Impressioning expertise required

[Squelchtone]

When it comes to impressioning SFICs, owing to the control shearlines being higher(the cuts from the zero cut point on the blade) being shallower, WILL the key I impression be a CONTROL key or an OPERATING key?

[GWiens2001]

Unless the the control key cuts are all shallower or all deeper than the change key, you are unlikely to succeed in impressioning a Best SFIC. Read up on SFIC locks and you will see why.

Gordon

[tpark]

The bitting of the control key is independent of the operating key. If, for example, I have a stack with
3,2,12,6 in it, the operating key could have a cut of 3, or a cut of 5 (since 3+2 = 5), but the control key would 7, since 3+2+12 = 17, and the control shear line is 10 higher than the operating shear line. For A2 SFIC pinning, you can use the value of 13 - top pin size, since a correctly combinated lock will have stacks of 23 total, so that gives 13-6=7, so a control key cut of 7 at that position. I've never tried to impression one of these locks, but I don't think it would work since there are two possible points for the pin stack to bind. In the cases where I've had to make keys for these locks, the BosnianBill trick of lubricating the lock well is important. Some locks have been used often, but the last time the control key was used was when the lock was assembled for the first time many years ago. The lock may be reluctant to turn at the control shear line because the control sleeve is stuck to the housing.

[GWiens2001]

Have always found (and been told) that you do NOT want to lubricate a lock you are impressioning. The friction is important for getting marks.

Gordon

[cledry]

Have always found (and been told) that you do NOT want to lubricate a lock you are impressioning. The friction is important for getting marks.

Gordon

Very true. In fact we dry them out squeaky clean before impressioning.

Best way to make a key is pick to control, remove core and decode pins.

[tpark]

I reread, and I realize where my message went wrong - I haven't ever tried to impression BEST locks, the lubrication thing was for picking them to control. I've impressioned many locks, and when impressioning, you should not lubricate the lock. I deleted a bunch of text (where I talk about **picking** them to control) and not being able to get the core out, despite having the correct control key. Jim's assessment is correct, and I concur - the best way is to pick to control, remove the core, then decode. What Cledry and GWiens2001 have stated is the correct advice, if you're impressioning, **don't** lubricate the lock. Sorry 'bout that.

--Ted.

[GWiens2001]

I thought that was what you meant, but wanted to be clear for the OP.

Gordon