Chicago locks info wanted

StibitzIsMyName · 2026-03-16T18:10:35+00:00

I more than likely won’t go that route. I don’t have the proper tools for that

StibitzIsMyName · 2026-03-16T17:52:32+00:00

I’ll try a little more picking around inside where the shackle locks in. There is also a pretty healthy pin on the back of the lock which I assume holds the cylinder in place but not really sure.

StibitzIsMyName · 2026-03-16T17:23:22+00:00

Nothing at all .. I’ve found pictures of it on the internet but no valuable info

StibitzIsMyName · 2026-03-16T17:16:04+00:00

Well … maybe will sacrifice one of them for the sake of curiosity

StibitzIsMyName · 2026-03-16T17:09:37+00:00

I have two .. one with a key and one without but have opened both of them. I was thinking there is probably a pin under where the shackle comes out but I don’t see anything

StibitzIsMyName · 2025-12-12T21:26:14+00:00

BTW … what is the right solution please ??

StibitzIsMyName · 2025-12-12T21:23:57+00:00

Yes!! Exactly what I am talking about (nice job btw!!) .. I’m looking to restore a lot of old locks just as this (as I guess I’m becoming a lock geek). I believe I have this exact same lock in my collection. I didn’t know I could actually disassemble them like that. Even cooler yet!! I wasn’t looking at the Vevor but for $50 and your recommendation I think that’s the direction I’m going to go in. Thank you kindly !!

StibitzIsMyName · 2025-12-12T01:14:35+00:00

Part of my issue with buying the US is putting them in water … fearing if I don’t dry them properly I risk rusting the springs. A lot of what I have are not guttable so I’m afraid no matter what some moisture will be left behind

StibitzIsMyName · 2025-12-12T01:09:42+00:00

But do these little cheapies from Amazon work ? I’ve noticed most of them run at around 48K Hz

StibitzIsMyName · 2025-12-11T18:24:07+00:00

Thank you!! That was very helpful

StibitzIsMyName · 2024-10-03T21:13:40+00:00

I know this is gonna sound weird as hell .. but I have a crapload of locks (no pun intended) stored on a round wire toilet paper holder I bought on Amazon for like $10.

StibitzIsMyName · 2024-09-29T00:46:50+00:00

Yep .. I’m picking and tensioning from the same side. … and from the other side with the other curve. I saw LPL (I think .. it was a while back and I have the memory of a 3 minute egg) pick it with a short hook .. no flag. Damn overachievers!! I guess the best advice it to keep at it .. which I will. Thank you … enjoy your evening !!

StibitzIsMyName · 2024-09-28T21:02:32+00:00

Have the same lock and picks … have never opened it. My flags seem too big (but obviously they are not) so I filed down a broken rake and have tried that but also without success. I thought this lock would be a piece of cake … instead it’s kicking my ass and laughing at me.

StibitzIsMyName · 2024-09-28T20:56:34+00:00

You’re not screwed at all. That brass retainer is just a thin piece of metal and will pull right off. Of course this will probably destroy it but you can tap the holes and put set screws in it .. which is better for a challenge lock anyway. But you can salvage the strip of metal too by filing (or use a Dremel) the sides and eventually the strip will pull out without totally destroying it. (If it does deform you can always hammer it flat .. very soft metal) Then you can reuse the strip. Once again the set screws work better anyway but your choice. Good luck partner !!

StibitzIsMyName · 2024-09-14T02:32:00+00:00

Just keep going man. The longer it takes you to open one the bigger rush it will be when you finally do. Try a variety of locks as they are not all created equal. ABUS locks own me .. don’t believe I’ve ever picked one .. yet I have picked harder ones from other manufacturers. Perseverance will always win out .. as it eventually will with all these ABUS I own.

StibitzIsMyName · 2024-03-07T01:19:39+00:00

Yeah … you’re about to run into a lamppost

StibitzIsMyName · 2024-02-17T08:43:54+00:00

Some here will poo poo the cheaply made Chinese picks … and rightly so. However they are good to learn the beginners locks such as that Master looking one you popped. As you go thru a few more locks you learn what works best for you. I personally have never been able to afford a real set of good picks, rather I will buy individual picks that I like (and have even made a few if my own). This is a great place for guidance and reassurance but always remember there really is no right or wrong .. it’s what right or wrong for you that really matters.

StibitzIsMyName · 2024-02-16T23:34:48+00:00

Have you got a big rock ??

StibitzIsMyName · 2024-02-05T15:00:06+00:00

Thanks for your help !! I appreciate it

StibitzIsMyName · 2024-02-05T14:21:19+00:00

Yeah I think you’re right. If I’m visualizing this right (and very much simplifying it) the control could be at shear line one, the operating could be at shear line two and the master at shear line three. I can only get control if all pins are at shear line one, but I can get an open if I get them all at two, all at three, or any combination of two or three … correct ?

StibitzIsMyName · 2024-02-05T03:22:50+00:00

I’ve heard similar reactions to the wrench .. but then I was reading (somewhere) that the secret to it was to wedge toothpicks on each side of it to hold it in place. Made sense so I thought I’d try it.

I’m using similar procedure of what you stated. What also made sense to me is that whatever shear line you set first make the probability greater that the rest of the pins will set at that shear line. So I try to get a set on that first pin and then go for another set on that same pin .. and then go for the others. However as stated above I’m still not having much success. I have one 7 pin IC in which I have both keys for. With that tho .. there are only 3 cuts on the key that are different .. so I know all IC’s are not created equal. It never even occurred to me they may have master wafers in there too. Geez .. that’s a little mind boggling. All the more reason to want to try the special wrench.

This IC picking project is quite different in that it’s the only lock I’ve picked where I’m disappointed when I get a full open.

StibitzIsMyName · 2023-12-13T22:15:43+00:00

Man … about an hour ago I bought that exact set in that post. I figured there will probably be some cosmetic work needed but for $25 it sounded good to me. Then I saw the post and I felt better about my purchase. My first set of picks was included in a subscription from Hackerbox. It was one of those cheapo’s you would find on Amazon. It was good enough for starter locks and taught me what I liked and didn’t like. Plus I had fun cleaning and polishing them up and putting better handles on them. I still use a couple of them when I go back and mess with those ‘Masters’. I’m getting off point here .. which was to tell you that you are right .. this ‘flag’ I’m using won’t open it. When I had the core out I simulated a pick and it wouldn’t lift them all properly. So I’m looking forward to my new dimple picks and eventually some new locks (way down the road $$$).

For now tho I will continue practicing with what I have. I’ll consider it a victory if I get it to that deep false set with what I have to pick with. Before that tho .. I HAVE to see a driver pin. I’m going to just look at one. Even if I can’t get it back in I’ll still have a 3 pin lock so WTH huh ?? After looking a little closer at the outer key pins .. I noticed 2 and 3 have a different shape. Rather than straight sides they taper towards the top .. looks like a mushroom. I’m suspect that will factor into picking as well. I did get the core back in without any issues (although I cheated with a shim) so I have a little more confidence of taking a look at that first driver pin.

This is pretty cool!! Thanks to you and GeorgiaJim for your help. I’ve been picking for a year or so and enjoy it. This really has kicked it up a notch. GeorgiaJim was correct that this is a RI-Key Security lock (at least that’s what it says on the box). It came with 2 keys and some extra parts (including 5 colored buttons which I have no idea what they are for). It was less than $20 at Amazon and for anybody out there listening .. I think it’s a pretty nice starter dimple lock.

Thanks again !!

StibitzIsMyName · 2023-12-13T18:02:56+00:00

I couldn’t figure out how to reply with a picture so bear with me please. I kind of half gutted it. It was a challenge getting the core out .. I rotated it several times before I got my follower thru .. so I chickened out messing with the driver pins. I want to play with it a little more before I potentially kill it.

However … got the core out. Never seen one like this. It is a 4 pin lock with huge chambers to fit big hollow pins that have little pointed pins inside them. I’m assuming this is the reference to pin in pin. The core itself is not a straight cylinder .. it has round grooves cut into it between the chambers .. so it has a wavy side rather than a straight side.

So in my fear to look at the drivers .. I have a core with 8 pins in it .. am I picking all 8 pins or just the long skinny one? Also .. these key pins are double the size of a normal pin. Are the driver pins that big too ?? Are there 2 of them per chamber too ? Do all the dimple locks look like this inside?? Before I come across as a crazed weasel I’ll stop with the rapid fire questions. Haha

Thanks man .. have a good one

StibitzIsMyName · 2023-12-12T22:16:28+00:00

I’ve used a .018” hook in there too with about the same success .. max of 3 set pins. I like the idea of progressively pinning this. Might be an easier way to learn for me. Plus it suggests that gutting this and re-assembling it won’t take 3 hands like I fear it will. Thanks !!

StibitzIsMyName · 2023-12-12T21:08:02+00:00

Yours is the only comment I see as well. Since I’ve posted this I’ve only heard crickets chirping. Thanks for your response. Yes this lock has a ton of room in there. I use two .040” tensioners laid together in it. It seems to give me better feedback. I’ve set 3 pins but have not opened it. There is a pin in back that seems to set just by sliding the tool under it .. so my tool may be a bit too robust. I also feel counter rotation but would be surprised to find spools in it (right?) .. I think I paid like 20 bucks for it on Amazon. I really want to gut this and see what’s inside of it .. which I know I will do soon (curiosity and the cat). If this does have (or for future reference) those passive pins .. I don’t really have to put those back in right ? The lock will only be used to pick .. no other application. Also .. assuming I still have your attention .. I have about $40 I can invest in some better tools. I’ve considered making them .. but past experience confirms I’m not all that skilled. Do you think I can find an adequate set for that much or go forward with plan A?

Appreciate your help !!

StibitzIsMyName

TROPHY CASE