HINTS & TIPS
Fortress Invincible Legge Fortress Copy
I would look for any visible hard plate . Some will have a full hard plate like a 114e some will have hard plate running along the top of the keyhole in a straight line like a Strongbolt or Fortress . Some have a distinctive shape to the hard plate like the stepped hard plate on the old Union 2334 or a horseshoe hard plate like the BS Euro Spec Easi-T .
Two locks that often get mixed up is the Asec – Legge and the Union 2134e as both have hardplate that covers the lock , but the Union ’ s hardplate is longer
‘ Two locks that often get mixed up is the Asec-Legge and the Union 2134e as both have hardplate that covers the lock ’
3g114 than the keyway and on the Asec-Legge the hard plate is just a bit shorter than the keyway . Using these locks again another stand-out feature is the Asec- Legge has a bevelled or chamfered curtain whilst the Union is flat and squared off .
Another common feature is a pair of dimples each side of the keyhole . Now this screams ERA to me as they are present on the grey Viscount , Profit , Invincible and Fortress . The first two being 7g with the others being 5g . But there is also a Black Legge that has dimples , its 5.5g so if you ’ ve used your gauge keys correctly you should spot it . But even if you miss it and assume it ’ s a Fortress you will still be ok as it is a copy of the ERA Fortress as far as the levers and drill point are concerned .
There are many other things to look at such as the curtains themselves . Turn the curtain and you will see the
3g114e
‘ an essential skill that will help you stand out from the Hole Saw gang that shows customers that you are a skilled trades person ’
shape of the back of the curtain . You can compare how much light is visible at the bottom of the curtain when its fully turned clockwise or anti clockwise . This is a simple way to tell the difference between a 3g114 and a 3g114E for example .
So hopefully you are starting to realise that there are many different “ 5-lever Chubb ” locks out there . But if you take the time to look , you will see that each type will have its own distinguishing features that with a bit of practice will enable you to be confident with what you are dealing with . It ’ s not just for drilling , if you are using a curtain pick you need to know what type of levers you are dealing with to use the correct technique . Same goes for decoding , you need to use the right tool on the right lock to get a good result .
It might not be the most glamourous side of the job , but it is an essential skill that will help you stand out from the Hole Saw gang and shows your customers that you are a skilled trades person and not a ‘ have a go cowboy ’.
www . gjlocks . co . uk
NOVEMBER 2023
13
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