2025-12-08 – Weekly Locksmith News : Speed up lockouts safely!

Last week, our forum was abuzz with practical discussions and technical insights. Members delved into the nuances of GM VATS systems and the intricacies of door prep tolerances, sharing tips and experiences that sharpened everyone’s skills. There was also a lively conversation about techniques to enhance speed and efficiency in damage-free lockouts, providing valuable perspectives for both seasoned and new locksmiths.


This Week’s Hot Topics

Remember GM VATS resistor counts
This discussion brought back some essential knowledge about GM VATS systems, focusing on the different resistor counts. It’s a great refresher for anyone working with older GM vehicles.

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CE on door prep tolerances
Community members shared their experiences with door prep tolerances, offering practical advice and solutions. It’s a must-read for anyone dealing with door installations and adjustments.

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Speeding up damage-free lockouts
A popular thread this week discussed techniques to make lockouts quicker and safer. The shared strategies here could save you time and prevent unnecessary damage on the job.

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Looking forward to seeing how these discussions evolve. Keep sharing your expertise and asking questions—it’s what makes this community thrive.

Pre-stage wedges and a slim shield; still verify ID — ‘damage-free’ first.

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For GM VATS, I time-box ‘damage-free’ attempts to 10 minutes — then reassess, @Rex.

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I mark my long-reach in 2-inch increments with a silver Sharpie to call depth and hit the handle on the first pass; it speeds me up and keeps wedge time short, but I slip a neoprene sleeve on it for soft-touch trim, @t_gray500.

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