U-Change- what retailers don't know.

[Lauren]

I made a skeleton key that opens all U-Change locks in seconds. I put a key blank simulation tool in the keyway (depressing all pins to their lowest point). Then, I insert my tool into the pin release slot next to the keyhole, and remove the key blank simulation tool. Next, I rotate my skeleton key 90 degrees, and now the cylinder can be turned with a tension wrench. I've seen a simuliar technique done by using a simple wire inserted into the change slot of the lock, yet it rarely seems to work. My tool has teeth on it.

In either case, these locks are garbage. U-Change certainly has a back door to open these locks in the case of a mis-re-key, and its no different then having a grand master key. Yes- retailers are saving a lot of money on locksmith costs, but thank God for alarm systems.

[UWSDWF]

doesn't the fact that i can pick one in 3secs also make it not so well designed or is it only your backdoor trick that probably takes a minute or so... btw if you have key blanks for a U-change we need to talk cause i don't have any and want a couple

[nezumi]

For those of us who have no idea what you're talking about:

http://www.u-change.com/uchange.html

U-change is a lock that can be configured by the user without a locksmith. Insert key, turn 90 degrees, insert "change tool", remove key, insert new key, remove tool, turn lock. New lock setting. I guess it has extra tumblers stored in the side or something?

[UWSDWF]

no it has self adjusting key pins I'll post a breakdown tommorow

[unbreakable]

Where did you guys get these?

Were they expensive?

Even if they aren't a challenge to pick, I'd still like to see how they work, and play around with one a bit.

[charlied]

A really cool idea though.
Too bad it's not that secure.

[HeadHunterCEO]

pics of your tool please sir

[Gordon Airporte]

no it has self adjusting key pins I'll post a breakdown tommorow

ha HA! Already did one.

viewtopic.php?t=13538&highlight=uchange+breakdown

I'll have the think about the wire thing... doesn't seem possible.

[Lauren]

The change tool slot has enough play to place a flat spring steel object, no wider than 1/16 inches. Because a simple wire insert into the change slot doesn't depress the pins far enough, I married the wire concept to the flat steel. So, the finished tool looks like a mini wire with teeth on one side. Think of it as a warded lock in the change key slot. Therefore, my tool looks like a single side warded key, which is why it has the necessary ability to rotate depressing the pins even further than a simple wire bypass.

[nezumi]

What a neat lock. Never before have I seen one where you can not only let yourself into someone's place, but conveniently rekey the lock so he can't come in and bother you while you're working.

Yes, thank goodness for alarms. I imagine the poor lockey who advises against it and the customer chalks it up to the lockey worrying about losing business rekeying locks

[d_goldsmith]

I made a skeleton key that opens all U-Change locks in seconds. I put a key blank simulation tool in the keyway (depressing all pins to their lowest point). Then, I insert my tool into the pin release slot next to the keyhole, and remove the key blank simulation tool. Next, I rotate my skeleton key 90 degrees, and now the cylinder can be turned with a tension wrench. I've seen a simuliar technique done by using a simple wire inserted into the change slot of the lock, yet it rarely seems to work. My tool has teeth on it.

In either case, these locks are garbage. U-Change certainly has a back door to open these locks in the case of a mis-re-key, and its no different then having a grand master key. Yes- retailers are saving a lot of money on locksmith costs, but thank God for alarm systems.

Can you post a picture of your skeleton key.

[Gordon Airporte]

Careful, though, we're venturing into bypass territory and this thread could very well be locked or moved over to Advanced.
I can't find my lock right now, but I'll see if I can figure out exactly what's going on by looking at the pictures.

[grim]

I made a skeleton key that opens all U-Change locks in seconds. I put a key blank simulation tool in the keyway (depressing all pins to their lowest point). Then, I insert my tool into the pin release slot next to the keyhole, and remove the key blank simulation tool. Next, I rotate my skeleton key 90 degrees, and now the cylinder can be turned with a tension wrench. I've seen a simuliar technique done by using a simple wire inserted into the change slot of the lock, yet it rarely seems to work. My tool has teeth on it.

"key blank simulation tool"? umm... i got one of those too. i filed down a half-diamond pick. but my name isn't so fancy. i just call it a "probe".

as pointed out in an earlier post... just about any piece of metal that fits into the pinhole will do the trick since there's a lot of slop involved in the manufactuing of this lock. i carry a u-change tool on my keyring. though in all honesty i must say i use it more as a toothpick. (not only does it allow rekeying, but it's also a plaque-busting dental hygiene tool!)

so, i suppose in summation, i use a simu-liar system too.

(still waiting for pics of the picks)

[d_goldsmith]

Can something fit in the keychange whole at all times. Why when the pins are raised all the way can you stick something in there and then turn the plug?

[n2oah]

Can something fit in the keychange whole at all times. Why when the pins are raised all the way can you stick something in there and then turn the plug?

Yes, the change hole is always open.