How to identify locks with catalogues?

[Mr. Lock]

Hi everybody..
Thanx for a great site for lockpicking n00b's (and 1337), its really helpful..

I have been playing with some different bump keys, for some pin tumbler locks.. great results..
I thought i would try the bump key method on my house, but diddnt have any key that would go in..

How can i identify my lock?
I took a picture of the key entry, and worked a little in photoshop with it, the result was an (i hope) exactly replika of the key way..
Cant i somehow, with this picture, identify the lock?

I figures i needed som catalogues.. but i dont know where to get them.. and it seems there are alot of different catalougs..

Hope you guyz can help a n00b like me..

[VashTSPD]

I'm still a noob too, but I would suggest looking on the lock itself for a brand name (ie Kwikset or Schlage), check on the plate that the actual lock goes through, on the thin side of the door, that's where it is on the kwikset that I have.

having said that, a lot of people that are a lot smarter say not to practice on locks that you depend on. such as a lock on your house. And I've heard that bump-keying a lock is hard on the pins. makes sense because of all the hitting they go through. I wouldn't bump that lock unless you are able to buy a new one if something breaks.

shrub, andy, db, feel free to correct what I said or add what I missed.

[Raccoon]

Here you go. I don't know where you live, but you'll probably find the keyway in section 2 or 3.

http://www.kaba-ilco.com/key_systems/pd ... s_info.asp

To be fair, finding a key from a catalogue alone is going to be a nightmare. It really helps to know what locks are likely to be installed in your area. Know the top 10 keyways and you'll save hours of frustration. For most keyways, there are other keyways that fit the same lock, often by the same brand, but just as often by other brands. So just because you matched a key that fits the lock, doesn't necessarily mean you've identified the lock. Not at all.

[Shrub]

Yup Vash has it, do nt play with locks you rely on,

Tell us where you live and show us the picture of your keyway maybe we can then id the keyway for you,

The key may also have printing on it in some form that could be used for id'ing.

[Mr. Lock]

Ok thx.. diddnt know it would damage that much.. have goon over to another pin tumbler lock..

Thx. for the link Raccoon..
The brand on the lock it self says: BURG.. and i think i have it on the catalog..

but...

what does: BUR8, BUR2R and BRG11L tell me???
and in the left.. theres some other stuff: ILCO, SILCA and ORION.. what is that??

sorry, for mabey stupid questions..
thx for the fast reaktions..

[Shrub]

Ilco, Silca, Orion are differant key makers,

Burg is the make of the lock,

Bur4 etc are the differant profiles,

Show us the keyway and we can help you further,

[Mr. Lock]

ok.. thx Shrub..

my digital cam is broke.. but i can get hold of one tomorrow..
I will get some pictures up tomorrow..

Also: my bump key for the specific looks does not seem to be working very well.. not working at all actually so i will test, if i can get such a pic. up to..
thx again for so short waiting time for response.. im thrilled.. never did i think that i should live to see that on a forum

[Shrub]

As long as i can help in my own little way ill always be here along with loads of others