Impressioning: Easy as it looks?

[kd7mlg]

To keep myself occupied, I'm going through the Foley-Belsaw course and the first impressioning you do is a Master warded padlock (No. 22?). I've completed the hands on exercise twice, the second key looks much better than the first (but they both work).

I'm not using anything fancy, just a table-top vise, hand pressure, and the two files that were included in the course package.

It's also interesting to learn the theory behind things that I've "known" for the last 30 or so years but never been specifically taught.

joe

[billdeserthills]

To keep myself occupied, I'm going through the Foley-Belsaw course and the first impressioning you do is a Master warded padlock (No. 22?). I've completed the hands on exercise twice, the second key looks much better than the first (but they both work).

I'm not using anything fancy, just a table-top vise, hand pressure, and the two files that were included in the course package.

It's also interesting to learn the theory behind things that I've "known" for the last 30 or so years but never been specifically taught.

joe

Good for you Joe,
I think you'll find that making a key to a wafer or pin tumbler lock is a bit more involved though.

My Dad used to point at the counter guy at the lock distributor company
and tell me the only difference between that guy and a locksmith was
a locksmith had the ability to impression keys--I suppose with the codes on computer maybe not so relevant in 2016

[Robotnik]

Speaking to equipment, doesn't have to be fancy. Every impression of mine has been achieved with a $3 pair of mini Harbor Freight vice grips, a $9 used #4 Swiss round file, and my bench vice ($7 from Goodwill ). Outside of that, it's all practice.

[kwoswalt99-]

Ive been trying to impression a schlage but ive had no luck. I cant see any marks on the keys. im probably going to buy a fancy impressioning handle and try again.

Use a cheap pair of Vise-Grips. They work as well as a fancy impressioning handle, and are far cheaper.

Gordon

Forgot to mention earlier .. buy a small pair 6" or so .. Larger pairs will result in applying to much torque breaking the blank easier..

I use a larger pair because they do not tear up the bow as badly. Just have to be extra careful with the tension.

[jos weyers]

im probably going to buy a fancy impressioning handle and try again.

Use a cheap pair of Vise-Grips. They work as well as a fancy impressioning handle, and are far cheaper.
Gordon

Cheaper yes. "as well", not so much;
With an actual impressioninggrip it's easy to get the key to line up with the handle. Which hugely reduces breakage.

just my 2ct...

[GWiens2001]

im probably going to buy a fancy impressioning handle and try again.

Use a cheap pair of Vise-Grips. They work as well as a fancy impressioning handle, and are far cheaper.
Gordon

Cheaper yes. "as well", not so much;
With an actual impressioninggrip it's easy to get the key to line up with the handle. Which hugely reduces breakage.

just my 2ct...

I stand corrected.

Gordon