Van brand locks

[BBoitano]

I have searched through the forums but haven't found a clear (for clear you may read idiot-proof ) guide to picking Van locks.

Apparently the problem is applying tension - can you do that through the notches on the side?

If so I presume you could do it with a straightened paperclip to work the pins and a tensioner? Alternatively how heavily sprung are they? Could you just stick something in the middle of the lock using a silicon based adhesive (to remove easily) and the apply torque?

Are they similar to tubular locks in that the will relock every 1/8th of a turn?

So many questions ... but thanks for any help!!

[marso]

Would you have pictures a website or more information like brand/model/description or even the type of lock? (I didn't really get a clear answer from your post)

About idiots guide, you have to do a little work yourself. Even if this is mental thinking or taking a practice lock apart. Have you tried practice locks? What is your prior lockpicking experience? Do you have any proper picks?

Some help read the below threads and if you have any further questions please feel free to ask.

http://home.howstuffworks.com/lock-picking.htm
viewtopic.php?t=1744

Please keep me posted with how you go.

[Chucklz]

You apply tension through one of the pin stacks that sets "deep". Pull down, or push up. They do relock like normal tubular locks.

[BBoitano]

Would you have pictures a website or more information like brand/model/description or even the type of lock? (I didn't really get a clear answer from your post)

http://www.vanlock.com/camlocks.html

is the website of the lock. Sorry I should have included that first .

About idiots guide, you have to do a little work yourself. Even if this is mental thinking or taking a practice lock apart. Have you tried practice locks? What is your prior lockpicking experience? Do you have any proper picks?

I do have proper picks (for normal tubular and pin) and a fair degree of experience. I can see how it works in my mind but was looking for some clearer ideas of how to apply tension, how much tension is needed etc. I don't have a specific Van lock pick and am unaware if one exists. Does it?

Please keep me posted with how you go.

I will. Hopefully that link will help you see what lock I mean and thus my questions will hopefully not seem as silly!!

bb

[BBoitano]

You apply tension through one of the pin stacks that sets "deep". Pull down, or push up. They do relock like normal tubular locks.

Thanks - at least that gives me a place to start. Have you succesfully picked one? How easy are they? How much tension should you apply? How many times will it relock?

Thanks again

[marso]

BBoitano, sorry these locks are out of my league. I have no idea where to start. Do you have one of these locks yourself or did you just come across it on the net? If you own one can you take more detailed photos and perhaps take it apart?

[Chucklz]

Ive never had the oportunity to pick one. Apparently, no security pins. It appears that the trick is to find a pin that sets deeply enough that you can apply tension using that hole.

[BBoitano]

marso - Unfortunately I don't have one myself to take apart - hence my questions here. I would love to get hold of one to see how it really works.

They are very common in the UK on vending machines, replacing the older normal tubular pin (Ace / AceII) locks. Apparently due to the higher security offered through having a flush face (no leverage for prying, pulling etc) and no readily available picks (at least none that I can find). I imagine drilling would work just as well though.

Chucklz - thanks. I will have a little closer look at the one at work here and see if I can get it to 'talk' to me a little

I will keep you posted

[marso]

Hi, I could be wrong but the below link seems to give a nice picture of it.

http://www.camlock.com/ext_prod_camlock ... ries.shtml

BBoitano unless you are an experienced lock picker I would put this one aside for a number of months.

[PYRO1234321]

Its an inside-out tubular lock....

[jimmythelock]

It certainly looks like a reverse tubular lock!
I assume the shear line is around roughly where the sealing nut is (the nut used to secure it to the thing you are locking)?

Although I have no experience with such a lock, I assume find a "deep" setting pin to apply the torque with would be very difficult in itself. Also once you have found such a pin the torque tool would not always keep it set.

Just as an idea. Can you not use a piece of dowl with a soft rubber pad on the end to apply tension and turn like you would with say a screw driver?

I not seen one of these yet but I'm now going to keep an eye out for one.

[Chucklz]

They key is kept "in" the lock through a single thread mechansim, as like a jar. I bet you could get a key, grind off most of the inside, and drill some holes, and use that as a tension tool.

[BBoitano]

marso - I'm sure it will be a challenge!! But I'm going to have a go anyway

The rubber tipped dowling sounds like a good idea jimmythelock but since there is a space in the spacing (great English eh? You would never guess it was my first language!) at 12 O'clock (as shown in the other link - great link btw) I think you could stick some windscreen wiper metal to the face of the lock using some silicon and wait for it to go off to apply constant tension. I suggest silicon because it will hold quite well yet leave no residue when you have finished and clean it up.

Worth a shot but I guess I'll have to get a practise lock to try it on - can't see anybody here at work being to happy with me siliconing things up to 'test'

So go slightly off topic, should you pick it and turn it eversoslightly, I imagine the pins will remain set allowing you to cast a 'key' somehow. Anyone have any ideas on good casting stuff?

Thanks for everyone's input on this.

[horwichg]

i would say to cast a key u could use a sort of air hardening clay, but it must be very soft to begin with to alow even distribution. Before you go sticking the stuff in your lock however, u must put a protective cover, like renolds wrap or saran wrap, down so u down make you lock unusable