Ignition Lock By-Pass key?

[OpenSays-a-me]

I was shopping around for nifty new toys and I came across these things.

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/LT-78.html?

Am i correct in assuming that its just a "key" mounted onto a lug... for the purposes of breaking the ignition?

Doesnt make much sense to me.

[quicklocks]

it looks like you are right

[OpenSays-a-me]

Thats quite a bargain at 50 dollars then.... Right up there with the sessamee decoders.

It's not like just anybody could accomplish the same thing with a hefty screwdriver.

[logosys]

Thats quite a bargain at 50 dollars then.... Right up there with the sessamee decoders.

It's not like just anybody could accomplish the same thing with a hefty screwdriver.

Yeah, I miss the days where any GM car could be started using a ball peen hammer and a flathead scredriver...

[PickPick]

In Germany these go by the charming name of "Polish Keys". But I haven't seen them stocked by regular suppliers. They're fast and the damage isn't visible at first sight, therefore they've become popular with the smarter car thieves. And of course it's usually not a normal key but a hardened steel blank and yes, a good screw driver gets the same results.

[OpenSays-a-me]

Thanks for the feedback fellas, Thats what I thought.

I don't see how anybody BUT a thief would want one of these.

I'v seen several LS's pull ignitions from cars.. and none of them resorted to such barbaric means.

Granted... I don't have much auto ignition experience.... But is there an actual practical use for this tool?

And wouldnt it damage the ignition housing? It says it doesn't... but how could it not?

[zeke79]

i would say it doesnt damage the housing because it destroys the wafers and sidebar in the ignition lock as they are softer. When its all said and done the ignition cylinder would have to be replaced which depending on the specific model of vehicle could be very cheap or very expensive.

[Romstar]

Generally speaking the use of these tools is chosen when the lock cylinder fails to function due to either failure or vadalism.

The most prominent example would be the crappy ignitions used in the Ford Focus.

These things are notorious for breaking to the point where forcible removal of the ignition is the only possible solution.

Romstar

[OpenSays-a-me]

Clear and concise answers.

Thank you gentlemen.