Can I make lock picks with a Curtis key cutter?

[Stonebreaker]

I bought this key cutter a few years ago when I first started lock picking. I don't know how it works and was wondering if I would be able to cut lock picks with it if I started with some of those metal bristles that I found in the street. Also I would like to find out more about it, is it for cutting a specific type of key? I did find several other similar tools but most were models 14 and 15, whereas mine is a model G. Also what is the value of a model G compared to models 14 and 15?

[RedE]

I bought this key cutter a few years ago when I first started lock picking. I don't know how it works and was wondering if I would be able to cut lock picks with it if I started with some of those metal bristles that I found in the street. Also I would like to find out more about it, is it for cutting a specific type of key? I did find several other similar tools but most were models 14 and 15, whereas mine is a model G. Also what is the value of a model G compared to models 14 and 15?

I'm pretty sure that those street sweeper bristles are used for tension wrenches instead of picks. Can someone else confirm? But one thing I can tell you is that do NOT try cutting anything made of steel with that Curtis clipper you have, i.e. no bristles or hacksaw blades. It simply isn't made to cut through such hard material, and neither are most key machines. For starting out making picks, a bench grinder is where I would look to instead.

[billdeserthills]

I have a model 14 in my hand, it actually looks very similar to your model G, except mine has a wheel that contains code data
for 8 different keys mounted where yours has a shaft. I paid $20 for my model 14, I see them on E-Bay all the time under Locksmith
Equipment. These Curtis Clippers were made to cut brass keys, not spring steel, so No you will not be able to make lockpicking
tools with it.

I also have a model #15 Curtis Clipper, it also cuts brass keys--Not spring steel

[Stonebreaker]

Thanks for the replies and advice, looks like I can forget about my idea of cutting picks with this tool. Most likely will return this cutter to the wild at the next opportunity.

[Silverado]

Thanks for the replies and advice, looks like I can forget about my idea of cutting picks with this tool. Most likely will return this cutter to the wild at the next opportunity.

You can send it to me so I can punch out keys!

[Jacob Morgan]

Would it be of any use for impressioning? See a mark, clip down to the next depth then dress very lightly with a very fine file?

[Silverado]

Would it be of any use for impressioning? See a mark, clip down to the next depth then dress very lightly with a very fine file?

That's why I'd like to try out a punch cutter. I feel like it might be perfect for impressioning.

[billdeserthills]

The Curtis clipper used to be popular for impressioning, especially for GM keys,
I can't do it though, because I can never see the marks unless I file the key to a razor
edge & then I might as well finish it off with the file

[Silverado]

I still, to this day, have not impressioned a lock. I can't seem to find any needle files anywhere.

[RedE]

I still, to this day, have not impressioned a lock. I can't seem to find any needle files anywhere.

Your looking for a set of small files? I've got several sets from Harbor Freight and they work great. They sell regular ones and diamond grit variants, the latter being much more abrasive, but a little more expensive.

[Jacob Morgan]

I still, to this day, have not impressioned a lock. I can't seem to find any needle files anywhere.

Pippin files are the most popular--just the right size. Grobet currently makes them. The locksmithing suppliers carry them. MBA USA, CLK Supplies, etc.

[jeffmoss26]

Silverado -
General Tools makes a decent needle file set - but a pippin file is what most locksmiths use for impressioning.

[Silverado]

Pippin files! That's the name I was looking for!
I checked my local Harbor Freight a little while back and they didn't have any thin files, despite seeing them on the website.
For some reason, files are something I want to physically hold and look at before I purchase and that's stopping me from just ordering from the internet. I can't explain it but most hand tools like that give me a feeling that I need to see them in person to be comfortable buying them.
If I get around to it I may check Harbor Freight this weekend.

[RedE]

Pippin files! That's the name I was looking for!
I checked my local Harbor Freight a little while back and they didn't have any thin files, despite seeing them on the website.
For some reason, files are something I want to physically hold and look at before I purchase and that's stopping me from just ordering from the internet. I can't explain it but most hand tools like that give me a feeling that I need to see them in person to be comfortable buying them.
If I get around to it I may check Harbor Freight this weekend.

Yeah the store I go to usually has quite a few of them in stock. The sets are an assortment of many different sizes and shapes but I know that a pippin file it's not one of them. Those usually run about $50 by themselves and I don't know why they're so expensive relative to all the other shapes.

Before you head into the store, go online and print out their storewide 20% coupon. And maybe you can check the stock on the website too.

[billdeserthills]

Silverado -
General Tools makes a decent needle file set - but a pippin file is what most locksmiths use for impressioning.

I have and use both a round file and a pippin file, the round #4 cut file is my favorite and is best used with pin tumbler and wafer
tumbler locks, the pippin file is slightly thinner than the round file and is best used on wafer locks, I find my cuts need widening
when I use a pippin file for impressioning pin tumbler locks

One important detail in the number of cut the file you are buying has. The higher the # the smoother the file, which is why I prefer
a #4 cut file, that is likely the smoothest file you will find. This is very different from a needle file as most needle files are fairly coarse
which will make seeing your marks more difficult

Grobet is recognized as the premier file maker, my Dad used to proudly carry his 8" #4 cut round file, he was fond of telling
me that you are really paying most of that money for just the first 2 inches of the file, as the rest of it is too large around
to use for impressioning. Even the 6" #4 round file I favor is likely worthless after it is dropped, you can only use about the
first 2 inches of it for impressioning as well. I used to buy a Grobet 4" #4 file for impressioning, it worked well, but I used
to keep them inside a discarded Bic pen and I have lost bunches of them for some reason--If you prefer a small file, the 4"
is the way to go and it's small enough that I would recommend it for anyone who has a tendency to drop things.