BEST MX8

[DexterMoser]

First post, so hopefully this is in the right forum!

Anyways...I have access to a BEST MX8 (six pin) lock and would appreciate some input on how to pick this model.

From what I've read/researched on the BEST SFIC locks (mostly from http://www.crypto.com/photos/misc/sfic/), they have both an inner and outer shear line for master key operation.

I've done some 'simple' picking in the past with a friend who had a set of picks, but I've yet to pick up one for myself so far. This week I've begun to pick it up again and opened every other lock around with paperclips...except for this one. So before I buy an actual set, I have a few questions in application to this lock. First, would it be advantageous for me to buy a specific tension wrench for this lock, it appears there are varied tension wrenches made to not engage the outer core for locks such as this one? Or will a 'basic' pick set from southord or similar be enough to do the job? Or as a beginner, is this lock not 'childs play' and being able to pick this one off the bat too high of an expectation?

If it's do-able, any tips on best methodologies would be appreciated. From what I've heard thus far, it'd be less single picking and more of a rake into submission approach.

And out of curiosity I was attempting to ID the keyway type...but I was coming up short...can any one ID that for me?

One last thing, since this lock has two shear lines...how easy to bump would that make this lock? Easier? Harder? And are there people who make bump keys for such specific SFIC locks?

Sorry for the numerous questions, but any help is certainly appreciated!

Dexter

[Squelchtone]

It honestly sounds less like you're interested in learning hobby picking, and more like you're interested in getting past this particular BEST lock, be it picking, bumping, or by any other methods. The questions you are asking will raise flags amongst the members.

Beginner pickers don't need to know what keyway some restricted BEST lock in an apartment building, college dorm, or office building is. You're post qualifies in the group of posts I often talk about which includes a new member with 1 post, a cell phone photo of a lock, and the need to pick said lock, either quickly, quietly, or by any means necessary.

We're all about helping people, but we don't know you or your intentions for that door, so if you want to you can give us more back story. There are dozens of threads just like this one, so poke around first, read a lot, and get a feel for the place, and you'll avoid asking things that get your hand smacked by a mod or admin, which is not what we want to be doing either when trying to help a new member.

Please see my post from yesterday: http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=11362&p=411621#p411621

Squelchtone

[Squelchtone]

Here, so that you don't say I'm not helpful.. First, most BEST SFIC locks are 7 pin, not 6 pin, next MX8 has a slider deep in the lock that the correct key has to push forward in order to release the plug and allow it to rotate.. Even if you pick the 7 pins, the lock wont turn, you also have to push the slider forward with a pick or another object.

Here are some very nice computer graphics showing this special slider inside the lock:

http://www.bestaccess.com/products/keys ... ystems.asp

the Institute will probably not want you picking their locks, please uphold the good name of this hobby, and don't pick locks that are not yours.

Squelchtone

[DexterMoser]

It honestly sounds less like you're interested in learning hobby picking, and more like you're interested in getting past this particular BEST lock, be it picking, bumping, or by any other methods. The questions you are asking will raise flags amongst the members.

Beginner pickers don't need to know what keyway some restricted BEST lock in an apartment building, college dorm, or office building is. You're post qualifies in the group of posts I often talk about which includes a new member with 1 post, a cell phone photo of a lock, and the need to pick said lock, either quickly, quietly, or by any means necessary.

We're all about helping people, but we don't know you or your intentions for that door, so if you want to you can give us more back story. There are dozens of threads just like this one, so poke around first, read a lot, and get a feel for the place, and you'll avoid asking things that get your hand smacked by a mod or admin, which is not what we want to be doing either when trying to help a new member.

Please see my post from yesterday: http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=11362&p=411621#p411621

Squelchtone

Well I suppose from a community standpoint, I can certainly understand why my post might raise some red flags usually...and even reckless as a community to answer such sketchy requests for information without some form of verification of intent.

But rest assured, the lock is mine. And yes, as with most BEST locks I've ever seen, this is from my apartment door. I took some more photos with my key in the open door (both locked and unlocked)...hopefully that's enough to prove ownership and stave of any hesitations due to suspected nefarious motivations.

Concerning the very particular questions, that's most likely due to the way in which I like to learn new things. I don't attempt to learn things halfheartedly, I like to know them in and out and backwards and forwards...including any technical details I can comprehend. Not because it's *this* particular lock, but because I find it 'fun' to know such specific things. And since locksport is currently in the cross-hairs of my attention, I have perhaps asked for more information than a usual request.

Like I mentioned above, I've picked all other locks I currently own, so this lock remains the challenge for myself...and I honestly do not like to be BEST-ed (ha!) so I would certainly like to figure this one out completely. Especially since it's one I use many times daily and would like to personally know how 'safe' it is.

Dexter

Proof:
Unlocked with my key:


And locked:

[Daggers]

Interchangeable core best lock such as that are really hard to pick. If you are really interested in getting that specific lock, I would suggest working from up from kwiksets or schlages. You'll get the hang of it!

[DexterMoser]

Here, so that you don't say I'm not helpful.. First, most BEST SFIC locks are 7 pin, not 6 pin, next MX8 has a slider deep in the lock that the correct key has to push forward in order to release the plug and allow it to rotate.. Even if you pick the 7 pins, the lock wont turn, you also have to push the slider forward with a pick or another object.

Here are some very nice computer graphics showing this special slider inside the lock:

http://www.bestaccess.com/products/keys ... ystems.asp

the Institute will probably not want you picking their locks, please uphold the good name of this hobby, and don't pick locks that are not yours.

Squelchtone

No, as I mentioned, I very much understand the necessary skepticism to preserve the hobby. And thank you for the link! Very interesting to know it's actually seven pins, from the key it makes sense, but when attempting to count by touch and sound (with a paperclip), I convinced myself it was something else. I'm willing to sit in front of this lock for a few hours to get it, the slider I had no idea about just makes it all the more challenging/frustrating.

I'm all for a challenge, so hopefully this one won't get the better of me...regardless of how long it takes!

...the Institute will probably not want you...

Haha, cheeky. That should be a little bit better now

[DexterMoser]

Interchangeable core best lock such as that are really hard to pick. If you are really interested in getting that specific lock, I would suggest working from up from kwiksets or schlages. You'll get the hang of it!

Realistically that's what I'll have to end up doing as it's undoubtedly a foolish lock to begin with. But as stubborn as I am, I won't be able to put it out of mind without a fight! haha

There are a few contractors in my family, so I'll most likely be borrowing a good number of their locks...I'm sure they have schlages and kwiksets by the box loads.

[Daggers]

Interchangeable core best lock such as that are really hard to pick. If you are really interested in getting that specific lock, I would suggest working from up from kwiksets or schlages. You'll get the hang of it!

Realistically that's what I'll have to end up doing as it's undoubtedly a foolish lock to begin with. But as stubborn as I am, I won't be able to put it out of mind without a fight! haha

There are a few contractors in my family, so I'll most likely be borrowing a good number of their locks...I'm sure they have schlages and kwiksets by the box loads.

If you get any extra schlages, I would be interested in buying/trading for some!I'm starting to practice making cutaways and they're great for that

[Squelchtone]

Thanks for being a good sport in regards to me laying down the forum laws. Some people on the internet just don't have a thick enough skin and get very touchy when we tell them no. I think it's the first time in their privileged lives they're hearing no, and they can't cope.



Keep practicing,
Squelchtone

PS. One note, just be careful with picking a lock you rely on, because there is a chance it is master keyed to your apartment building, and if you drop a master wafer, your key will no longer work, and the maintenance master key will no longer work either. Don't want you to lose your security deposit or anything.

[jeffmoss26]

I really do not recommend picking locks in use...even if they do belong to you.

[ARF-GEF]

Apart from what squelchtone said you can also break the pick into a lock. The broken tip can be gotten out but it's no fun and definitely not if you wish to use that lock too.
My advice is if you really want to learn how to pick it, buy another one and practice on that.

[phrygianradar]

I know I'm a little late in this thread, but it is right where I am at. I started picking, and getting known around a particular locksmith shop in the town I live in. Long story short, the locksmith sold me an old keyless 7 pin Arrow. I picked it got it decoded and went back to see if he had anymore I could buy. He handed me 4 Best SFIC's (no mx8's, thank goodness!) and told me that if I pick two for him, he would give me the other two for free. I guess my point is that many shops have tons of old keyless cylinders you can either buy for a few bucks or work a deal like I did. So far I got one of them open to control and picked the another twice to the operating position. I wish there was a way to get it to go to the control from the operating position, but I don't think there is... For me it is great practice and when I get done, I will have two more Best cores for my collection!