AUTOLOCKSMITHS • 79
5. WHO WOULD YOU INVITE TO DINNER( PAST AND PRESENT, FAMOUS OR NOT)?
I would like the opportunity to meet with locksmiths around the world and together with my colleagues, to enjoy a sociable dinner and hopefully make new friends.
6. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START MAKING MR LI PICK AND DECODERS?
After the year 2000 in China, a large influx of imported cars and private car ownerships opened up a substantial increase in business. During the time as traditional automobile locksmith tools required developed skills it was necessary for auto locksmiths to train for a substantial amount of time. As such I figured it was important to develop a prototype of special tools that a locksmith, who after simpler training, is able to master.
My aim was to design and manufacture a leading tool for locksmiths that were precise, simple and efficient. I continued with innovation and development, so that my tools are welcomed and recognised by locksmiths the world over!
7. WHAT WAS THE FIRST TOOL YOU EVER MADE?
The first tool I developed was for Toyota models using the key blank TOY40, with a singular function. The first tool mass produced was the pick and decoder for HU66( VAG), HU100( Opel / Vauxhall) and HU92( BMW).
8. PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR WORKING DAY …
I work mainly in research & development, personnel and technical guidance for new products. I also manage process improvement, product quality supervision and spot checks. I attend many locksmith conventions all over the world to study and undertake training. I take time to understand the locksmith industry trends and to produce solutions to users in the process of using the tools.
9. HOW DO YOU RELAX?
When I’ m not working, I sometimes ask a few friends to go fishing in the country for fun. Sometimes I go on a bike tour or go hiking in the mountains to enjoy the beauty of nature.
10. CAN YOU TELL US OF ANY FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS?
We want to develop new tools for newer vehicle models currently in the market and continue the development of Mr Li tools.
11. DESCRIBE SIMPLY HOW THE PICK AND DECODERS WORK INSIDE THE LOCK?
Once the tool is properly inserted within the keyhole, the lifter is used alongside the reading panel to determine the position of each wafer, picking the lock is simply applying pressure to wafers that have a solid resistance. Once the lock is picked, the decoder reads each position of the wafer where the lifter stops to determine the combination.
12. WHAT HINTS AND TIPS CAN YOU GIVE SOMEONE USING THE TOOLS FOR THE FIRST TIME?
For beginners, understanding the tool and its function is crucial to becoming proficient in its use. This can be learnt through training classes, manuals or Mr Li master classes. It is also important to pay attention to how the tool operates and through continuous practice, one can master Mr Li tools.
13. WHERE AND WHEN CAN WE SEE YOU IN THE UK AND EUROPE THIS YEAR?
I have already given many lectures in Europe this year.( NW Keys – Mr Li will be joining us on the stand and performing his training classes at the MLA show at Telford in October).
14. WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST DIFFICULT LOCK TO MAKE A TOOL FOR?
I think that HU162T( 9 cut) and HU162T( 10 cut) were the most difficult tools to develop, because the lock structure is more complex. There is limited space within the lock to be able to pry the lock open
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LOCKSMITHJOURNAL. CO. UK | JUL / AUG 2017 Sponsored by SMP Security Solutions