2026-01-05 – Weekly Locksmith News : Wrongly accused during a job?

Last week’s forum was buzzing with a mix of practical advice and intriguing stories from the locksmith world. Members shared experiences, debated on best practices, and explored new tools. A standout discussion involved a member’s unexpected legal issue during a job, while another focused on optimizing tool use for efficiency. Continuing education opportunities also sparked interest, particularly in niche areas like antique lock conservation.


This Week’s Hot Topics

Camry accused me of theft mid-job
An engaging thread where a locksmith recounts being wrongly accused of theft. This story raises important questions about protecting oneself legally during a job.
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CE options for code machine calibration
Members are weighing in on the best continuing education courses to keep your calibration skills sharp. Staying updated is crucial for accuracy and efficiency.
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Printable cylindrical door prep check card
A useful resource was shared for those looking to ensure precision in door prep. This printable check card could streamline your workflow.
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Smart deadbolt with a sense of humor
A lighter discussion about a smart deadbolt that adds a touch of humor to security. It’s a reminder that even in security, a bit of fun can go a long way.
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Handheld for OSDP/Wiegand and strike testing
Professionals are sharing insights on the latest handheld devices for testing and installation, which could enhance your tech toolkit.
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Antique lock conservation CE hours
A niche yet fascinating topic, this thread discusses continuing education options for preserving antique locks, a field rich with history and craftsmanship.
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Best boring jig for clean deadbolt installs
Members are debating the best tools for achieving precise deadbolt installations, which is critical for maintaining security standards.
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The fob that fought back
A humorous yet informative tale of a tech-savvy fob that outsmarted its user. It’s a fun reminder of the quirks in modern security solutions.
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Rekey or replace when you move in
A practical discussion on whether to rekey or replace locks when moving into a new home. It’s a common dilemma with security implications.
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Pocket pinning kit that stays organized
Locksmiths are sharing tips on keeping pinning kits tidy and efficient, which can save time and reduce errors in the field.
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Looking forward to another week of shared knowledge and professional growth. Keep the conversations going!

That legal scare from last week stuck with me — , I now start every call with a 10‑second verification… I check ID and proof of occupancy, snap a timestamped photo by the unit number, and get a quick e‑sign on my phone; I also record audio on arrival (where legal) with dispatch on speaker for the first minute. On the deadbolt precision debate, @Drew, the Major Mfg HIT-66 jig keeps me true, but if budget’s tight the Ryobi door lock kit plus a backset gauge gets it done — anyone else running that combo?

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After last week’s legal issue, I started doing one thing: before I touch the lock, I call the number on the work order on speaker and leave a 20‑second voicemail noting time, address, and ‘per [name], unit 4B, ID checked, proceeding.’ It’s not a tool, but it saved me once when an officer arrived; the caveat is it’s awkward after-hours if nobody picks up. Anyone else do a quick call like this?

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I carry a 1‑minute ‘work authorization’ — ID, unit, scope, signature; small delay, big protection.

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I switched to a cheap $45 clip‑on body cam — before I touch the lock, I roll 20 seconds stating address/unit and “client confirms they have rights,” then pan ID and the door condition. , it’s one more thing, but it beats snapshots and fits the “new tools” vibe from the OP; just mind two‑party consent and ask on video first. @lindsey_b87 have you tried video instead of photos for that timestamp step?

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Seen this on our CFX96 when the optics were slightly off — ‘phantom’ shoulders that mapped to rows; a quick service/firmware update cleared it, so if the pattern’s spatial, ping Bio‑Rad before chasing primer tweaks, @jwilson23. Do the odd wells cluster?

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