medeco pins (decoding)

[samfishers]

decoding medeco pins.. but without picking it

my question, is how does that work

http://www.lab-lockpins.com/images/ta_l ... _small.jpg

I have a medeco biaxial, but without a key, and want to make a new one. and I have de lab decoder.. any advice??

[MBI]

The item pictured in that link is for decoding loose Biaxial pins. By finding into which slot the pin fits, it determines length. Make sure you have the indexing tab that protrudes from the side of the pin near the top, inserted into the tiny groove in the back of the pin slot in the decoder. Then look at the tip of the pin, if it's closer to the F it's a Fore pin, if it's closer to the A it's an Aft pin. Then look at the vertical groove (sidebar groove) in the pin and compare to the diagram below, where it says KBQ MDS. This refers to whether it is a left, center or right pin rotation.

For example, a pin which fits properly into the 6 slot, has a tip that is skewed towards the A on the right of the pin, and has a sidebar groove that is right in the center, it is a 6D pin.

When you are finished, you should have a 12 digit (for six pin locks) or 10 digit (for 5 pin locks) alphanumeric code for cutting a key.

[samfishers]

thanks man. but is it possible to only have Q and S pins^

[Squelchtone]

thanks man. but is it possible to only have Q and S pins^

Sure. a system I know personally has KSSSS lazy locksmiths.. some people buy medeco for the really good key control, they're not as much concerned with the pickability or decodability of their locks.

Walking up to a lock without prior pinning knowledge, you wouldn't know that all the angles are the same and all you need to do is rake the sides of the pins and the sidebar combination is set.

got pics of your pins by any chance?

Squelchtone

[samfishers]

i'll post pictures tomorrow.. too sleepy today..

[samfishers]

ok, so here they come:

the 5 pins
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s238 ... G_1508.jpg

4,5
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s238 ... G_1511.jpg

1,2,3
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s238 ... G_1512.jpg

my pinning
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s238 ... G_1519.jpg

the top pins
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s238 ... G_1518.jpg

a maybe better view of the 4,5
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s238 ... G_1520.jpg

a maybe better view of 1,2,3
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s238 ... G_1521.jpg

[Squelchtone]

Ok,

I believe your pinning is

2Q 3M 4Q 5S 1Q

(no need to put A or F, as the KBQ and MDS will be enough to tell you which group the pins are in.)


I noticed you put 3D (which would make that a Center pin), but in the pic it looks like a 3M (or a Left angle pin.)

here's a chart from a Biaxial service manual, you may find it helpful when decoding with that LAB device.



To answer your question of is it possible to only have Q and S pins, sure, but as you see, after decoding, you have a nice sprinkling of Q, M and S.

nice pics btw, and I hope MBI checks them out in case I made an error in judgement on that 3M vs 3D pin.

Squelchtone

[samfishers]

wow, thanks squelchtone. as you can see in my pinning, there was a 3M, but then I changed it for a 3D so I was having doubts too.. but I think it's a 3M

[op-sec]

OK. Here's a question for folks...

If you buy a Medeco lock on eBay - sans keys - and successfully decode it, what is the likelihood of getting your local Medeco dealer to cut keys for you? Or, would it be better to ask them to cut a key and provide the pins so you can pin it to match the key. As I understand it, the "controlled" part is the key. If they cut you a "random" key and provide the pins to match for you to install in your own lock, they have still maintained key control, haven't they?

[Gordon Airporte]

OK. Here's a question for folks...

If you buy a Medeco lock on eBay - sans keys - and successfully decode it, what is the likelihood of getting your local Medeco dealer to cut keys for you?

I can't comment on key-control, but I think your chances will be much better if you walk in holding the actual lock - just makes things less suspicious.