Impressioning a lock - why?

[MrB]

I'm curious about this. I have read about how impressioning is done, and it seems to be a slow process that requires some skill. I have also read that it is something that aspiring locksmiths (should) learn how to do.

Now if you have a (door?) lock with no available keys, I can imagine options:

1. Dismantle the lock and measure the pin lengths directly
2. Rekey the lock
3. Discard the lock and fit a new one

All of the above seem easier than creating a new key by impressioning. So when would you want or need to impression a lock by the slow and laborious process of putting a blank in the lock and filing where the marks are?

[Varjeal]

A valid question.

Skillful impressioning can be done quicker than dismantling, measuring pins, and reassembling lock. There is also the added difficulty of worn pins, which can make decoding somewhat difficult.

Rekeying a single lock may not be useful if it is keyed alike with a group of other locks such as those found in a home, where the owner does not wish to pay to have all the locks rekeyed, and is not concerned about lost/forgotten keys. (Even though it would make sense security-wise to rekey the home.)

Discarding the lock is generally not an option unless it is non-rekeyable and it is cheaper to place a new lock on that impression it. "Cheaper" is determined by the value the customer puts on it, not a dollar value.

Also, for auto's it can be much cheaper, faster, and more effective to impression than to pull the lock out of the door.

In other words, when impressioning is cost-effective, it can be a good service to provide. Thus, once a key has been impressioned for a door/s, duplicates can be made.

[liquidz]

I have'nt learned how to impression a lock yet, know of any good refrences that I can take a look at?

[Romstar]

Go to this topic:

viewtopic.php?t=3285

Work your way down, and eventually you will find the post I wrote on this very topic.

Further, if you use the search function, you will find page after page of impressioning advice and helpful hints.

Good luck,
Romstar

[locksmistress]

Why impression?

The shear joy of quality, precision and interracting with the physical world with grace and elegance. It's about practice and patience - like dancing - once you learn the steps it's hard to stop!

One could just as soon ask, "Why Dance?"





Because we can.

[logosys]

Why impression?

The shear joy of quality, precision and interracting with the physical world with grace and elegance. It's about practice and patience - like dancing - once you learn the steps it's hard to stop!

One could just as soon ask, "Why Dance?"





Because we can.

Wow, that was far more artistic of a post than I was expecting....

[Romstar]

I think the lady's inspired.

If dancing is an expression of joy, then at the very least impressioning is an expression of competence.

Romstar

[liquidz]

Go to this topic:

viewtopic.php?t=3285

Work your way down, and eventually you will find the post I wrote on this very topic.

Further, if you use the search function, you will find page after page of impressioning advice and helpful hints.

Good luck,
Romstar

That's was exactly the information I was looking for, Thanks!

I'll have to find a place around here and get myself a few blanks and give this a shot one day. (People look at you weird around here when you ask if they have any blank keys)