Abus EC850 - This things driving me nuts!

[JackNco]

OK First off, im sorry, i don't like starting threads about single locks unless im ripping one apart and putting picks up. But this thing is driving me crazy!

Its basically a dimple lock setup but not what i was expecting. The Key way looks like a an S shape on its side. I was hoping i could get picks in on there side and lift the pins by twisting the pick. But as soon as i saw the key way i knew this wasn't happening.

Next thing i tried was taking a long Southord hook and twisting the pick just after it starts bending at a 90° angle. This allows me to get round the warding by twisting the picks and so lifting the pins one at a time. it works well but there is so much flex in the pick when used like this that i cant really feel whats going on.

I have taken one side of the lock apart to have a look at the pins and see what im up against. The lock has 6 pins that need to be picked as well as 4 passive pins directly above these. As expected being an Abus there are a mixture of security pins. some spools with trimmed ends, and normal driver pins with trimmed ends. (By this i mean the pins are cut inwards at the ends not outwards, kind of like a "negative spool")
Sorry no pics of the pins atm as i don't have a camera right now.

The lock can be seen on page 3 of this toool PDF, this is the only information i can find in English about this lock.
http://www.toool.nl/cutaway1.pdf

I guess what i want to know is Has anyone else on here ever encountered one before. and/or picked one?

Yes i know this probably wasn't the best choice for a first dimple and ive been looking round eBay for an easier lock, but heck ive got it now so i may as well try and beat the thing.

All the best

John

[raimundo]

I have made these twisted hooks for dimple locks by a very simple method, start with a length of sweeperbristle, and give it a 90degree bendd, there will be some radius in the bend, then take a 1/4 inch chainsaw sharpening file, and cut into the bend from one side, (this is where your tool will become handed, so it matters which side you cut into consult your lock that you wish to pick to see which side applies,
After cutting halfway through the bend with the round file, use a dykes and clip off the excess beyond the bend and file cut, next cut halfway through the bristle stock about an inch and a quarter back on the shaft from the first cut, then remove the material between those two cuts with a flat file. a little finishing on the tip, you can't just leave it with the pinched off end left by the dykes,
then sand off all the rough toolmarks of the files,

[JackNco]

Cheers raimundo

I don't think we get the metal bristles here but im sure i can find something equivalent to work with.

All the best

[Shrub]

This things driving me nuts!

Said the patient to the doctor when walking in with a car steering wheel stuck to his groin area,

[JackNco]

This things driving me nuts!

Said the patient to the doctor when walking in with a car steering wheel stuck to his groin area,

//Bangs head on desk

[PickPick]

Sometimes these locks respond well to raking with a deforest/teardrop pick. A sixmountain might be a good idea, too. And do you have any Souber MTL picks ?

[Jason13]

Dont tell him that!!! from what i know John has picked all his locks by SPP You think thats a pain in the ass? This American Lock 1105 is doing my head in!!!!

[JackNco]

Sometimes these locks respond well to raking with a deforest/teardrop pick. A sixmountain might be a good idea, too. And do you have any Souber MTL picks ?

I have tried raking it but its got hi pins at the back and low at the front. as soon as u get the rake in its over set the 2nd and 3rd pins. its a clever key way.

i have a few ideas for tools that might get it open, i was curious if anyone had got one open before though as it doesn't seem like a common lock.

[greyman]

I've encountered Abus EC800 but not 850. I don't expect there'd be much difference. The 800 also has 10 pins, or at least 5 real and 5 passive. It's what I call a horizontal-keyway cylinder. Sometimes these things are really easy to pick, eg the Azbe cylinder. Other times the warding gets things fouled up. It sounds like this is the problem with the EC850. If there's spools that isn't going to help.

[JackNco]

Sometimes these things are really easy to pick, eg the Azbe cylinder.

uve lost me there? Azbe are the make or model?

[greyman]

Azbe HS4. It's a cinch to pick.

[JackNco]

gotta admit ive never herd of them. ill keep an eye out for one though.

[NKT]

John, I've got loads of bristles and also some of the Azbe's kicking about. Drop me a line.

There's not much info about the Abus in Han's PDF, but it looks like it still has all the usual faults of the euro profile, except for ease of picking.

[JackNco]

cheers, will do

John