Miller 6-Lever Lock

[logosys]

Has anyone ever heard of this lock? It is a discus style lock, I'll post pictures in a bit. What I was wondering is HOW do I get these damnedable things to bind? No matter what I try, I can't figure out how to pick this thing.

I'm assuming the key to be flat with 6 prongs of varying length on the end, each actuating a single lever. Each lever is about 1 mm in width... Any ideas of a plan of attack would be much appreciated...

[Chucklz]

Welcome to the world of push lever locks. These open simply by inserting the key, no rotation necessary. I do not yet own one, but I can imagine that you can pick these locks with simple tools. I would try using one lever to test another, but this is just my first impression and first theory.

[logosys]

Welcome to the world of push lever locks. These open simply by inserting the key, no rotation necessary. I do not yet own one, but I can imagine that you can pick these locks with simple tools. I would try using one lever to test another, but this is just my first impression and first theory.

I'd imagine all I'll need is a paperclip or two, but what can I do to figure out if a lever is "set" and which lever is binding?

What did you mean that you would try 1 lever to test another?

So confused my head hurts...

[Chucklz]

I am not quite sure on the internals of these locks. If anyone has a drawing/cut away, please post or pm me. From descriptions that I do have, The key is pushed into the slot in the lock. It engages the levers and moves them into position as you push the key in. From here its speculation. The key aligns the levers, and at one point, I assume, that the alignment of the levers allows for some part to retract, thus allowing the continued push of the key to open the lock. Im thinking you could push on one lever, hopefully pushing against my mystery piece, then use this "tension" to essentially decode one or more of the other levers. Repeat using an already decoded lever for the "tension" and blammo, decoded. Make key, open lock.

[lockcsi]

The basics for picking this type of lock are as follows:
1. Use piano wire or something round about .050 spring stock instead of your flat steel picks becasue you can damage the lock if they go in between the levers.
2. Apply light pressure on the shackle (pull on it)
3. You may need to pick a lever more than once. (push it a lil more)
4. It takes time at first don't get frustrated.
5. The levers stay picked when the lock is open so it's easy to make a key.
6. There is a tool for picking/impr. this lock but its around 150$ It's kinda like 6 wires put together with a clamp.. if your interested ill try to dig up the make and source but unless you make a lot of keys for these old locks your probably better off with the round wire.
Hope this helps.
-lc

[Chucklz]

Why not just grab a bit of aluminum or brass bar stock, drill 6 holes for the wires through it a bit smaller than the actual diameter of the wires, then add a couple of set screws to hold it together.

[lockcsi]

I dont see why that wouldn't work. Good idea Chuck. The way i have seen them home made for a not so permenant set up is with an aligator clip: super glue a piece of ruberband to each jaw of the clip and just put how ever many rods (3,4,6 etc lever) you need. The rubberband keeps tension on them and keeps them in place while you pick.