Kwikset Smart Key

[Nitrous]

You might be interested in this optical decoder. I've used it successfully with a pak-a-punch to cut a working key. It's pricey but could be fabricated at home.

http://www.locksmithledger.com/product/ ... ey-decoder

Nitrous

[Robotnik]

As far as picking a SmartKey, I've had some success with gutting it, removing all but one or two wafers and reassembling (GWiens2001's guide was essential for this; many thanks for posting that!). Like with a regular pin tumbler lock, once you get a feel for one wafer/two wafers, add progressively more back in.

What worked for me was nesting a tension tool in the side of the keyway (neither TOK or BOK worked well for me) and, with ultra-light tension (pulsed as necessary), picking above it. Interpreting the feedback this lock gives takes some adjustment; doesn't react like a normal pin tumbler lock. I didn't find tensioning the sidebar necessary.

[crowley]

Robotnik,

Would you have a picture of the side-of-keyway method? Are you using a 2 pronged tensioner?

[Robotnik]

Robotnik,

Would you have a picture of the side-of-keyway method? Are you using a 2 pronged tensioner?

Tensioner I was using was a standard piece of windshield wiper insert, thinned out and bent 90 degrees. No double prong, just a regular BOK-style tension tool. I'll snap a photo of placement within the keyway when I get a spare second.

[crowley]

Thanks, the pic will be much appreciated. Trying to SPP this lock has been driving me crazy for almost a year.

[Robotnik]

This is roughly where I positioned the tension tool, though I was using a thinner tool than the one pictured. Was able to pick it to reset like this.

SmartKeys are definitely a bear to pick; I feel your pain. It's just too bad there are so many...alternate...ways to open them; with some better materials and engineering tolerances, these locks could be formidable.

[crowley]

Thanks for that! Am now itching to be done with work and try this out at home. Yes, i have read about the "screwdriver and monkey wrench" method, it doesn't make sense for me to blow cash to buy this lock just to destroy it, though I do see Marc Tobias Webber's point that a burglar wouldn't bother about NDE and just crack it in 15 seconds with minimal evidence of tampering.

Not a lock i'd install for my home!

[Robotnik]

Thanks, the pic will be much appreciated. Trying to SPP this lock has been driving me crazy for almost a year.

I'm curious, does a key still operate your SmartKey, or alternately, have you torn down the lock to make sure it's still operable? I was picking on mine this weekend, and wasn't getting anywhere. Found the key I'd last reset to; didn't work. Tore the lock down and found that a wafer had slipped and was blocking the plug from turning. Fixed it and picked it.

Since it sounds like you've been picking on this for a while, wanted to pass my experience along in case it was relevant to you. Good luck!

[crowley]

Was inspired by your pic, but despite trying over the whole weekend, still no love...

I don't have the key as in a moment of madness, I turned it to the reset position with the reset tool in there, shoved in a pick and turned it back. Key doesnt work now, and the dealer doesnt have a reset tool.

I've never gutted it as mine was a "door knob" style as opposed to a deadbolt style. I know the inner core is the same but the housing around the core is just too complicated to tear down. I did try though - to remove one or two pins and build up my confidence, but got nowhere.

It's frustrating, especially sifting through forums and youtube videos for hints (you won't believe how many times I watched the Norseman Lockpicker on youtube "jiggle jiggle"). Varying tensions either locks up the wafers or there's no binding action, and when I do find the tension sweet-spot, the feedback is very strange.

Tried double pronged tensioners, TOK, BOK, and now mid of keyway like you did. I even tried a variation - using the TOOOL credit card pickset. There is a small tenstion tool, of which the head fits directly into the reset tool slot. All no dice.

[crowley]

This is the evil bugger!

[Robotnik]

I feel for you; having a lock that won't give up the ghost is always aggravating. Like I said, hopefully your SmartKey is still operable; these things are notorious for seizing up with even moderate abuse. The KIK is something I've never torn down, but GWiens2001's SmartKey disassembly (http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?p=432873#p432873) is a great resource for disassembly (and reassembly/repair) of the cylinder itself.

I've been playing with my SmartKey cylinders a bit since digging them up. With some bittings, I've had consistent success with TOK tension using a Peterson Prybar and using the back of a short hook and/or a the back of a half diamond to manipulate all five pins simultaneously. I pulse extremely light tension while lifting the pins in different patterns, keeping the pick at the same depth. Might try this same technique with a jagged lifter as well.

Hopefully some of this is helpful; good luck!

[MacGyver101]

We don't discuss destructive-entry outside of the Advanced forums. Split the original topic: moved the advanced material into Advanced.