--- Tony Duell <ard_at_p850ug1.demon.co.uk> wrote:
> > 2. Does the lock use pin tumblers or wafers?
> > For pin tumbler locks, you'll probably want a plug follower of the
> > right diameter (hint: look at drill bit shanks as an easy source of
> > various diameters)
>
> >
> > If you can remove the lock completely, then you have the option of
> > handing the entire task oer to a locksmith, who has experience doing
> > it. It usually isn't very expensive.
>
> Yes, but what's the fun in that ;-)
Well... my brother _is_ a locksmith, and he has a fun toy - a circular
pin-tumbler lock *pick* - it is essentially a follower that is the same
proportions as a real key, 4" (10cm) long with a large knob for a
handle - it looks like an odd axial nut driver. The way it works
is that where the pins are (you need a pick to match your lock
since they make them with a variety of quantities of pins), there
is a groove machined along the body of the pick that is a few mm
long. Inside each grove is a strip of metal like a feeler gauge
that can slide up and down the groove. There is also a tension
ring a cm or so up the body that keeps the feelers from falling out.
You tap all the feelers so they are flush with the front of the
pick, then lightly press the pick into the lock while giving a
slight rotation - the turned lock binds the lock pins which push
back on the feelers. A few twist-push-pull-untwist motions
and the feelers back out to the proper depth for the pins and
the lock turns. It takes about 3-5 seconds for an experienced
hand to "pick" the lock.
One benefit compared with picking a "normal" lock is that when you
are done with this you, can take the adjusted lockpick and put it on
a tubular key cutting machine and *make* a working key.
Since one of the prerequisites for a true lock-*smith* is being
able to make your own tools, he has made his own tubular lock pick
from a blank key and some lock-pick feelers. The real thing is
cleaner and neater, but his home-made one works just as well.
He opened up the coin door on my Gorf cabinet with his so we could
replace the pins to match my DEC keys (XX2247). Now, I'll never
be locked out again!
-ethan
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Received on Mon Jun 03 2002 - 19:13:37 BST