Best brand locks

[Redbull83]

Ok, the BEST padlocks have interchageable cores. I was wondering if any1 knows how to take the cores out if you don't have a key. My reason being is I can't pick it yet, and i would like to study it.

Any help is appreciated.

[fugi]

eh, taking the core out without the key would defeat the purpose of having a lock, unless you mean pick then remove core. there's usually a screw that you need to unscrew that's located where the shackle goes into the lock. kinda hard to unscrew with it locked.

[SFGOON]

The BEST SFIC has two keys. One opens the lock on a user level, the other key turns a control lug and allows the core to be easily removed from it's housing. It's a popular institutional lock as it is very simple to change. Peterson picks has designed wrenches that help turn the control lug. If you hit the search button, there's a SFIC user's manual somewhere on this site. It will definitely expand your understanding of this system.

[Redbull83]

Is BEST based in Washington or something because I think I read somewhere they are. Also, my school is filled with them.

[Redbull83]

If only I could have the school to myself for one day...

[randmguy]

There was a Best plant in Washington in the 1930's but they've been in Indianapolis since the late 30's.

If no one has pointed it out yet, there is a very thorough article by Matt Blaze on SFIC locks. It's at http://www.crypto.com/photos/misc/sfic/.

It has some great pictures that may help you understand what's going on.

[runnynose]

man that article just opened my eyes. thank you much

[Redbull83]

Funny you put that up, I just went to that site before coming here.

[raimundo]

I recently found some keys two of which are "Best, patented by kaba" with 7 regular pins, and a protrusion on the top and bottom of the blank that I don't understand, then something like a cut for a "peak" type of pin. unlike ordinary best keys that index from the tip of the key and have no shoulder at the bow, this key has the tip index and a shoulder at the bow, What is this? Anyone?

[Redbull83]

Could you post a picture?

[thertel]

Raimundo, is that perhaps a Kaba Peaks (PKS) sfic? I've heard of them but have been unable to locate one for my picking pleasure.

Thomas

[raimundo]

I don't have a camera to post pictures, I don't even have my own computer, I use cafe machines, My laptop is kaput, and my Imac is in storage locker. As for PEaks, yes it does seem to be that type on the last pin which i believe is not even a cut but seems to be part of the keyblank shape. I have picked peaks before, in hand, if you ever pick one installed, beware that the little pin seems to want to lock up again when the core is 180 degrees rotated, and no spring is present to lift it out of the hole it falls into. so if you are ever turning a picked peak, I recommend stuffing this little guy with sticky chewing gum before you rotate half a turn. The part that mystifies me is the little protrusions between the 7 pin cuts and the peak pin. the one on the bottom of the blank particularily seems to have a bevel on it like it is meant to move some part when it rotates to contact it.

[Redbull83]

Does any1 know where i can purchase a best padlock, or a deadbolt?

[Chucklz]

Raimundo,

The bottom "Peaks" pin is to keep the lock from jamming when the key is rotated 180 degrees. To me at least, the system seems to be just a way to gain patent key control. The extra pin adds very little securitywise, as a carefully made two prong tension tool could be easily fabricated to defeat this feature.

[TOWCH]

Does any1 know where i can purchase a best padlock, or a deadbolt?

Ebay is your best bet.