Infiltration

unicycler location: Arlington, Tx Gender: Male \| \|	Best locks. < on 5/28/2005 6:00 AM >

	Is it possible to pick a best lock with a basic lock=pick set? Those are the locks that my school has, as well as any other large building in this area. The problem is that I can't pick the locks, I can pick almost any other door locks and all master locks that I have ever seen. Although, any Best lock has me stuck... If anybody can pick Best locks what are the tricks to it? Little tension or lot's of tension? Single pick, dobule pick, or rake?

Freak location: Usually Alaska, now MSP. Gender: Male Hypocrite \| \|	Re: Best locks. <Reply # 1 on 5/28/2005 6:58 AM >

	Theoretically, Best locks (and other master keyed locks) should be a bit easier to pick, since you have multi-part pins with several different open positions. I've played around with them a bit (my university had them), and they seem to be about the same as my generic $5 practice deadbolt. It takes me forever to pick anything with more than about 4 pins in, you probably just need more practice. Turn off the internet and go play outside. http://spamusement...hp/comics/view/137

ofberenonehand location: Minn-e-snow-ta "Where now is Boromir the Fair? He tarries and I grieve." \|	Re: Best locks. <Reply # 2 on 5/28/2005 9:44 AM >

	I've heard best locks are very difficult to pick. Unfortunately in my current sleep deprived state I can't remember why and thus can give you no advice as to how to pick them. "That's What Government Is For; To Get In A Man's Way" -Mal

SnakeEyes Gender: Male \|	Re: Best locks. <Reply # 3 on 5/28/2005 6:34 PM >

	While in theory master pinned locks are easier to pick, but best locks are not only master pinned, but also have two shear lines. The first shear line is where the pins are raised for 'normal' opperation, IE 'change' keys (the keys handed out to normal people) and even 'master' keys as used by janitors etc., the second shear line is used by the 'change' key, which only turns 20 degrees or so. After that key is turned, the entire cylinder pops out. This is for quick re-keying (you can pop one cylinder out from one door and put it in another). This doesn't change picking all that much, it's just that it is possible you pick the second shear line, and end up pulling the entire lock out. If this happens you can just use a flat head screw driver to unlock it, and then put the lock back in. SFIC locks (small format interchangable core- best, falcon, some corbin/russwin, arrow, etc.) that opperate like this are used in institutional settings very often because there are 6 pin stacks and two shear lines, which allows for more combinations of pinning for very complex master keyed systems. There are special tension wrenches that are produced (peterson comes to mind) which apply tension to the second shear line only, allowing you to pick just the second one (which removes the plug). Alot of the security that goes with these locks is not against picking, but against un-authorized key duplication. Many institutions buy a restricted keyway so they are the only ones that have blanks to make coppies of keys. Picking these is sometimes more difficult simply because there are 6 pin stacks, which makes it just that harder than a 5 pin lock. They quality is often better than some, because they have to withstand constant use. Most likely more information than you needed, but oh well. Good luck. Pity the poor agnostic dyslexic insomniac; he stays up all night, wondering if there really is a dog.

unicycler location: Arlington, Tx Gender: Male \| \|	Re: Best locks. <Reply # 4 on 5/28/2005 7:15 PM >

	Thanks, I am trying to get my hands on a Best lock so that I have something to practice on. Maybe I can get good enough that I can decide wether I would like the unlock it or take out the plug.

duck219 \|	Re: Best locks. <Reply # 5 on 5/29/2005 9:10 PM >

	They are just about impossible to pick because even though you may get all the pins to set, the chances of getting them all to set on the same shear line is very low (if I remember correctly about 1 in 64 tries gets one shear line to set up... ) either get a specialty best tension wrench, or just drill out the core and back calc a key for it. If you want one, I can sell you a best tension wrench, just PM me if you're interested...

ChillBill \|	Re: Best locks. <Reply # 6 on 5/29/2005 9:16 PM >

	You can set the pins on any of the master or change key shear lines in order to get the lock to open.

JimBoylan

location:
SouthEast Pennsylvania, U. S. of A.
Gender: Male

Re: Best locks.
<Reply # 7 on 6/1/2005 10:17 PM >

Posted by SnakeEyes small format interchangeable core- best, falcon, some corbin/russwin, arrow, etc.

In my area, Arrow is the discount brand interchangeable with Best. Falcon may also be cheap, but isn't available here. Lockwood and Yale have also made them, but they're not common here. "National Locksmith" sold a special pamphlet describing IC locks about 1990.

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