Star Tech Journal

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STAR .... TECH JOURNAL
Enzo's
December 1 997
Tips
Tech
"Hey Enzo, I can't find the self-test button on this Captain Fantastic!,,
Douglas 'Enzo' Mccallum • Shiawassee Technical Services • Lansing, Ml
EVERYTHING You AtwAvs WANTED ro
ABOUT LOCKS
Last issue, we started out with the
makeup of a typical lock. We pro-
ceeded through keys and tumblers; the
theory of modern locks. This issue we
cover re-keying locks and the ever-
popluar drill out procedure.
the key insertion. They will all
retract into the plug, some too far
so they stick out the other side,
some not far enough so they still
stick out, and if you are lucky,
one or more may turn out just
right. Just right means that the
tumbler exactly retracts into the
plug so it sticks out neither side.
Such a tumbler would obviously
not prevent the plug from turn-
ing. The right tumblers we will
leave alone, and all the other
tumblers must be removed.
KNow
(PT2)
working on the basic locks until
you know what you're doing.
You need to support the plug
slightly off the work surface. My
personal technique is to nestle it
within the handles of a small pli-
ers, you could perhaps stick a
REKEYING
small screwdriver blade under
THE DISK TuMBLER LOCK
one end or maybe a lock cam. If
To fit a new key to the lock we
you look at the slot for each tum-
first remove the plug from the
bler you will see one end has a
lock. There are some high qual-
ity disk tumbler locks such as the
larger opening to accommodate
the spring. Alternate sides for the
Duo that are very secure and
Disk
tumbler
lock
-
cross
section
double bitted lock and all on
quite difficult to pick, but most
the same side for the single
of the generic locks that come
bitted. The tumbler is driven
with the games are inexpen-
out from the non spring end
sive. They are not really preci-
sion crafted items. This means
with a gentle tap. I use a small
that there are only a few tum-
pin punch, but you can use a
small screwdriver. Place the
bler cuts to chose from. Maybe
five or even only three for
plug spring side down and
. al · 1 loclced - spring extends tumblers
unloclced - tumbler retracted Into Dive your punch or tool a good
1
k
Th
typ
SOme OC S. e
IC smg e into shell, prevents turning plug.
plug completely, turning possible o-
sided lock will have five tum-
w hack against the bottom of
Be careful. Some of the fancier
the tumbler. Once started out, the
blers, and the typical double
bitted lock will have six. I num-
tumbler comes out the rest of the
disk tumbler locks use paired
ber the tumbler positions from
tumblers that are completely free
way easily. Careful not to let the
little springs roll off into oblivion.
the front face of the lock count-
to move. Once the plug is re-
Very difficult to find on the floor.
ing towards the rear.
moved from the shell, the only
Find someplace safe for the tum-
thing holding the tumblers is the
blers and springs. If you were
So, first thing to do is stick the
key. If you remove the key, the
lucky enough to have one or
new key in the old lock's plug.
tumblers will fall out in a pile. Not
more tumblers already correct,
The tumblers will all move with
simple to reassemble. Stick to