Some General Questions, please?

[TruckerBob]

Sirs;

I am new to this hobby, have acquired some tools and begun researching. I am a bit perplexed as to some of the naming, the operational pecularities and the like and was wondering if someone would offer some assistance either on or offline? Some questiona I have concern Schlage Primus Everest line (what''s the difference?) did they make a lock-out cylinder? Do Everest keys work in Primus cylinders?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Truckerbob

[Violaetor]

A primus key will work both primus and everest locks, an everest key will work in everest only NOT a primus keyway as they are bitted for a sidebar. Both are restricted keyways. Schlage classic would be a place to start, as would be just about any lock you can pickup for less than $10 retail (some will have security pins which is a good bonus, but something else to learn as well).

A primus is a high-security cylinder and is not a good place to start if you don't have a history or picking or as a locksmith.

[TruckerBob]

Thank You!
I appreciate the quick response, and though I am using a Schlage cylinder for practice, I am trying to figure out some of the differences and identify the locks based upon the brand names and key configurations and the like.
I still have some questions...

[Violaetor]

Most of the brand names you've probably heard about have been around a LOOOONG time, and their locks have evolved, older locks usually have fewer pins and no security pins, all with more slack in the tolerance making them easier to open. So brand name won't always tell you what you're up against (is it version 1 2 3 etc, a different system ie primus/everest) you can sometimes get an idea of the difficulty of a lock by the profile of the keyway, the more warding or unusually shaped ones are likely of the high security type or if stamped underwriters labratory UL.

There are alot of posts here that show different companies, their locks through history, profiles and tips for whats inside them and how to defeat it.

[MacGyver101]

There's a good amount of information on Schlage's Everest Primus Key Systems page. The Service Manual has all of the information you're looking for (lockout cylinder, for example, are described on page eight), but there are some other good summary documents there as well.

[Evan]

A primus key will work both primus and everest locks, an everest key will work in everest only NOT a primus keyway as they are bitted for a sidebar. Both are restricted keyways. Schlage classic would be a place to start, as would be just about any lock you can pickup for less than $10 retail (some will have security pins which is a good bonus, but something else to learn as well).

A primus is a high-security cylinder and is not a good place to start if you don't have a history or picking or as a locksmith.

@Violaetor:

Incorrect, the Everest "C" Family is open and totally unrestricted, if you have cash and a place to order cylinders and key blanks from you can buy without restrictions... Primus is high security and restricted at varying levels...

~~ Evan