Picking Mounted Locks

by **JK_the_CJer** » 25 Sep 2007 23:47

So how are you folks at it? How do you mount them? Do you try upsidedown? Do you find it easier or harder than holding them in your hand? I personally find it much harder to pick mounted locks (that I own or have permission to pick of course). That's why I went to Lowes earlier in search of the perfect vise to hold these cylinders while picking. I stumbled upon this deal: http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=p ... 8920-63500 Unfortunately, they were out of stock and wouldn't let me buy the display model (I tried). So after checking Home Depot, I gave up and am now waiting for Lowes to stock up again. That vise can tilt and rotate and is really lightweight. Plus it has that vacuum to the table feature which is sweet.

by **Legion303** » 26 Sep 2007 0:13

1. Suction vices suck...but not well. I've never managed to keep one stable for long.

2. That vice only opens 2.5", which is probably fine for locks but useless for bigger projects.

-steve

by **globallockytoo** » 26 Sep 2007 0:17

Purchase a piece of 4x2 and make your own mount.

It's cheap and easy + you learn how to fit locks at the same time.

Then you can use the same mount for different brands of locks.

I probably have some old secondhand stock you can have.

You pay the shipping.

by **Eyes_Only** » 26 Sep 2007 0:37

I use this, http://www.panavise.com/ They have different bases for different tastes and requirements. I got mines at Fry's Electronics. It is convineintly clamped onto the corner of my computer desk so I can post here and pick locks without leaving my seat.

by **Marco** » 26 Sep 2007 7:05

I have only started picking mounted locks recently, since maybe two weeks ago. I find it a lot harder than when you are holding it in your hand. But then again, it could just be the fact that i was so used to picking the lock while holding it in my hand, and completely inexperienced at picking it mounted.

On my next lock i think i'll start off by picking it mounted. Once i get consistant then I will try and pick it by hand and see if I will be able to do it as easily.

I use a vice to mount my locks. I am planning on making a lock board like globallockytoo was talking about, but I'm not sure when that will happen since in rather lazy

by **Schuyler** » 26 Sep 2007 7:43

That's what ze Germans use.

I actually bought a pretty dubious rig for deadbolt cylinders which works really nicely. I'm going to try to build some attachments for it so it can hold mortice and euro cylinders as well, if that works out, I'll probably not pick lock-in-hand again for some time.

by **blake1803** » 26 Sep 2007 14:09

Depending on the surface you plan to use it on, I'm afraid you may be disappointed by the performance of the vacuum vice. If the surface is even slightly porous, it simply won't work.

Frankly I think you're better off with a vise that can clamp, if that's what you're after. I suppose it also depends on your needs. if you just intend to do some light picking, it won't matter too much as long as the base has -some- weight. If you're banging away at a lock while impressioning it, though, you would need to reconsider your options...

by **JK_the_CJer** » 26 Sep 2007 14:42

Hmm, it seems that vices with vacuum bases are not as nifty as I thought. It's a good thing I posted about it before buying. I've decided, based on the comments here, that I'm just going to go for a normal clamp on type. Hopefully I can find a small one thats adjustable for a good price. Thanks for the advice guys.

by **Trip Doctor** » 26 Sep 2007 20:18

So, are mounted locks usually harder because of the fact that they are uncomfotable to deal with, or more so because of the bolt tension? Because to me is seems like they are harder because of the tension difference (although I've only tried a couple of mounted locks before).

by **Schuyler** » 26 Sep 2007 22:13

For me, they're easier. Much easier at times.

by **freakparade3** » 26 Sep 2007 22:44

To use a vaccum vise you need to remember the golden rule of using any suction cup. Moisten the base of the vise first. It will stick well for as long as you need it to.

by **JackNco** » 26 Sep 2007 23:01

thats exactly the kind of thing I'm after except with a G clamp type mount instead of the suction.

I have a small table vice ive picked with a few times but its at an awkward angle so i don't use it much, personally i find it much harder.

by **Eyes_Only** » 26 Sep 2007 23:33

Something like this? http://www.lockpicks.com/index.asp?Page ... ProdID=761

by **JackNco** » 27 Sep 2007 11:54

something liek that ya

by **poky13** » 27 Sep 2007 12:43

I have a closet that I don't use. I have mounted some dead bolts on it, and find out the door jam can get in the way and make them harder to pick any of you find this out?

Picking Mounted Locks

Picking Mounted Locks

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