pin kits unviersal vs manufacuter specific

[eodjeff]

SO I am looking at getting extra pins so i can reset my own cores it increase picking options with minimal supplies. My question (which after digging in the search) is what is the difference between say a schlage vrs. Arrow or any other manufacture specific pins vrs a universal pin kit. It would seem to me that unless there are a strange diameter would any of the pins be fairly universal?

[eodjeff]

I think I may have answered my own question. If I am repining to cut a key by code i would want to use the manufacture or universial manufacture specific, but what are the thoughts on repining for picking to double your pleasure double your fun...doublemint®

[GWiens2001]

I use a full size LAB .003 kit. The most I have seen it be off from a manufacturer specific size is .001". There are locks that use specific diameters that are different, such as American, or use specific pin shapes, like Medeco. The Schlage factory pinning kits I have seen have stainless pins as opposed to brass. Others will chime in who have more experience.

Gordon

[cledry]

For your use the universal kits will be fine. For more critical work such as a MK system I prefer to use factory or OEM pins, for regular rekeying I usually use a LAB .005 kit.

[Altashot]

If all you want to do is to rekey locks to whatever random combination for the challenge of picking and you have no intentions to pin the cylinder to a particular key, almost any pin kit will work. Weiser, Schlage, Kwikset, Corbin, Sargent, Titan, Best....All same pin diameter. If you need to rekey locks to a specific key, LAB .005 is a very good set. It is very versatile, It'll work with most standard cylinders. Of course it wont work for Medeco or Small format cylinder like some Master and American padlocks, as you would have to have the specific kit for them but, it'll fit many. You can get small DIY pin kits at some hardware stores to get you started for cheap but, you will soon find its limitation. If you are serious or think you may become serious in the hobby, Spend a few dollars on a LAB kit. You wont regret it.

My 2 cents

M.

[Jedilocksmith]

I have the universal LAB .003 set and it will rekey most locks out there...besides some of the locks that where already mentioned of course. Here is an idea, if you are not rekeying the lock to actually work on another key,(just rekeying for picking purposes), you can just use the pins that are already in there, or the pins you have in another lock, and just swap them out and put them in a more aggressive order...high/low/high/low/high. It'll save yourself a couple hundred bucks.

[eodjeff]

I have the universal LAB .003 set and it will rekey most locks out there...besides some of the locks that where already mentioned of course. Here is an idea, if you are not rekeying the lock to actually work on another key,(just rekeying for picking purposes), you can just use the pins that are already in there, or the pins you have in another lock, and just swap them out and put them in a more aggressive order...high/low/high/low/high. It'll save yourself a couple hundred bucks.

way ahead of you...I amstill having issues finding the set point while SPP so I am a ways away from a pin set just trying to increase the knowlage and thought process as the questions come! Thanks all

[tim.herold]

Hello Guys,

Did anyone know whether the universal Pin Kit can also used for repinning german locks?
Like Abus, Wilka, BKS and so on? Or can someone tell me a universal Pin kit for German "standarts"

Thanks in advice

Tim

[sandplum]

what is the difference between say a schlage vrs. Arrow or any other manufacture specific pins vrs a universal pin kit. It would seem to me that unless there are a strange diameter would any of the pins be fairly universal?

The pins in a universal pin kit will all be shaped the same way, with a conical point on one end.

http://www.labpins.com/htm/universal_pins.html

The pins designed by other manufactures each have a different shape, and that shape affects how the pin interacts with the cylinder and the keys. For example, Weslock pins are rounded on the end, and Kwikset pins are flat with a chamfer around the edge. These pins feel different, both with keys and with picks. And when you are using impressioning techniques to make a key, these pins leave very different marks than the universal pins. Fun!

[zeke79]

If you are repinning for picking then a .003 or a .005 kit will be all you'll ever need. The only time I really get picky about manufacturer specific kits are when putting a master key system together. In those cases I use OEM bottom pins, top pins,master pins, and springs.