Locksmithing / Lock picking
 

When my house was built, of course the builder used some cheap locks.
Dexter by Schlage, so Schlage keys fit, but the locks are made in China, and kind of flimsy.
I replaced them several years ago with Schlage locks, not all at once, but one or two at a time as I found them either on Craigslist or eBay. I'd change the pinning so they still all worked from the same key. When we had Ginger, I had to create a lock I could no longer buy, a lever that wouldn't unlock unless you turned the button. She learned to paw at the lever and get the door open to go outside. I did have a different one on the back door, but after the wife locked herself out the second time, I had to change it.

I've got these extra Dexter locks, and decided it's time to get rid of them. I thought it might make more sense to sell some of them as a set, keyed alike, so I bought a re-key kit at Menards. Boy, was that a mistake. It's a Prime-Line kit, 3 keys and a set of color coded pins. The thing is, the pins aren't the same height as Schlage pins, so I can't use the extras for anything. In fact, I wouldn't recommend these for anybody. There's sets of 5 color coded pins, but they're all almost the same size.
The ones I got were 0.220, 0.230, 0.235, 0.240 and 0.260" in size. Real deal Schlage pins range from 0.165" to 0.300", with a 0.015" difference between one size of pin and the next size. A 0.005" difference isn't enough, and I'm pretty sure I could mix up a couple and the lock would still open.

I also bought some locks with no keys off eBay, thinking they would be easy to open. I guess I don't have the touch. I've only got one open, using a snap gun I bought from a retiring locksmith. No luck so far with the other two. Any tips?

Anyone watch "The Rookie"? Last week one of the main characters was trying to get some non-paying renters out of her house, and when they left they not only took all the furniture, they took the hardware off all the doors. Looking around at my house, that would suck having to replace all of that.

One other thing I did, once again wife related, was I put a storeroom lock on the shed door in the back yard. It's always locked, you turn the key, then you can turn the handle. As long has she remembers to pull the door shut, it's locked. Maybe I should invest in a door closer.

Lock picking isn't as easy as they make it look in the movies. I bought a set and a bunch of locks of varying difficulty (size of keyway, type of lock, type of pins, etc...). Most door locks are pretty easy, especially if they're not in a door. But it takes work and practice, and even the way the lock is keyed can make a big difference in how tough a lock is to pick. For instance if the pin farthest in is super short, but the one in front of it is really long, that can be a bear.

I’ve been rekeying Schlage locks for over 30 years. I’ve noticed a big difference in the quality of Schlage locks going from a lot of brass to a lot of Chinesium. In addition, some are non-rekeyable, due do a swaged cap. You destroyed the On the deadbolt cylinder when removing it. Maybe there’s a tool to remove and install it?

Edit, I’d like to learn how to pick locks.

Watch the Lockpicking Lawyer on Youtube. Or don't, he makes it look so easy.
Instead of the snap gun, I'm thinking of ordering a set of picks. I made one out of the stainless strip from a windshield wiper blade, but I think I pull too hard on the torsion rod. I could get 3 or 4 pins to click, but I could never get the last one.

I also thought about ordering a cutaway or clear lock to practice on.

Is your plastic cylinder hollow? I drilled out one to fit the piece from the deadbolt, because yes, they aren't removable on some newer deadbolts. That cheap re-key kit I just bought had a hollow tube, worked like a charm on a deadbolt.

Second that. I work with a few miscreant who like to dabble in lockpicking, they ALL mention the Lockpicking Lawyer as a prime source of info.


We have also learned that the locks in my building are 6 pin Schlages (or something like that, they speak a different language when discussing locks), and none of those guys will even try. So, we've go that going for us.

I’m not going to say that it’s easy, but it’s not really that hard.
I’ve never used a snap gun or bump key. I’ve only talked a few times. I mostly just pick (SPP - single pin pick). I bought a pick set online and a cheap door knob. I already had a cheap pad lock.

The lock picking lawyer is entertaining. BosnianBill on YouTube is also excellent and, I think, more educational IIRC.

This place has lots of good info including this page

https://www.art-of-lockpicking.com/best-locks-learn-lock-picking/

The general consensus on most of those is “don’t bother”. Get a handful of padlocks, even if they are all the same model. The way they are keyed and the tolerances can make one much harder to pick than others. I need to dig my locks and pick sweet out again.

I have this set. It was my first and it’s a great beginner set.
https://www.lockpickshop.com/PXS-14.html

I think these people actually make decent training locks. They aren’t the acrylic, but you can see into them. And their picks are also very popular.
https://www.sparrowslockpicks.com/collections/beginner-lock-pick-sets

This was the second set of picks that I bought. I bought them to get the picks that are more narrow which are easier to use in a narrow keyway.
https://www.lockpickworld.com/products/dangerfield-praxis-dual-gauge-21-piece-complete-lock-pick-set

I have a thread from a few years ago too
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/1031592-anyone-locksmith-lock-picker.html

Certainly not as easy as hot-wiring a car, anyway ...

_

my kid got a kit including a clear lock to practice on and picks for xmas
and finds some locks much eazyer to pick then others

most house door and pad locks are eazy

Absolutely. Most master locks are a joke (keyed or padlock).

And I replied to that thread as well. Looks like all my questions were answered 3 1/2 years ago.

Do we have an Alzheimer's thread going?

Hi, what's your name?

If you don't repeat yourself or even ask the same question a time or two more you probably don't belong here :D!

I taught myself to pick locks back in high school. I fashioned my own kit of tools out of spring steel. I don't remember how or where I got the information to do so. The internet was way in the future. In biology and chemistry labs, we all had our own drawers to keep our stuff in. When kids would forget their keys I would help them out and open their drawers. One day the biology teacher caught me and confiscated all my tools. I guess he figured that I was up to no good. He did return them upon graduation.
I have quite a collection of old locks and pins. I used to go to a home hardware salvage place in Houston and buy up old locks. High quality stuff that I use to change locks for family members. I volunteer at various railroad museums in the region repairing locks on old passenger cars and cabooses. Really simple stuff once you get them apart. I have quite a collection of skeleton keys, some that I made myself for locks that no keys are available.

Cue the Lockpicking Lawyer...

I had to remove a side door chain lock this year. It came with the house but I never had the key. It was a basic lock like a desk drawer lock. I went on You Tube and found a way. All I needed was 2 paper clips. I felt like Jim Rockford while picking the lock. It took me 15 minutes to make it work.

I have a Schlage rekeying kit with the plastic tool. It’s made for deadbolts and entrance locks. I also have several others I can use.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1673924768.jpg

Don't forget BosnianBill on youtube. He's another good lock picker. My locks and picks are in a box somewhere since we moved. I went to look for them a few mins ago, but then the missus put the grandsons to bed, so I stopped looking. They're going home tomorrow, so I'll have to do some digging this weekend to see if I can find them and get to picking again. It was fun, and not easy, but also not that hard.

I had at least one of each lock in this article, and was able to single pin pick them all.
https://www.art-of-lockpicking.com/best-locks-learn-lock-picking/

I also had some keyed door locks, which are generally pretty easy compared to the locks in the link.

Most standard masterlocks like this are beyond being a joke.
https://images.thdstatic.com/product...dcc-64_600.jpg

And for some really fascinating videos that include lock picking but also lots of other pentesting stuff, Check out Deviant Ollam on Youtube.

Taught a guy in Sweden how to pick the lock on his 356 glove box via email on the 356talk list forever ago....

And for a large majority of locks, picking them is fairly easy...

yep most are super easy to pick. Some are easier than others.

Thanks Steve.

Before I went away for holiday I put a huge (and expensive) lock on my welder, and put the keys somewhere that no one would think of looking - as it turns out, not even me.

I angle grindered the chain off, but the lock cost me about $150 so I would like to get it open so I can get the tumbler bit out so keys can be made up.

It's tough getting older and stupider and making f***ups like this :(

^^^ I was fixin' to say the same thing ;)

Interesting. What sort of lock is it, make and model?

It's a Lockwood 356S63 https://eshop.assaabloyopeningsolutions.com.au/356s-63mm-steel-body-padlock-d-locking-25mm-moly-steel-11mm-diameter-shackle-5ka-tp-no-finish-356s63-525-5ka-5f80fa6c7213e

Here is a pic. A bit out of scale as my hands are the size of a gorilla's.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1686864531.JPG

The best locks are usually/often Assa Abloy locks. I was thinking that might be what you had.

Cool, thanks for posting.

still...

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And the lockpickinglawyer who's a wizard with picks.

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Thanks Steve, haha, that didn't take him long. A friend of mine has watched these youtubes and is quite good at it so I'll buy him lunch I think.

I hadn't seen my lock picks and practice locks for 4-5 years. This year, a few times I thought, "I should get those out and practice again," but couldn't remember where I put them. I stumbled across them the other day and have been practicing again. The first hour or so sucked, but then a lock clicked and so did I. I'm not NEARLY as good as the Lock Picking Lawyer. I don't have nearly the practice, but I'm able to open all of the locks that I've got from the link that I posted farther up the thread, the locks with tight keyways and security pins, etc.... I'd love to buy 50 more locks and sit around practicing while watching TV, but the good locks to practice on (security pins, etc...) aren't cheap. To practice on the good locks (harder to pick) it's mostly $10 - $50 each, although you can get up to well over $100.

Bill, did you ever either find the keys or get the lock of undamaged?

Ha, actually I bought the lock picking kit and opened it myself. It took me a bit longer (more like three hours) than the youtube, but it worked.

The good thing about these particular locks is once it's unlocked you undo a small Phillips screw and the lock barrel pops out. The locksmith made up a new key for me.

Outstanding! Yeah, picking these locks when you haven't picked 1000 or 2000 other locks before and developed the feel that the guy on YT have is a much harder, more time consuming process. I've also found that trying to pick a lot that's locked onto something is harder than picking a lock that's in your hand while you sit at a desk, on the couch, etc.... So that's impressive that you got it open in 3 hours.

Very, very cool!

I use these to lock the bike up. Made sure the key was big enough no to lose.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1735011011.JPG

I did retire from Schlage Lock but now Allegion.

Sawyer

I'd heartily recommend this set (Southord PXS-14), and I have purchased from that vendor. The rubber handles make practicing so much more comfortable, and Southord makes a quality set of picks.
https://www.lockpickworld.com/products/southord-14-piece-lock-pick-set-with-textured-grip-case

Other well loved brands are Sparrows and Dangerfield (both available on ^that^ site). I bought the Dangerfield Praxis dual gauge because the narrow picks help when you're working with really narrow keyways. I also bought a set of the Southord style rubber grips to put on them.

The original "kryptonite" bike locks!

Is that a key in your pants leg or are you just really happy to see me?

Thanks. I was watching the youtube so I knew how far to move the pick along and what to do.

I have to be the worst lock picker in the world. Several years ago I bought a Schlage rekey kit and a set of picks from a retired locksmith, and I could not get the touch for picking a lock. I had bought 3 locks off eBay that came without keys, figuring they wouldn't be that hard to open. I was wrong. I eventually gave up and put them on a shelf in the basement. I then found a snap gun on FBM, and bought that. I got one of the locks open with that, total fluke.

But now I might have to change the locks on the house in Iowa, and we picked up some similar knobs cheap from a guy on FBM. It was miserably cold the day we picked them up, and I didn't check them really close. When I got home I figured out why they were so cheap, there were no keys with them. Great. Given my earlier failure, I weighed my options. I ended up buying a fake Lishi tool off eBay. It wasn't easy, but I eventually got them all open, and the two locks I had in the basement. I accidentally let the top pins out of one of the deadbolts, and I saw why I had so much trouble before. 4 spool pins and one regular pin.

Here's the Lock Picking Lawyer with the Lishi. You have to buy a different one for each keyway you want to open, since I only had one brand of lock I figured it was a good enough deal to purchase.

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I’m interested in trying to pick locks. What’s the difference between lock picking tools on Amazon vs Huckleberry and Lock Pick World?

That guy's got the touch for sure. I'm sure that he's spent thousands, probably tens of thousands of hours picking locks.
It's cool that you have now managed to get all of your locks open.
What's really funny, is that I've got an old cheap masterlock padlock, the sort that's a joke to open/pick. I've only ever managed to single-pin pick that lock a couple of times. I can rake it open on the first try 50% of the time and in a few tries 80% of the time. I generally have a much easier time single pin picking harder locks because the better tolerances provide (for me) more feedback of what's going on. I found my picks and locks a few weeks back and did some picking. I was a bit out of practice, but managed to pick almost all of my locks. I have a variety that includes locks of varying difficultly, various security pins, wide and narrow keyways, etc....
I'll tell you what my experience is.

The first set that I bought was a Southord PXS-14. I found it on Amazon, but it's not usually available there. Lockpickworld does sell them. Southord is one of the long time vendors (decades, I think). And this is a great basic set, IMO. I really love the rubber/plastic handle covers. Most folks that are really into it talk about doing a little work on picks when you first get them, lightly sanding the edges (which are usually pretty sharp). The edges of the Southord that I got weren't that sharp, and the important bit, the handles, were covered anyway. This set is <$30
https://www.lockpickworld.com/products/southord-14-piece-lock-pick-set-with-textured-grip-case

The second set that I bought was a Dangerfield Praxxis set. I got it because it had picks in 2 thicknesses. Some locks have much tighter keyways so that a thinner pick is easier to work with (or even required). I think the Dangerfield line was designed by lock pickers and is a relative newcomer, but is well liked/recommended. These do have sharper edges than the Southord. I actually bought a set of the Southord handle covers (they just slip on) and put them on my most used Dangerfields. I don't actually use many of those picks. This set is $70
https://www.lockpickworld.com/products/dangerfield-praxis-dual-gauge-21-piece-complete-lock-pick-set

Lock picking lawyer seems to have started a lockpicking tool company (I think he designed or was consulted on the designs) or is closely associated with one. I don't have any, and don't have any experience with them, but I feel like if he's supporting them (and uses them in his videos) that they should be pretty good. I've perused the site and would like to have some of his stuff.
https://covertinstruments.com/

If I had to recommend something (and I'm no expert, so take it for what it's worth) I'd say that for <$30, the Southord PXS-14 is a good starter set.

Thanks. I’ve ordered a couple that you recommended.