Picking tubular locks

--- CLASSICCMP(a)trailing-edge.com wrote: I have *one* PDP-8/L PSU with a different key (but I have the key). All other DEC locks I have ever run across were the XX2247 key. You used to be able to get spares from friendly FS guys. But don't use an XX2247 metal key in those plastic ones on a regular basis. The fluting (combination) on the metal keys abrads the plastic "lock" body. My younger brother is a former locksmith (and current professional geek). He owns an Ace lockpick. It's like an Ace key body with the pin grooves cut all the way up the cylinder and feeler gauges in the grooves with a tension collar above where the lock body would sit on the key. The whole thing is capped with a 1" knurled plastic knob. To pick the lock, you slide all the feelers down to zero, insert the "key" into the lock and give it this special twisting, pushing, pulling motion that's hard to describe in writing. The idea is to bind the pins in the lock and push back the feelers by pressing the pick against the bound pins. He can open a pop machine in about 15 sec. The secondary benefit of this pick is that you can now make a key from the pick since you know all the depths. It's about $70. He made a second one for a non-Ace lock, but he's that kind of guy. No, I don't own one myself, but he did re-key my personal Gorf machine to XX2247 for my convenience. -ethan ===== Infinet has been sold. The domain is going away in February. Please send all replies to erd(a)iname.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Bid and sell for free at http://auctions.yahoo.com