Best way to "DB" an SFIC

[theTastyCat]

Hey all - I'm trying to do DB's awesome pinning exercise (start with just one stack and add one at a time when comfortable) on a bunch of SFIC cores. I'm afraid this isn't going to be nearly as simple as it was with my Kwiksets or Schlage. I've researched it a bit, and from what I found I think I have distilled what the best way to do this might be - PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong.

I don't really think that it's worth spending $100 on a rekey/decode tool. As awesome as they are, it's hard for me to justify it - unless there is no other way. Besides, as long as the stacks don't go everywhere and get lost, it doesn't matter to me if the top pins stay in the same order since most of the locks don't have keys.

1. Find something the right size and knock out the pin stacks except the first one. Attempt to retain and keep the stacks separate as they come flying out.

2. Get comfortable picking, then attempt to reinsert the no. 2 stack. People say to get new springs since the old ones are now toast - anybody know where I can order some SFIC springs? Also, how to I re-seat the cap?

3. Repeat.

If there's an easier/better way to do this, I am ALL ears. Many thanks.

[Evan]

@theTastyCat:


Since you have many surplus cores without keys, just punch out 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 stacks from one core each out of a group of 6 cores and you will have a set of cores you can practice on... Without the capping block and capping tool you realistically won't be able to reinstall any stacks you remove... It is also proper procedure with SFICs to use new caps each time you eject a stack and repin...

Without the proper tools I would not try to reinstall the pinstacks... Just create a core for each level you want to practice at... You can eject stacks with a smooth nail that is of a size so that it can easily fit into the ejection holes without binding... A finish type nail would be your best bet, you would want to grind the pointed end of the nail so that it is flat... You want the improvised ejection tool to be smooth so you won't create a burr in the pin chamber which could cause the core to bind...

~~ Evan

[theTastyCat]

Once again, Evan, perfect advice. I'm lucky to have enough SFIC cores to do this! I really appreciate it. Can't imagine ever getting greedy enough to want all of them to be fully pinned again, but if I get that good, it might be time to invest in more equipment.

[raimundo]

'something' that will knock out the stacks could be a one sixteenth inch pin punch,

although if you can't get one of these, perhaps a hardend nail could be ground into a round tip long enough.

reseting the pin caps can be done in special clamps sold for just this purpose that also help load all 6 stacks, but if you are a good wood worker, you could probably drill an appropriate hole into a block of hardwood. to fit the core and another to guide the pin punch when setting the caps back,

however I think the professional way does not reuse the pin caps but replaces them.

[theTastyCat]

Good advice. I think for now I'm going to dedicate six cores to learning and just leave the stacks out for now. I did come across that thread about making the block out of wood but I'm afraid it's just a bit beyond my tools and my ability. So - off to the shop to knock some stacks!