Abus Granit 37/55 (OLD model) -- good lock? [w/pics]

[korins]

Hi all, I'm not sure if this is the appropriate forum for this, but I'm wondering if anyone knows anything about this lock?

The only information I can find on it is for Abus's newer versions (with the same model no.)

Does anyone happen to know how the older versions I have compare to their newer ones? Also, any idea what a fair price for these would be used? I know someone who has a few locally.

Thanks!

I apologize in advance for the poor pictures.

[Wizer]

Its a good lock. Strong and hard to pick, worth maybe 20 euros?
Its a disc detainer lock, so it is harder to pick than Abus pintumbler padlocks.
First models had an issue with the discs and a Finnish picker/toolmaker Jaakko Fagerlund found out a way to decode them.
Abus fixed the problem, and after that it was still pickable with a suitable pick. Jaakko made that too.
Latest locks have been upgraded to resist your "normal" disc detainer pick.
You have pretty deep cuts on your key.

[korins]

Thanks Wizer! That's interesting about the history with Abus and Jaakko; it makes me wonder where my lock is on the timeline...

In any case, I doubt most US-based thieves are familiar with the locks enough to compromise it, even if it's the first (most vulnerable) generation. I might pick more up.

Yeah, the key is interesting compared to the standard pin tumbler type I'm used to; does the depths of the cuts tell you something about picking difficulty?

[Squelchtone]

Think of these in terms of your high school locker padlock that had 3 wheels and you turned them left right left and then it would pop open.. disc detainer locks have something like 7 to 14 discs/wheels that have to be turned x degrees each in order to align and let the lock open, the cuts on the keys represent how many degrees each disc will turn. here's an animation that shows you the insides:




and this shows what happens inside a typical disc detainer lock when using a special pick tool made just for these.


so to answer your question, I dont think the depths/angles of the key do much in terms of telling you difficulty, actually they tell you the exact angle the discs need to be turned to, I suppose if you are good enough to remember the angles you can just go make a key or using a special tool turn each wheel to the correct rotational angle.

now I'm just rambling.. hope this helps,
Squelchtone

[korins]

Thanks Squelchtone, that's an excellent primer on the technology! I'm curious, do you agree with Wizer's estimate of 20 euros for a used one of these? In other words, what would you pay for one of these if you wanted one. I'm thinking of getting a couple more for trading for 'lesser' locks to develop my skills.

[korins]

Anyone else have any opinions on a fair price? TIA