Plug follower advice

[scudo]

I got this lock a while back and I did manage to rake it open, got it back out today and tried spp the lock but due to some play in the body I couldnt hold it all steady (the locking latch) so I had another go and raked it open, at this point I had opened it a few times with the key but that sometimes was a bit sticky, I worked out it was the play in the body and if rotated to certain point all worked fine. I then decided looking at the bitting that it could be a bit difficult for me, also known as a challenge so I took the latch off to stop the annoying play in the lock and then tried the key and it wouldnt go all the way in so looks like something has jammed inside or a bent pin.
So I need to dismantle the lock which I have never done yet so need a plug follower...like now...not tomorrow or the day after.
So what are the tolerences? the plug is 12.5 mm dia and the nearest thing I can get (pen tube) is 11mm. would this be enough tolerance to stop pins dropping out.

lock.JPG

[Riyame]

You could add a bit of tape to the pen tube to take up the extra space.

[scudo]

Thanks, that should do it.

[Papa Gleb]

You can always use a long piece of paper rolled up tight which once inserted into the plug will expand.
You can also use a battery. I personally have several pen bodies, pen caps, marker caps, and a few other things I found around the house.

[escapenrv]

Also wooden dowels or rods can be sanded down to fit as can small plastic handle pocket screwdrivers. I have made a lot from different things and only have 2 factory made ones that came with two used repin kits.
Hope you get it fixed....
Steve

[scudo]

Thanks for the replies I should be able to fashion something to work. Just being wary as never taken a plug out as yet.

At worst I will take the last pin out as I think that maybe the issue basing it on how far the key goes in.

[jones]

I used a big drill bit on an imported fire safe last week, just slightly smaller then the aaa battery I grabbed at first

[mastersmith]

If you have a drill index you have a large assortment at your finger tips! The shank will work just fine, you may have to use a shim to bridge the back of the cylinder if it isn't flat. Other than that, I've used these many times in a pinch!

[jeffmoss26]

I've used a twist drill in a pinch working on odd sized locks. Otherwise, the dozen or so followers I have will work. My personal favorite for general use is the Keedex K-6.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Md5lUjWNAs4

[scudo]

Thanks all, I have found a round piece of wood that was used for engine valve grinding just had to slide off the rubber end part, almost exact size.

[GringoLocksmith]

This wouldn't work for that Century lock, but a few months ago I went down to Home Depot and bought ten feet of 1/2" PVC Sch. 40 Plain-End Pipe for a couple of bucks. It's the perfect diameter for most standard locks and now I've got a decade's supply of plug followers. They're so cheap that I don't mind losing them. Plus the material is soft enough that I can quickly trim them down in the field if I need the end to be shaped differently.

[scudo]

Need some more help on this

So being the first time I have tried to dismantle a lock the first pin managed to ping off in to orbit, with a bit of luck I may find it. Anyhow that made me more cautious and I got the key pins out and then one by one the drive pins, except that another 2 were missing and a spring was badly damaged. I was adamant I didnt launch those other 2 pins and on further inspection I find they are still in place in the barrel but I cannot budge them.
Although I was given this lock still boxed and unused I am beginning to think that was because it wasnt working properly.

Any ideas? I have tried tapping the barrel with a hammer and prodding with a pick to no avail.

In the picture below you can see pins 3 and 5 are still in situ

pins.JPG

Looking down the barrel you can just see pin 5 pin 3 is lower down below the shear line.

pins 1.JPG

pins 2.JPG

[Deadlock]

Just tap 'em out with a blunt nail or something. They shouldn't be stuck like that, so something's not right.

If you've lost a pin, just run a brass magnet over the floor... kidding, you'll need to get down on your hands and knees and sweep the floor with a paintbrush. The biggest one you got is fine, it's just a matter of focusing in.

You know dry cleaning bags? They're a good thing to take locks apart inside, 'cos the plastic's thin enough to easily see through, but it will catch any pins or springs.

[Doogs]

Try sticking it in the freezer for 1/2 hour or so hopefully the pins will shrink enough to fall out. Just don't wait too long or the whole cylinder will contract and defeat the purpose.

ETA: put it in a ziploc first otherwise the pins and springs might go flying around the freezer compartment.

[scudo]

Just tap 'em out with a blunt nail or something

Not possible as there is no access to tap them OUT I would be tapping them IN even further. Image maybe a bit misleading.

you'll need to get down on your hands and knees and sweep the floor

Fortunately its a small room but I did hear it ping the floor. If I cant find it (and I get the other pins out) I can either make it a 4 pin or try and make another pin....should be fun.