Vash's questions and explanations

[VashTSPD]

I'll update periodically with things I've made for LP101 and small questions that I couldn't find a good answer to.

I'll start by sharing a video I made of how to remove a cheap Kwikset KIK cylinder. I'd imagine most people would say that this is very easy, but I had a hard time visualizing it when someone told me how to do it and a video would have helped. Then I saw Krazy K post that exact question in the forums, but he was actually able to open it after that. Then he helped me, and then I saw Wolf2486 ask the same question. Disassembling a KIK (Key in Knob) is essential to following DB's exercises (aside from buying a spare cylinder at the hardware store) and I'm sure a few people have given up on doing the exercises because they just couldn't get to the cylinder. I almost did.

So without more useless jabber, here's the link to Youtube.

One cylinder, please.

Post Script: Sorry about the voice, I was really tired.

[unbreakable]

Nicely, done, I really like the explanation at the end. What was the last little it you said at the very end of the video?

Well done, Ill be saving a copy.

And the anrrations weren't bad at all

[Raccoon]

I might recommend a couple things to make it a little more professional.

Rather than suggesting a coat hanger, suggest two screwdrivers. If someone should happen to not have a second screwdriver small enough to fit, they could always improvise on their own and find something screwdriver-like.

Learn the official names for the anatomy of a lock. Phrases like "this" and "these things" are confusing and don't go very far for teaching someone a new skill, especially if they turn around and try explaining it to someone else. "they said you just press these things together to make that pop out."

A closer view of each step as you perform it would be great. A tripod is quite necessary, and makes for a much more presentable work. Once you go over each of the steps in detail, then go over them again in a normal speed of process to show "how it's really done". Then, you may even use an actual "kwikset removal tool" to show what locksmiths use, and how similar in design and functionality it is to two screwdrivers.

If you make a mistake, just scratch the video or edit it out, rather than going "oops" and making the viewer endure the oops.

Forgive me if I'm sounding too picky. I'm a photographer and videographer, and consider this valuable advice. Keep it up!

[keysman]

Very GOOD .. if someone can't figure out how to remove the cylinder from a KW after watching your vid.. their just not goin to get it at all..ever
Keep up the good work!

[VashTSPD]

I was reading a thread on shimming and decided to shim my first lock. It was kind of fun, just slidding the shim in there and twisting and it popped open. It was only a Master combo lock. After that I started thinking about shimming and the security risks involved. My gym lockers all used that same type of master combo lock, every year for the 5 years that I've been there. And then a question came to mind,

is there a reason for having a double balled padlock? wouldn't a single ball do the job? As far as I know, the 'ball' locking mechanism is to prevent shimming, but since ball locking locks aren't shimmable, what the purpose of having a ball on each side?

PS: ya can never have too many emoticons

[mh]

is there a reason for having a double balled padlock? wouldn't a single ball do the job? As far as I know, the 'ball' locking mechanism is to prevent shimming, but since ball locking locks aren't shimmable, what the purpose of having a ball on each side?

You also want to protect a lock from brute force - 2 balls can resist more pulling force than 1.

Cheers,
mh

[raimundo]

padlocks with only one side locking dogs fall to pieces when cut with a pincher, the two ball system requires that it be cut twice to remove it from a shackle since cut once, the shackle still cannot rotate much. therefore increasing to double the time and effort to pinch it. and in some applications, the pincher cannot reach a second pinch point.

[VashTSPD]

thanks guys, that answers it up great

[digital_blue]

You know, I didn't know that. I'd like to think I'd have figured it out if I'd put any thought to it... but it's cool that I'm still learning basic stuff here.

db

[VashTSPD]

does everyone see that? for exactly 8 minutes, I knew something db didn't.

[!*AMP*!]

Truly a milestone.

[VashTSPD]

What is a "switch lock"? it has it appears to have solder points on the back side, how would one work in normal use? and does it still lock and pick the same as a normal lock?

It's made by Medeco. Or as the seller spelt it, Medico

[VashTSPD]

also, I have a question for anyone who's familiar with the big gold Brinks repinnable padlock, the one that comes with 28 pins.

My friend recently...over disassembled it. on accident. Once we had gathered both the balls, a big spring and small spring, and the center piece that holds the balls in place, I eagerly went to work to try and reassemble it. I got almost done, I tried to pop the shackle back in and it just wouldn't go down. From what I could see, the ball on the shackle's long side wouldn't slide in all the way. And I didn't find the place where the small spring goes. Any suggestion would be useful, thanks.

[unbreakable]

also, I have a question for anyone who's familiar with the big gold Brinks repinnable padlock, the one that comes with 28 pins.

My friend recently...over disassembled it. on accident. Once we had gathered both the balls, a big spring and small spring, and the center piece that holds the balls in place, I eagerly went to work to try and reassemble it. I got almost done, I tried to pop the shackle back in and it just wouldn't go down. From what I could see, the ball on the shackle's long side wouldn't slide in all the way. And I didn't find the place where the small spring goes. Any suggestion would be useful, thanks.

Is it like this one http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190014904400

Thats mine.

I did the same thing, but now I can't remember how I manged to over disassemble it in the first place......

I've been trying for 5 minutes now.

How do you?

[unbreakable]

Aha! Just got it, no need for an explanation. Pics will follow shortly.