Do Arrow SFIC usually have security pins?

[phrygianradar]

Hey everybody, I just got done posting in the "what did you pick today" section, and I'm all excited because I just picked my first 7-pin lock. It took me quite some time. I got it on Monday and just got it opened about an hour ago. I was wondering if these locks normally have security pins? How many of you folks out there have experience with this type of lock? Like I mentioned, I bought it from my local locksmith shop, and when the guy sold it to me he was kind of chuckling. I don't think he expected me to actually get into it, and this was his way of saying, "quit bothering me". Or maybe he just wanted to give me a good challenge, which it certainly was for me! I haven't taken it apart yet but was kind of wondering what to expect. Thanks to anybody who replies!

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[GWiens2001]

Very nice job. And you picked it to control, so you could pull the core. Excellent!

Some SFIC locks do have security pins, but I believe that most do not. Not a locksmith, so not an expert. Have not seen an Arrow SFIC with security pins, but have only seen (picked) three of them.

Keep picking!

Gordon

[phrygianradar]

Thanks Gordon, I have been reading more about these locks, and am absolutely astonished that I picked it to control! I read that even when all the pins are "set", there is only a 1 in 128 chance that they are in the right place because of the two shear lines. Even if that isn't totally accurate, it explains why I kept going, "what the heck?! Why wont this thing pop?!?" I can't wait to go back to the guy I bought it from with (hopefully) a working control key, and watch his jaw hit the floor! I know mine did. I was in shock.

[averagejoe]

Hello,

Congrats on the pick! Arrow (as well as Best) do make security pins. I believe they are all spools. Even some of the smaller master pins are spooled. That being said most of them do not have security pins. I assume this is because they have not been around long enough to be common.

If you have not already read this, it might give you a bit more insight into SSFICs. http://www.crypto.com/photos/misc/sfic/

[phrygianradar]

Averagejoe, thanks for that link. The more I am learning about this kind of lock, the more daunting it all seems. I wanted to make a control key for it myself, but I'm not really sure how to do that now. With a normal cylinder, I would just pick it, push a plug follower in, get a blank key and file it down until I have a working key. This thing seems to be out of my realm. Right now I have it picked to control and it is just sitting on my desk. I''m not really sure where to go from here. Back to the locksmith I supose! If anyone has some advice on how I can take it appart to decode it's different keys, I am all ears!

[jeffmoss26]

Nice job!
However, it makes a lot more sense to have the locksmith decode the core and cut keys for you, rather than try and do it yourself.

[phrygianradar]

Nice job!
However, it makes a lot more sense to have the locksmith decode the core and cut keys for you, rather than try and do it yourself.

I am deffinately seeing that now! Thanks all for the great info. I have learned a lot just by picking and playing with this lock. Plus the links and threads I have read... I think it is way beyond my scope to try and make my own control key. I wish I could, but maybe one day.

[jeffmoss26]

I have a guy in California that I send most of my cores to for decoding/when I need keys cut.
If you want his info, PM me. His prices are very fair.

[averagejoe]

IF you really want to have your mind blown then read this. http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=50294#p379879

[Sinifar]

This is a late post, but YES, SFIC does have spool pins.

The "B" pins - 6, 7, 9, and 10 are available from LAB for A2, and there are a few available for A4. We use them from time to time.

Sinifar