impressioning with the aid of key decoder

[dallalama]

just a thought ,would using a key decoder help speed up impressioning ,like this one http://www.lockpickshop.com/LKG001.html ,or do you think file, check, file, check is the best method, because at the moment im struggling with the file, check, file, method. i am have trouble with identifying the marks , i think i will improve over time , i have managed to make one working key. And destroyed 8 blanks,is this about the right ratio for a beginner ,also thinking of getting some sort of magnifying glass ,to help see the marks . Any thoughts

[lunchb0x]

Personally I don't think that you will find it any easier with the decoder, to learn how hard and how many strokes you need with the file to cut the key down to the next cut, try by pulling the lock apart and play around with the file to see how much a stroke with the file will make the pin drop. If you have a pining kit put #1 pins in the lock and see how much it takes to file the key down to that cut, then move on to a #2 and so on.

You can save yourself a lot of time by knowing how much to file, also I have a small magnifying glass with blue LED on it, I find that a coloured light makes it a lot easier to see the marks on the key than having a white light.

Also have a look here.. http://blackbag.nl/?p=94

The book that is being discussed is well worth a read and explain the techniques used to impression locks and also the tools that can help make it easier.

There is an English version of the book but I can't find it for sale anywhere, hope this helps.

[Raymond]

Dont worry about not seeing the marks. Practice will help. A great many impressionists use magnifying lenses on a headband. There are many different brands and the lenses also vary. If you get one, try to get one with a focal distance of about 10 inches. Otherwise you will be holding the key up to your nose to see it. A 10-power jeweler's loupe is just too strong for normal work. With the longer focal length you can file and see better at the same time. Some goggles even have flip down lenses that double the magnification

[dallalama]

thanks for your sound advice guys, I was thinking about, getting one of those small photo magnifying glasses or loupe ,but it makes sense to have one thats got a good focal range , saved me a bit of trial and error ,good sirs ,I appreciate the advice,and this looks like a very interesting book lunchb0x, i have a copy of LSS and i shall keep my eyes open for this one aswell