.
Replacement Locks/Cylinders - when you want your locks working off a new key, or your lock is faulty.
Adjusting Hanging/Closing of Door - when your door is not closing properly or is becoming difficult to lock.
Fitting Higher Security Cylinders - such as “Snap and Bump Resistant” cylinders.
Fitting of snaplocks and viewers to doors and windows - in the case of the security on your lock being compromised, this is a very affordable way of keeping your door held closed and therefore a very good additional layer of security.
We are also able to offer new handles, hinges, letterboxes and most other furniture for your doors and windows.
UPVC Door Repairs Wilmslow
To discuss your UPVC door security needs, please contact us now.

find us on  www.cusworth.net
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cusworth-Master-Locksmiths-Ltd/194890357211934

Wednesday 13 July 2011

Chosing a Master Locksmith in Wilmslow

Contact experienced and qualified locksmiths Wilmslow for your security requirements


Look For the MLA Logo

It is a fact that sooner or later you may need locksmiths in Wilmslow at  to help you out in times of emergencies. Many people in Wilmslow and Macclesfield in the Cheshire East area need locksmiths for various purposes. But you have to be very sure about his credentials before you contact a Wilmslow locksmith. You need to be very sure that the Wilmslow locksmith is the right man for the job because you will be handling over the security of your house and car to the locksmith. You will be placing your entire house and car at the disposal of the company if you contact a fraudulent company by mistake. You may end up being robbed of all your possessions.
Make sure that you enquire about his experience and also ask for membership of the Master Locksmiths Association when you contact any locksmith. The company will certainly be able to provide testimonials from people who have already opted for their services and have been satisfied , if they have been based in Wilmslow for a long time. You can contact these people yourself and be satisfied that you are dealing with good locksmiths after you get these references. If they reach you in a short time and if they use the right kind of locks, you will also be able to know a lot of things about these locksmiths like how much they charge.
Even if you have called up a local locksmith in a hurry and you are in a real emergency situation, always make it a point to ask for their ID cards. Insist on their returning to their office and getting the cards, if they have forgotten to bring their ID cards. It may take some more time before you can get out of the locking problem, but you will not be robbed of your things. Most locksmiths carry their ID cards at all times and so you will be able to verify without any problem.
It is advisable to contact locksmiths who have a proper brick and mortar address in the Wilmslow area. Just a local sounding 01625 number is not enough. It is important that don’t trust people who operate from mobile vans only. This means that you may not be able to contact if anything goes wrong. Locksmiths in Wilmslow who have proper offices are more credible and trustworthy. You can contact them when you need them most, if you keep their contact numbers with you.

Tuesday 12 July 2011

MG Racing gone wrong!

Following my post on upgrades to my tyres and brakes, Team Cusworth Master Locksmiths a race meeting and Oulton Park in Cheshire. To say practice did not go well was an understatement

more damage can be seen here!

A new lock for old uPVC door in Alderley Edge, Cheshire

I had a call the other day, A bed and breakfast in Alderley Edge. The handles on the main entrance door were floppy and just felt wrong. On stripping the door, the uPVC gearbox was found to be worn out, and the main spring to the mechanism broken. When I contacted my locksmith stockist in Stockport for a replacement, my worst fears were proven right - the lock was obsolete, and had been for a number of years!  We quickly found a close alternative and I returned  and fitted it, together with a new pair of handles, the job looked brand new!

Lost appartment keys in Wilmslow, Cheshire

I had a call last night from a lady who had lost her keys for her apartment in Wilmslow. She spent over three hours re-tracing her route around Wilmslow, unable to find them. Wilmslow Police station were unable to help.
Following call to me, and within 10 mins I was on site. It turns out  the ERA B.S Lock was quite faulty anyway! also, the new lock ( a Union B.S. 3621 2007) was of the current standard, unlike the old ERA!