The Locksmith Journal 96 May 2024 | Page 17

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Now , these ideas had led 11 specially-selected guests from door and window training centres and security hardware distributors ( plus me ) to set our sights and get our hands on the window and door opener kits . But what are they and why do we need them ?
Just as he said he would , Paul Batty began his presentation – starting with the door opener . These new tools have been born out of his life ’ s work , so he surely is the best person to talk us through the need , after all – with necessity being the mother of invention , as we all know . The nature behind the ‘ problem ’ in itself is quite simple , as Paul Batty explains . The real problem with uPVC doors , that he sees time and time again , is the locks failing .
So , you have the key , but you can ’ t get in the door ( or open the window ) because the mechanism has failed . There ’ s lots of different reasons for this , substandard hardware , doors haven ’ t been serviced , hinge wear and tear , packers falling out , glass units slip and step . But in all cases , you need to open the mechanism . This
process throws up all manner of challenges – mostly that ‘ you need three hands ’; but also damaging the scotia , adding too much tension to the door to spread it , and not having enough space on an outward opening door to get in or see what you ’ re doing .
Many have tried to make these door spreaders before – and a lot of locksmiths , and door and window repairers have their own version on their van – the result is a very heavy , long-handled device that could break your foot if you drop it while trying to spread the door and get the mushroom roller tool inside to strike . So , to see the case with the complete kit in and watch Paul Batty in action was impressive to say the least . The proof is in the pudding though , as they say , and who doesn ’ t love getting their hands on the equipment ; this was our own chance to sample they goods ?
I have to start with the caveat that this is the first time I have ever attempted to open a door with a failed locking mechanism , but I also hasten to add that , with the tool kit ,
I did it first time in about a minute , under the watchful eye of Liam from NR Windows ( look out for Wendy ’ s interview with him in the next issue of The Locksmith Journal by the way !).
My friends from Keyprint , also in my group were equally impressed . We all commented that we ’ re lucky we ’ ve never had to do it the ‘ hard way ’ but for Liam , and plenty of others – some people in attendance that day for example – they assured us as to what a breath of fresh air this kit in when they ’ ve struggled in the past . In some cases , it can save them 45 minutes or even longer , trying to get a customer into their door , and for Liam who has been trialling the kit , it works ‘ every time ’!
Next up , the window opener kit ; same problem and same method – but with tools designed for the smaller scale of opening a window from inside a property . And , I have to say the same result for me , when I tried my hand at getting in ( or out ) – worked first time .
Apparently , some locksmiths will refuse a job of this kind point blank if they know
it ’ ll take them too long to get in , or to save them the embarrassment of not getting in at all . As Liam says , with these two kits , packed neatly into their cases and tucked away in your van ( and at a more-than-affordable pricepoint ), not only are you able to take on this work , you look professional turning up on the job ; well-equipped , with a neat and tidy kit – and you know you ’ ve taken all the tools away with you when you leave ( imperative for jobs when you are working in properties with vulnerable people too ).
It would be difficult to say more about what is in these kits , or what they do because it ’ s as ‘ simple ’ as that . And I say ‘ simple ’ because you know when an idea is so good , they ’ ve made it look almost too easy ; well that ’ s what these are . And , that was exactly the intention of Paul Batty and Paul Souber , plus the Souber team in putting these launch events together . If the suppliers and distributors ( and I ) can get in with this piece of kit , then the locksmiths and door and window repairs will find it a piece of cake .
Also , knowing Paul Batty and Paul Souber , there is nothing ‘ easy ’ about what they do . Between them they ’ ve combined decades of experience and expertise , innovation and investment and all that hard work to make it easier every day for those that get to use them .
And from the first time I met each of the Pauls , to the last time I saw them at these launches in Neston ( and every time in between ), I ’ ve always wanted to know what they were doing next . Now , I ’ m even more excited to see what that will be …
www . soubertools . com www . sashstop . co . uk
MAY 2024
17 locksmithjournal . co . uk