FrenchKey wrote:Hello,
This lock is quite old but still in use in some universities, Electrical stations, cities and houses.
It usely as no false gate, making it quite easy to pick (given you can tension it

)
The real pain is that you may need to pick it 6 or 8 times to make a whole turn.
For the tensioning itself, a piano wire bent U-shape is generally enough.
Parapluies (umbrellas) can be necessary for some locks, but not this one
and yes, we call it a pump lock ("serrure à pompe" in french)
Have FunFrenchKey
I've missed to update this thread in the last couple of weeks, but I just want to really thank seb and Frenchkey for their input and clarification on this lock. Very much appreciated. And as ARF mentioned, it's a pleasure to see French lock people around.
Yep, my issue is still tensioning especially since this little puppy will need to be picked paast 7 pins. I have a lock buddy who wants to work on a decoder for it (same principle as tubular picks), so I'll see if that plan comes together or not. Other than that, the lock is still in my Naughty Box waiting for it's turn
Rickthepick wrote:The one I spotted on that holiday looked very similar in design to the old bramah locks.
have you managed to pick it?
It killed me having to open that door for two weeks knowing my picks were thousands of miles away


Thanks for the pic, Rick. That's the first I've seen of one in use. And you've got me curious about that 1/8" hole. I've still done nothing with mine. I'm a bit spoilt for choice in new locks to pick

, so it's not got to the front of the queue just yet.
Many thanks for your input, Rick