Lock Reading

[Scatman]

I tried searching, but if I missed something please point me in the right direction. I would like to learn lock reading and was wondering if there are any guides in existence.

[32768]

What do you mean by lock reading?
The closest thing I'm familiar with is reading wafer locks, where you can look in the keyway of some kinds of locks and (possibly using a special tool) 'read' the heights of the various pieces to decode the key. Is that what you mean?

[davidgjr]

He is talking about wafer lock reading. I would get Sievikings book and tool and get to practicing. I have found foreign cars to be easiest to read. Some wafer locks all have the same y11 keyway, but have different spacings which can be confusing. I would get the book and tool, a space and depth key set (if you have no code machine) for the lock you will be practicing on, and go the junk yard and get a few practice locks. It is fun once you learn, but a get a lock with only a few different depths at first. Let me know if you need to know which locks have these. I THINK Honda only has 3 depths. I have practiced this, but I am not that good at it.

[Chucklz]

I would also suggest carying a Y11 with CH751 bitting, and a slight modification to the shoulder. I thinned my shoulders down a bit, and cut them back so that I have to carefully insert the key to get a "true" 751 bitting. If this doesnt open the lock, push in or pull out a bit and try a jiggling motion. It works very very well for me and is useful considering how many people loose their filing cabinet/desk keys.

[Scatman]

Thanks. Yes, this is what I was wanting to know.
Is it possible to read pintumbler locks? I see how it would be definately harder, if possible, as the construction of wafer locks lends to the reading process due the not too close tolerances and pin tumbler locks are usually better constructed.
What is the title of that particular book, and where would one find if for sale?
By the way. Have you heard of a straight knife for opening filing cabinets that have the kind of lock that one pushes in to lock versus turning a key to lock?

[WhiteHat]

re: reading pin tumbler's - romstar wrote an excelent post, here:

viewtopic.php?t=4032