Some Refurbished Masters

[Oldfast]

Always feels good when I'm able to save a friend a few extra bucks because of this hobby

Some of these were in ROUGH shape. I first impressioned a key for each. Then soaked and degreased em'.
After THOROUGHLY rinsing and drying, I lubed em' up. They now work smoother than a brand new one.
(The two on the left are some generic 40mm off brands, but an M1 blank still fit them well)


The majority of laminated Masters will open in either direction. If your key works the lock both ways smoothly
requiring no pushing/pulling or rocking up and down... it's a good indication of a well cut key. If you find it works
rough or not at all in one of the two directions, then your cuts are most likely slanted to some degree. To alleviate
this problem, tryn' focus on keeping the file level and perpendicular to the key with each stroke.


I had done these laminated padlocks for him at the start of the summer and never thought to post the picture.
I seen him again just yesterday. This time he had a Master532 for me. One M4 blank and less than 4 mins later...

[jeffmoss26]

Nice work as always, Oldfast!

[MBI]

VERY slick. Nice work.

[piotr]

Nice work. It is also a way of "re-cycling" locks that would otherwise go to waste. Frugality is a virtue.

[eidissenberg]

Great work!

[macgng]

nice job!

[Oldfast]

Thanks for the encouragement guys!
Best part is not only helpin' someone out, but with each
favor I do, I put just a little more experience under my belt

VERY slick. Nice work.

Haha! I've come a long way since my first experience with impressioning. I wasn't always so "slick" about it. lol

Here's the second lock I ever impressioned. Although the key turned out nice... it wasn't unusual for it to take
me an hour + for just one lock. But I always remember how exciting & gratifying it was when it finally turned!


Master #17... 5-pin

On a side-note: If anyone's interested in upgrading from their vice grips... this has served me well for over a year now.
This is an auto tool used for removing the seal around car windshields. Stripped of its' addtional parts, the handle works
beautifully for a key holder. This idea is not original to me. I first seen it in a vid from Daz (of DBC locksmiths). Check the
local auto places in your area (Napa, Auto Zone, Advanced Auto, etc.). Daz paid around $12 for his. I think I paid about $19

[fat ed]

Oldfast,

Would you be willing to share a more detailed set of steps in regards to the actually cleaning and degunking of older padlocks? perhaps share your insight as to what chemicals work best? thank you In advance.

[Oldfast]

Oldfast,

Would you be willing to share a more detailed set of steps in regards to the actually cleaning and degunking of older padlocks? perhaps share your insight as to what chemicals work best? thank you In advance.

That's a wonderful topic indeed Ed! One in which I've been meaning (for some time now) to start a devoted thread for to get other peoples thoughts too.
Although my way seems to work well, I've often wondered if there's a more effecient (and possibly less abrasive) way of going about it. In the meantime
I'll PM you a list of chemicals and the manner in which I use em'. Hopefully it helps.

Certainly, alot will depend on the lock in question. Obviously, the aluminum body of an American will react differently to certain chemicals
than would the steel plates of a Master. And our approach will be different if the lock is easily disassembled rather than self-contained.

[jj lock service]

great work

[xeo]

That shiny master lock... contrasting against the wood... NOMS.

[dicey]

Dear Old fast,

You are an master of the Art and always provide us with very nice pictures and Informatik. That is very generous of you and I always enjoy reading your articles and looking at the pictures.

Hank you very much!

Adrian

[Oldfast]

Thanks so much for the words guys! Always nice to hear that some of this stuff inspires or informs

This thread poppin' up reminded me; did some more work for this same friend not long ago.
He had a couple of Master #5's (keyed alike) that I cleaned up and impressioned a key for.



More interesting though, was what he wanted em' for. Many of you have probably seen these already.
I had never seen one though, and thought it was pretty neat. This particular tool chest is made by KNAACK.
A "gang-box", I think he called it. He has 2 of em'. One's a slightly smaller version... but they're both fairly big.



There's a lock at either end. Each one hooks up inside the box and couples with latches on the lid.



I'm no security expert, but it all looked pretty sound to me. The way in which the entire lock
is recessed into the front of the chest, I'm sure, would limit your options of forced entry. Attacks
such as cutting, prying, torching, etc., would be limited to drilling. Pickin' it would be best I think.

[GWiens2001]

I can't believe that you neglected impressioning as a way to open this lock, Mike!

Gordon

[Oldfast]

hahAA! Certainly could be done. Probably wedge something along side the lock body to stabilize it.