Anyone heard of Hobbs lock picks ?

by **Picker_Level-0** » 10 Nov 2003 8:17

I think there for lever locks, infact i saw a picture of some today and i recognise a site where it has them on but i cant find it now! Anyone got any info on them, how they work, ect ??? There is also a member here called Mr Hobbs, so it that in reference, maybe he has some info!>?

by **Varjeal** » 10 Nov 2003 10:13

Hmmmm...I'll have to do a web search and find out. I'll post later with results.

by **Picker_Level-0** » 11 Nov 2003 3:55

I need to bring this to the top,cuz i am desperate for information. I am trying to buy some you see and the guy is selling them to someone else on friday so i am desperate for info b4 then!!!

by **lockrabbit** » 11 Nov 2003 4:31

http://www.zieh-fix.com/Shop/de/dept_4.html
http://www.unterbuchberger.com/sperrwerkzeuge/shop.htm
http://www.multipick-service.de/werkzeug/hobbhaken.htm

IÂ´ve never seen hoobs in the states, but they are comon in Germany.

by **Picker_Level-0** » 11 Nov 2003 4:53

Well at least thats something, unfortunately they are in German!!! I dont speak german so if someone can translate any of the information on them i would be grateful!!! They are for lever locks arent they!!??? U recon there worth buying 2nd hand and without instructions!?

by **oniony** » 11 Nov 2003 6:06

Picker_Level-0 wrote:Well at least thats something, unfortunately they are in German!!! I dont speak german so if someone can translate any of the information on them i would be grateful!!! They are for lever locks arent they!!??? U recon there worth buying 2nd hand and without instructions!?

Try http://www.google.com/language_tools?hl=en for a partial, somewhat amusing attempt at a translation. Better than nothing, anyhow!

by **Picker_Level-0** » 11 Nov 2003 9:18

Yea they translate ok, gives you an idea!!! Says there specialised tools for locks such as safes, banks ect. ?? but are these type of lokcs lever locks???

by **oniony** » 11 Nov 2003 10:34

Picker_Level-0 wrote:Yea they translate ok, gives you an idea!!! Says there specialised tools for locks such as safes, banks ect. ?? but are these type of lokcs lever locks???

Well, I'm no locksmith but I'd guess they would be. Every safe I've ever seen (apart from petty cash boxes) use the big, old keys that I associate with lever deadlocks of the kind that are often on UK residential properties. From what I've read, lever locks require special keys, are hard to pick and often include features to discourage picking. I'm leaving my front-door lever lock until I'm quite comfortable with tumblers then I may buy a practice lock and take it apart.

I've seen some people mention impressioning for these types of locks.

by **Picker_Level-0** » 11 Nov 2003 10:49

Yea apparently the best tool is a decoder!! it makes an impression of the lock but as it does it the result is that it opens the lock at the same time!! Dunoo if its true or not, i havent seen one! Just what i heard!

by **oniony** » 11 Nov 2003 11:50

Hmmm, if it's called a decoder, perhaps it tries the various combinations until it finds one that works...hence the lock opening as it finds the code.

This would make sense as those keys seem to be limited in the number of levels, and therefore combinations, possible....just with the key from my pocket there appear to be 3 levers with fins on each side to pass through some kind of guides. There appear to be only two levels for a lever so that would make 2 * 2 * 2 = only 8 combinations. Shouldn't take a decoder long to crack that.

by **Picker_Level-0** » 11 Nov 2003 12:03

Yea i think what is hard is that the levers are obscure in the way that one is low and one is very high side by side. Apparently if you over pick then your buggered and have to start again but if you dont puch it high enough your stumped too!!! I went to a local lock smith today and he was amazingly helpful, showed me loads about the insides of locks and stuff did help my picking just my understanding of the mechanisms. i think ill keep friendly and he might help me!!!!

Anyways back to lever locks, i am determined to pick them and no body has any good advice!!!! I am gussing you need a good tool but what... I have seen the try out keys and there is just too many and they are too costly, for an enthusiast it would be pointless!! Plus i like to actually pick the lock!!!

HELP - hobbs tool, lever picks...what???

by **lockrabbit** » 12 Nov 2003 5:13

Hobbs are for lever tumbler locks. Its hard to find information about this technic on the net. Maybe you can find some info att www.security.org (search for hoobs).

John Falle sells Hobbs for many types of locks at www.safeventures.com But you got to be a licensed locksmith to order.

by **eric343** » 4 Jan 2004 4:13

Hobbs-style picks are a combined "torque"-tool and pick for lever locks, usually for safes. One of the fingers applies pressure to the bolt, while you slide the other one to move it to each lever and turn it to raise the individual levers to their correct heights. The disadvantage of this style of tool is that you need to make it to the dimensions of a particular lock, if I remember correctly there are no "universal" Hobbs picks, unlike the "universal" hook, rake, etc. that we use for pin tumbler locks.

Anyone heard of Hobbs lock picks ?

Anyone heard of Hobbs lock picks ?

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