SFIC control tension tools....some trick to this?

[sisk]

I've got a Best mortise cylinder that I've been trying to pick to control (so that I can put a core that I have keys for in it) for about a month now. I can very reliably pick this lock to operating - I've done so probably a hundred times - but can't seem to get control on it. I broke down and bought some of those SFIC tension tools meant to tension only the control sleeve. I got them tonight and thought that tonight, finally, this thing would be beat, but nope. Even with those tools I've picked this *@!$@! thing to operating another half dozen times. Is there some trick to using these things that I'm missing?

On a related note, being frustrated by a lock that keeps falling open is kind of a novel experience. Just sayin'.

[GWiens2001]

Yes, the trick is toothpicks. You use them to wedge the tension tool in place. Still a bit tricky.

Some cores just want to pick to one shear line or the other.

Gordon

[Squelchtone]

Just checking, but you are tensioning the lock so when picked, the plug turns in the clockwise direction, correct?

Squelchtone

[Safecrackin Sammy]

If you have the cylinder in hand, you can drill a 1/8" hole over the control lug thru the housing and put pressure on the lug with a thumbtack and then pick as normal (with a thumbtack that is)

[sisk]

Yes, the trick is toothpicks. You use them to wedge the tension tool in place. Still a bit tricky.

Some cores just want to pick to one shear line or the other.

Gordon

I've not had a chance to try that yet, but I'll give it a shot at some point this week.

Just checking, but you are tensioning the lock so when picked, the plug turns in the clockwise direction, correct?

Squelchtone

Yes, I'm turning it clockwise. Sorry, for the late reply, but it's been a crazy weekend with family in town.

If you have the cylinder in hand, you can drill a 1/8" hole over the control lug thru the housing and put pressure on the lug with a thumbtack and then pick as normal (with a thumbtack that is)

Good idea, but I don't want to damage it.

[demux]

If you haven't done so already, you might want to scope out the bottom of the control sleeve to make sure there's actually something there for the control pick to grab. I believe there are certain brands that make the control sleeve so there's intentionally a gap in the bottom to thwart this type of attack (something like ).

Also, some cores are just heavily biased to pick to either control or operating, depending on how they bind and what the bitting is of the control/operating keys.

Of course, the good news is that if you do have to go destructive, you can pick what piece you want to save, the core or the housing.

[CaptHook]

I used to work with sfic cylinders quite a bit.

Beyond the peterson wrenches, if you can come up with something to wedge between the plugs warding and the control sleeve, they will turn together.

I used to use flat brazing rod. I would sand/file it until it was a snug fit, sometimes needing tapped in a little.

[1d4]

The toothpick trick is a good tip, thanks for that. I have heard that Falcon IC cylinders do not have the holes in the bottom to tension from. Can anyone confirm?

[pbpb]

My falcon has the holes in the bottom.

I am having the same problem with my best lock. I will try the toothpick trick and report back.

[Raymond]

The old Falcons kept the springs in with a flat brass plate mashed onto the top of the core. They had NO holes. The newer ones do have the holes.