How much forensic evidence does impressioning leave?

[Hippo_vibrations]

So, I haven't had the chance to practice lock impressioning, but I'm curious on how much forensic evidence is left from it to a, let's say, a standard pin-tumbler lock? I could imagine normal picking leaving vertical scratches on the pins that do not appear in the normal usage of a lock, but does properly done impressioning leave some kind of vertical dents on the pins that a professional might tell apart from wear and tear from standard usage?

[stratmando]

Had a thought on Forensic Proof Lockpicks, they would be rounded polished picks. Was just a thought.

[Robotnik]

Even rounded, well-polished picks will presumably leave some detectable marks. With picks being steel and most lock components being relatively soft brass, picks will still leave marks in areas not normally contacted by a key.

As for impressioning, I could see a few options for detectable forensic evidence - excessive brass filings introduced to the lock from filed keys, abnormal wear to pins and plug, and deformation of the keyway from binding. Not a forensic specialist, so these are all just guesses on my part.

[stratmando]

Wasn't thinking of making them, more like if they were made, In Court, a Lock Forensic Expert may say, "A key must have been used, as there are no signs of Picking"?

[jwrm22]

There is not much know about forensics. They are still discovering more.

Everything you do leaves evidence only some things will leave more evidence.
Polishing your picks. plastic picks or even coated picks won help you.

Impressioning leaves horizontal scratches on the pins.
Also the holes in the bible and core will have damage.
This is from personal experience and not from the documentation.

As with everything. If you open the lock with less impressioning/picking youĺl leave less evidence.
Some information on lock forensics: http://lockpickingforensics.com/

[stratmando]

by jwrm22 » Wed Feb 06, 2019 2:42 pm

"There is not much know about forensics. They are still discovering more."

Wonder the difficulty to detect Pick Gun, Bumping?, Also shimming signs of shimming should be checked.

[Robotnik]

by jwrm22 » Wed Feb 06, 2019 2:42 pm

"There is not much know about forensics. They are still discovering more."

Wonder the difficulty to detect Pick Gun, Bumping?, Also shimming signs of shimming should be checked.

Bumping and pick guns leave distinct marks on the pins, often visible to the naked eye. This I’ve personally seen.

[cledry]

Need to make some plastic picks.

[Hippo_vibrations]

As with everything. If you open the lock with less impressioning/picking youĺl leave less evidence.
Some information on lock forensics: http://lockpickingforensics.com/

Thanks for the link! Lots of good stuff there, even after skimming. It's surprising, at least for me, how much scratches pics can leave to a lock.