What you’ll learn:
The core of any locksmith’s skill set begins with a thorough understanding of lock components. A typical residential deadbolt contains a housing, a plug (the cylinder), a set of driver pins, key pins, and springs. The preview demonstrates how to remove the plug from its housing using a small flat‑head screwdriver and a plug puller. Once the plug is free, the instructor shows how to depress the top pins with a tension wrench while inserting a pick to lift each key pin individually. This “single‑pin picking” method is illustrated on a practice lock, highlighting the tactile feedback that indicates a pin has set. The video also covers the use of a rake tool for rapid pin‑bumping, explaining why this technique is acceptable for training purposes but prohibited in unauthorized contexts.
After mastering pin manipulation, the lesson moves to master keying—a process that adds an additional pin height to each chamber, allowing two different keys to operate the same lock. The instructor first measures the existing key using a key gauge, then determines the appropriate master pin size based on the lock’s pin stack. The preview walks through the removal of the original driver pins, the insertion of master pins, and the reassembly of the lock with a new plug that accepts both the original key and the master key. Emphasis is placed on maintaining proper spring tension and verifying that the lock turns smoothly with both keys before final installation.
Finally, the preview touches on the manual key‑cutting process. Using a bench‑mounted key‑cutting machine, the instructor demonstrates how to set the correct depth for each cut by referencing the key gauge obtained earlier. The video explains how to align the key blank, engage the cutting wheel, and make precise cuts while monitoring the depth gauge. After cutting, the key is deburred with a fine file, and a quick test against the lock confirms proper operation. The instructor also notes common pitfalls—such as over‑cutting or misaligning the key blank—that can render a key unusable.
The rest (full video + PDF + exercises) is for enrolled Lock School students. Enroll →
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