JK's Portable Lock Board Guide

[JK_the_CJer]

Introduction

When I finally got around to practicing on something other than padlocks, I decided to pick up a cheap re-keyable Kwikset. I quickly realized that this thing was very uncomfortable to pick while holding it in my hand. There had to be a simple way to mount this cylinder, it also had to be portable and easy to remove the cylinder for re-pinning on the go. This was what I came up with:

Materials and Tools:

Dremel Rotary Tool (or similar)
Drill Bit Accessory
Small Sanding Drum Accessory
Small Thin Plywood (hobby lobby carries small packs of these for about $5)
Pencil/Pen
Dime

http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/3788/img0046gr2.jpg
http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/5436/img0045rb5.jpg

Preparation:

Examine the back side of the cylinder (http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/7559/img0047fv3.jpg) and make a plan of attack. On my particular lock, I noticed that the main hole that needed to be cut was almost exactly the size of a dime. I traced a dime using a pen right onto the wood (a pencil would be better). I then placed the lock on top of the dime outline and added marks at key points in the shape. After "connecting the dots" I came up with this: http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/779/img0048kr3.jpg

Cutting the Hole:

I suggest starting with the large dime outline first and getting it perfect before moving on to the other bits of the shape. Just start drilling hole with the drill bit and then smooth it out with the sanding drum. You want to be as conservative as possible with the drilling/sanding. The tighter fit you can get the better. Test fit the lock often and as always be careful.

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/2378/img0050bc2.jpg
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http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/3801/img0054ce9.jpg
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/1433/img0055sf5.jpg

Finished:

Now just push the lock in into the hole you made. Be careful not to go for too tight a fit, the wood can splinter or crack. If all went well you should feel/hear a satisfying pop as the lock sets into place. If anyone has any ideas for a lining to make a tighter fit, I'd love to hear them.

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/2566/backsideld7.jpg

Now find the best way to hold the board/lock or maybe brace it against something. It's pretty versatile and having two locks in it makes it pretty stable on a hard surface. Now you dont have to contort your hand uncomfortably or carry a vise in your pocket! I hope this tutorial proved useful to some of you. Its not rocket science, but if you have any question feel free to let me know.

http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/9452/img0058ex2.jpg
http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/6165/img0059ym9.jpg

[JK_the_CJer]

I just wanted to add that Lowes sells these nifty little gift card tins for about $1.50 They work great for carrying extra pins and springs with you. Now if you get frustrated and want to take a pin column or two out to get your confidence back or add some security pins, you're covered!

http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/1843/img0061ou2.jpg
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/4269/img0060in8.jpg

[Shrub]

I dont use lock boards but an idea i came up with a while ago that no-one seems to have tryed was to use a hard briefcase, mount the locks in the lid and keep your tools etc inside,

When you want to practice lift the lid up (adjustabe angle of course lol) and simply pick,

[pinsetter]

I made something for mounting mortise and deadbolt cylinders to practice on while mounted.

I bought a piano bench at an auction, took the lid off and stored it so not to mess up the original lid. I made another lid from a piece of plywood and used a hole saw to make the holes for mounting the locks in the lid. I store all my padlocks and such inside the bench along with my picks and parts and stuff. I made a lid prop on the inside so the lid can be lifted and secured in place at 90 degrees.

I just pull the little bench over to the couch, prop the lid open and start picking. It is the perfect height to use from a sitting position. Better yet, when you're done practicing you just throw all the stuff back in the compartment, close the lid, push the bench back against the wall, and throw a small tablecloth over it to use it for a little table while not practicing. All the locks and stuff are out of sight and it's very convenient and easy to keep organized.

[SFGOON]

That's fantastic. Outstanding for the what, seventh post? Thank you.