by Sinifar » 14 Mar 2013 8:04
Actually, ANYTHING which goes into a keyway to move pins or discs around will in effect "pick" a lock. I have used many things over the years besides normal lock picks to open locks.
Story - I was locked out of a car and the only spare key I had was the "butt saver" for the commercial in my wallet. I stuffed this into the car, and worked it for a few minutes and it popped the door open. There is a commercial made product, which I won't name, which is made the same way as my key.
Jigglers will work on any lock which it goes into, if you have a light touch. Like using a gun pick, bump keys, or any of the computer picks, a light touch and a lot of practice is needed to get the things to work.
Back in the day, I could take the Ford double ended set, work the ignition to the on position, hit the anchor, remove the lock, and then "read" the position of the discs to estimate the key. It usually worked, and saved tons of time. There are other tools to remove ignition locks without picking which will allow you to get the lock out, and sometimes there is a code number on it -- look it up, punch a key -- program the thing with the transponder tool, and you have a new key for the car.
The biggest mistake most people make trying to open locks is heavy turning force. The only thing you will do is jamb up the pin stacks. Listen for the thing to sound like a bowl of rice crispies. If it is snapping and popping, you are close as the pins set / then drop / then reset. A bit lighter, and it will suddenly pop open.
BE AWARE the industry is onto the locksport of opening locks. Master has it own "Bump Stop" technology in padlocks, and a changed bolt on the 1500 padlocks which a lock shim won't open. Ilco has the 1500 BH, which is "Bump Halt", this is a super strong spring which goes in with a special top pin and trust me, if this is in a lock, no picking / bumping / rapping / jigglers, or much else is going to open it.
Sinifar
The early bird may get the worm, but it is the second mouse which gets the cheese!
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Celebrating my 50th year in the trade!