Lock picking tools

Lock picking tools

Types of lock picking tools used by automotive locksmiths

Lock picking tools used by automotive locksmiths come in a variety of types, each serving a specific purpose when it comes to gaining access to vehicles. One common type is the tension wrench, which is used to apply pressure to the lock cylinder while manipulating the pins inside. This tool helps create tension on the lock so that the pins can be moved into place.


Another important tool is the pick set, which includes various picks and rakes designed to manipulate the pins within the lock. Picks come in different shapes and sizes to accommodate different types of locks, while rakes are used to quickly move multiple pins at once.


In addition to traditional lock picking tools, automotive locksmiths may also use specialized tools such as jigglers and bump keys. Jigglers are thin pieces of metal with pre-cut patterns that can be inserted into a lock and jiggled around until the correct pattern aligns with the pins. Bump keys, on the other hand, are specially cut keys that can be used to "bump" the pins into place for quick entry.


Overall, automotive locksmiths rely on a combination of these tools to effectively and efficiently gain access to locked vehicles. By understanding how each tool works and when to use them, locksmiths can successfully assist customers in need of their services.

Lock picking tools are essential for automotive locksmiths for a variety of reasons. One of the main benefits is that they allow locksmiths to gain access to vehicles quickly and efficiently without causing damage. This is especially important when dealing with emergency situations, such as when a customer has locked their keys inside their car or lost them altogether.


Another benefit of using lock picking tools is that they can save locksmiths time and money. Instead of having to rely on expensive and time-consuming methods like drilling out locks, locksmiths can use these tools to pick the lock in a matter of minutes. This not only saves on costs but also allows locksmiths to provide faster service to their customers.


Additionally, lock picking tools give automotive locksmiths more flexibility in the types of vehicles they can work on. With the right set of tools, locksmiths can open a wide range of car makes and models, making them more versatile in their work.


Overall, the benefits of using lock picking tools for automotive locksmiths are clear. They provide quick, cost-effective access to vehicles, saving time and money while also increasing the range of services that locksmiths can offer to their customers.

Citations and other links

Common techniques for using lock picking tools in automotive locksmithing

Lock picking tools are essential for automotive locksmiths when it comes to gaining access to locked vehicles. There are several common techniques that locksmiths use when utilizing these tools.


One of the most basic techniques is using a tension wrench and a lock pick. The tension wrench is inserted into the keyhole to apply pressure on the lock cylinder, while the lock pick is used to manipulate the pins inside the cylinder. By carefully lifting and releasing the pins, locksmiths can eventually turn the lock and open the vehicle.


Another popular technique is known as raking. This involves using a specially designed rake pick to quickly move up and down inside the keyway, effectively jostling all of the pins at once. With enough skill and practice, locksmiths can successfully rake open many types of car locks in a matter of seconds.


Impressioning is another technique that involves creating a new key from scratch by making impressions on a blank key using a specially modified key blank. By repeatedly inserting and removing the blank key from the lock, locksmiths can slowly shape it until it matches perfectly with the original key.


While these techniques may sound simple in theory, mastering them requires patience, skill, and years of experience. Automotive locksmiths must be well-versed in using lock picking tools effectively and ethically to help people regain access to their vehicles in emergency situations.

Services offered by automotive locksmiths Raleigh, NC

Common techniques for using lock picking tools in automotive locksmithing

Safety precautions to consider when using lock picking tools as an automotive locksmith

When using lock picking tools as an automotive locksmith, it is essential to always prioritize safety. Lock picking can be a delicate process that requires precision and patience, but it can also pose risks if proper precautions are not taken.


One of the most important safety precautions to consider is to always wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and safety goggles. These items can help protect your hands and eyes from any potential injuries that may occur while using lock picking tools.


Additionally, make sure to work in a well-lit area with good ventilation to avoid any accidents or mishaps. Proper lighting will allow you to see what you are doing more clearly, while good ventilation will help prevent you from feeling lightheaded or dizzy during the process.


It is also crucial to handle lock picking tools with care and respect. Avoid rushing through the process and take your time to ensure that you are using the tools correctly. Mishandling these tools can not only damage the locks you are working on but also increase the risk of injury to yourself.


Lastly, always be mindful of your surroundings and never attempt to pick a lock in an unsafe or unfamiliar environment. Make sure that you have permission from the vehicle owner before proceeding with any lock picking attempts.


By following these safety precautions, you can minimize risks and ensure a successful and safe experience when using lock picking tools as an automotive locksmith. Remember, safety should always come first when working with potentially dangerous tools like these.

Lock(s) or Locked may refer to:

Common meanings

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Arts and entertainment

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Fictional characters

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People

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Places

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Sports

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Technology

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Computing

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  • Lock (computer science), a bookkeeping object used to serialize concurrent access
  • Lock (database), a feature used when multiple users access a database concurrently
  • File locking, describes a mechanism that restricts access to a computer file
  • SIM lock, a restriction on mobile phones to work only in certain countries or with certain providers

Other technologies

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  • Lock and key, a mechanical device used to secure items of importance
  • Lock (firearm), the ignition mechanism of small arms
  • Lock (water navigation), a device for boats to transit between different levels of water, as in a canal
  • Lock (weapons guidance), missile navigation system's target acquisition fix
  • Fermentation lock, a device in beer and wine making that allows carbon dioxide to escape while not allowing air to enter
  • Rope lock, a device used in theater fly systems
  • Airlock, a compartment for transfer between environments with different atmospheres
  • Lockheed Martin, a military aerospace company

Other uses

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See also

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Video showing the process of cutting a key
Process of advanced security key copying on professional duplicator.

Key duplication refers to the process of creating a key based on an existing key. Key cutting is the primary method of key duplication: a flat key is fitted into a vise in a machine, with a blank attached to a parallel vise, and the original key is moved along a guide, while the blank is moved against a blade, which cuts it. After cutting, the new key is deburred: scrubbed with a wire brush, either built into the machine, or in a bench grinder, to remove burrs which, were they not removed, would be dangerously sharp and, further, foul locks.

Different key cutting machines are more or less automated, using different milling or grinding equipment, and follow the design of early 20th century key duplicators.

Key duplication is available in many retail hardware stores and as a service of the specialized locksmith, though the correct key blank may not be available. More recently, online services for duplicating keys have become available.

In the UK, the majority of the mobile locksmiths will have a dual key cutting machine on their van. The key duplication machine will be able to cut both cylinder and mortise keys, as these are the most popular types of keys in circulation. However, very few will carry a laser key cutting machine, which is sometimes needed to cut high security keys.

Certain keys are designed to be difficult to copy, for key control, such as Medeco; while others are simply stamped "Do Not Duplicate" to advise that key control is requested, but in the US, this disclaimer has no legal weight.

Other methods

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Rather than using a pattern grinder to remove metal, keys may also be duplicated with a punch machine (the Curtis key clipper[1] is a recognised example). The key to be duplicated is measured for the depth of each notch with a gauge and then placed into a device with a numeric slider. The slider is adjusted to match the corresponding measured depth and a lever is depressed, which cuts the entire notch at once. As the lever is raised the key automatically advances to the next indexed position and the slider is adjusted appropriately to the next measured depth. This cycle is continued until the key is complete.

Duplicating keys by this process is more labor intense and requires somewhat better trained personnel. However, keys made in this fashion have clean margins and the depth of the notches are not subject to wear induced changes encountered when heavily worn keys are duplicated using a pattern grinder. Keys may also be made in this fashion without an original as long as the depth of each notch and the type of key blank are known. This is particularly useful for institutions with a great number of locks for which they do not want to maintain a wide variety of archived copies. Code books or on-line resources may be used to program the key clipper/punch settings from the code stamped on the lock, listed in the owner's manual, or available from the vehicle's VIN.[2]

Mechanical key duplicating machine invented in 1917

A machine permitting rapid duplication of flat metal keys, which contributed to the proliferation of their use during the 20th century, may have been first invented in the United States in 1917 (image to the left):

The key to be duplicated is placed in one vise and the blank key to be cut in a corresponding vise under the cutting disk. The vise carriage is then into such position by means of a lateral-feed clutch that the shoulders of both the pattern and blank keys just touch the guide disk and cutter respectively. The lateral-feed clutch on the top of the machine is then thrown, and the vertical feed rod released into action and power applied through the combination hand-crank power wheel on the right of the machine, until the cutter has passed over the entire length at the blank. A duplicate of the pattern key is obtained in about one minute.

— "Man And His Machines", The World's Work XXXIII:6 April 1917

In recent years, dual key cutting machines have come on to the market, enabling cutting of both mortice and cylinder keys on one machine. These machines are primarily manufactured in the Far East and save a key cutter a significant amount of money compared with using two separate dedicated machines.

Do not duplicate key

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A minuteKEY fully-automated self-service key duplication kiosk at a Menards in Gillette, Wyoming

A "do not duplicate" key (or DND key, for short) is one that has been stamped "do not duplicate", "duplication prohibited" or similar by a locksmith or manufacturer as a passive deterrent to discourage a retail key cutting service from duplicating a key without authorization or without contacting the locksmith or manufacturer who originally cut the key. More importantly, this is a key control system for the owner of the key, such as a maintenance person or security guard, to identify keys that should not be freely distributed or used without authorization. Though it is intended to prevent unauthorized key duplication, copying DND keys remains a common security problem.

U.S. restrictions

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There is no direct legal sanction in the US for someone who copies a key that is stamped do not duplicate (unless it is an owned key), but there are patent restrictions on some key designs (see "restricted keys"). The Associated Locksmiths of America, ALOA, calls DND keys "not effective security", and "deceptive because it provides a false sense of security." 18 U.S.C. § 1704 deals with United States Post Office keys, and 18 U.S.C. § 1386 deals with United States Department of Defense keys.

Restricted key

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A restricted key is a type of key that is designed to limit access to a specific area or object. These keys are typically used in high-security environments, such as government facilities, military bases, and certain businesses that require strict access control.

Restricted keys are unique in that they are only able to be duplicated by authorized individuals or locksmiths who have the proper identification and authorization to do so. This helps to ensure that the key cannot be copied or used by unauthorized individuals.

Some common examples of restricted key systems include master key systems, where a single key can open multiple locks within a building, and key control systems which allow for precise tracking of key usage and access control. Overall, restricted keys are an important tool for maintaining security and controlling access to sensitive areas.

A restricted keyblank has a keyway for which a manufacturer has set up a restricted level of sales and distribution. Restricted keys are often protected by patent, which prohibits other manufacturers from making unauthorized productions of the key blank. In many cases, customers must provide proof of ID before a locksmith will cut additional keys using restricted blanks. Some companies, such as Medeco High Security Locks, have keyways that are restricted to having keys cut in the factory only. This is done to ensure the highest amount of security. These days, many restricted keys have special in-laid features, such as magnets, different types of metal, or even small computer chips to prevent duplication.

Another way to restrict keys is trademarking the profile of the key. For example, the profile of the key can read the name of the manufacturer. The advantage of a trademark is that the legal protection for a trademark can be longer than the legal protection for a patent. However, usually not all features of the profile are necessary to create a working key. By removing certain unnecessary features, a non restricted profile can be derived, allowing the production and distribution of non restricted key blanks.

References

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  1. ^ "Curtis#15 parts (new and used)". Hawley Lock Supply. Retrieved 12 November 2019.
  2. ^ "Four things to know about key codes". CLK Supplies. Retrieved 12 November 2019.

Further reading

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  • Phillips, Bill. (2005). The Complete Book of Locks and Locksmithing. McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0-07-144829-2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lock picking tools offer a non-destructive method of gaining access to a locked car, whereas other methods such as drilling or breaking windows can cause damage and should be used as a last resort.