Question about Top Pin Lengths

[Divinorum]

Sorry if this question has already been answered. Through reading I know that a correctly pinned lock will have a 'balanced stack'. Where a short key pin is used a longer top pin should be used and vice versa so all the stacks are the same size. However, I also read that many locks will come with the same length top pins for all stacks. I Recently purchased a LAB .003 Mini Pin Kit and want to now buy some supplemental top security pins. The website I'm looking to order from offers spool pins in lengths 160, .170, .190, .200, and .235 . The serrated pins come in lengths 155, .172, and .200 .

My question is are all these lengths really necessary for me to buy or should I be able to get away with buying one or two lengths of each? Also, I see that springs come in tall/short lengths. If you balance the stack with different size top pins do you really need the different size springs? It seems to me like its one or the other. Either you use the same length top pins and use different length springs depending on if it's a short/tall key pin or use the same length springs and different size top pins depending on if it's a short/tall key pin. I have a feeling I'm over analyzing this I just want to make sure when re key a lock it's done correctly and isn't a shotty job.

[GWiens2001]

Whether they are needed in all those sizes probably depends on the locks to be rekeyed. Most locks will not matter much, but it does help to have balanced pin stacks to reduce spring wear.

Gordon

[IndigoChild]

.005 240 driver pin is wjat I always used. They're brass colored and perfect for most sizes. Only time I ballance a lock is a hisec lock like medeco.

[GWiens2001]

Always use balanced stacks with SFIC, too.

Gordon

[IndigoChild]

Yes. I forgot lol. Sfic is a special case though and must be perfect or it won't work.

[cledry]

Some locks have a lower bible so use short springs exclusively. A way to test if your stack height is OK is always assemble your lock with a key in the plug. If you cannot remove the key once assembled then you have a stack height issue, with one or more chambers having too great a height. Then if it passes this test turn the cylinder upside-down and see if it operates properly. If it doesn't then you have too short a stack height. Generally you don't need to be exact. Keys with a large variation in depths will require balancing sometimes and often when master pins are added to the stack.

[Divinorum]

Some locks have a lower bible so use short springs exclusively. A way to test if your stack height is OK is always assemble your lock with a key in the plug. If you cannot remove the key once assembled then you have a stack height issue, with one or more chambers having too great a height. Then if it passes this test turn the cylinder upside-down and see if it operates properly. If it doesn't then you have too short a stack height. Generally you don't need to be exact. Keys with a large variation in depths will require balancing sometimes and often when master pins are added to the stack.

Thanks cledry. I ended up orders most of the sizes as well as long and short springs so following the advice given here I'm confident I can get it done correctly.