ACL at the Open House of Wendt GmbH in Germany
In the spring of 2018, members of the Association of Czech Lockpickers (ACL) traveled to Germany to attend the Open House event organized by Zieh-Fix (Wendt GmbH). This prestigious event, held every two years, offers a unique opportunity to meet industry experts, observe the latest technologies in emergency lock opening, and gain valuable experience.
The March trip was not just an excursion for us but also a chance to deepen our knowledge and exchange experiences with colleagues from the German lockpicking club Sportfreunde der Sperrtechnik. German lockpickers are globally recognized for their exceptional skills in impressioning—the technique of creating a key without the original using a file and a magnifying glass. This technique is considered one of the most challenging among experts, so it was no surprise that impressioning was one of the competitive topics in the Saturday program.
During the event, we also attended presentations on the latest opening techniques by Zieh-Fix. We had the opportunity to try modern tools designed for emergency door, vehicle, and safe opening. Another fascinating highlight was the demonstration of the latest diagnostic tools from ABRITES, a company specializing in automotive diagnostics and advanced key programming systems. This segment is becoming an increasingly important part of the modern locksmithing and security industry. The Open House also featured an exhibition of historical locks, which left us in awe. Seeing lock mechanisms from past centuries reinforced our appreciation for the tremendous technological advancements in this field. From heavy and cumbersome constructions to today’s precise, minimalist, and highly sophisticated locks—the history of locksmithing is a fascinating journey that never ceases to amaze.
The entire trip had an excellent atmosphere. We enjoyed not only the professional program but also great food, evenings spent with colleagues from Germany and other countries, and enriching discussions that provided us with new ideas and inspiration for our future activities. The Open House at Zieh-Fix was an unforgettable experience, and we are already looking forward to the next edition!