Using key to determine number of pins?

[jgawera]

I have a key for an electric keypad safe. It's a fairly cheap one from Argos, and I only paid £1 for it at a boot sale.

I've not yet managed to pick a lock, but been doing a fair bit of reading.

I was wondering if someone could explain to me how I can tell how many pins there are in the lock by looking at the key.

Where do the pins rest on the key when it is on the lock?

They could rest on the peaks of the key, or in the dips of the key or both.
Or I supose they could be anywhere at all along the key.

Looking at the key I have, it has 3 bumps. At first I thought this meant it had 3 pins, but that seems a bit low for a safe!

Anyway, i've rambled on enough

thanks for any help you can offer.

[Varjeal]

It depends a little bit on how your key is actualy cut. Basically, any "notches" in the key count as a position. If you examine the key carefully you will most likely see marks on it from a machine. Simply count the spaces.

This is a pure guess, but most likely your lock will have 4 pins.
If the blade of the key is about 3/4" long or 2cm. It is most likely a four pin lock.

Hope that helps.

[Chubby]

jgawera, Have a good look inside of the lock to see if you can actually see a 'pin' (use a bright torch) the reason is if your not savvied in the workings of a key I'm guessing that your guessing it's a pin cylinder lock, most cheapo cash boxes and alike are usually fitted with an equally 'cheapo' cam wafer lock.

[quicklocks]

[The Key Maker]

i agree. I shove my pick in and count the clicks. Takes 10 seconds and is well simple to do.