Removing pins from a lock?

[newguy101]

I bought a $15 kiwkset to start with as I just got my picks, I have not been able to pick all 5 pins yet and was wondering if it's possible to remove some pins to make practice easier. I was thinking to pop off that protector cover that the springs push against at the top, but I'm worried I won't be able to get it back on. Any way I can do something?

[WhiteHat]

this is called "rekeying"

check out romstar's post here:

viewtopic.php?t=2241

greg miller also has a guide on his site too.

[MrB]

With Kwiksets, you can indeed pop the cover off the top. You have to do it carefully so that springs don't fly out and get lost, or get trapped and bent. Just gently lever it up evenly from both sides.

Make sure you remember which pins came out of which holes or the key won't work when you put it back together.

To put the cap back on, just push it down firmly until it clicks, being careful not to trap any springs.

Popping the cover is easier than taking the lock apart with a plug follower, but you can only do it with Kwiksets.

[Dent]

I also bought a $15 dollar kwikset 2 days ago and had the pins out in like 5 minutes.


It isn't hard at all...


Pop the little C/M/W shaped thing(black piece of metal) off the back of the lock, insert and rotate the key to un-align the core.

Pull it out inside a ziplock bag to catch the springs and driver pins.

Use tweezers to work the pins back in.



If you mess up the order, just put the key in the lock and drop the key pins in different orders until they match up with the shear line.


I used a sharpie as a plug follower, worked great!

[newguy101]

Yup I popped it off and snapped it back on allright, I can open it with 2 pins now! Major progress for me.

[Kayvon]

Way to , newguy. It sounds like you're getting the hang of it. And starting easy is a great way to go, especially to build confidence. I find that even a minor success will help me be patient through the harder locks (or, occasionally, the same locks that I just can't get the 2nd and 3rd times).
Let us know when you get 3 and 4 pins!

[newguy101]

I just picked it with it's full default 5 pins! Manually too, I actually had some good idea of what was happening inside the lock. The feeling of accomplishment I got when I saw it turn was great. Took around 4 minutes but at least I got it.

[digital_blue]

Way to go newguy! Congrats! Hmmm.. if you stick around here it's gonna get strange calling you newguy.

[fcukniles]

DB we will have to call him oldguy101