opening lock using shim and blank

[drummond52]

Wondering if someone can give me some tips on opening a sergent lock using blank and shim to rekey, i am having one heck of a time with the tight tolerances of this lock, any help with some tips would really be appreciated. Thanks in advance...............drummond

[unlisted]

... Photos? and where exactly are you trying to shim?

[yono]

I pressumed you know the basics, you have the right blank the shim and know where to apply it. (no offense intended, just to make sure ok pal?)
I do shimmed Sargent mortise cylinders and you're right the tolerances are very close. what i do in shimming , was wiglling the blankkey very gently out as i push the shim in. when i felt the shim stuck up, i retracted it slightly and start the process again.when i am at the last two pins the shim gets more stiffer, what i do is pick the remaining two pins. hope this help you solve the problem.

[drummond52]

Thanks for the replies guys, unlisted... I am going in from the back of the lock.
Yono.. Thats exactly the problem I am having, I also get to the last 2 pins and get nowhere, I will give the picking a go.

Thanks again.............drummond

[mhole]

Also, if the lock has security pins, push the shim forward, then pull back a little before raising the pins with the blank. If you don't do this, you can pinch the end of your shim between the bible and the end of the spool pin, and put a nice 'crimp' in the end of it, which means pulling it out, cutting the crimped area away, and starting again.

[drummond52]

Thanks for that tip mhole, can I ask what you guys use for shims do you use the bought ones or what..................drummond

[mcm757207]

When I shim a cylinder I hold the lock in my right held by the middle finger and thumb, keyway facing toward my left hand. I use my right index finger to hold pressure against the shim, and my left hand to push the key in and out.

I start with the key all the way in and push the shim against the last pin. I then withdraw the key while maintaining pressure on the shim. Sometimes that's enough, or I have to lighten up on the shim pressure and allow the pin to "drop" down.

Sometimes if I'm having trouble shimming it I'll just shim two or three pins then pick it traditionally.

If you don't have a key blank, or are still having trouble, you can also use a hook pick from the back of the keyway to help lift the pins.

Good luck!

[drummond52]

Thanks mcm151201....................drummond

[sugurfoot]

Does this lock have a removable cap above the top pins and springs? Or is it sealed?

[drummond52]

yes it does sugurfoot...........drummond

[sugurfoot]

I think I might pop the cap then rather than fight with it.

[drummond52]

I will give that a go, Can a person buy those caps for schlage and where..............drummond

[sugurfoot]

I just tighten them up and re use the same one. I think you can get them from where you get pins?

[drummond52]

Thanks sugurfoot will give that a go on my next one I do.........drummond