Lockout procedure

[bobhdus]

I always try to pick first, even if I know the lock is tighter tolerance. You never know, you might get lucky. Sometimes I may have the customer walk around and check for other unlocked openings, but it's mostly to keep them and their kids away from me while I work. If picking doesn't work then I will do my own walk around to double check. I usually only charge for the trip if it only takes a few minutes (5-10 minutes) to get them in but anything over 15 minutes and they start paying for it. So they got what they paid for if they happen to find an unlocked entrance...
Personally, and maybe it's just me, I always feel like a failure if I have to destroy a lock. Especially a simple one. But around my area, they are almost always installed upside down (bible on the bottom). Must be the Carpenters Curse... Anyways, I find that the pins tend to sag on the springs and it makes the shear line next to impossible to find as the pins are mostly below it now. You can drill it, or use a small finishing nail or pin and knock the first pin stack down removing the spring cap. When the rest of the pins fall out then any key blank that will fit will work. You may have to dress the key-way a bit if it was damaged by the pin but they are usually save-able. Then I charge to rekey.

[Sinifar]

Lockouts can present a unique problem or opportunity. Some open easily, and some do not.

Picking a lock is one solution, but it can backfire on you if you take too long to get the thing open. People are amazed that it can take some time on a few locks, and surprised when it just jumps open. Never just pop open anything. It destroys people's confidence in the lock.

Having said that - what are you doing? Is this a simple opening to get somebody in? Is this a re-po and are you standing there with a deputy to get into the place to rekey it? Or is this the odd lock to rekey on a building which nobody can find the key?

Pick / bump is probably the first line of attack. This will usually get one in. Second grab the box of force tools, and remove the whole the knob or lever then make a key for it. Don't do this in front of the public however, they get "ideas" and NEVER drill out a lock. Even if you have a "Cylinder Eater" - unless there is a pressing reason for this action, don't do it in front of the public.

Using a Keedex tool is another way, but it won't work with most grade 3 locks as when the outside is locked the inside is too.

Like cars, get an authorization form signed before you start work, and note any "homeowner" tried damage to the door / lock noted on the thing so you won't be held liable for any damages later. You should carry a pad of these in the truck and make it part of your normal "walk up and survey the job" procedure.

Sinifar

[ARF-GEF]

I'm afraid I'm going to derail the post back to topic.(That's de-derailing so re-railing. )

The US locksmiths are a lot more honest than the ones here. (I'm not shamign my country with naimng it, but I think it's safe to generalise for the whole eastern europe too. )
Or maybe it just the honest ones who care about lockipicking and are members of this site.
Or maybe both.
I find the methods you've prescribed very well though through.

Anyway here it's drilling is almost the default option even "non destructive" is interpreted by some shameless locksmiths as "not destroying the door (!) just the lock...
I think because of the general lack of infos and mysteriealising this hobby/job there are a lot of unscrupulous people who misuse people's trust to gain more money. They charge for the opening and sell you a cylinder too. I know it is the only way in a percentage of cases, but most don't even try anything. They glance at it and say: oOoh, the only way is drilling. I'm sorry.
This is one of many reasons why I think the "shroud" covering all this profession can be harmful, not only to the general public but to the honest lockies too.
(Also I don't believe in security through obscurity, look at the IT sector what are that methods results...)


BTW I think we are all more or less nuts, even the most normal looking people are a bit nuts in some area deep inside.

[cledry]

Lockouts can present a unique problem or opportunity. Some open easily, and some do not.

Picking a lock is one solution, but it can backfire on you if you take too long to get the thing open. People are amazed that it can take some time on a few locks, and surprised when it just jumps open. Never just pop open anything. It destroys people's confidence in the lock.

Having said that - what are you doing? Is this a simple opening to get somebody in? Is this a re-po and are you standing there with a deputy to get into the place to rekey it? Or is this the odd lock to rekey on a building which nobody can find the key?

Pick / bump is probably the first line of attack. This will usually get one in. Second grab the box of force tools, and remove the whole the knob or lever then make a key for it. Don't do this in front of the public however, they get "ideas" and NEVER drill out a lock. Even if you have a "Cylinder Eater" - unless there is a pressing reason for this action, don't do it in front of the public.

Using a Keedex tool is another way, but it won't work with most grade 3 locks as when the outside is locked the inside is too.

Like cars, get an authorization form signed before you start work, and note any "homeowner" tried damage to the door / lock noted on the thing so you won't be held liable for any damages later. You should carry a pad of these in the truck and make it part of your normal "walk up and survey the job" procedure.

Sinifar

Why do you say never pick a lock open quickly or drill it out?

I feel the first is an opportunity to sell a better lock and the latter inspires confidence in the security of their lock (although perhaps inspires a lack of your ability) but is also an opportune time to sell a new lock. I suppose it is all about how you as a professional carry yourself as to how the latter scenario may play out.