I have included a few pictures and notes - people please feel free to add your own tips and suggestions cause we all need help in this field!
I have written my own guide - just in case I loose my memory and have to learn all this stuff again!!
IDENTIFYING LEVER LOCKS
Before you decide which method of attack you will use it is imperative that you discover what lock you are trying to open. Some methods follow
1. Colour of case
From looking through the keyhole with a *white* light (needs to be white - no other colour will do) you will see a colour. This is not always fool proof.
It is a good starter but some manufacturers produce locks for other companies or people paint their locks to confound entry methods.
Look for flakes of paint as keyholes tend to rust quickly!
2. Pin gauge
This tool indicates your pin gauge. You can also cut the 'flag' or 'bit' of mortice keys at all the different gauges - just stamp them up so you know the gauge
This is a 5 gauge 'pin'
3. Keyway height
Measure from top to bottom of the keyway - this may have different readings depending on the handing of the lock
This is 15.5MM keyway height
4. Keyway
The curtain colour, dimples on the sides, drill plate, width of keyhole and colour of case all aid idenfication. Some are similar but differ in pin gauge and keyway height.
Also by turning the barrel this may indicate the lock
5. Keyway to base measurment
This is not always possible to achieve. You can adapt a wire and scribe a measurement scale on it to aid in identification
6. Files
More important than anything else!!!
Every lock encounter should be photographed or drawn, the lock measured, dissected and picked! It will enable you to identify and open locks with much more precision.
Key heights / pin heights (on pin tumblers) / lever heights/lifts measured and recorded.
My files on mortice locks include the following information:
1.NAME ie LEGGE BLACK
2.DESCRIPTION ie BS rated 5 lever lock
3.CHARACTERISTICS.
a manufacturer
b mechanics
c colour
d tone (matt/gloss/hammerite/metallic/unpainted)
e keyway height - left and right
f pinsize
g anti pick
h warding
i barrel and curtain
j keyway to base (k to b measurement)
k anti drill
4.INTERNAL DESCRIPTION
A full breakdown of lock parts
5.MECHANICS
how many lifts operate the levers / bolt
key symmetry / ABA pattern
key cuts / steps / measurements
6. MOE (method of entry)
belly read
dial read
pin and cam
slider pick
wheel pick
overlift
wire pick
bypass
scope
other device
7. Recommendations - tips or tactics on paticular locks
Hope this guide, although not exhaustive helps out, I have had it for about 6 years and I am always adding to it!
Pinky I hope you noticed the black plastecine on the right of the keyway on the legge!! another easy victim!
Happy picking!
Sidpick