A key blank is inserted into the lock, and then turned to bind the pins. When the pins are binding, the key is wiggled or moved to produce marks on the blank. If a pin is at the shear line it will not bind, and no marking will occur. When marks are found, the places on the blank which have marks are then filed. The marking and filing process is repeated as necessary to produce a working key which raises all the pins to the shear line, thus opening the lock.
Although impressioning is not hard to learn, it does take some practice to develop the skill. Of course, the more you practice, the easier it gets!
There are three commonly used methods for making the marks. They are called wiggling, tapping, and pulling. In each of the methods, the blank is inserted in the keyway, and then turned hard to bind the pins. Usually turning pressure is applied in the direction you want the lock to open, but you can try both directions to see which leaves better marks.
You will gain extensive knowledge on a variety of locks, lock picks, methods of lock picking and lot more significant information by reading this manual.
Material in Impressioning Manual for Amateur Locksmiths is categorized as follows:
- Introduction
- Practice Locks
- Files
- Blanks
- Making the Marks
- Seeing the Marks
- Filing the Marks
- Some Useful Accessories
- Short Pins
- Spool Pins
- Problems with Blanks
- Master Key Systems
- Dirty Locks
- Disk Tumbler Locks
- Impressioning Other Types of Locks
- Glossary
- Bibliography
