The complete handbook of Locks & Locksmithing by C. A. Roper

The complete handbook of Locks & Locksmithing by C. A. Roper

FIRST EDITION

FIRST PRINTING-SEPTEMBER 1976

SECOND PRINTING-JANUARY1977

Copyright © 1976 by TAB BOOKS

Printed in the United States

of America

Reproduction or publication of the content in any manner, without

express permission of the publisher, is prohibited. No liability is

assumed with respect to the use of the information herein.

Hardbound Edition: International Standard Book No. 0-8306-6920-5

Paperbound Edition: International Standard Book No. 0-8306-5920-X

Library of Congress Card Number: 76-43134

This handbook on locksmithing is written for the student, the

professional locksmith, and for everyone who is interested in

the fascinating world of locks.

There is enough material here to get you started in the

business of selling, servicing, and installing locks. Besides the

challenge of the work, locksmithing is a very lucrative

profession. According to the U.S. Occupation Outlook

Handbook and the Locksmith Ledger, a self-employed

locksmith can look forward to earning twice the hourly wage of

an auto mechanic and three times as much as a

watchmaker. And locksmithing is rewarding in other ways:

no other craft offers such prestige and trust.

The amateur - the student of lock technology and the

collector - will find much that is rewarding here. One chapter

traces the evolution of the lock from simple Egyptian bolts,

through Greek and Roman designs, locks of the Middle Ages,

and the Renaissance. the latchstrings of the American frontier,

and concludes with the great Nineteenth-Century Revolution in

lockmaking. Other chapters carry the story to modern times,

including ultra-high security locks used in military

instalations.

Thave tried to include everything that you need to know Each

Di the various lock mechanisms- combination, warded, lever,

dis. wafer, and pin-tumbler-is discussed in detail with an eye

to troubleshooting and servicing. Chapters are devoted to

interior and exterior locksets. with special emphasis on the

most popular brands. While locksmithing requires

surprisingly few tools, each tool that you will need is described

and, in most cases, illustrated. Instructions are given on how

to make your own tools and how to choose and buy

factory-made tools.

professionals will welcome the chapter on masterkey

systems, the in-depth information on Schlage and Corbin

locksets, and the discussion of Medeco and other speciality

locks. Vending-machine, filing-cabinet. post office box, and

automobile locks are illustrated and discussed in detail.

Carl A. Roper