Opening an ASSA locks with a pick gun or manually ?

[Millow]

Hey guys,

this is my first post and I need some info. After using the search button and reading through numerous posts, I'd like your help with a few questions.

1- I don't plan on becoming a master locksmith, just a casual user. But I need to open an ASSA lock really quickly. Should I use a pick gun or a lockpick ?

2- Which should I start with ? Product reviewers says Peterson's pick are good, but could I open most locks quickly by just buying a pick gun even thoug it takes the fun away from lockpicking..?

[freakparade3]

For you first post asking how to open a specific lock "really quickly" you will get no help. That said, Welcome to the forum. We are glad to have you. Please feel free to browse and learn along with the rest of us.

[Eyes_Only]

Is this one of those standard pin tumbler ASSA lock or is it the V-10 with the sidebar and similar locks? If it is the latter don't bother asking here. The Mods will lock up this thread since it's advanced material. Why do you need to know how to open an ASSA lock really fast anyways?

[UWSDWF]

OMFG Chocolate barz....

[JackNco]

This wouldn't be the same guy that was kicked from IRC last night for asking the same questions and getting all defensive when asked why he needed a specific lock opening so fast would it?

Sorry if its not but the name was nearly identical.

But as said why are you interested in an Assa lock specifically.

I will say this though. a newcomer to lock picking wont easily get an Assa lock of any type open easily. no matter what tools you are using.

All the best

John

[Millow]

I really don't know it's advanced or not. I don't think so.

Is there a way to know what it is, I only have the lock. Don't have the box or anything. Is it written somehwere on the lock ? DO I have to try and take it apart ?

I'm so noob as you can see but trying to learn, picking seems interesting especially for someone who likes puzzle (yeah I know, I'm somekind of geek..hehehe)

Something else, I've read about pick guns. Everyone says the majestic lockaid et the best, but I mean, they all look absolutely the same...should I really aim for a majestic or a brockhage would do the trick ?

And for learning, are the lock where you see the inside worth the price ? I mean, 50$ for a basic lock where you can see inside seems a lot to me. Can I make them myselves using like a dremmel or will I ruin my new locks ?

Thx for the help, I hope someday I will be of some use to this community.

[UWSDWF]

I really don't know it's advanced or not. I don't think so.

Is there a way to know what it is, I only have the lock. Don't have the box or anything. Is it written somehwere on the lock ? DO I have to try and take it apart ?

I'm so noob as you can see but trying to learn, picking seems interesting especially for someone who likes puzzle (yeah I know, I'm somekind of geek..hehehe)

Something else, I've read about pick guns. Everyone says the majestic lockaid et the best, but I mean, they all look absolutely the same...should I really aim for a majestic or a brockhage would do the trick ?

And for learning, are the lock where you see the inside worth the price ? I mean, 50$ for a basic lock where you can see inside seems a lot to me. Can I make them myselves using like a dremmel or will I ruin my new locks ?

Thx for the help, I hope someday I will be of some use to this community.

Why are you interested in only this model of lock?
Pickguns have no use for a beginer or hobiest... takes the fun out
Cuttaway locks are impractical for learning on.. useful for teaching

[Millow]

Hey Jack,

Nope, I'm not an IRC user anymore. I was back in the days, but now MSN does what I need.

[Millow]

Geez, this community is alive and well, I write 2 msg and while I do this, 2 people writes back.

Love it.

Anyway, I thought that they were good for learning, coz one could see what he was doing. So I guess the best way is to head to the hardware store and pick some Kwikset lock.

[UWSDWF]

Geez, this community is alive and well, I write 2 msg and while I do this, 2 people writes back.

Love it.

Anyway, I thought that they were good for learning, coz one could see what he was doing. So I guess the best way is to head to the hardware store and pick some Kwikset lock.

Yep and follow d_b's guide

[Chucklz]

Why do you need to open it so quickly? Going to an SSDeV or TOOOL competition?

Do you have the key for the lock? Would you post pictures? We can often sort out alot from the keyway/how the key looks.

[Millow]

I don'T have a digital camera, but maybe I can borrow my friend's one.

I'll try to post some pics asap.

I'm surprised at how much replies I guess, usaully forums are just...quiet..hehehe

[freakparade3]

Why do you need to open it so quickly?

I think he may be Batman If you think about it Batman would likely use the ability to the greater good of mankind.

[JackNco]

Why do you need to open it so quickly?

I think he may be Batman If you think about it Batman would likely use the ability to the greater good of mankind.

But batman would probably have some kind of spray or pill he can take that opens locks. (If u don't get that go and watch the original series batman movie "Lucky for me i had my anti shark spray")

[DaveAG]

ASSA are a good brand of lock and make some high security stuff which has the effect of making people suspicious when being asked how to pick them specifically. My university for one uses ASSA almost exclusively throughout, although not all on the same system.

How to pick an ASSA depends on what it is.

The older/cheaper ASSA locks are just standard pin tumblers, although they do have security pins that are very tricky indeed to get past. An example of this can be seen at http://www.toool.nl/cutaway1.pdf (page . To pick these you just need to practice (and practice and practice...) on single pin picking pin-tumbler locks. When you are good enough, you'll be able to open them. The only "special technique" is feeling for and working around the security pins. How to pick with security pins can be found by searching on this site.

Newer/more expensive ASSA locks will typically have a sidebar. I know how these work, own a couple and have disassembled them, but I wouldn't know where to start on picking them. Those on here who do know won't tell you, and at a guess it requires levels of skill that have to be learned over time and with lots of effort rather than simply being told a couple of "tricks"

At least in the UK ASSA also supply a technology called Desmo. It is used in their range of locks for lockers etc. From the looks of their online product information it has two sidebars and no top pins, making it unbumpable. The closest to playing with these I've got is locking my stuff away at a swimming pool. I've never owned one, opened one up, tried to pick etc. I don't know whether these would be considered high security on this site either.