Lock Impressioning

[monraet]

Hello All,
Am about to try to teach myself how to impression a lock. Read every article on lock impressioning that I could find, bought the National Locksmith books and studied them. Have one basic question that I could not find the answer to; do you use the (rounded) teardrop side of the pippin file or do you use the sharper triangle edge?
Also, any suggestions on which magnifying light to buy.
Thanks,
Maurice

[globallockytoo]

You could do a search....there are plenty of posts about impressioning.

Use the Pippin.

[monraet]

Thanks.
I got a blank, broke in my new file and answered my own question. The teardrop made the proper cut.
Been collecting locks and keys for over 30 years, it is about time I learn how to impression a lock.
Sincerely,
Maurice

[Eyes_Only]

I like to use the sharper side to start the cut so I can have the spacings more accurate and then the rounder side to cut the actual depths into the key.

One thing I found useful for me is to first use a warding file to take off the rough surface off the key blade and then give it a smooth flat finish by going over the top of the key blade few times with a emery board you can buy at any drug store. This method helps me to see the faint impression mark more clearly.

[monraet]

Thanks Eyes_Only.....
Was thinking about using the pointed side of the pippin file as a starter to mark the impression marks.
Thanks again.
Sincerely,
Maurice

[locknpawn]

just remember not to hard or not to soft.. like a hair cut. dont file to much cause you cant get it back if its a 1 cuts.. i like the round file.. one other thing.. when you think you see a mark think again. imp lock again to make sure David.. A1 Rutherford Locksmith

[Eyes_Only]

I'd also recommend starting off on a lock with maybe only one or two pin stacks just so you'll get familiar with what the impressioning marks actually look like. Jumping straight into a lock with a full five or six pin stacks can really throw you off in the beginning.

[BigRob40]

For me I started by taking the lock apart and putting it back together to check my filing this way I could see my work as I was doing it. the second time I used a comman method to impression a warded lock. this lock was simple but taught me alot about identifying the marks. My third attempt was on a rebuilt 5 pin cylinder I had laying around and this time i did not have to take the lock apart, it took me less than 30 minutes to make a working key I attribute this to the new files I used. So, all I can say is if you've read all you can on impressioning the next step would be to obtain the proper supplies and tools and then start with the basics. Once youve mastered them, move on to more difficult locks and go from there. I prefer round files but I have never used a pippin ( although I can understand its allure I also plan to try one. I use 2 tools to accomplish what the one could do!) Patience and practice (along with a decent supply of blanks) and you will get it.

[pin_pusher]

i use my pimpin' file, helps me "rake" in the dough.... (dead silence from crowd)