Need help with Ruko locks

[SilverShadow]

Today at work I stumbled upon a box of locks that were discarded when the company upgraded interior locks (cabinets, low security doors and such) last year.
I asked if I could have a few of them, which I could

I am not entirely sure about which models they are, but they appear to be basic 5 pin cylinders.
This is one of them:



I grabbed a few different ones, but from what I can gather, they are basically the same lock in different shells.

I am still new to lock picking, so my knowledge of the anatomy of specific locks is still somewhat lacking. I looked around on the internet for info on these locks (security pins and such).

My main problem with these locks at the moment, however, is that the keyway is not exactly made with lock pickers in mind. The shape of it means that there is very little space to move around. To get even my smallest hook anywhere near the pins (other than the first one), I have to twist the pick around the "shelf" that the pins rest on. when trying to reach the back pins, this have caused me to wedge the pick so I have to release the tension wrench to get it out

The keyway looks like this:


(Different lock, but this one is open at the back, allowing me to back light it for better contrast)

How should I approach this? Is there a specific technique for this or is it just my llack of experience that is the problem? Or could I simply be using the wrong tools?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[mcsteve]

That keyway looks like a tighter or less-worn-out version of the Yale Y-1 keyway I've been fighting with. I haven't quite figured out how to work around it either. I keep over-setting pins while trying to maneuver around the warding. I'm going to get my hands on a set of slimline picks to see if that helps. What kind of picks are you using? For the lock I have I'm thinking an assortment of slim hooks, and maybe one of the long, swept, "reach" hooks might work best.

[SilverShadow]

I am not familiar with the Y-1. The only Yale locks we have around here, are a few padlocks.
This however, is the standard size keyway for almost all Ruko locks, which is by far the most common in Denmark.

Here is a quick snapshot to give an idea of the dimensions:

[SnowyBoy]

Look like standard RUKO's. At least the rim cylinder doesn't look like a flexcore of anything... vicious to pick either way.

[SnowyBoy]

By the way. This is what's inside.

The rim cylinders have slanted channels due to the way they are drilled in the factory. This one is a flexcore.... it has a hollow key and a type of nail inside the cylinder that slots in there. It hinders picking a little bit but they are pickable. They respond well to jiggling and lifting/rocking with medium to heavy tension.

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/7059/cimg7281.jpg

The euros are straight drilled and contain the same pin setup.

[SilverShadow]

Thank you for the info.

I fired up the old bench grinder and took of as much of the pick from the last photo, as I felt comfortable with. It is now ridiculously thin and will most likely not survive for very long. So it has been retired.

It did pay off, however. The smaller pick gave me a little more room to work with and after about 2 minutes the lock was defeated



Tomorrow I will start work on a pick specifically for these types of locks. I have a bit of extremely good steel left over from another project, that I have been saving for something special.

[SnowyBoy]

That's a very good time! Usually take me 10 minutes and not always guaranteed :/

Those pins are very slippery, and have the nastiest lip on them that locks into countersunk pin channels on the cylinder.

[SilverShadow]

I must admit that a certain amount of luck was involved. It went very smoothly and I didn't have to reset, even once. I tried again today and it did take quite a bit longer.

I have a few of Ruko's 6 pin padlocks around the house ( all in use though). When I have a little more experience with these 5 pin ones, I think I will retire one of those as the next step up

Ultimately I would like to beat the Ruko Garant Plus locks that I have on my doors (will most likely buy a padlock with the same cylinder).
But it will most likely take years before I am anywhere near ready for that. Just the thought of those 16 pin cylinders makes me dizzy.

[ryanj]

im having a problem with one of these locks also,

im challenging myself by picking one of these using a paper clip as a torque wrench and a bobby pin to depress the pins, however once picked, when i turn the tumbler, at round 1/2 turn the pins fall.

all i have to do is push them back down and continue to turn the tumbler, however the lock does not unlock after doing so.

any ideas guys?

[Squelchtone]

im having a problem with one of these locks also,

im challenging myself by picking one of these using a paper clip as a torque wrench and a bobby pin to depress the pins, however once picked, when i turn the tumbler, at round 1/2 turn the pins fall.

all i have to do is push them back down and continue to turn the tumbler, however the lock does not unlock after doing so.

any ideas guys?

It sounds like this lock is being used on a door currently? We do not encourage picking locks that someone is relying on for their security or safety.

Have you picked it in the other direction to see if it unlocks?

Squelchtone

[ryanj]

yes i've tried both directions. its currently on my shed door, but guess who doesnt have the keys! haha