Old safe deposit lock

[MSL]

Since I'm interesting studying safe deposit boxes in hopes to work on them one day, I decided to buy one from ebay.

It came today, but since I am a genius (my mom told me so) I didn't bother to read the description, I just looked at the picture.

The guy claims to have a box of these things he's had for over 30 years, and while the picture had two keys (security and customer, I assumed) it turns out to just be 2 customer keys. The seller advises to go to a locksmith to get a key made.

Well as a recent graduate of the Foley Belsaw program, with a nifty diploma that I spilled Dr. Pepper on the day after I got it (because again, I'm a responsible adult), I decided that I will do this myself.

I have no idea what brand it is, as none is listed. It just looks like its older than me.

Fortunately the FB course came with a small variety of keys to play with and the the flat steel keys they sent me are the right size. I did a search for impressioning lever locks, but I didn't really find any information. Can I impression a lever lock? Do I do it the same way I would a wafer? Or should I just take this thing apart and play with it like I originally planned?

[GWiens2001]

fgarci03 did a nice job in this writeup, the first of which is a lever lock.

There is another [url=http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?p=417895#p417895}writeup on impressioning lever locks here[/url]

There are some issues with impressioning a safe deposit box lock, but you will learn if you work at it.

A picture of the particular lock in question may help. Also, some safe deposit locks have small holes in the face of the lock that are hidden when the lock is installed, but out of the door you can see them, and it gives you a view of the stump and gates, letting you see what you are impressioning.

Good luck, and keep us informed. And pictures, please. Of the lock, and of your attempts.

Gordon

[MSL]

I wonder why that thread didn't pop up when I searched. Must not have used the right words or spelling or something.

Well I have precisely two chances at it as that's how many blanks I have. I guess I better get it right. On the plus side I got a really awesome magnifier thingy in the mail the other day that works so much better than everything I've bought before, so that will hopefully help. Sometimes going with cheap Chinese imports does work out.

[MSL]

The lock



The two keys and my blank


My awesome $4.00 (shipping included) magnifier thingy with surprisingly bright light.

[GWiens2001]

No need do the magnifier - it won't work with steel keys anyway. Use a marker or a candle.

You will only need one blank because that lock has the holes we talked about - you can see the stumps and lever gates through the holes! Use your key, and you will see how the gates line up with the stump. Then you simply cheat while you impression the key.

Gordon

[MSL]

Cool, looks like I have something to do on my day off now.

Yep, spending my off day making a key by hand for a 30 year old lock some guy found in his garage...I surely lead a life filled with adventure and wonder.

[MSL]

Well that didn't go very well.

I tried the marker, but it didn't work as I'd hoped so I switched it out with a candle. I saw lines, and I started to file. But the key was bending crazy as I tried, so I switched to a dremel cutting wheel. It kinda worked, but the key sure was ugly. But either way I eventually got I it to line up and turn.

I put in the other key and nothing. Wouldn't pull the bolt back. So I took the lock apart and pulled the security levers out on the one side entirely. Then I put the other key in and it still didn't turn. Turns out I have the wrong customer key. Since its from a collection of 30 year old locks that were kept in a pile I doubt the seller will be able to find the right keys. Oh well, I wanted a lock to take apart and look at to get a better understanding of how they work, and that's what I got. I'll probably try to build a l shaped pick and use it for picking practice.

[GWiens2001]

So now you can get another blank (any locksmith should have them), and impression the other key!

Or did you impression the same side as the keys you received work on?

If the key was bending, especially a steel key, you were probably using too much force. That much force on a lever lock can damage the lock.

Gordon