DR2 wrote:Oldfast wrote:Any new word on this DR2? I have both Sparrows' & Petersons'
bypass tool. Admittedly, I've not used either of them a whole
shitload of times. I do have some thoughts on each though, but...
I'm curious... how many locks in total do you think you've tried now?
I reckon about a dozen of them. And, none of them were key-retaining or had the disc/wafer to prevent the bypass. It's just a bum tool.
When I get a Peterson, I'll just file and sand the Sparrows to fit according to the Peterson Pattern of the concept.
I can appreciate your frustration, really. And I know this is probably not what you want to hear...lol... but,
Regardless of whether you're using Sparrows or Petersons, these bypass tools simply do not work 100% of the time.
They're similar to the
Silver Bullet Set for Masters - sometimes they work beautifully, and other times they don't.
Hard telling exactly why this is... it could be due to any number of things I suppose. Age and condition of the
lock, wear and tear, new vs. old, variances from part to part, tolerances, etc, etc... who knows really.
For example, when I first seen your thread here a couple weeks ago... it prompted me to go in the lockroom.
I randomly grabbed a dozen Americans. All of em' were 1105's. Some fairly old, others quite new. Also, as I
mentioned - I've not used these an enormous amount... so you have to also take that into consideration.
Just like Alphablue mentioned, technique is certainly a factor when it comes to successfully using these.
At any rate, out of 12 locks.... results were:
Peterson's: OPEN 5 .... FAIL 7
Sparrows' : OPEN 7 .... FAIL 5
Very unscientific way of really drawing any sound conclusions, I know. But it is what it is.
You could say, in a VERY rough way, success rate is around half the time (give or take).
DR2, I'd love to hear your thoughts on Peterson's tool as you continue to use it. Here's why I'm curious.
Pictured here (
black handle) is the very first one I purchased from Peterson quite some time ago.
The handle is both comfortable and solid. More importantly though is the working end of the tool -
I'm not a metals man, but it was comprised of what seemed to be a fairly strong metal. And to top
it off, the quality control really shined through, as both the shaft and tip shape looked to be
machined to some very precise specs. Overall great tool. BTW, the missing tip is MY fault. lol
Not long after, I decided to purchase another one from them, expecting to receive the same product.
What I received though (
gray handle) was much different from the original one I had purchased before.
Obviously, the handle was changed - fair enough. I wasn't too concerned with that. In fact, in terms of
storage in a pick case, it's better actually. However, the working end of the tool was now made of a
much weaker material than the first. And, the quality control just wasn't there. The shaft was no
where near straight, making for alot of friction going down the keyway. Also, the shaft was now
longer, which actually draws from the amount of torque it can withstand. I try not to judge too
quickly, but I have to say this second purchase was a bit of a let down compared to the first.
And here is "Sparrows By-Pass Driver"
As you seen in my quick, unscientific approach of testing a dozen locks, I was able to open
two additional locks with this by-pass driver that I was unable to open with the Peterson tool.
I do not think this was due to the design of the 'flag'. Instead, what made the difference I think,
was the additional force I was able to exert on this tool without fear of breaking/bending it.
This tool is solid. I don't think you could make one any stronger, yet still effective.
On the working end... comprised of good, strong material, & the machining looks precise.
Also notice the length of the shaft is ONLY as long as it has to be, adding even more strength.
By no means is this meant as a fair, comprehensive, all-inclusive review or anything like that.
More so, it's just some quick conclusions (or opinions rather) I've come to based on my brief
experience with these three tools. With that said, here's what I'm thinking....
FUNCTIONALITY: Out of a trial run of 12 locks, Peterson opened 5... Sparrows opened 7.
So at the
very least, I think it would be safe to say that these tools work EQUALLY well.
DURABILITY: Sparrows By-Pass Driver wins by a very large margin in this category.
I have
serious doubts about the life-span of Peterson's American bypass tool.
And for this reason, if/when I ever purchase another one... it will be Sparrows.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Peterson tools and alot of the innovative things they put out!!! But when it comes to
this particular tool and their current version they're selling (
versus their previous), it just doesn't cut it for me.
Why'd they change to a weaker material? Why was the shaft all bent up? And why did they make it longer?
I was impressed with their
original version. Honestly, I'm not sure the reasoning behind the changes.