. BEST also includes plastic timing tools with their mortise locks but they're small, black, light, and very easy to lose. Furthermore, I have used standard tip screw drivers for this purpose as well but on locks with a latch or bolt that's binding or tight against the frame? You can actually break the posts inside if you use too much force.
Anyways, I wanted to try to accomplish this so I didn't need to purchase an ED211, which would cost money and use up additional space on the truck. It's small but trust me, this type of mentality keeps things simple and clutter free on the truck. I also have a mentality that tools, if possible, should have more than one use.
Turns out, you don't need to alter it at all if you just to adjust the timing on a majority of housings. As is, they slide over and provide a decently snug fit, enough to adjust timing. But what if you wanted to test the function of the lock? It's not snug enough, but by sliding something between the slots on the K6, you can easily test even the most stubborn and binding lock. You can use your imagination on what to use if you're using it temporarily. I work on SFIC almost weekly so I want something permanent.
I sandwiched some spring steel between the slots, cut it flush with the grinder on both sides, and then lightly hit both areas to create a "stake" of sorts to keep it there long term.
I rarely utilize that side of the follower (I always check the top pins and springs even if I know the cylinder isn't master keyed) but I did make sure that I didn't screw up it's function by flaring the follower out by wedging steel between the posts. It did not.
Since the posts aren't allowed to move outside the diameter of the K-6 follower, much like they aren't with the ED211, there is very little risk of splitting the posts. I say very little because given enough force, no matter the tool, they will break - they're soft brass.
Anyways, something neat that I had an idea would work but not so easily. Might be a worthwhile alteration to make if you do a lot of SFIC rekeying.
