got any opinions on scopes?

[atlsmitty]

Does anyone have any opinions on using a scope to pick ignition wafer locks? I would be purchasing the scope for the following reason. Time is always an issue when I'm on a call, as I would assume it is with most locksmiths. Now and then I'll get an ignition that takes a little while longer than normal. When scheduling is concerned and 9 out of 10 times it takes minutes to pick a certain ignition and then that hour long ignition(same type) comes along it it can create a problem. Is it worth while to purchase an ignition scope? Would it save any time? And more importantly would it allow me to set a more definite time frame?

[Tyler J. Thomas]

I use Lockmaster's 3 in 1 scope. Lockpicks.com sells the exact same one. One of the best, if not THE best, scopes out there. It seems like the weapon of choice for anyone that sight reads. Tough as nails and quality parts. The probes last forever and you have to almost try to bend them. LED is excellent.

The company I work for is slowly getting back into the automotive sector and we're looking to slowly add tools as we need them instead of buying a lot up front and hoping for business. After attending a few PUREAUTO classes, I found scopes to be the biggest bang for your buck in terms of key origination. Determinators and Kobra Readers are great but they require a lot more initial investment than just a scope.

Also, the scope occupies virtually no space in my truck and it'll work on any application; I've even used it to decode SmartKey cylinders, with the assistance of the polished blade. I also use it on cabinet, desk, virtually any other wafer lock. It's got an incredibly easy learning curve.

If I were you I'd go with the 3 in 1 scope from Lockmasters. It's second only to my Hilti drill in terms of favorite tool.

[atlsmitty]

I use Lockmaster's 3 in 1 scope. Lockpicks.com sells the exact same one. One of the best, if not THE best, scopes out there. It seems like the weapon of choice for anyone that sight reads. Tough as nails and quality parts. The probes last forever and you have to almost try to bend them. LED is excellent.

The company I work for is slowly getting back into the automotive sector and we're looking to slowly add tools as we need them instead of buying a lot up front and hoping for business. After attending a few PUREAUTO classes, I found scopes to be the biggest bang for your buck in terms of key origination. Determinators and Kobra Readers are great but they require a lot more initial investment than just a scope.

Also, the scope occupies virtually no space in my truck and it'll work on any application; I've even used it to decode SmartKey cylinders, with the assistance of the polished blade. I also use it on cabinet, desk, virtually any other wafer lock. It's got an incredibly easy learning curve.

If I were you I'd go with the 3 in 1 scope from Lockmasters. It's second only to my Hilti drill in terms of favorite tool.

Yea ive gotten mixed reviews on the Navigator scope. been debating for almost a month now about weather to purchase the scope or not. most likely gonna go ahead and get it. even if i don't use it as much as i'm hoping on the job its the type of tool that'd be cool to own. and at that price it'll pay for itself quickly. thanks for input man, ill let ya know what i think when i get a chance to try out the scope

[Tyler J. Thomas]

I use Lockmaster's 3 in 1 scope. Lockpicks.com sells the exact same one. One of the best, if not THE best, scopes out there. It seems like the weapon of choice for anyone that sight reads. Tough as nails and quality parts. The probes last forever and you have to almost try to bend them. LED is excellent.

The company I work for is slowly getting back into the automotive sector and we're looking to slowly add tools as we need them instead of buying a lot up front and hoping for business. After attending a few PUREAUTO classes, I found scopes to be the biggest bang for your buck in terms of key origination. Determinators and Kobra Readers are great but they require a lot more initial investment than just a scope.

Also, the scope occupies virtually no space in my truck and it'll work on any application; I've even used it to decode SmartKey cylinders, with the assistance of the polished blade. I also use it on cabinet, desk, virtually any other wafer lock. It's got an incredibly easy learning curve.

If I were you I'd go with the 3 in 1 scope from Lockmasters. It's second only to my Hilti drill in terms of favorite tool.

Yea ive gotten mixed reviews on the Navigator scope. been debating for almost a month now about weather to purchase the scope or not. most likely gonna go ahead and get it. even if i don't use it as much as i'm hoping on the job its the type of tool that'd be cool to own. and at that price it'll pay for itself quickly. thanks for input man, ill let ya know what i think when i get a chance to try out the scope

What were the negative things people had to say about it?

[atlsmitty]

What were the negative things people had to say about it?

would lose feedback having the pick attached to the front of scope(instead of holding pick) and lighting and visuals would not makeup for the loss of feeling.

[Tyler J. Thomas]

What were the negative things people had to say about it?

would lose feedback having the pick attached to the front of scope(instead of holding pick) and lighting and visuals would not makeup for the loss of feeling.

I mean, what's the point of feeling when you're sight reading? You make sure the the scopes level with the plug and read. I don't understand why you'd need to feel anything.

[atlsmitty]

I mean, what's the point of feeling when you're sight reading? You make sure the the scopes level with the plug and read. I don't understand why you'd need to feel anything.

Well for picking purposes feeling would still matter, if i needed to pick an ignition for removal. but i agree for sight reading alone the feedback wouldn't matter. Will order scope tomorrow, have it by mid week, will post on Friday what my thoughts are.

[Optagonal]

I just ordered the 3 in 1 scope I am new at locksport but having run through the clear practice locks I need to establish visual conformation for the tactile feedback based on spool pins etc I am glad that there are some positive comments here and look forward to receiving the package and posting the results of my very armature locksport progress

[pipescope]

I would spend the money and get the scope, they always always make you look professional in front of a customer when you pull it out and use it..

Pipescope

[LockDocWa]

My scopes get used daily.
I now use a feeler pick made specifically for reading wafer locks. BIG help.
When you use a normal half diamond pick to read wafers,
the ass-end of the pick gets in the way of the scope.
The tension wrenches you see to the right, are made to
keep the shutter door open, Very useful.

[Capt_Tom]

I have scopes for safe work. I have never used them for locks, and not sure that I understand how you read the wafers. Are you reading (estimating) what bitting will set each wafer to "shear"? Or do the wafers have depth identifying markings?

Thanks, Tom

(If this question's answer is sensitive for the forum...... could you pm me?)

[LockDocWa]

Some wafers actually have depth numbers stamped into them. Like GM VATS.
Most do not. When we refer to reading, it is estimating the height of a wafer.

[MacGyver101]

Are you reading (estimating) what bitting will set each wafer to "shear"?

Exactly. To open most wafer locks, you only need to take the wafers from their "resting" positions (with no key in the lock) and lift (or lower) them all by exactly the same amount.

Because of that, it means that measuring the heights of the wafers when there's no key in the lock will directly give you the depths of the cuts you need (plus a constant offset). (You're used to safe work... this is basically the same as scoping the wheels in one location and then transferring the combination.) There are a number of tools for automotive locks that measure the wafer heights mechanically -- and the scopes we're talking about here just let you do it visually.

Hope that helps?

[escher7]

Dr. Mom's Otoscope on Amazon. $20.00. Can't lose.

[LockDocWa]

Is this what you are referring to?

I might question durability....Bulb replacement availability...and overall visual quality.

It may be fine for a hobbyist.