Storing Locks

[mattc]

I've had a good look around the site, but I can't find an answer to something I've been wondering about; the best way to store my locks. Would keeping the keys in pin tumber locks "harm" the springs in any way? Apologies for this what might seem a dumb question, but it's been bugging me for ages.

[Shrub]

It shouldnt do but may do,

The best bet is to put them on a keyring and then attach the keyring to the lock, if its got a cam on the back drill a hole in that or if its a cylinder put the ring on the mounting holes etc

[Raccoon]

Good question. I've never given it much consideration, but indeed locks aren't designed to store keys for long periods of time. My poor springs!

[n2oah]

I keep most from my high security collection in an aluminium attache case with a foam pad in it. The keys and keycards are stored in a little pocket in the case, or below the foam pad. I'll take pictures if you really want me to.

[mattc]

Thanks for the replies; I guess I'd better buy a load of keyring tags so I can identify all the keys. I have a lot of locks

[mh]

I keep most from my high security collection in an aluminium attache case with a foam pad in it.

What lock is on that case? mh

[n2oah]

There isn't a lock

[bpc293]

when i take a lock off a door i put it back together and slide the keys over the main screws before i put the last screw in. if i didnt i would lose the keys and the screws.

[VashTSPD]

I have an air rifle. And you're not supposed to leave it cocked/barrel broken for extended periods of time because it will wear out the spring inside. Now, the air rifle spring is a lot longer and much, much stronger then the tiny springs inside a lock, but I think the same principle applies; you shouldn't keep the springs compressed for extended periods of time. Also, I have one Master Lock that I have kept the key in for years and compared to the other locks, and I can feel that some of the springs are weaker when I'm picking the lock. I hadn't thought that leaving the key in would have made a difference, but now that I think about it a while, that's probably why the springs are weaker. They just get used to being more coiled I guess.

[HeadHunterCEO]

ziplock bag for each lock keeps them clean,scratchless and shiny

[mattc]

It'd have to be a big bag, as they're all mounted -


(old picture - several new locks not shown)

[bpc293]

take a scribe i think thats what its called and number them. real small put 1 2 you no.

[VashTSPD]

Nice setup mattc

[mattc]

They're labelled with the number of pins on the back in permanent marker, except for the leftmost lock on the rear board, which I left as it came out of the packet; a Yale X5 I haven't managed to pick yet, but have managed to bump a couple of times now. Since the photo was taken, I've added more re-pinned locks and a small vice to hold padlocks/Euro cylinders/my cutaway lock. I've also made a cutaway 3 lever lock and mounted it seperately, to practice with home made lever wires (and boy do I need to practice)

[bpc293]

i have to make a new board. i was thinking just to use a old door. i have to have at least 40 locks but i dont think i'll get them on one door. i want to put them close to the edge so i can slide them in and tighten a screw on the side to hold them for a quick change. i at least want to frame the door with at least a 1 x 6 so its like the real thing. no room.