Tumbler pin sizes

[T Verrett]

I hope this is where to ask this question.
I can't afford the cost of a real pinning kit,so I
bought a 1lb bag of assorted pins. I'm trying to sort these
according to standard sizes eg. Kwikset,Schlage etc.
I'm using a digital caliper and I'm getting some odd results on some of the pins. The pins in question look like bottom pins,however I'm getting sizes like .004 .007 etc. Is this normal or am I doing something wrong?
It's my understanding to measure the length of the pin to determine it's size. I've got a picture of Labs pin chart,but these sizes aren't on there.
Can someone point me in the right direction or tell me what I'm doing wrong?

[jeffmoss26]

are you measuring length or diameter? make sure you're set on inches.

[Raymond]

You are probably doing it right. If the pin has beveled corners on both ends it is most likely a Kwikset. If it has a definite point on one end and is flat or rounded (.003" pins) on the other it is a bottom pin. If it is flat or rounded (.003" pins) on both ends it is a top pin or master wafer depending on how it is used and can be either.

The length according to your chart will determine the likely brand most commonly using that pin. Expect the non-original pins to not match the chart exactly. Example: Kwikset uses .285 for pin #6. But, uses .261 for #5. This seems wrong because .285 minus .023 would be .262. Since there is no .262 pin in a .003 pin kit they defaulted to the next lower pin. (Going higher would more likely cut a groove in the cylinder shell.) Also, locksmiths must often use non-exact pin lengths when keying different locks to the owner's given key just so it will work smoothly.

[Squelchtone]

Sounds like someone needs to 3D print a pin sorter tray like the LAB one meant for decoding Medeco pins as seen here https://www.amazon.com/LAB-LMDMED-Medec ... B01KN5K63M, but instead a tray where you put normal pin tumbler key pins into grooves until the pin occupies the entire groove and has the size printed next to the test groove.

Only issue is there are about 70 bottom pin sizes in a pin kit.. If you only work with let's say Schlage or you know your bag of pins is all from Schlage rekeys you could make a 10 slot tray just for pins Schlage uses.

*looking in your direction Gordon*

T Verrett: you may find this useful if you don't already have it viewtopic.php?f=35&t=65606&p=487958#p487996

Direct link to LAB pin kit size chart provided by jeffmoss (large image) https://i.imgur.com/rfGc8O7.jpg

Squelchtone

[T Verrett]

Thank you everyone for your responses. The chart is really helpful,as well as the top pin description. BTW I am measuring length of the pins. Y'all have been very helpful Thank you so much!