Information
Here you will find a collection of informative texts that can introduce you to various topics in locksmithing.
Contents:
• Electric Picks
• Bump Keys
• Impressioning Technique
• Lockpicking
• Master Keys
• Pick Gun
• The Locksmith Profession
• Warded Locks
• The Lock
• Special Extraction Screws
• Silca Introduction
Introduction to Electric Picks
Electric picks operate on the percussion principle, meaning that hard blows with a pick needle are applied to all pin tumblers of a lock cylinder. The recoil impact on the driver pins forces them with great force onto the key pins. This creates what's known as the billiard ball effect; the lower key pins are accelerated upon impact of the driver pin. When the pick needle strikes the tumblers' heads at the correct angle, a gap is momentarily created between the mentioned key and driver pins. If this gap aligns with the shear line of the cylinder, the tensioned cylinder core can be unlocked and thus rotated using a small screwdriver as a key substitute. The unlocked cylinder core is then rotated with a small screwdriver acting as a key substitute, engaging the cam of the cylinder. This cam actuates the entire locking mechanism. The cylinder core can only be rotated one turn (one revolution) each time before it is again blocked by the spring-loaded tumblers pushing back into their tumbling bores. To avoid the need to pick again for each turn, there are so-called flippers. These flippers fling the cylinder core past the detent point through spring force. Learning this opening technique requires the user to practice extensively. The secret to success lies in the simultaneous, sensitive application of electric pick and appropriate rotational tension on the cylinder. Since this opening technique is not entirely new, manufacturers of quality cylinders have taken some protective measures. On one hand, keyways have been narrowed to the extent that the driver pins can no longer be directly struck by the pick needle (paracentric key profile), thus often causing the motors of battery-operated electric picks to block due to the tightness. On the other hand, the use of so-called mushroom, spool, or serrated pins has made picking very difficult, if not impossible. In these cases, success can be achieved with specially shaped pick needles. These pick needles should be ordered together with the purchase of an electric pick. Due to the aforementioned difficulties, the Multipick system was developed, which usually has no problems with these impediments, and no specially shaped pick needles are required. When applying the manipulation technique with electric picks or the Multipick system, the utmost importance should be placed on good, fitting tension wrenches, as the applied rotational tension can be crucial to success or failure.
Bump Key Technique – General Information
The bump key technique is a method that utilizes Newtonian physics. When a key is inserted into a pin tumbler lock, the pins inside the lock are aligned by the profile of the corresponding key. This alignment is essential to rotate the cylinder, allowing the lock to be opened. A bump key, on the other hand, is designed so that the teeth can align precisely with the driver pins inside the lock. Strikes to the back of the key transfer impulse to the pins, aligning them for a fraction of a second. By turning the bump key at the right moment, the cylinder can be rotated, thus opening the lock. The ability to successfully open a lock in this manner requires ample practice time and the right tools for the specific lock. Before describing the various steps in opening the lock, it is important to note that this particular method is the subject of extensive and controversial debate among locksmiths. Due to security concerns, there is debate over whether information about the bump key method should be made public or not.
The reason this method receives special treatment is due to its characteristics, as it is easy to learn and very effective even against security locks. For opening a lock using a bump key, it is not only essential to have the right tools but also to practice sufficiently to gain the necessary experience. Without a certain level of practice, even the best tools will not suffice to overcome a lock. With this in mind, the following paragraphs provide a detailed guide on using this method, which should be helpful in learning the bump key technique.
Required Tools
At the heart of this method are the so-called bump keys. These keys are specially manufactured so that the depth cuts are milled to the maximum depth for the corresponding lock, while the shoulder and teeth are filed half a millimeter flatter compared to a normal key. For many keys, the maximum depth is 9, which is why bump keys are often also called 999 keys. Since the edge to each profile height is aligned at an angle of 45 degrees, the bump key often receives a characteristic triangular profile. These details make bump keys easily recognizable for those familiar with key shapes and likely even for most laypeople.
Step 1:
The first step in opening the lock with this method is to fully insert the bump key into the lock. Now, pull the key back slightly until you notice the first "click", either acoustically or by feeling it on the key.
Step 2:
Gently turn the bump key in the direction of locking and simultaneously strike it with an auxiliary tool (e.g., a specially designed "flexi-hammer"). The intensity of the strike should be chosen so that the key fully locks into the lock. If the cylinder of the lock still does not turn, try repeating steps one and two. The focus should be on turning the key and particularly on the timing of the rotation. Opening a lock may occasionally require several strikes to the back of the key. Although most standard locks can be opened quickly, this technique does not work with every lock.
Lockpicking is Easy? - Concluding Remarks
The technique described above requires far less expertise in lock opening than other lockpicking methods. This characteristic is what makes the bump key technique so controversial. Access to this knowledge allows almost anyone interested in opening a simple lock to do so. On the other hand, the publication of this information also serves to raise public awareness of the security issues with common locks and could thus lead to improvements in security.
Impressioning Technique – General Information
Unlike the method of copying an original key, there is also the possibility to create a duplicate based on the lock itself. This technique eliminates the need to go to a local store to have a copy made, making it a valuable skill for a locksmith. The principle works by milling and cutting the corresponding small markings left by the pins in the lock after the introduction of a blank. The first step is to prepare a key blank for impressioning. This can be done by sooting it to make the small marks more visible or by filing the corresponding side completely blank. Then the blank is inserted into the lock and rotated, in addition to slight up and down movements. This results in tiny traces left on the future key by the lock's pins. These traces are the result of obstacles inside the lock, thereby revealing information about the lock's security. A skilled locksmith is then able to interpret these marks on the blank. By filing the blank according to the marks, he shapes the key until it opens the door. The impressioning technique is a method that can be applied by competent individuals who have studied the technique and acquired the ability to interpret these marks on the blank. While not impossible to learn, it is a challenging task that requires adequate lighting and preferably a magnifying glass.
Lockpicking – General Information
Lockpicking, also known as lock bypassing, is the skill of manipulating a lock using specialized tools in such a way that no key is required. While lockpicking is often associated with dubious activities, it is a craft that should not be underestimated in its utility. Whenever a key is lost or an emergency occurs, situations arise that necessitate the skill of lockpicking. Not every lock can be easily and successfully picked, but many can. Lockpicking is not magic; rather, it is easy to learn. However, it requires the will and time to familiarize oneself with different types of locks and their corresponding opening techniques. The first step should be to become acquainted with the object you are working on. The most common types of locks are pin tumbler locks, wafer tumbler locks, disc detainer locks, lever locks, combination locks, and keypad locks. Each of these locks has its peculiarities regarding the opening method, and some may not be pickable at all. One of the most crucial skills needed for success is patience. The more complex the security mechanisms, the longer it usually takes to pick the lock. Although it is possible to pick some locks with simple tools like a paperclip or through trial and error, professional tools are helpful in any case. Lockpicking sets make the process of unconventional lock opening much easier compared to using ordinary household items. While the sale and possession of lockpicking tools are not generally prohibited, local laws should be observed and carefully checked before purchase. There are indeed countries where stricter laws prevail in this area, as well as countries that are very liberal regarding the subject.
Master Key Systems – General Information
There are types of buildings for which it would not be practical to carry a separate key for each room. In hotels, for example, there are sometimes hundreds of rooms with different keys. To allow access to every room by cleaning staff or similar groups, master keys are occasionally produced. These keys are designed to fit either into every lock and open it or into a group of locks. In the hotel example, guest rooms could be opened by one master key, while there could be another key for all office rooms and yet another for restricted departments. In pin tumbler locks, it is necessary to insert additional pins to enable this master key technique. Master key systems are also commonly used in public buildings such as hospitals, administrative, and office buildings.
Lock Pick Gun – General Information
To open pin tumbler locks, a wide range of tools is available. The lock pick gun is one of these, intended for use in the rapid opening of such locks. As one of the widespread tools among locksmiths, it features a manual or electronic mechanism and operates on the principle of percussion, similar to the application of bump keys. Application The lock pick gun is used by inserting the picking needle above the last driver pin into the lock. While holding the gun straight, a tension wrench is additionally inserted to rotate the plug once the pins are in the correct alignment. After pulling the trigger, the lock pick gun emits vibrations that, upon striking the driver pins, separate the top and bottom pins. By applying pressure with the tension wrench, some of the top pins are held in the upper pin chamber. The remaining pins can now be individually picked, allowing the plug to rotate and the lock to open. Precautions It is recommended not to use the lock pick gun too often on the same lock, as it is one of the tools that may potentially damage the lock with long-term use. While it is a helpful tool for quick opening, it is not intended for frequent repeated use.
The Locksmith Profession
The art of locksmithing was originally the first form of security technology. While the general locksmith today often works as an emergency service to some extent, the original form also included the construction and assembly of the entire lock. This has changed due to advancements in industrial lock manufacturing. Cost-effective mass production has limited the locksmith's service in the actual manufacturing of the lock and shifted the focus to maintenance and emergency openings. While some of today's locksmiths are still engineers themselves and could theoretically perform complex repairs, many focus on simple component replacement. This is not only a result of lower qualification but rather because the mentioned complex repairs are no longer economically viable. These developments have led locksmiths to expand their offerings to more complex security products. Forms of Locksmithing and Employment as a Locksmith A locksmith can pursue their trade in various ways. While a commercial locksmith often operates a shop alongside their service, there are also practitioners in the industry who provide their services from a service vehicle, thus operating as a mobile business. Additionally, there are locksmiths employed by large companies who perform their work under the name of that company. Another common workplace for locksmiths is the police force, where they work in investigation, attempting to reconstruct crimes and secure forensic evidence. Industry Accreditation Locksmiths can become part of a large accreditation organization, such as the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) in the United States. Accreditation of this kind is intended to increase trust in the industry and thus generate further business. In the UK, the Master Locksmiths Association is responsible for licensing recognized locksmith businesses. Disclosure of Lock Vulnerabilities The locksmith business has long been the subject of controversies regarding its duties in disclosing or not disclosing vulnerabilities of different lock types. The subject of discussion is the so-called "full disclosure." Full disclosure demands the complete publication of all security flaws in lock technology, including instructions on how to discover and exploit them. The idea behind this concept is that by disclosing this information, overall security will increase as steps are taken to close these security gaps. In contrast to the concept of "limited disclosure," this publication of information includes the general public and is not limited to locksmiths, developers, and sellers of locks.
Buntbartschlösser - General Information
Buntbartschlösser, also known as warded locks, have been in use since the time of the Romans, making them one of the oldest types of locks. However, due to their design, they are also among the least secure locks on the market. They are so easy to pick that they provide nowhere near the level of security required for today's standards, although they are still used, mostly in old interior doors, furniture, and inexpensive padlocks. For their security, Buntbartschlösser mainly rely on key shape plates. This makes them the only lock that uses this component as a primary security feature. The function is to block keys that do not have the correct shape to fit into the lock. To bypass them, the corresponding key must be shaped in a way that allows it to pass by the key shape plates, which exist in the form of side and end plates. Whether it's a simple plate or multiple complex ones of different types, the mechanism of the Buntbartschloss remains the same. The plates can be concentric disks in the lock, obstacles in the keyhole, and other configurations, depending on the type of lock. The main security flaw is that the exact right key is not always needed for opening. Often, a very thin key is sufficient to bypass the plates. This very thin key is also called a "skeleton key" and is specially designed to bypass the plates. Additionally, other objects that fit into the keyhole by chance could be suitable for opening the lock. These fundamental security deficiencies render the Buntbartschloss ineffective as an effective deterrent and limit its security.
Buntbart Padlocks
One of the variations of the Buntbartschloss is the padlock with the same mechanism, one of the cheapest locks on the market. Analogous to its price, it is said to have one of the lowest security levels among all types of locks. This can be explained by the fact that almost all of these locks can be opened with a set of just five skeleton keys, which can be purchased at any hardware store. However, it is worrisome, above all, that a simple paper clip is often sufficient to open such a lock.
The Lock - General Information
The lock is a mechanical device designed to provide security for a protected area or enclosed property. The tool for opening the device is usually a key, but it can also take the form of an electronic key card, a radio chip, or a combination mechanism. Ancient locks appear in history as early as 2000 BC in Assyria and Egypt. They were used to secure the doors of temples and other critical locations. The earliest versions of today's locks were entirely different in function, occasionally as unconventional as knots used to secure coveted objects. These early variants were not always intended solely for security but also to alert the owner of the coveted objects that someone had tampered with their property. While most common locks operate entirely mechanically, such as the widely used pin tumbler lock, there are also versions that work electromechanically, such as those opened with a key card, or even fully electronically, like the electromagnetic lock. The most widely used lock in the Western Hemisphere is the pin tumbler lock, which operates on the principle of pins aligned within the lock. The pin tumbler lock is actually a variation of one of the first types of locks and was used in some form by the Egyptians 4000 years ago, although their version was very large and made of wood, unlike today's pin tumbler lock. It was developed in its modern form by the American Linus Yale, who designed it together with his son of the same name. Another, more affordable alternative is the wafer tumbler lock. It is commonly used in furniture and car locks. Introduced in the late 19th century, it has become a popular choice for low-cost applications. The main difference from the pin tumbler lock is the use of wafers instead of pins to prevent false keys from opening the lock. Another variant, the lever tumbler lock, also originates from 17th century Europe. It is usually used in safes due to its high security and strength and has replaced the old Buntbartschloss.
Special Extraction Screws - General Information
Special extraction screws have been specifically designed to withstand the enormous forces that occur when pulling or breaking lock cylinders and their cores. Since conventional screws can break quite quickly, special extraction screws are needed for this work, meeting high requirements for break resistance and providing tensile strength that allows easy pulling or breaking. Additionally, these screws utilize a special type of thread shaped according to their tasks. In most cases, special extraction screws also have a head that facilitates insertion and optimizes force transmission.
Key Cutting Machines & Devices (Silca Introduction)
The development and manufacture of key cutting machines at Silca are based on years of experience and future-oriented technical know-how. Silca was the first company in the industry to introduce electronic key cutting machines to the market. Silca key cutting machines are characterized by a technologically advanced standard that not only meets the constantly growing demands but also sets trends in the industry. As your official Silca distributor, we at Multipick-Service are fortunate to be able to offer you SILCA machines of top quality from 5 product segments.