Filing tips

[Malekal]

Hey Guys,

anyone have any tips on how to file these pins without filing the plug?



Thanks,

Malekal

[Evan]

You wouldn't want to file the pins.

You need to either obtain a properly cut key OR the correct size pins.

~~ Evan

[kwoswalt99-]

If you already started I'd just keep going until it matches your (hopefully) code cut key. Instead of buying a pin kit, I make all of mine on a lathe, or in a drill, or in a vise. You just want it completely flat and square on the top, and maybe a little bevel all around the edge.

[kwoswalt99-]

As for the right length, I just do it by trial and error, I can get it perfect pretty quickly. You could measure, but finding the numbers or figuring them out myself takes too long for me. If key has nonstandard depths, a replacement can't be code cut.

[billdeserthills]

The sad fact is that even with a commercial hardened plug holder, you could still overfile. As mentioned, filing the pins is frowned upon nowadays, but the best
way I know to quit over filing is--Stop It, before the cylinder is flat!

[Malekal]

If you already started I'd just keep going until it matches your (hopefully) code cut key. Instead of buying a pin kit, I make all of mine on a lathe, or in a drill, or in a vise. You just want it completely flat and square on the top, and maybe a little bevel all around the edge.

Anything to protect the plug?

But yeah I could vide it and then go at each individually...

Thanks!

[kwoswalt99-]

Yeah, I meant out of the plug individually. I have a small precision drill vise with a little v-groove that holds the pins just perfectly straight. It works a lot better than clunky machinist vises.

[GWiens2001]

Agree about it being better to use the correct pins or file the key down instead, but for someone starting in this hobby, they just may not have the pins.

Before I got heavily into locks, when needing to adjust pin sizes, just used a needle file, holding the pins in my hands or with some sort of soft-jawed holding tool/vise. Once you have filed it, then put it back into the plug. Don't file the pins while they are still in the plug.

Gordon

[Malekal]

Agree about it being better to use the correct pins or file the key down instead, but for someone starting in this hobby, they just may not have the pins.

Before I got heavily into locks, when needing to adjust pin sizes, just used a needle file, holding the pins in my hands or with some sort of soft-jawed holding tool/vise. Once you have filed it, then put it back into the plug. Don't file the pins while they are still in the plug.

Gordon

This is my case, I got about 4 different sizes of pins. With the help and guidance of the local smith, my collection is growing, and he's teaching me to are do with what I have as in the field, you may not have everything or be missing something entirely.

I am a big fan of makeshift and diy... As shown with my wood pinning mat and .010 hook