Anyone want to help a newbie?

[newlockpicker]

hi folks,

i would really appreciate any help with regards to what you would probably consider a "real easy" lock.

i've been trying to use the "toilet roll" technique for removing a kensington lock....the type for laptops. and i just can't seem to do it.

i'm getting sore fingers now...am i pressing too hard....is there a technique that i'm missing?

any help would be really appreciated from this novice!!!

[Elijah]

Stop trying to pick the Kensington locks! Whenever I hear someone say that, I automatically assume they're a college student trying to steal laptops. Anyway, using a BIC to get into one of those isn't picking anyway, grab yourself a Kwikset.

-Elijah

[newlockpicker]

i can assure you i am not trying to steal a laptop and am not a college student. i have the laptop but have genuinely lost the key for it and can't take it back into work as it needs to be locked down!!!! can't leave unattended laptops in work.

i could take it to a locksmith but if i can save myself some money by using a pen etc it would be much easier...and to be honest quite gratifying.

anyway hope someone can help.

[Elijah]

I have this same lock on my laptop, I've never tried picking it, but that isn't what this post is about. If this lock is locked into your laptop right now, how could you possibly take it to a locksmith? Unless you thread it through a desk or around something that a thief CANNOT take with them, your laptop isn't secured =)

[master in training]

im a little confused

is the lock actually secured to anything at the moment?

if its attached to your laptop then you'll have a job taking it into work etc, if its not and you do secure it, you wont be able to take it off again!

once one person see's you using a pen or a toilet roll tube to unlock it every time you need to it'll get a bit silly and you may as well not bother with the lock.

i think your best bet is to either take the lock to a locksmith, search around for the original key, or just buy a new lock.

[newlockpicker]

sorry just realised i really wasn't clear

i have my laptop with a lock attached to it but the lock isn't attached to anything so i can use the laptop at home but can't take to work as can't secure it....due to the current lock being stuck in it!

don't ask why i locked it without it being secure coz i was having a blonde moment...well actually was trying to be smart and make out as if it was locked down

ps i am blonde so hope the last comment doesn't offend

[master in training]

to be honest i dont think you'll be able to open this lock without the key or a fairly expensive tool and some practise, the best idea is probably to take it to a locksmith and ask him to undo it for you and maybe cut you a new key while you're there, failing that you could just ask him to get it off and go buy a new cable.

oh, and im blonde too so im not offended! dont know about anyone else though, lol

[Elijah]

Well I'm blond as well, and I don't take offense.

Using the lock on my own laptop for almost a year now, I can tell you that even if you had every tool you needed to pick this, it would be tough. Even with the key, I have to fiddle around with this thing for about 3 minutes to open and close it. I think it's just a matter of location and the lock bay in your computer (if its narrow, it's harder to fit this lock into it).

Replacing the lock should be pretty far from his mind, since these things cost $50.00 USD. If the BIC pen method doesn't work for you, then your best bet is to take this to a locksmith. By the way, you did find the video on how to open this, right? If not, it's in one of the sticky's. Good luck.

-Elijah

[Chucklz]

You may try being a bit more gentle with the toilet paper tube. Although, you may be SOL (ahem). I would suggest that you take it to a locksmith to get that garbage lock off and look elsewere for a laptop lock. I've seen some that have Medeco cylinders... ask around, especially at computer stores. Remember they have to secure their goods as well.

[MrB]

MiT I didn't think you were female?

Supposing you are male as I have always assumed you are, you would be blond not blonde.

[master in training]

i am a guy, i just cant spell that well, i've never been tested but im about 90% sure im dyslexic, i can spell words i use every day alright, but words i dont use too often i tend to spell wrong, it takes me a while to learn to spell them. dictionary.com comes in handy sometimes though, lol.

[MrB]

I've seen some [laptop locks] that have Medeco cylinders...

I'm not sure there is much point to that. Laptop locks are only meant to deter the casual passer by from walking off with the computer. I have seen determined thieves take laptops by simply ripping the lock out of the case. They don't seem to care about the damage that causes, and a Medeco will do nothing to stop that kind of theft.

Effective laptop security involves

a) good building security
b) not letting it out of your sight

If you work in a public place, don't leave your laptop unattended for a second. Seriously.

[master in training]

get one of those motion sensitive alarms they're selling on ebay, that would let you know if anyone picked up your laptop to steal it, even if it was a public area with loads of people around!

[digital_blue]

Back on topic, I found these Kensigntons to be very very very very easy. I don't usually use 4 very's, so I hope that tells you something. If you search my posts for Kensington I have outlined the details in another thread. As far as I'm concerned, these locks can be bypassed by a criminal pretty easy without picking, so I don't really see a big concern revealing the info here anyway.

Good luck!

db

[DeadlyHunter]

I'm not blond but I am still offended!


lol


anyway, digital blue is right on the not picking thing, these locks are a joke.