Making a cutaway from a BEST lock

[marv711]

I have a best padlock with what looks to be a removable core. I lost the key but I left it open. I want to do a cut away, because I don't mind ruining the lock. How do you extract a core from a padlock? Would I be better off to just grind through the case.

[nekret]

It would be better to extract the core and do the cuts to the core and the body separately since you'll have a better idea about what your cutting into. To remove a best core you will need to pick the control shear. Peterson has some tension tools designed for that however you can probably do it with standard tools and a bit of luck and patience.

[JackNco]

I would assume its best SFIC (im almost 100% it will be). in which case you have a problem. you can not completely strip a best SFIC and remove the pins and springs without effectively destroying it. you need some special tools to replace the Caps and you will need new springs after you have punched them through.

you could however (i assume) replace the core with a Falcon branded SFIC that CAN be striped down and re assembled. as long as it is a compatible size.

To remove the core you will need to pick the lock to the "control" shear link. this will rotate a control sleeve about 15°, moving a Lug out of the way and allowing the core to slide out.

You can read more about this here
http://www.crypto.com/photos/misc/sfic/

Hope this helps

John

[marv711]

That helps a lot thanks. I'll see about getting a SFIC torque tool

[JackNco]

I don't get on with mine at all. I don't like tools that come with instructions that recommend jamming in tooth picks. i didn't find it fit well in either the best or the falcon locks i tried it on.

But some people get good results with them.

John

[marv711]

JackNco which one do you have, checking Peterson's they have a new thicker one (type C) http://www.peterson-international.com/i-CORE.htm but they also say it doesn't work on all of them.

[JackNco]

I forget which one i got, i know it was the correct one for the Best key way i have.

[Gordon Airporte]

I don't get on with mine at all. I don't like tools that come with instructions that recommend jamming in tooth picks.

You're just mad that you had to go out and get your own toothpicks .

[JackNco]

where do u even get "flat" toothpicks anyway. there all round here!

[nekret]

where do u even get "flat" toothpicks anyway. there all round here!

Over here the flat toothpicks are right next to the round ones.

[freakparade3]

where do u even get "flat" toothpicks anyway. there all round here!

If you need flat toothpicks I'll mail you some. No charge.

[JackNco]

lol cheers, im sure i could find some if i put the time in. i shaved matches down to do the job. but i still didn't get any feedback. wood just doesn't have the resistance to give any feeling.

the problem is the control line turns clockwise. which means you have to put pressure on the left side of the drilled holes. the tool is thin so it till fit in to certain key ways so any rotation before the plug turns means it doesn't work, the "fingers" slip up and out of what they are gripping. the tool could IMHO be improved by making the fingers longer but then it may be difficult to getting some keyways. although im only talking about 0.5-1.5mm longer. its a tool to work on many locks when to work effectively it should be designed for each keyway. but that could mean about 30 tools for locks even a busy locksmith may never encounter.

At the price peterson offers them this is impossible. but if SO or SS started offering a complete labeled set at $60 compared to $45 for 3 tensioner i know which i would chose.

[samfishers]

wasent that a topic about making a cutaway?
If so, do you have a milling machine? cause how would you make a cutaway of a lock? without a milling machine, i don't really see how? sorry!

[JackNco]

steady hands and a needle file set.