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"Would using a 'feeler gauge' as a lock shim work?"

Having read the FAQ's you are still unfulfilled and seek more enlightenment, so post your general lock picking questions here.
Forum rules
Do not post safe related questions in this sub forum! Post them in This Old Safe

The sub forum you are currently in is for asking Beginner Hobby Lock Picking questions only.

"Would using a 'feeler gauge' as a lock shim work?"

Postby Dave55347 » 3 Mar 2015 18:29

I'm just starting out as a lock picking hobbyist and I've got a question that I haven't had time or the equipment to try and I don't have the experience (yet) to answer this question myself, so I'm asking the board for their insights.

It seems to me that you could open a lock by using a modified automotive 'feeler gauge' to occupy the shear line as you picked the pins from front to back.

I envision modifying one of the flimsier feeler gauges with the right thickness that could easily be inserted into the shear line between the plug and cylinder of any lock. I've seen small feeler gauges down to 1-1/2 thousands of an inch. I'm assuming if su a feeler gauge were to cut narrow enough, its reduced width would allow it to fit into the spacing between the plug and the shell of the lock. Perhaps it would need a bit of curving made by wrapping it on a 1/2' pipe to correlate to the curved space between the plug and the cylinder (shell).

The modification would make a projecting 'finger' about 1" long and perhaps 1/8' or 1/16' or even less in width with smooth edges to make it easily fit into the slight curvature just above the key hole. A dremel tool could be used to fashion the shape of this finger, or maybe just be cut to shape with a shears or tin snips. is likely that the device would need to be lightly oiled to slip in and prevent being caught by the friction between the plug and the cylinder.

This is how I would imagine the shim would be used to perform lock picking.

As this shim begins going into to the lock along the shear line, it encounters the first pin, which stops it. This would be felt by the lock picker.

Then the lock picker would use a hook or diamond pick to lift the lower key pin of the first pin column until the split between the key pin and the driver pin matches the shear line space.

Then the lock picker would feel this opening and, by forcing the device forward into the keyway, penetrate it with the modified shim separating the upper driver pin from the lower key pin. The shim would prevent the driver pin from being forced back into the plug by the spring.

This action would be repeated for all of the pins, working from the front of the lock until the back, with the end result being that the shim keeps all of the driver pins trapped above the shear line.

The pick would then be used to rotate the plug until the lock opens. The pick could be removed and a tension tool could also be used to rotate the plug.

I am also thinking that if the lock picker anticipated trapping pins, he could, by eye balling the key way, keep the shim in the same relative location frozen on the circumference of the plug as it rotates, and prevent any trap pins from falling into the plug cylinder. I believe this would prevent trapping pins from seizing the plug and eliminate their deterrence countermeasures.

If this technique works, a different sense of feel would be used, and since no torsioning would be used, the effectiveness of mushroom pins, serrated,pins and other similar devices would be thwarted.

I don't know if these ideas are valid, and I don't have feeler gauges or a dremel tool or any equipment (yet) to fashion such a-proposed device. or a setup to test it out and then make a video of this technique, if it were to work.

I'll read any comments on line. If my explanations need discussion, please post the forum.

Thanks!

Dave55347
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Re: "Would using a 'feeler gauge' as a lock shim work?"

Postby Squelchtone » 3 Mar 2015 18:35

Are you shimming from behind with the lock in your hand, or from the front where the key inserts? This wont work from the front, there is a lip around the face of the plug that is wider than the plug. For back shimming, they already sell aluminum shims, or you can use the inside strip from inside the white plastic anti theft alarms that are glued on CD cases and other store items.

Here's a shim inserted into the back of the plug where there is actually a usable gap. This would not work from the front due to the lip I mentioned.

Image


locksport legend jkthecjer posted this photo on his blog, it shows that front lip very well:
Image

good thinking, but not viable.
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Re: "Would using a 'feeler gauge' as a lock shim work?"

Postby billdeserthills » 3 Mar 2015 19:08

Great Money-Making idea Dave,
Unfortunately it's already been patented
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Re: "Would using a 'feeler gauge' as a lock shim work?"

Postby deolslyfox » 6 Mar 2015 9:29

Some of the cheap Chinese locks can be shimmed from the front. To tell if it can be shimmed, slide the shim in to the side of the plug. If it goes it, then theres on lip, and you can proceed with the shimming. If it stops, its not going to work.

If you want some free shims for cylinders, look inside the RFID tag that is in your favorite DVD / CD package. Remove the little tag, cut around all 4 sides with scissors and inside you will find two thin pieces of metal that you can use as shims. Otherwise you can buy them. They sell for a couple buck for 10 or so.

As far as shimming a shackle is concerned, there are lots of "butterfly" shims available, and tons of YouTube videos showing how to make a shim out of a soda can. If you are going to get into locksmithing or be serious about the hobby, then I suggest that you skip the soda cans and Chinese shims and invest in some decent ones that will work and will last.

Hope this is helpful.
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Re: "Would using a 'feeler gauge' as a lock shim work?"

Postby Dave55347 » 6 Mar 2015 23:23

I just found an excellent Bosnian Bill video that answers my question visually.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvBYRYOWVwk

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Re: "Would using a 'feeler gauge' as a lock shim work?"

Postby Squelchtone » 7 Mar 2015 10:06

Dave55347 wrote:I just found an excellent Bosnian Bill video that answers my question visually.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvBYRYOWVwk

Dave55347


I guess I didn't include enough visuals in my reply.... :roll:

Just remember, this trick only works on absolute crap locks, won't work on a Kwikset or Schlage deadbolt or anything better than that.
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Re: "Would using a 'feeler gauge' as a lock shim work?"

Postby cledry » 7 Mar 2015 13:08

In all my years as a locksmith I have only seen a few cheap Chinese padlocks that can be shimmed from the front.
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Re: "Would using a 'feeler gauge' as a lock shim work?"

Postby GWiens2001 » 7 Mar 2015 14:20

Have a WB that can be front shimmed. Surprised me when I saw it.

Image

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