Thanks to the advice I received on my previous thread and my new lock pick set I am now confident with the pin tumbler locks using different springs (for tension difference), security pins, deep reach, high/lo combinations- with a yale type rim mounted cylinder with what I can only describe as a platform that blocks part of one of the chambers (only my smallest diamond can manipulate it). I am also confident with Raking and with wafer locks. Now as I wish to become familar with locks from the UK I figure my next step is look at mortice and lever locks. Rather than buying 4 different sets of try out keys which will open most locks (and take the challenge out of it) am I correct in thinking that I would use wire picks to attack these? After I am familar with these, I am planning to move onto padlocks, then tublular locks, then lever tumblers, the dimple locks If this a good learning path? After this I will lock at other opening methods (eg. bumping, padlock shims etc). Thanks for the help all.
Also I am thinkning about designing a letterbox reach tool for the UK. Is this something I can discuss here or should I wait unitl I have access to the advanced section of the fourm?
Erdnaseuk wrote:I correct in thinking that I would use wire picks to attack these?
Yes, you are. Or you could use a 2-in-1 pick:
Erdnaseuk wrote:After I am familar with these, I am planning to move onto padlocks, then tublular locks, then lever tumblers, the dimple locks If this a good learning path?
That is a matter of personall choice. No good or bad way to do it. I have started with dimples and haven't gone much with lever locks for example...
Erdnaseuk wrote:Also I am thinkning about designing a letterbox reach tool for the UK. Is this something I can discuss here or should I wait unitl I have access to the advanced section of the fourm?
Any bypass tools are considered advanced and can´t be discusses on the open forums. Stick around for a bit, you'll see you'll gain access in no time
Go ahead, keep plugging away, picking on me! You will end up on bypass or with rigor mortise. - GWiens2001
thanks for the reply. I found some youtube videos shortly after I posted this I was thinking about dimples before levers too. But I want to become familar with UK locks and it seems that Levers are more popular than dimples. I figured that I may have to wait for access to the advance section given the nature of the tool - didnt want to post anything and get myself banned. I love this forum. Back to practice now, and looking into locksport as I want to meet some fellow pickers
Dimples aren't very different from regular pin tumblers. Same system but the bitting on the key is on the flat side instead of the edge. Many lockpickers use a half diamond or half ball to pick them, just insert the pick at the side of the pins and rotate to push the pins. I personally use the Southord dimple set: http://www.southord.com/mm5/merchant.mv ... ange_high=
You are right, in the UK lever locks are very common, but you should study well the tools you need to get the most universal ones. There are also the curtained lever locks which require a different pick. I'm not too familiar with curtained locks, but you can search the forums and find all the info that you need!
Happy pickings!
Go ahead, keep plugging away, picking on me! You will end up on bypass or with rigor mortise. - GWiens2001
Thats why I asked here didnt want to buy / make something that was un-needed. I know theres a difference with curtained locks but of course I will be starting at the low end of the scale first As always thanks for the awesome advice and Im off the decide weather 2 in 1 picks or wire picks are best for me
You can make your own wire picks. I generally use bike spokes, but again, I'm not experienced, just messed around a bit.
About the 2-in1, there are several measures of the thickness of the key (aka gauge). The higher the gauge, the thiner the key, and will fit more keyways (although a thinner one won't fit so nicelly as the correct one). If you only want to buy 1 tool, I advice a 7 gauge 2-in-1 pick, as there aren't many locks with a higher gauge than that. Here's the tool I'm considering to but: http://www.ukbumpkeys.com/product_UKBK- ... _index.php
Hope you figure it out, and if you do, post a review of the tool please
Go ahead, keep plugging away, picking on me! You will end up on bypass or with rigor mortise. - GWiens2001
I am making my own picks to begin with for levers (I am a bit broke ATM)Looking into this later - got one combo lock to beat and want to mess around with some padlock shims for a while. I will probably make my own wire picks TBH as I think making my own 2-in-1 requires some skills that I do not have. Once I have made my picks I will post details or a link in this thread for you no problems. But you sound like you know more than me in this area ] thanks for the link for the tool - seems nearly universal
But you sound like you know more than me in this area
I know the theoretical side of it. I've disassembled and impressioned a couple of lever locks, but never actually picked one, so I can't vouch for what I've said here.
Maybe some of the more experienced guys will correct me if I said anything wrong. Lever locks are beautifull IMO. I can't wait to finish up my current projects and start looking at those more often!
Go ahead, keep plugging away, picking on me! You will end up on bypass or with rigor mortise. - GWiens2001
Hey people rather than starting a new thread - as my question ties in with Lever locks I thought I would just post it here. Just something to satisfy my curosity - I have no intentions of buying try out keys as I am a hobbyist. But I have seen this set http://www.amazon.co.uk/Skeleton-Keys-E ... _sim_diy_8 for years - am I correct in thinking that these are for single lever locks?
GWiens2001 wrote:I thought the old style skeleton keys were for warded locks. I suppose they would work for single lever locks, too.
Interesting I have seen a set for warded padlocks. The product description for the link i posted states it is for older mortice locks and as I have seen set of 2/3 Lever try outs I thought these were for single lever locks.
I know this thread is a few months old but here it goes:
I am planning on getting into lever lock picking. How essential would you say the 2 in 1 lever pick is? At 44 GBP (plus shipping) it seems like kind of an investment. Can you achieve similar results by using home-made, piano-wire tools? Does it take more skill/practice to use wire as opposed to the manufactured pick?
If you do not manipulate the lock, then the lock will manipulate you
I was thinking about dimples before levers too. But I want to become familar with UK locks and it seems that Levers are more popular than dimples.
