Cylinder Locks and the Kitchen Sink

I finally added the nine inch cabinate that we custom ordered. I had to cut out the tile (that turned out to be surprisingly easy), which led to the purchase of our new vacuum, and ultimately got us ready for the counter tops.

We went to Home Depot right away and started the process over Memorial Day Weekend. Well, we are getting measured for the countertops tomorrow! It is amazing that I am excited about pressed wood with Formica, but I truly am! For one thing, we bought a kitchen sink this weekend. For a guy who's been crouching in the tub and doing dishes for many moons, the idea of a kitchen sink is truly exciting!

I have also fixed my first deadbolt this weekend. Our security door deadbolt was stuck and would not turn. I figured, "what do I have to lose?", and I started taking the screws out and messing with it. Frankly, the experience left me feeling far less secure about doors and locks. Then again, as Cathy pointed out, locks only keep honest people honest.

It turns out that the common lock is really quite simple in design; most houses tend to be equiped with pin-and-tumbler cylinder locks. I was able to figure out what was wrong with our deadbolt, and in the process discovered how I can rekey my own locks; in principle, I think I understand how to pick a lock now, too. I am now considering installing a master key system in our triplex; that would be really convenient.

I thought about describing my discoveries (which are basic, daily excercises for actual locksmiths), but I think a link to How Lock Picking Works would be much better.