Smoking Blank

[Kheops]

If for some reason you hit a wall at some point, and no longer get any marks, you can always smoke/sharpie after sanding at 800.

[1mrchristopher]

Ok, I cannot resist any longer, and quite frankly I'm shocked that Gordon didn't go there before. Here it goes: Yeah, I really like to smoke blanks, but they're a real pain to keep lit!

[Squelchtone]

If your blank is smoking, you are impressioning way too fast.

we really need a Like button. =)

very funny Raymond!

Squelchtone

[GWiens2001]

If for some reason you hit a wall at some point, and no longer get any marks, you can always smoke/sharpie after sanding at 800.

Just used that technique on a WB padlock with a Sargent core. It simetimes does work when all else fails. (Yes, Jeff, that one is now done. )

And 1Christopher... about keeping the blanks lit - that is not the problem. The problem is that my lips keep getting burnt!

Gordon

[jeffmoss26]

If for some reason you hit a wall at some point, and no longer get any marks, you can always smoke/sharpie after sanding at 800.

Just used that technique on a WB padlock with a Sargent core. It simetimes does work when all else fails. (Yes, Jeff, that one is now done. )

And 1Christopher... about keeping the blanks lit - that is not the problem. The problem is that my lips keep getting burnt!

Gordon

It's actually a WB with a WB restricted keyway that the Sargent blank happens to fit, but I digress

[WeedIsMyCheat]

If for some reason you hit a wall at some point, and no longer get any marks, you can always smoke/sharpie after sanding at 800.

cool thanks for the advice

[ptlockguy]

I've been experimenting with a couple of techniques that use a set of key blanks, cut to each of the possible depths for Kwikset. One way to use these, is to partially decode a lock after picking. By inserting these keys, I can determine the deepest cut and hopefully the first pin chamber depth.

A second method I've tried, is blacking the bitting edge of the set and trying to get impression marks on each one. If I'm lucky, I'll get a couple of good marks. These may indicate pins that are at or near the shear. If there is only one solid, bright mark for a pin chamber, it's probably the correct depth for that position. I was hoping this might be a faster start for impressioning. So far, not much success.

[YouLuckyFox]

A second method I've tried, is blacking the bitting edge of the set and trying to get impression marks on each one. If I'm lucky, I'll get a couple of good marks. These may indicate pins that are at or near the shear. If there is only one solid, bright mark for a pin chamber, it's probably the correct depth for that position. I was hoping this might be a faster start for impressioning. So far, not much success.

Hey, good to see your comment! Would you elaborate on the second method for me? If anyone else understands it and would like to help that would be fine, but I'd be pleased to hear of this technique in more detail. Also, very creative on the first method.

[GWiens2001]

Normally, in my experience, if there is one clear shiny spot, that one is either nearly set, or the only binding pin. Most of the time, a pin at the correct level leaves no (or nearly no) mark.

Gordon

[deralian]

I've never smoked a key but I have used a sharpie marker. I think prepping the key blank is a better help. Creating a nice edge helps the pins leave readable marks.

[craigt]

well ive never used the smoke, sand paper or sharpie method, but think ill give it a try... since 1987 ive just used the knife blade method and then a pair of small vice grips, i do have a couple hpc tools but rarley use them and perfer the small visegrips ...
what does everyone else on here perfer and like >?
Craig

[UnlockingBoredom]

I use vice grips but want to try an impressioning tool to see if it is better, I impression a bunch of locks for a local locksmith and some days I just snap the heads off a lot of keys because I use to work on cars a lot and I always had to use a lot of force to turn vice grips..

[DR_WOLFSBURG]

Really sorry to hear about your friend, Im sure he was really talented and is cool that some of his stuff had rubbed off on you.

Ive never really heard of the "smoking the blade" before and i most will defiantly try this and hopefully maybe this will help me with pin tumbler locks.

[C locked]

If your blank is smoking, you are impressioning way too fast.

we really need a Like button. =)

very funny Raymond!

Squelchtone

Like and like

[C locked]

And smoking the blank as compared to a sharpie
The speed of a sharpie plus the places you can take it
There are some places you need to work(government buildings)
The you cannot use a lighter or open flame anymore
without a hotworks permit. ( usually for welding but lawmakers
don't see the difference)