Ingersoll 10lever/6Lever Locks

[Jlo]

Hi,

Have come across some very secure locks at http://www.ingersolllocks.co.uk/ The Padlocks that are recomended for high security situations are fitted with 10 lever locks. The key looks like a 'yale' (Pin tumbler) key but with serations on both sides. Does not look like a normal 7 lever safe key or 5 lever british BS Mortise lock key.

Any one have any info on how these locks work?

Cheers

Jlo

[Varjeal]

I haven't been able to find a breakdown on the actual cylinder, but it's definitely not pin tumber...probably wafer, and I'm guessing bi-directional, which means wafers both top and bottom, most likely alternating.

From the pictures the keyway looks kinda tight too, so a pick with a small head would need to be used. Tension would have to be applied in the "middle" of that keyway to leave room for picking tool on both sides. I dunno what they have for security devices, but I would imagine the wafers are serrated and drill points would be protected by hardened steel inserts if they are UL437 listed, which I'm not sure of.

Just some thoughts, not facts...I'll have to see if I can find out more...especially what makes them "high security"

[Jlo]

Hi,

Yes thanks for your reply!

They are meant to be secure and often are used on Goverment installations etc. The 10 lever padlocks cost over £100 (UK) so it must be pretty secure but does not seem to be much info on the internet.

Usually you can look up how locks work (Like Abloy, Chubb, Medeco etc etc)

If I find out any more info I will let you know. May need to save up and by this little fellow and have a closer look!!

Cheers.

Jlo

[Chucklz]

These are Lever locks, not wafer, kinda like the old Chubb detector, but with twice as many levers. For comparison, many strongboxes have 4-7 levers, and many safes that use keyed locks have about 10 (some have more, but they are the exception). To say that these are high security is an understatement. From the look of the keyway, you have almost no room to move, and lever picks are a whole 'nother story all together, but standard picks for pin tumbler locks may work in some cases. That being said, I would bet that John Falle has some wonderfull tools for these locks, now If we could only get them........

[Prodigy]

Yes these babys are very secure and can be a real crap arse to pick. heap of tension is needed and causes you to loose the delicate feel for the lever position.

the lock is made up of a metal laminate, a lot like the master padlocks, they are then 'baked' in an oven and welded with bronze, followed by plating.

there are two rows of levers like the chubb 114 or 110 however smaller. they are also spaced appart so as to let a parracentic key to be used. for years they cused me greif until one day i got hold of one and machined it apart to find out how they worked.

hope this helps.

[jason]

Ingersoll run a course which lasts for a couple of days.

The SC71 cylinder is excellent for security there's no way an ordinary pick will go in and work properly. The lock body itself is rim mounted and has automatic deadlocking (just to stop those who will try and card/mica it). It can also be deadlock with a key so that anyone who smashes the window glass to get in cannot open the lock without the key (likewise a letterbox tool won't work on it if it's been manually deadlocked).

They (Ingersoll) also make lever locks which don't have too much space to play about with. There is a weak spot on both their cylinders and their mortice lever lock which can be attacked with a hardplate drill bit - BUT you have to use a brand new sharp one on the lever locks because if swarf falls in - it jams the mechanism (is it intentional or just luck?)

Getting keys cut for them is fun as well as you need to have completed the code/registration card. Many insurance companies in the UK insist on one cylinder and one BS lever lock to the front entrance door - some of those companies are willing to accept one Ingersoll.

These locks are hard enough for locksmiths, worse for thieves though - but they get to choose which properties they open!

[sidpick]

I got my practice locks out the other day after I found out there is a pick / decoder for this lovely little lock
As there were no other pictures I could find here I thought I would pop some on -

The cylinder with keys


Bit of a close up showing all levers in line (5 top and 5 bottom) the brass bit at the top is the 'bolt' which is spring loaded


Quick view of the keyway, This is a S profile cylinder, There maybe more but I remember there being A, S and N profiles

Hope these pictures hope anybody aspiring to open up one of these bad boys anybody out there used the pick / wire shim decoder thingy?? or even picked one, I believe it is possible but well and truly past my skills

[pinky]

the ingersol pick is available from safeventures only to law enforcement and government agencies at present, the cylinder is easily beaten with a letterbox kit or ingersol tool if not deadlocked.

if deadlocked , it is also a simple opening via the drill, only a 6mm sharp hss steel bit is required and its open.

replacement cylinders are available from sks at £27 each and a back set at £60, though both can be purchased on ebay for as little as £30 complete.