Shimming an I core

[Twoply]

I've never shimmed a lock before and have done the searches on posts and topics. I've removed the core of a Best lock and exposed the back if the plug. I've tried to use actual padlock shim material and just now a soda can. Both are too thick to fit in between the plug an the plug housing. Any other ideas about techniques or materials?

Thanks
Mike

[32768]

I can't remember who posted this up here first, but it's a great trick I learned from this site. You can get shimming material from security tags. You want the long narrow ones that are commonly used in DVD packages. If you peel open the plastic bit, you'll find two small pieces of metallic foil stuff that's perfect for shimming locks.

[picksmith]

With a best style (small format) IC core you should be removing the brass cap (reuseable) on the top of the cyl with a small screwdriver and dumping the pins out in order or punching the pins out from the holes in the bottom (need to replace the caps then) depending on who made the lock.

[randmguy]

I've been working almost exclusively with SFIC's for 8 years now. 7 or 8 years on and off exposure before that...I've tried several times to shim an SFIC and the best I've ever done on a 7 pin is 4 pins...and that was on a cheaper KSP cylinder not a Best or an Arrow. I've gotten one or two of the older 5 pin Best models, but the tolerances on anything newer are just too tight for shimming, IMHO.

[TOWCH]

I had no problem shimming a new 7 pin best core with security tag strips. Are you talking about the operating shear or something?