Pins and Pin Kits

[superfamiking]

I am just getting into re-pinning cylinders and have bought all the tools I need except the actual pins themselves.

I have taken apart a yale cylinder and 2 euro cylinders and built them back together again (following guides on here and youtube), but as for replacing pins and making key alike, rekeying etc I am not sure what to buy.

I understand the pins are all different lengths but are the pins universal?, can I say use and Era or Asec pin in a yale and vice versa? (I am in the UK, so i will be using common UK / European lock brands)

Do I just buy a generic pin kit or do i need to purchase different pins for every make of lock?

thanks!

[vinnie]

not sure about euro companies, but most companies seem to have standard pin sizes for each of their lock types. for example Master would have the same pin sizing for all their cheapo padlocks and Kwikset, for instance, will have the same pin sizing for all their door locks which will be a different sizing then Schlage. I'm sure there are exceptions to about everything though. also I don't see why you couldn't put whatever sizing you want so long as the diameter is the same and you can make yourself a key for it.

page 26 here shows Masters pin sizes for each lock type. you can get tables like this for each company: https://www.masterlock.com/pdfs/7000-00 ... l_7_10.pdf

[newbcake]

While on the topic of pins what are some good boxes to store pins in?

Like multi-compartment boxes for different lengths and types of pins, springs, clips...preferably with lid.

[GWiens2001]

If you are talking about a limited number of pins, not a full LAB kit, you might consider using a medicine dosage box. I use one for my ABLOY DiscLock rekeying kit. Not at home now, so don't have a picture of my kit, but this is the exact box I use:



I like it specifically because the lids are easy to open - just press a button and that lid (only) pops open. It would not be good if you spill your pinning kit trying to open just one lid. I just used a razor blade to scratch off the days and times, and marked them as I needed. I picked it up at Fry's supermarket (in the pharmacy section) for about $8 or $9 US. A bit pricy, but again, I like the easy way of opening one compartment without risking spilling the other open compartments.

Again, this works fine for limited numbers, like a disc detainer lock pinning kit, or for a specific set of pins, such as a Schlage or Kwikset pinning kit.

Gordon

[keysman]

Plano makes a variety of storage boxes..
I have found this one to work well for me. Your mileage may vary.

http://www.planomolding.com/product.php ... 08&PID=701

Gordon: Nice find on the pill case . I may have to try that

[Raymond]

I used this pin box for many years out of a simple toolbox. It is a 45 caliber cartridge box used by reloaders. Used the computer to make a chart that is stuck inside the cover with clear plastic. Made a cardboard sleeve to keep the cover on tightly.

[newbcake]

If you are talking about a limited number of pins, not a full LAB kit, you might consider using a medicine dosage box. I use one for my ABLOY DiscLock rekeying kit. Not at home now, so don't have a picture of my kit, but this is the exact box I use:



I like it specifically because the lids are easy to open - just press a button and that lid (only) pops open. It would not be good if you spill your pinning kit trying to open just one lid. I just used a razor blade to scratch off the days and times, and marked them as I needed. I picked it up at Fry's supermarket (in the pharmacy section) for about $8 or $9 US. A bit pricy, but again, I like the easy way of opening one compartment without risking spilling the other open compartments.

Again, this works fine for limited numbers, like a disc detainer lock pinning kit, or for a specific set of pins, such as a Schlage or Kwikset pinning kit.

Gordon

This is great, but my OCD makes me annoyed by the labels.

I used this pin box for many years out of a simple toolbox. It is a 45 caliber cartridge box used by reloaders. Used the computer to make a chart that is stuck inside the cover with clear plastic. Made a cardboard sleeve to keep the cover on tightly.

Do they make this in smaller number of compartments?

[phrygianradar]

If you are talking about a limited number of pins, not a full LAB kit, you might consider using a medicine dosage box. I use one for my ABLOY DiscLock rekeying kit. Not at home now, so don't have a picture of my kit, but this is the exact box I use:



I like it specifically because the lids are easy to open - just press a button and that lid (only) pops open. It would not be good if you spill your pinning kit trying to open just one lid. I just used a razor blade to scratch off the days and times, and marked them as I needed. I picked it up at Fry's supermarket (in the pharmacy section) for about $8 or $9 US. A bit pricy, but again, I like the easy way of opening one compartment without risking spilling the other open compartments.

Again, this works fine for limited numbers, like a disc detainer lock pinning kit, or for a specific set of pins, such as a Schlage or Kwikset pinning kit.

Gordon

You old guys and your pill boxes! "Lets see...it's Sunday morning, so I take three green ones...or is it Monday...HONEY, WHAT DAY IS IT?!" And your doctor wondered why you have so many little bits of metal floating around in your system!

Just kidding Gordon, that is a great idea. I've been using a little tackle box type of thing, kind of like what keysman linked to. I've got to hit up the local pharmacy and check these out!

[YouLuckyFox]

They may not be deep enough for the amount of pins you need, but here's some suggestions:
Here's this option, free of day abbreviations:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2PCS-Set-beads-show-clear-crisper-155x31x18mm-2BOX-/400521260729?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d40ed6eb9

Here with a smaller number of compartments:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-Grid-slot-Adjustable-Tool-Jewelry-Beads-Organizer-Case-Box-Storage-Container-/111107578914?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19de871c22

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DIY-Transparent-Acrylic-Jewelry-Beads-Organizer-Box-Storage-Container-HZ-/271040273727?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item3f1b425d3f

Personally, I like the cartridge box idea, I had not thought of that and was considering the tackle box/ pill box idea. Currently, my biggest consideration is a cigar box with jewelry box dividers.

[Raymond]

Some of the cartridge boxes I have, had some of the square walls cut out with a sharp knife and dremel to make tool or parts areas. I have one box dedicated to top pins and master wafers, another dedicated to: Kwikset bottom and master, Weiser bottom and master, National wafers, and Master/American padlock, and another box dedicated to old American automotive (GM, new/old Ford, & Chrysler). The advantage of the tight fitting lid prevents crossover even from .015 master wafers. The cardboard sleeve guarantees the lid will not loosen.

These cartridge boxes are small but very effective. The larger pill boxes are just as good but not for any semi-commercial work.

Lab also makes a miniature pin box with both bottom and top pins.

[YouLuckyFox]

Thanks for the comment! I was concerned about the box falling open and master wafers slipping over divider walls. Are you referring to the Lab wooden pinning block? I was considering purchase of one of these, but decided I could probably make something similar on the end mill.

[phrygianradar]

For those of you guys who are in to SFIC locks and repinning them, I just got an Arrow brand mini-repin kit (50+ of all bottom and master pins) off eBay that is really cool. The only draw back is that it didn't come with any springs or caps, but I just had my local locksmith order some for me, or you could get them off the net at different places. I just wanted to mention it because I am really happy with it. It has 6 different sized spool pins in it: Bottom 7, 8, and 9. Top 6, 8,and 10. It was pretty cheap for the quality of the product and I have pinned some tough locks with it already. I took it and, while it was shut of course, shook it up vigorously and nothing got mixed! I just had to try...

If you are interested, just search "Arrow SFIC" and the guy has a bunch of them for sale.

[Dogrocket]

I wish the pinning kit I purchased from Amazon was in a pillbox. The price was right, but the individual compartments didn't go all the way to the top of the case - and not surprisingly the box was turned over a few times in shipping.

I did however get plenty of practice measuring pins with digital calipers re-sorting the box.

[Sinifar]

I really can't see how you could be taken seriously as a smith, or anyone rekeying locks with pins in a "pillbox" - it looks amateurish.

Bite the bullet, spend the $70 or so for a LAB mini kit in either .003 or .005. Just get on with it.

LAB makes tons of kits, we have a Woodie down int he shop, with pins from .115 thru .360, bottom, and top from .010 to .250. Most of the road kits are the usual type -- for quick rekeys work I use a LAB 3 in 1 kit which services Kwikset, Schlage and Weiser. The master pins sit in that top tray, and are a bit "open" - so when you open this kit be careful the master pins don't fall out. Just one idea.

Sinifar

[GWiens2001]

@Sinifar,

I agree about the new for a professional look. I don't work in the locksmithing field. But I have a full size LAB .003 kit for most kits, an American/Master kit, and a Miracle Magnetic Liquidonics Company factory rekey kits.

I use the pill box for my ABLOY rekey kit because I got the discs, spacers, return bars, sidebars, etcetera loose in a bag. Originally sorted it (and stored it) into an ice cube tray. Only when I wanted to store it with the other rekey kits and found what it would cost to get a factory rekey kit in a case did I get the pill box. But it does work well, especially for a hobbiest. Yes, a locksmith should, for the sake of the ever important first impression, have professional kits. But for a hobbiest who only rekeys their own locks,the pill box should be fine.

Gordon