Impressioning: Easy as it looks?

[sisk]

I've watched a couple videos on impressioning and the guys making the videos made it look really easy. Time consuming, but easy. Is it really as easy as they make it look or is this one of those skills, like picking, where if you do it well it just looks easy but is actually quite difficult?

[mseifert]

I have attempted it a few times, with little to no luck, I keep breaking keys .. But from what I understand .. There is a bit of finesse and practice required.. But not really difficult once you get the hang of it..

[kwoswalt99-]

Some are quite difficult. Good first time locks would be cheap four pin locks or even warded.

[MrAnybody]

Like picking, it's all down to practice. There's so many skill aspects with it, including patience Wonderfully addictive, in my opinion, and well worth getting into.

[GWiens2001]

I find it an interesting way to spend time. Some types of locks are easier than others.

In many cases, if you are consistently breaking keys, lighter tension is recommended. Use the search button and search for "impressioning". There is a thread on impressioning different types of locks that can answer some questions.

Gordon

[ltdbjd]

Just my opinion, but I believe wafer locks are the best to start with. Wafers leave a better mark on your blank than pins do. When I first started, I used a blank filed down to an edge to help me see the marks. I also used a sharpie marker for the same reason. Having a good pippin file helps too. The smoother you make your filing, the easier it is to identify the marks left by the wafers/pins. A good light source is important. Magnifying visors are also helpful when starting out.

Bending/breaking keys is common ... But it doesn't have to be. The movement should JUST be up and down, not rotational. In other words, turn the key to bind the pins, then just rock the blank up and down - don't twist while trying to rock. It's the torque that causes the blank to bend/break.

I've tried just about everything. I've softened key blanks by heating them up with a torch. I've used a UV marker. I've marked the proper spacing with a Blitz to start. I've cut marks to the proper depth on a Blitz. I've used vice grips and impressioning handles. I have a bunch of videos. I spent a fortune on Oliver Diederichsen's impressioning book. And the list goes on and on.

As mentioned by others, impressioning is a skill. it just comes down to practice. Lots and lots of practice. Lots and lots of broken blanks. Lots and lots of keys filed down until the blank is almost cut in half before you realize you might be too deep. Lots and lots of key blanks imbedded in drywall after being thrown across the room. Lots and lots of swearing. And lots and lots of bourbon. Bourbon doesn't necessarily make impressioning easier, but everything is more enjoyable with bourbon. It also makes your thigh not hurt as much when you accidentally jab the tip of your file into your leg.

It doesn't matter how many books, videos or gadgets you have. It's all about putting in the time.

[GWiens2001]

I think that warded locks are the best for first lock to impression (though they were not my first locks). The wards are either there or not. You can see the marks easier.

Then I would progress to wafer locks, but it is very important not to apply too much rotational tension or lifting force, as many wafer locks have cheap material used in the wafers, and they can be warped/deformed.

Then progress to pin tumbler locks.

Just my 2 cents.

Gordon

[Br0keN]

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.

[GWiens2001]

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

[ltdbjd]

A handle won't make any difference. A bright light source,a good magnifying glass or magnifying visor, and a fine toothed file to smooth the surface of the key are things that will make the difference.

Like picking, you can start with a lock with one pin. You know where it will mark, so you know where to look. It's all about knowing how to identify a mark.

[mseifert]

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.

Without the benefits of knowing what equipment you are using .. There is not a need for a Fancy Impressioning handle .. a pair of locking jaw pliers work just fine.. My guess would be one of (2) things ..

1- The file you are using is not fine enough.. I have had problem in the past with this.. If you picked up your file at a local hardware store you probably need a different file ..

2 - you are not using a enough pressure in your jiggling/wiggling to mark the key .. There is kind of a fine line between too much and not enough..

Couple things to try .. Use a permanent marker on the area of the key where the mark go.. It will create a contrast that will make it easier to see the marks... You can also do what is called smoking the key blank.

[ltdbjd]

I tried smoking a blank once. I was never able to keep the tip lit long enough to inhale.

[mseifert]

I tried smoking a blank once. I was never able to keep the tip lit long enough to inhale.

[GWiens2001]

I tried smoking a blank once. I was never able to keep the tip lit long enough to inhale.

Think it was Mr Wizard who said " if you are smoking blanks, you are impressioning too fast".

Gordon

[mseifert]

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..