Lock Picking 101 Forum
A community dedicated to the fun and ethical hobby of lock picking.
       

Lock Picking 101 Home
Login
Profile
Members
Forum Rules
Frequent Forum Questions
SEARCH
View New Posts
View Active Topics


Live Chat on Discord
LP101 Forum Chat
Keypicking Forum Chat
Reddit r/lockpicking Chat



Learn How to Pick Locks
FAQs & General Questions
Got Beginner Questions?
Pick-Fu [Intermediate Level]


Ask a Locksmith
This Old Lock
This Old Safe
What Lock Should I Buy?



Hardware
Locks
Lock Patents
Lock Picks
Lock Bumping
Lock Impressioning
Lock Pick Guns, Snappers
European Locks & Picks
The Machine Shop
The Open Source Lock
Handcuffs


Member Spotlight
Member Introductions
Member Lock Collections
Member Social Media


Off Topic
General Chatter
Other Puzzles


Locksmith Business Info
Training & Licensing
Running a Business
Keyways & Key Blanks
Key Machines
Master Keyed Systems
Closers and Crash Bars
Life Safety Compliance
Electronic Locks & Access
Locksmith Supplies
Locksmith Lounge


Buy Sell Trade
Buy - Sell - Trade
It came from Ebay!


Advanced Topics
Membership Information
Special Access Required:
High Security Locks
Vending Locks
Advanced Lock Pick Tools
Bypass Techniques
Safes & Safe Locks
Automotive Entry & Tools
Advanced Buy/Sell/Trade


Locksport Groups
Locksport Local
Chapter President's Office
Locksport Board Room
 

key file/s

When it comes down to it there is nothing better than manual tools for your Lock pick Set, whether they be retail, homebrew, macgyver style. DIY'ers look here.

key file/s

Postby prof » 8 Nov 2005 14:28

I dont have access to a key cutting machine (or blanks for that matter) but am able to collect a few old locks & keys. I am in process of making/trying homemade picks, & yesterday managed to use an old key which i filed down to make a bump key & tried it on its original lock. it would now of course not work as normal but did 'bump' it very well, which was an excellent experience of how the process works. filing the key however with a 3 corner saw file is rather difficult and the resultant 'cuts' look to be a 'wrong' profile, although as I say it did work.
I was wondering what sort of file is best to use, and can a template be made to improve the process.
novice master picker.
prof
 
Posts: 14
Joined: 28 Oct 2005 17:23
Location: cheshire

Postby devildog » 8 Nov 2005 14:55

You want a 6" Swiss Pattern #4 Cut Pippin file, which also happens to be the impressioning file of choice, so if you ever get into that then you've already got a file.

Now, these particular files are hard to come by, and generally kind of expensive (for a file), but the best place I can recommend is this:

http://home.earthlink.net/~bradleysmall/locksmithtools

He's got exactly what you want, and $30 is very reasonable (I've seen similars ones for $50-60).

Do get the PVC case; don't get the handle--it doesn't stay on and it inhibits feedback anyway, which is more important.

If you want to go cheaper, then a simple Nicholson small round (rat tail) fine cut file from your local Lowes or Home Depot will work too, although you may have to get a triangular file (small, fine cut) as well and then make the cuts with it and round them out with the round (the Pippin does both jobs, better :wink: )
"I think people should be free to engage in any sexual practices they choose; they should draw the line at goats though."

Elton John
devildog
Supporter
Supporter
 
Posts: 1719
Joined: 3 Jul 2005 1:14
Location: Texas

Postby vector40 » 8 Nov 2005 19:10

Foley-Belsaw sells the files for not too much.
vector40
 
Posts: 2335
Joined: 7 Feb 2005 3:12
Location: Santa Cruz, CA

Postby prof » 11 Nov 2005 16:56

thanks for the replies. I have been reading up on impressioning, seems to require some accurate skilful filing, I am still thinking of how i can make a jig to improve the process.
novice master picker.
prof
 
Posts: 14
Joined: 28 Oct 2005 17:23
Location: cheshire


Return to Lock Picks

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 3 guests