Cut away key in knob type cylinder.

[I Pik U]

Not sure if something has been posted in the past like this one. I did a search a saw the 7 pin tubular cut away cylinder, but did not find any like this one.

This is a Schlage 6 pin cylinder I cut notches into many years ago, to aid me in practising lock picking. Schlage brand of cylinders have been one of the tougher ones for me to pick, so I though that if I could see what was going on inside, it could help me to improve my technique.

I used a Rotary Tool with a cut off wheel to cut notches into the cylinder plug and outer casing. Then smoothed off any rough edges with a file.

Seeing the tumblers from the side while picking, gives me the visual confirmation when a pin tumbler is sucessfully being held above the shear line. I know this is cheating, but it's just an aid to get the feel of what goes on.

Here are some pictures:

[lockedin]

Nice, I need to get me a cutaway too.

[mrdan]

All right, that's it! I am going to do one up tomorrow to play with.

[cL4y]

dude thats amazing,its 40$USD for a cutaway lock from shops,and this seems very simple,you should write a guide on how to do this,that would help ALOT of people new to picking.

This is one of the best ideas i have seen in awhile.

[I Pik U]

It's very simple to make.

First remove all the pins and springs from the cylinder, then reassemble the empty cylinder.
Using a Dremel/Rotary tool, I slowly cut a groove into the centre of each pin bore.
You can use a working key as a guide to find the centre of each cut.
Hold the key up to the outside of the cylinder, aligning the shoulder/stop to the face of the cylinder.
Mark the centre of each cut onto the outside of the cylinder.
Make your cuts as narrow as possable. If you make them too wide, the pins will fall out of your cuts.
Cut just far enough to be able to see a pin, if it were there.
Then disassemble the empty cylinder and carefully file any sharp loose edges. Not too much as you don't want to widen the cuts as to let the pins drop out. The plug just needs to be able to spin freely without getting caught up.

It has been a few years since I made up this cylinder, so I can't remember all the details, but that is generally how I did it. Just do a little at a time, as you can always cut a little more off if needed. If you cut too much to start, you can't go back.

[Kaotik]

Like they say "Measure twice and cut once".

[5thcorps]

Nice work! I'm gonna try one this weekend. It should certainly help determining what you're feeling is going on and having a visual to confirm or tell you to make adjustments. Has this improved your skill?

[I Pik U]

I still have a difficult time pick the Schlage A series and BC160 series. I do need to practise more.


"Locksmiths always get in".


Actually, that quote makes me laugh, reminding me of a call I got once. I was called by a fellow Locksmith that was locked in an upstairs Apt. There was only one entrance to this Apt. He was on the inside of the door, at the bottom of the stairs, and the door was jambed shut! Took me a while to help him out. I can't remember exactly how I got the door open as it was over 15 years ago. I just remember that the lock, a mortise lock, was jambed becacause the cylinder hold screw had fallen down into the casing and jambed up the workings of the lock.