Man, I've been working with locks practically my entire life. I taught myself how different locks worked, and how to pick them, by disassembling and reassembling them, all pre-internet before this information was just available for anyone. You either had to figure it out yourself or apprentice under a locksmith to learn it. I've probably learned 95% of what I know just from my own trial and error and the remaining 5% from the internet. So, it's a relatively rare occurrence that I come across a tip or suggestion I've never seen before. Maybe I just don't research it enough to come across good tips more often. But using separated corrugated cardboard as a quick pinning tray and using a strip from a security tag as a shim are both brilliantly simple ideas. In retrospect, it was so obvious, too. I made my first pinning tray from soda box cardboard. I cut out and folded a tray, then accordion folded another piece of cardboard to sit down in the tray. I basically just made corrugated cardboard.
Thanks for sharing and the kind words. I cant take credit for thinking of these in my own but they are really hand in a pinch and I'm happy to share it with everyone :)
Yea I noticed most of this shit like a pretty good majority or I just happen to be picking the said videos since the beginning of RUclips time they are mostly the people the main people telling their life story and or unnecessary stuff that delays you from getting straight to the point. Getting straight the the point of what your title advertises would be ideal in a perfect world.
EXACTLY what I needed!!!! I have a Kwikset lock, key missing, and I have a cut Kwikset key for some unknown lock. Although, as a "lark" on a "whim", with a touch of mechanical curiosity, I took the locksmithing course at the National School of Locksmithing and Alarms, since defunct, then received my NYC Locksmith and Keymaker license, way back in 1983, but I never went into the locksmithing business. My fantastic instructor was Don O'Shall, who wrote many locksmithing manuals, but passed away in 2018.
Great video. Had this problem - no key - and though this shim procedure was not easy at all, it worked. I used a strip cut from an aluminum can as the shim. Thanks so much.
Your presentations provide excellent insight for new “Locksporters”. Thank you. I only wish I could remember to steer clear of the disastrous (sometimes) 180!
Awesome tutorial. Thank you! Iself taught how to rekey door locks with existing keys. My current situation is I just bought a house that has electronic pin code type locks and a key way. Previous owners lost all physical keys and just relied on the pin codes. Nope, not for me. I didn’t know they lost all the keys until after escrow closed. I didn’t think it was a big deal until I realized, I can’t pull the core out without a working key. The blank key with shim to get the core out is exactly the tip I needed!
Thank you. Bought a new home, and found beautiful Schlage brushed nickel handle locksets and deadbolts for all four exterior doors, in a box in the garage, of course, no keys. The shim and key blank worked on all, just need to have a little patience. Again, many thanks!
Been rekeying for years DIY, just learn how the shim works. Before I remove the top cover to access pins and springs, it's a hit or miss as some locks weren't meant to have the top cover removed without special tools. Good video, very detailed and learn a few things.
Dude! You saved my bacon. Lost my keys and needed to re-key my front door. Couldn’t pull the cylinder without the key so I used the technique from your video. Made a shim from a pop can and used a non-blank key to help insert the shim. Worked like a charm. Re-pinned the lock and I am back in business. Thanks so much!
A quick question I couldn’t find an answer to on the Schlage website. I am hoping to rekey a Schlage encode, smart deadbolt and a Schlage B 60N deadbolt to use this same key. Is the five pin cylinder on the Encode deadbolt the same or similar to the five pin cylinder used in the B60N deadbolt? Would they use the same pins if I bought a rekey kit online to rekey these cylinders? A vendor on eBay is telling me they use different pins, but he doesn’t sound that sure of himself. Many thanks for your help.
thankyou..I am a retired disab led veteran taking locksmith courses to supplement my income..these are helpfull..just reading I find it more difficult to get it....these hands on videos rock...
@@BIGDOGNAMVET6970 a top of keyway tensioner in 0.040" and 0.050" from Peterson or Sparrows. Those are one of my most important tools. if you would like to ask me some more questions you can always send me an email and I can give you a more detailed answer
Thanks for this excellent review! I even used your trick of taking the metal from the dvd security tag. I didn’t have a blank key but I used a pick upside down to push the pins up to get the shim in.
Thanks for the video info... I couldn't find those thin metal strips (amazing, when you don't need them there all over any box you bring into the house but when you do need them for the first time, there no where to be found)... So I used the thin plastic box enclosure used on a box of Christmas cards. I simply cut it (plastic enclosure) into very small strips and used it as a metal shim (a few times) and that worked! Now the patio door lock now matches the front door lock...
I just bought a Sparrows cutaway lock, a set of the Progressive locks and The Revolver. Also bought a reload kit. I’d like to be able to change the bitting on the Progressive and Cutaway, thus making them harder or easier to pick or rake. But if I do that, and subsequently can’t pick it, I won’t have a key to disassemble the lock. But I would need a blank. Thus my question... Are the progressives, cutaway (and The Revolver) all based on the same key blank? And regardless, do you know what blank(s) I need to get? Great channel!
I think Sparrow uses the Schlage SC1 keybank. To confirm, bring your lock to a hardware store and see if the blank or any other fit. Personally, I wish they used the Kwikset KW1 because it is a much easier keyway for beginners. Thank you for your question and welcome to the hobby :)
Tried this on a schlage sc1 w some soda can metal cut in narrow strip but can't seem to get the metal strip to slide in. Tried real careful but no luck.
Mucho Interesane, Am locksmith now, self taught early on, A locksmith friend showed me this method. I had been sliding shim through the back, but used a hook pick to lift pins slowly til shim slid forward to next. Didn't know any better, good also if you don't have a blank handy.
Yes, it is much easier to do with the blank. But like you said it's very doable to do with it pick as well. I usually go with what easier and available. Thanks for checking it out!
Great video HelpfulLockPicker! Thank you so much for posting it. I'm loving the digital caliper you show here. It looks like it has a quick insert/release lever, but it's hard to see as your hand is blocking the view. Do you have a brand name for it and can you say where you acquired it from? Thank you!
Thank you@@HelpfulLockPicker! I have only been able to find a couple of thickness gauges like yours on ebay. And they are all $20 or more. They seem to have been replaced by a newer model which looks quite inferior yo yours. Here is 1 example- www.ebay.com/itm/0-12mm-Portable-LCD-Digital-Thickness-Gauge-Meter-Micrometers-Carbon-Fiber/254328188015 Do you think you could find me one like yours for sale in the $10 and under range? I would much appreciate it. Thank you!
wow I never really knew much about locks and keys by watching this video and gained so much thank you so much for this, you were really clear and moved the video along. Super job I must say.
After watching these videos on locks, rekeying and lock picking I realize locks will only keep out honest people. I have to re-key all the locks in my home. Would it be better to choose shallow key cuts with smaller pins (1, 2, 3) or go with deeper key cuts and longer pins (4.5.6). My thinking being that shorter pins would be a bit more difficult to jam with a tension bar. Any thoughts on this?
jimmy changa I would do long short long short short. It would make it easier to overset and make raking more difficult. Essentially you want good variation in your bitting (ups and downs)
The code should be a variety so it's harder to pick. Tension wrenches are used to turn the cylinder. Not to jam or pick a lock. Using same numbers in the code makes it a weak code. However if you get yourself some anti-pick pins I would use those. It helps secure your locks. Intruders can still get passed every security option you choose if they want it bad enough. However the goal is to make it harder so they give up. Making all same cuts or nearly the same will make you more of a victim than if you have a variety. Small cuts is what we locksmiths call hair trigger. You can stick almost anything in and it will open without effort. Same as if you do all deep cuts. Just have to press up a bit more. So having the cuts randomized will stop that from happening and make the person work harder to find that sheer line.
One thing you could do is get the appropriate sized key pin and continue to file your key down until the pin sits flush if you want to do it without any measurement tools
Question 1... For a core shim couldn’t you also use a feeler gauge? Those things are very cheap and and have some extremely thin gauges. Question 2 ... With no key at all, how about using a pick to raise the key pin to the shear line and then slide the shim in between the pins? I’m asking bc I have the Sparrow Progressive and Revolver, and I was thinking about changing the pins around to get a different binding order. Also, I only bought the standard cut away. So if I change out the pins, I can change it to serrated, spool, change the binding order, etc. But the key won’t fit. With the cut-away, I could probably pick it, eventually. But with a Progressive, I could end up in a pickle.
Question 1: Anything that is thin / strong enough to fit works Question 2: Yes, that works it is a variant of shimming. But you will need access to the back of the lock. You can also do this with a keyblank which is easier. Picking them is also a very viable option as well. One thing that you can do once you decide on the new setup for your cutaway lock is you could purchase a cheap micrometer and measure the keypins and have a locksmith cut you a key to the lock so you won't have to worry about it going forward.
It depends on how correct you want to be. As long as the driver pin is not too short nor too long it technically works. However, if you want to have a properly balanced lock where everything sits on the same horizontal line you need to get different height driver pins. You can see this frequently in Yale.
I've been trying this with a Schlage sc4 from an Andersen french door, and I get the first 2 or 3 pins shimmed, and then I can't seem to get any further. Any suggestions?
They keypins are color coded depending on the manufacture, some are and some are not Security pins are not color coded and they are typically all the same length unless yoy get bigger end locks which try to match them with the keypins. Example long keypin = shorter driver and short keypin = longer driver. My general rule of thumb is spools fo over short keypins and serrated over long keypins
Thank You! I have subscribed... I have a couple questions, 1) I would like to key all of the locks in my house the same. Four of those are screen doors and sliding glass doors. The keys for those doors will not fit into my Kwikset locks but the Kwikset keys will fit into them... does that mean I can re-key those tumblers to the same configuration as my other Kwikset locks? 2) Is it a same assumption that from a "picking" standpoint the Kwikset Smartkey is as safe or perhaps safer than other options?
adam is puppy if your key fits into the key way you should be fine for the rekeying. I would never recommend a Kwikset smartkey they are unreliable and very insecure. They are typically harder to pick and the generation 2 and 3 only a few people that have picked them however there are many methods out there to open them easily without the key. If you can get your Kwikset key to fit into all your locks you you should be okay to rekey. It isn't as hard as it looks and you'll save a ton of money :-)
Smart keys have way too many risks involved. Yes they are harder if not impossible to pick however there are many ways around it. Especially with kwikset. I grew up with parents who believed in kwikset and stood by them 100%. However after going through school and having street knowledge kwikset is the worst you can get (standard and smart key). I've been manipulating locks for over 20 yrs now. I know a lot of different methods. You can use any key as long as it fits into the key way (ie: the side cuts have to match).
Tamara Leah I think the most affordable lock that would make sense to be a Schlage lock. They are generally pretty strong and have a difficult enough keyway for people that are unskilled at opening locks. They usually come with security pins so unskilled attacks like raking in bumping are more difficult
Thanks HelpulLockPicker, I am surprised at your answer since I have seen so many videos on how easily Schlage can be "bumped", are the newer ones better? And unfortunately, I was hoping you would say Kwikset since several of my existing locks are that manufacturer and I could just re-pin... I am assuming I would have to switch the whole lockset out to a Schlage?
Tamara Leah Honestly, Kwikset are fine too, I wouldn't spend money to change out the locks. You can order some security pins from CLK Supply (spools and serrated) and make them much more pick, rake, and bump resistant. Make sure when you re-key the lock you do good bitting (good ups and downs)
Thanks Again! do you have a video discussing "spools and serrated" pins that discusses the differences, how many to use for a re-key and good ups and downs?
Tamara Leah I don't have much on them because I haven't gotten to that point in my lock picking series. Essentially you want spool pins over short keypins and serrated over longer keypins. For your bitting on your key you want to try to max out MACS (Mean Adjacent Cut Specification) this dictates how much of a difference in length of keeping you can have without risking the key getting stuck. I like to do a long keypin in 1 followed by a short because it makes offsetting easy. Same with position 4 and 5. Security pins do a good job at keeping out low-skilled attacks, however they offer a tremendous amount of feedback and I honestly think they make single pin picking easier at times.
I have a question regarding option #2 - setting the lock to the new key. What if we don't cut the new key and find the new pins? We already know our initial (old) 5 digits KW combination. What if we mix the old pins in new order, give the new KW # to the locksmith and get the new key? The old key will not open my lock and I don't have to buy new pins. Am I wrong?
As long as you change at least one of the keypins the key "bitting" will be different and that is essentially a rekey. This tactic is useful when new keypins are not readily available to you.
How can I go about cutting my own keys to a code without having to resort to two trips to the locksmith, or a very expensive piece of computerized machinery?
I know i’m being a little lazy here but...i need to rekey the dead bolts and door knobs in my house. So 3 dead bolts and 3 doors. Any chance there a inexpensive rekeying kit you’d recommend? I check and the prices and what’s included vary so very much that I’m completely lost as to what i need.
josephhgoins What brand is your lock? Kwikset (Defiant, Gatehouse) , Schlage, Yale? Amazon sells a lot of stuff and it is way cheaper to do it yourself but if you get desperate you can always ask your local locksmith what the cost is if you physically bring them the cylinders so they don't need to come out to you
HelpfulLockPicker the doors are kwickset and dead bolts are defiant. I sorta want to try this myself. I think i have some kwikset dead bolts i could rekey and replace the defiant dead bolts with. I’m thinking if i get a kwickset kit it would be cheaper than a universal. What would you recommend? Btw, i had to subscribe.
Luckily for you, Kwikset and Defiant take the same keyway, the KW1 keyway. Here is what I would do: Buy this repin kit for $18.99 plus shipping on Amazon. www.amazon.com/Kwikset-Bottom-Tools-Rekeying-locksmith/dp/B00AI6XRAQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1512446312&sr=8-3&keywords=kwikset+rekey+kit It comes with everything you need minus a new key. I bought this before and everything was good. If you ever need more keypins you can buy them from CLK Supply for pretty cheap www.clksupplies.com/collections/kwiket-bottom-master-lock-pins/products/kwikset-bottom-pin-set-1-6 This kit comes with all 6 depths, and all the stuff you need. Which I think is the way to go. It would be up to you to go to the locksmith and get a new key made. Just ask for a KW1 key made for a rekey. Ask for good bitting, and if they are nice enough, ask them for the code to the key. You will want to write down the code because if you ever get locked out you can tell the locksmith what it is and they can make you a new key on the spot. If you do get the code to the new key, match each keypin accordingly as you rekey your lock. The hardest part will be fussing with the doors and aligning the screws to get everything back together when you are done. You can do it, it won't be too bad and you will save a ton.
I got the $25 kit from Amazon in and within about 30 mins was able to do them all. My luck of course, I wasn't able to do anything you did, but managed to pop the top off, pull out the springs and top and bottom pins. I did manage to set everything back up without losing or destroying those little springs, so it was definitely a win. Thank you greatly for your help!!
@@lucasoswald4264 I recommend you check out my video number 107 which goes over how to pick a wafer lock. It gives a pretty good description of what they are and how they work. I have never rekeyed one myself but in order to do so you could either change the Wafers you have in a different order or you would need to buy new wafers for a new key.
I had to replace the tumbler in my Ford Focus ignition switch. It used wafers. Not difficult at all to match my existing key. Link on what I used: www.amazon.com/Strattec-Ignition-Cylinder-Ford-707592/dp/B004JY6AVQ There are plenty of videos on how to do it.
just so you know, thats a micrometer, looks like a c-clamp , a caiper looks like a pipewrench, but has large outside jaws on one side and small inside measuring jaws on other, opposite the large jaws
Been a locksmith for 27 years, I know what Im talking about. You are an amateur. But you probably go to the doctor and tell him how to run his practice too.
Sam Sonn There are a lot of combinations but some aren't used like a cut 1-1-1-1-1 ,etc. What I find interesting is when you buy something like a Kwikset at a store like Home Depot usually the first five boxes or so come keyed alike ( for your convenience) so technically someone could come in behind you and buy a package with the new key to your house if you do not change the lock's keying yourself before installing them.
There are fewer. The MAC code dictates this. MAC stands for Maximum Adjacent Cut - meaning you can't have a 1 cut next to a 6 cut (in the case of Kwikset, here). The MAC varies from brand to brand.
Man, I've been working with locks practically my entire life. I taught myself how different locks worked, and how to pick them, by disassembling and reassembling them, all pre-internet before this information was just available for anyone. You either had to figure it out yourself or apprentice under a locksmith to learn it. I've probably learned 95% of what I know just from my own trial and error and the remaining 5% from the internet. So, it's a relatively rare occurrence that I come across a tip or suggestion I've never seen before. Maybe I just don't research it enough to come across good tips more often. But using separated corrugated cardboard as a quick pinning tray and using a strip from a security tag as a shim are both brilliantly simple ideas. In retrospect, it was so obvious, too. I made my first pinning tray from soda box cardboard. I cut out and folded a tray, then accordion folded another piece of cardboard to sit down in the tray. I basically just made corrugated cardboard.
Thanks for sharing and the kind words. I cant take credit for thinking of these in my own but they are really hand in a pinch and I'm happy to share it with everyone :)
That was quite a build up to the cardboard reveal
Yea I noticed most of this shit like a pretty good majority or I just happen to be picking the said videos since the beginning of RUclips time they are mostly the people the main people telling their life story and or unnecessary stuff that delays you from getting straight to the point. Getting straight the the point of what your title advertises would be ideal in a perfect world.
Perhaps even worth the BBBs approval....idk about the elites....not sure that those guys and myself could ever be on the same page?
A bit late, but "back in the day", you could also use a spring from a watch (or clock?).
Very professional, not only the instruction, but also presentation, filming, edit, everything was perfect. Thank you.
Thank you for the kind words and I am glad that it helped :-)
EXACTLY what I needed!!!! I have a Kwikset lock, key missing, and I have a cut Kwikset key for some unknown lock.
Although, as a "lark" on a "whim", with a touch of mechanical curiosity, I took the locksmithing course at the National School of Locksmithing and Alarms, since defunct, then received my NYC Locksmith and Keymaker license, way back in 1983, but I never went into the locksmithing business. My fantastic instructor was Don O'Shall, who wrote many locksmithing manuals, but passed away in 2018.
Great video. Had this problem - no key - and though this shim procedure was not easy at all, it worked. I used a strip cut from an aluminum can as the shim. Thanks so much.
Congrats on the success
Your presentations provide excellent insight for new “Locksporters”. Thank you. I only wish I could remember to steer clear of the disastrous (sometimes) 180!
thank you for the kind words and I'm glad they help
Awesome tutorial. Thank you! Iself taught how to rekey door locks with existing keys. My current situation is I just bought a house that has electronic pin code type locks and a key way. Previous owners lost all physical keys and just relied on the pin codes.
Nope, not for me. I didn’t know they lost all the keys until after escrow closed. I didn’t think it was a big deal until I realized, I can’t pull the core out without a working key. The blank key with shim to get the core out is exactly the tip I needed!
I'm in a similar situation! Glad this worked for you, I'm going to give it a try today.
If a blank key cannot be obtained, the lock core can be picked one pin at a time to slide the shim through.
Thanks for sharing
Very clearly explained. Congratulation! Teaching could have been another career path for you.
Thank you for the kind words! I am glad the video helped :-)
Thank you. Bought a new home, and found beautiful Schlage brushed nickel handle locksets and deadbolts for all four exterior doors, in a box in the garage, of course, no keys. The shim and key blank worked on all, just need to have a little patience. Again, many thanks!
Thank you for the kind words and I am glad this helped. I hope you were able to save a little money.
Been rekeying for years DIY, just learn how the shim works. Before I remove the top cover to access pins and springs, it's a hit or miss as some locks weren't meant to have the top cover removed without special tools. Good video, very detailed and learn a few things.
Thank you for the kind words and I am glad it helped
Dude! You saved my bacon. Lost my keys and needed to re-key my front door. Couldn’t pull the cylinder without the key so I used the technique from your video. Made a shim from a pop can and used a non-blank key to help insert the shim. Worked like a charm. Re-pinned the lock and I am back in business. Thanks so much!
A quick question I couldn’t find an answer to on the Schlage website. I am hoping to rekey a Schlage encode, smart deadbolt and a Schlage B 60N deadbolt to use this same key.
Is the five pin cylinder on the Encode deadbolt the same or similar to the five pin cylinder used in the B60N deadbolt?
Would they use the same pins if I bought a rekey kit online to rekey these cylinders?
A vendor on eBay is telling me they use different pins, but he doesn’t sound that sure of himself.
Many thanks for your help.
thankyou..I am a retired disab led veteran taking locksmith courses to supplement my income..these are helpfull..just reading I find it more difficult to get it....these hands on videos rock...
Thank you for the kind words and I'm glad they help!
What avenue would you take just starting put.are there any must have tools for beginners. I have a set of picks ..and a practice loc
@@BIGDOGNAMVET6970 a top of keyway tensioner in 0.040" and 0.050" from Peterson or Sparrows. Those are one of my most important tools. if you would like to ask me some more questions you can always send me an email and I can give you a more detailed answer
@@HelpfulLockPicker not sure what your email is..can you reply and I'll have it in 5 minutes then remove thanks
helpfullockpicker@gmail.com
I didn't realize such technical science involved, good job!
Thanks for checking it out
Using a scrap of corrugated cardboard for a work bench (and notepad for the pin codes)-
I LOVE IT!!!
As long as it works that's all that matters lol
Thanks for this excellent review! I even used your trick of taking the metal from the dvd security tag. I didn’t have a blank key but I used a pick upside down to push the pins up to get the shim in.
Thanks for checking it out!
Thanks for the video info... I couldn't find those thin metal strips (amazing, when you don't need them there all over any box you bring into the house but when you do need them for the first time, there no where to be found)... So I used the thin plastic box enclosure used on a box of Christmas cards. I simply cut it (plastic enclosure) into very small strips and used it as a metal shim (a few times) and that worked! Now the patio door lock now matches the front door lock...
thanks for sharing!
Thank you. I've learned a complete class today :)
You're very welcome!
I just bought a Sparrows cutaway lock, a set of the Progressive locks and The Revolver. Also bought a reload kit. I’d like to be able to change the bitting on the Progressive and Cutaway, thus making them harder or easier to pick or rake. But if I do that, and subsequently can’t pick it, I won’t have a key to disassemble the lock. But I would need a blank.
Thus my question... Are the progressives, cutaway (and The Revolver) all based on the same key blank? And regardless, do you know what blank(s) I need to get?
Great channel!
I think Sparrow uses the Schlage SC1 keybank. To confirm, bring your lock to a hardware store and see if the blank or any other fit.
Personally, I wish they used the Kwikset KW1 because it is a much easier keyway for beginners.
Thank you for your question and welcome to the hobby :)
Hi, this is a best video of this I can see. How I can get all the tools ?
I see your second comment is "I got it" I hope you were able to figure it out
Great video...someone is selling a smart key door knob no key can I make a key ? Thank you have a blessed day and be blessed
Yes, there is a new fancy tool which actually works well to decode those locks and then you can code cut a key
I must say the courragated trick is genius. You just earned a new subscriber
Zack M. Thank you :-) But I cannot take credit for coming up with it
Mine works too. I used woodprix plans and build it without any problems.
Thanks for sharing
You can also make shims from a soda can if you don't own shims or have the security thing in a dvd
For this those seem a bit thick. Thanks for sharing, it could help in a pinch!
Where did you buy your digital caliper you use to measure the pins?
Very cool video - I enjoyed it and learned a lot. You have a very organized flow of information, liked and subbed.
Thank you for the kind words and for your support
Tried this on a schlage sc1 w some soda can metal cut in narrow strip but can't seem to get the metal strip to slide in. Tried real careful but no luck.
pinning tray idea is genius
Should we worry about driver pins at all when rekeying? Or maybe it’s just good practice in order to put new pins and springs, just not required?
Typically no but there are best practices depending on keypin height
Fantastic explanation thank you
Thanks! Very helpful.The dvd shim folded in half did the trick.
fastfords4me Nice, I'm glad it helped!
Wow brother !!! This is Gold ! TY very much ,, 😁✌
Thank you for the kind words and I'm glad it helps!
Excellent no-nonsense video. Earned yourself a sub my friend
Much appreciated!
Mucho Interesane, Am locksmith now, self taught early on, A locksmith friend showed me this method. I had been sliding shim through the back, but used a hook pick to lift pins slowly til shim slid forward to next. Didn't know any better, good also if you don't have a blank handy.
Yes, it is much easier to do with the blank. But like you said it's very doable to do with it pick as well. I usually go with what easier and available. Thanks for checking it out!
you should make a video on what to do if you made a mistake of removing the plug follower and all the top pins and springs came out.
Thank you for sharing! That seems like a good idea, I will try to make a video similar to that down the road :)
Great video HelpfulLockPicker! Thank you so much for posting it. I'm loving the digital caliper you show here. It looks like it has a quick insert/release lever, but it's hard to see as your hand is blocking the view. Do you have a brand name for it and can you say where you acquired it from? Thank you!
It was a cheaper under $10 one on eBay. I don't think it has a specific brand because it is pretty generic looking.
Thank you@@HelpfulLockPicker! I have only been able to find a couple of thickness gauges like yours on ebay. And they are all $20 or more. They seem to have been replaced by a newer model which looks quite inferior yo yours. Here is 1 example- www.ebay.com/itm/0-12mm-Portable-LCD-Digital-Thickness-Gauge-Meter-Micrometers-Carbon-Fiber/254328188015
Do you think you could find me one like yours for sale in the $10 and under range? I would much appreciate it. Thank you!
@@MarkShapiroMusic I think you are right the price went up. I could not find it. There is a similar model but more plastic ebay.to/2DrNUwY
Yes@@HelpfulLockPicker I think we agree. I included a link to that model in my earlier message to you.
This was awesome. Thank you
Just curious that digital caliper was it magnetic that your pins sat so nicely?
The pins are not magnetic. It has a strong enough spring to hold them
@@HelpfulLockPicker it's spring loaded the caliper.
Not used to seeing such, I'm used to the standard ones you have to move manually.
Thanks though.
wow I never really knew much about locks and keys by watching this video and gained so much thank you so much for this, you were really clear and moved the video along.
Super job I must say.
Thank you for the kind words and i am glad it helps
Good job that made it more clear and helpful thank you
Thank you, I am glad it helped :-)
Great idea with the cardboard! Great info!
Thank you for the kind words, I am glad it helps!
That was a brilliant video, added to my favorites.
Thank you for the kind words!
You are the Man!!! Thanks!!!
Thanks for checking it out and I am glad it helps!
is there a site that has SC1, SC4, KW1 and KW5 code card info like you show here to get the depth for pins?
It is something you can easily search for through an internet search engine.
After watching these videos on locks, rekeying and lock picking I realize locks will only keep out honest people. I have to re-key all the locks in my home. Would it be better to choose shallow key cuts with smaller pins (1, 2, 3) or go with deeper key cuts and longer pins (4.5.6). My thinking being that shorter pins would be a bit more difficult to jam with a tension bar. Any thoughts on this?
jimmy changa I would do long short long short short. It would make it easier to overset and make raking more difficult. Essentially you want good variation in your bitting (ups and downs)
The code should be a variety so it's harder to pick. Tension wrenches are used to turn the cylinder. Not to jam or pick a lock. Using same numbers in the code makes it a weak code. However if you get yourself some anti-pick pins I would use those. It helps secure your locks. Intruders can still get passed every security option you choose if they want it bad enough. However the goal is to make it harder so they give up. Making all same cuts or nearly the same will make you more of a victim than if you have a variety. Small cuts is what we locksmiths call hair trigger. You can stick almost anything in and it will open without effort. Same as if you do all deep cuts. Just have to press up a bit more. So having the cuts randomized will stop that from happening and make the person work harder to find that sheer line.
Great explanation and demo
Thank you for the kind words!
hi I have a lock starting with a 9, with 4 figures all together, does it means that the lock has only 3 pins and the first number "9" is the key type?
I don't understand
Are there any pin sized markers on the market you can use for marking the key, if you want to go old school and use a file to make your key.
One thing you could do is get the appropriate sized key pin and continue to file your key down until the pin sits flush if you want to do it without any measurement tools
@HelpfulLockPicker isn't this where this hobby all started? Good work!
Michelle L Thank you for the kind words and essentially yes it is :) how did it going changing out your lock?
HelpfulLockPicker you're welcome! I did it the cheater way and replaced the whole thing 😁😁
Question 1... For a core shim couldn’t you also use a feeler gauge? Those things are very cheap and and have some extremely thin gauges.
Question 2 ... With no key at all, how about using a pick to raise the key pin to the shear line and then slide the shim in between the pins?
I’m asking bc I have the Sparrow Progressive and Revolver, and I was thinking about changing the pins around to get a different binding order. Also, I only bought the standard cut away. So if I change out the pins, I can change it to serrated, spool, change the binding order, etc. But the key won’t fit. With the cut-away, I could probably pick it, eventually. But with a Progressive, I could end up in a pickle.
Question 1: Anything that is thin / strong enough to fit works
Question 2: Yes, that works it is a variant of shimming. But you will need access to the back of the lock. You can also do this with a keyblank which is easier.
Picking them is also a very viable option as well. One thing that you can do once you decide on the new setup for your cutaway lock is you could purchase a cheap micrometer and measure the keypins and have a locksmith cut you a key to the lock so you won't have to worry about it going forward.
Do you not have to worry about driver pins? Or is that only when masterkeying???
It depends on how correct you want to be. As long as the driver pin is not too short nor too long it technically works. However, if you want to have a properly balanced lock where everything sits on the same horizontal line you need to get different height driver pins. You can see this frequently in Yale.
What do you do if you have a standard 6 pin kit, but the new key needs a smaller pin that is not in the standard 1-6?
Needle files? Works for me.
You could use universal pins
Excellent instructions 👍👍🍺🍺
I've been trying this with a Schlage sc4 from an Andersen french door, and I get the first 2 or 3 pins shimmed, and then I can't seem to get any further. Any suggestions?
It is not always easy. You could always try to pick the remaining pins if that is something you want to try / learn how to do.
@@HelpfulLockPicker thanks for the reply. I somehow managed to fully shim it today, so success! Thanks for the video
Very much liking these clear and helpful vids. Thank you.
Thank you, I'm glad they help!
Very informative video as usual. Thank you !
Thanks for checking it out!
@@HelpfulLockPicker welcome !
Nice job .... We just bougth a house at auction... 5 Doors....Good info
J Thompson thank you, I wish you luck!
Great job. Awesome 👍 video
Thank you 👍
Are serrated key pins and other security pins also color coded for length?
They keypins are color coded depending on the manufacture, some are and some are not Security pins are not color coded and they are typically all the same length unless yoy get bigger end locks which try to match them with the keypins. Example long keypin = shorter driver and short keypin = longer driver. My general rule of thumb is spools fo over short keypins and serrated over long keypins
Thank You! I have subscribed... I have a couple questions,
1) I would like to key all of the locks in my house the same. Four of those are screen doors and sliding glass doors. The keys for those doors will not fit into my Kwikset locks but the Kwikset keys will fit into them... does that mean I can re-key those tumblers to the same configuration as my other Kwikset locks?
2) Is it a same assumption that from a "picking" standpoint the Kwikset Smartkey is as safe or perhaps safer than other options?
adam is puppy if your key fits into the key way you should be fine for the rekeying. I would never recommend a Kwikset smartkey they are unreliable and very insecure. They are typically harder to pick and the generation 2 and 3 only a few people that have picked them however there are many methods out there to open them easily without the key.
If you can get your Kwikset key to fit into all your locks you you should be okay to rekey. It isn't as hard as it looks and you'll save a ton of money :-)
Smart keys have way too many risks involved. Yes they are harder if not impossible to pick however there are many ways around it. Especially with kwikset. I grew up with parents who believed in kwikset and stood by them 100%. However after going through school and having street knowledge kwikset is the worst you can get (standard and smart key). I've been manipulating locks for over 20 yrs now. I know a lot of different methods. You can use any key as long as it fits into the key way (ie: the side cuts have to match).
Great Videos! I am considering re-locking my entire house (9 locks) what brand and type would you recommend?
Tamara Leah I think the most affordable lock that would make sense to be a Schlage lock. They are generally pretty strong and have a difficult enough keyway for people that are unskilled at opening locks. They usually come with security pins so unskilled attacks like raking in bumping are more difficult
Thanks HelpulLockPicker, I am surprised at your answer since I have seen so many videos on how easily Schlage can be "bumped", are the newer ones better? And unfortunately, I was hoping you would say Kwikset since several of my existing locks are that manufacturer and I could just re-pin... I am assuming I would have to switch the whole lockset out to a Schlage?
Tamara Leah Honestly, Kwikset are fine too, I wouldn't spend money to change out the locks. You can order some security pins from CLK Supply (spools and serrated) and make them much more pick, rake, and bump resistant. Make sure when you re-key the lock you do good bitting (good ups and downs)
Thanks Again! do you have a video discussing "spools and serrated" pins that discusses the differences, how many to use for a re-key and good ups and downs?
Tamara Leah I don't have much on them because I haven't gotten to that point in my lock picking series. Essentially you want spool pins over short keypins and serrated over longer keypins.
For your bitting on your key you want to try to max out MACS (Mean Adjacent Cut Specification) this dictates how much of a difference in length of keeping you can have without risking the key getting stuck. I like to do a long keypin in 1 followed by a short because it makes offsetting easy. Same with position 4 and 5.
Security pins do a good job at keeping out low-skilled attacks, however they offer a tremendous amount of feedback and I honestly think they make single pin picking easier at times.
Excellent video. 😎
Andrew thank you for the kind words :-)
Thanks bro. Good stuff and quite clear.
Thank you for the kind words, I am glad it helps
Thank you.
Thank you for checking it out :-)
BRO .. you are good , nice video very helpful blessings
Thank you for the kind words and I'm glad it helped :-)
I have a question regarding option #2 - setting the lock to the new key. What if we don't cut the new key and find the new pins? We already know our initial (old) 5 digits KW combination. What if we mix the old pins in new order, give the new KW # to the locksmith and get the new key? The old key will not open my lock and I don't have to buy new pins. Am I wrong?
As long as you change at least one of the keypins the key "bitting" will be different and that is essentially a rekey. This tactic is useful when new keypins are not readily available to you.
@@HelpfulLockPicker thank you
@@lesio333 no problem, I am glad to help!
Very helpful video, Thank you!
thank you for the kind words! I hope it helped :-)
How can I go about cutting my own keys to a code without having to resort to two trips to the locksmith, or a very expensive piece of computerized machinery?
You could learn to hand file keys.
Triangular file
is it possible to re pin a defiant lock with a kwikset re keying kit????
Yes, typically they use the same pins as a Kwikset.
Great job!!
Thanks for checking it out!
A question I have is, what stops the key from coming out when it is at 90%?
the keypins
Very good video
Thank you for the kind words!
Very helpful thank you
Matt No thank you for the kind words!
liked, subscribed, and here we are a commentin'. Yehaw. Amazing video. Sincerely blew my mind.
Myera TV thank you for the kind words, I am glad it helped!
superb
Thanks
awesome video
thank you for the kind words!
I know i’m being a little lazy here but...i need to rekey the dead bolts and door knobs in my house. So 3 dead bolts and 3 doors. Any chance there a inexpensive rekeying kit you’d recommend? I check and the prices and what’s included vary so very much that I’m completely lost as to what i need.
josephhgoins What brand is your lock? Kwikset (Defiant, Gatehouse) , Schlage, Yale?
Amazon sells a lot of stuff and it is way cheaper to do it yourself but if you get desperate you can always ask your local locksmith what the cost is if you physically bring them the cylinders so they don't need to come out to you
HelpfulLockPicker the doors are kwickset and dead bolts are defiant. I sorta want to try this myself. I think i have some kwikset dead bolts i could rekey and replace the defiant dead bolts with. I’m thinking if i get a kwickset kit it would be cheaper than a universal. What would you recommend? Btw, i had to subscribe.
Luckily for you, Kwikset and Defiant take the same keyway, the KW1 keyway.
Here is what I would do:
Buy this repin kit for $18.99 plus shipping on Amazon.
www.amazon.com/Kwikset-Bottom-Tools-Rekeying-locksmith/dp/B00AI6XRAQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1512446312&sr=8-3&keywords=kwikset+rekey+kit
It comes with everything you need minus a new key. I bought this before and everything was good. If you ever need more keypins you can buy them from CLK Supply for pretty cheap www.clksupplies.com/collections/kwiket-bottom-master-lock-pins/products/kwikset-bottom-pin-set-1-6
This kit comes with all 6 depths, and all the stuff you need. Which I think is the way to go. It would be up to you to go to the locksmith and get a new key made. Just ask for a KW1 key made for a rekey. Ask for good bitting, and if they are nice enough, ask them for the code to the key. You will want to write down the code because if you ever get locked out you can tell the locksmith what it is and they can make you a new key on the spot.
If you do get the code to the new key, match each keypin accordingly as you rekey your lock.
The hardest part will be fussing with the doors and aligning the screws to get everything back together when you are done. You can do it, it won't be too bad and you will save a ton.
i've used changealock.com with great success, i ordered new pins and keys for my whole house for about $35
I got the $25 kit from Amazon in and within about 30 mins was able to do them all. My luck of course, I wasn't able to do anything you did, but managed to pop the top off, pull out the springs and top and bottom pins. I did manage to set everything back up without losing or destroying those little springs, so it was definitely a win. Thank you greatly for your help!!
I like that pin matt/block whered ya get it
Ryan Mathis the pin mat is from Sparrow Lock Picks and the pin tray you can find on eBay and Amazon usually
Thanks! Surprisingly quick response for a video Im watching at 2 am at work
Ryan Mathis I work in an ER and I happened to notice, lol.
I lost the key to our deadbolt on my door. I'm trying find a way to open it from the outside. It opens fine from the inside.
Learn how to pick a lock - RUclips is your friend...
what can i get from walmart to rekey a lock
It's cool Ebay sells a key with the proper key pins you need to relay as well. So you dont need to buy a whole kit
thank you for sharing
Will this work for a deadbolt Sledge
It would just you need to get the correct chart for keypin lengths and also the correct keypins.
Fantastic vid
Thanks for checking it out!
Would this also work with a car lock?
No, those are typically wafer locks which are a different setup
@@HelpfulLockPicker how would one go about doing a re-key on a car lock, do you have a video? And thanks for replying
@@lucasoswald4264 I recommend you check out my video number 107 which goes over how to pick a wafer lock. It gives a pretty good description of what they are and how they work. I have never rekeyed one myself but in order to do so you could either change the Wafers you have in a different order or you would need to buy new wafers for a new key.
I had to replace the tumbler in my Ford Focus ignition switch. It used wafers. Not difficult at all to match my existing key.
Link on what I used: www.amazon.com/Strattec-Ignition-Cylinder-Ford-707592/dp/B004JY6AVQ
There are plenty of videos on how to do it.
I got it …thanks
Thank you
Of course if you are doing your own lock work there is no need to use a key gauge or worry about what key depths the manufacturer uses.
Thank you for sharing
Where did you purchase the digital caliper?
jimmy changa it was a cheap generic one that shipped from China. I bought it on eBay for around $10
Found it. Thank you!
jimmy changa nice mine didn't come with a battery but it was a pretty standard one to find at the hardware store
just so you know, thats a micrometer, looks like a c-clamp , a caiper looks like a pipewrench, but has large outside jaws on one side and small inside measuring jaws on other, opposite the large jaws
How i could make a master key to all the locks for the bedrooms in my house?
reymicroc you would need to buy some master wafers to the lock. There are some resources out there that could help. I haven't made a video on it
Great video. Now it's time for me to screw something up.
Thanks for checking it out
Great
Show me how to do it on a schlage D80 with a medeco cylinder
You need to spend more time in your studies
Been a locksmith for 27 years, I know what Im talking about. You are an amateur. But you probably go to the doctor and tell him how to run his practice too.
u r awseaome👍👍🙏🏻
Thank you so much 😀
You are absolutely wonderful career 👍👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Thank you
Help my key won't turn after rekeying
I would suggest you call a local locksmith
You had the Like at the cardboard thing.
Thanks for checking it out
ooooo-some!!!
Thanks for checking it out!
So a 5 pin lock only has 7700 combinations?
Sam Sonn There are a lot of combinations but some aren't used like a cut 1-1-1-1-1 ,etc.
What I find interesting is when you buy something like a Kwikset at a store like Home Depot usually the first five boxes or so come keyed alike ( for your convenience) so technically someone could come in behind you and buy a package with the new key to your house if you do not change the lock's keying yourself before installing them.
HelpfulLockPicker .
It has actually less if you're a locksmith. In my schooling we are told that the overall number has to end in an even number due to laws.
There are fewer. The MAC code dictates this. MAC stands for Maximum Adjacent Cut - meaning you can't have a 1 cut next to a 6 cut (in the case of Kwikset, here). The MAC varies from brand to brand.
THANKS! I understand more. =]
I am glad it helps!
thnx sir send me more help me
I will try to keep making more videos to help you out
Title: How to easily Video: lists off tools that only .000000005% of the population have.
thank you for sharing this observation
Beer cans for shims anyday
Those might be tad thick