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Pin Modification

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flywheel

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Post Sat Jun 14, 2014 8:46 pm

Pin Modification

Experimenting with pin modification. What a pain! Wondering what common garage tools get you the best results.

Here is attempt one on a driver pin. Besides grooves I would like to be able to taper with some precision.
2014-06-14 19.25.29.jpg
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GWiens2001

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Lock-Goblin-Gordon
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Post Sat Jun 14, 2014 9:01 pm

Re: Pin Modification

It is fun modding pins, then trying them out to see what works best. Sometimes a pin that looks nasty as heck is easy to pick, and vice versa.

Look forward to seeing more of your modded pins.

Gordon
Just when you think you've learned it all, that is when you find you haven't learned anything yet.
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escher7

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Post Sat Jun 14, 2014 11:39 pm

Re: Pin Modification

Quick thought on tapering. If you were to start with a thin brass rod chucked in a drill press, it could be reduce to size, shaped or grooved, and tapered - all by using abrasive strips while running the drill. Of course good calipers would be required, but you might even be able to make multiple pins from the same rod. Further, by reviewing some of Lauren's techniques for making keys (see 101), you will find a neat technique using a dremel slot cutter while turning the rod in a simple jig to machine the rod.
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flywheel

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Post Sun Jun 15, 2014 10:26 am

Re: Pin Modification

Super PITA. There is only so much you can do with garage tools. The pin is too small and the tools hard enough to cut are too large. Yep, brass stock and tools a little more specialized might be required to create what you see in your mind's eye.

Here is a long key pin meant to infuriate anyone who oversets it. I'll post the rest once this challenge lock arrives at it's destination.

Have a good day, Go Spurs! :smile:
2014-06-14.jpg
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Oldfast

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OldddffAASSTT the Spin Master Extraordinaire and American Lock Slayer
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Post Sun Jun 15, 2014 8:10 pm

Re: Pin Modification

Lookin' good. I like that deeply serrated one.
I look forward to seeing more & learning from you!
I've dabbled with this a little bit... but nothing much.
I plan to eventually re-visit it sometime in the future.
" Enjoy the journey AS MUCH as the destination."
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flywheel

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Post Mon Jun 16, 2014 2:14 pm

Re: Pin Modification

Here are some disregarded/unused pins. The center right pin is too fragile for use. Although a couple are originally key pins recognize that anything with more than a serration at the top edge is meant to be a driver pin. I have limited stock and cannibalized other locks for spare pins. Placed in the lock the pins would be positioned so that the maximum number of edges pass the shear line.
2014-06-16 12.43.27.jpg
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coldrake

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Post Mon Jun 16, 2014 3:39 pm

Re: Pin Modification

Since I kinda want to get into pin modding, if I were to buy some stock brass rod to make pins from scratch (not just modify my existing ones), what diameter should I aim for? The lock I've got is the Ultimate Challenge Lock from learnlockpicking.com, which is a Sargent & Greenleaf. The keyway is LA 1, but I don't think that would affect the pin size.
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GWiens2001

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Lock-Goblin-Gordon
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Post Mon Jun 16, 2014 3:50 pm

Re: Pin Modification

That UCL lock is a Sargent, not a Sargent and Greenleaf. ;)

Gordon
Just when you think you've learned it all, that is when you find you haven't learned anything yet.
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coldrake

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Post Mon Jun 16, 2014 3:57 pm

Re: Pin Modification

GWiens2001 wrote:That UCL lock is a Sargent, not a Sargent and Greenleaf. ;)

Gordon


Thanks for the correction, I honestly thought they were one and the same! :razz:
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coldrake

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Post Mon Jun 16, 2014 4:21 pm

Re: Pin Modification

After some cursory Googling, I've got my answer: 0.115" Now to see if I can find brass rod with that dimension...
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flywheel

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Post Mon Jun 16, 2014 4:50 pm

Re: Pin Modification

Lowes might help you. Might help me. Search "The Hillman Group 3-ft x 1/8-in Brass Metal Round".
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GWiens2001

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Lock-Goblin-Gordon
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Post Mon Jun 16, 2014 5:35 pm

Re: Pin Modification

coldrake wrote:
GWiens2001 wrote:That UCL lock is a Sargent, not a Sargent and Greenleaf. ;)

Gordon


Thanks for the correction, I honestly thought they were one and the same! :razz:


Used to think so, too. ;)

Gordon
Just when you think you've learned it all, that is when you find you haven't learned anything yet.
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flywheel

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Post Sun Jun 22, 2014 3:58 pm

Re: Pin Modification

Here are the pins that went in the challenge lock that I sent to BosnianBill (which he promptly slayed). The deep grooves were made with a hacksaw blade and the angled cuts were made with a chisel. Large tools and fine detail work do not go hand in hand. Next time I roll through Lowes I will look for some needle files.
While the deep cuts look impressive, fine serrations and subtle grooves probably do the trick just as well, but a deep spool in the middle of that should really cause the set pins to drop. I have some ideas for the next adventure in pin modification and challenge locks. See you then! :D

Take care and Go Team USA futbol!

2014-06-14 22.46.35.jpg
2014-06-15 21.16.55.jpg
2014-06-15 09.29.51.jpg
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flywheel

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Post Wed Aug 06, 2014 11:17 am

Re: Pin Modification

This was before they fell into the wood chipper...
2014-08-02 09.40.40.jpg


By the way, wood chippers are great for pin modification.
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jeffmoss26

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Sargent Mossberg
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Post Wed Aug 06, 2014 12:08 pm

Re: Pin Modification

OOH nice Yale LFIC :)
femurat: They're called restricted for a reason...
Innerpicked: The more keys you carry, the more important you look
GWiens2001: Great video! Learned a lot about what fun can be had with a forklift and a chainsaw.
pmaxey83: but i first have to submit the proper forms for a new hobby to my wife
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