Patent ID: 8302439
Filing Date: 2012-11-06
Classification: E05B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of picking a lock, comprising: providing a pin setting key with bitting surfaces each configured to set a rotational orientation of a pin of the lock to a predetermined rotational orientation; setting the rotational orientation of the pins of the lock by inserting the pin setting key into the keyway of the lock to cause rotation of the pins as the pins seat against the bitting surfaces of a blade of the key and applying rotational torque to a plug of the lock to cause legs of a sidebar of the lock to engage a gate on each pin; when the setting of the pins by the setting key frees the sidebar to move, withdrawing the pin setting key while maintaining torque on the plug to hold the rotational orientation of the pins set by the setting key as the key is withdrawn so that the legs of the sidebar resist rotation of the pins from the rotational orientation; releasing torque from the plug of the lock after the pin setting key has been withdrawn; inserting a tension wrench into the keyway and reapplying torque to the plug to move the legs of the sidebar into engagement with the gates in the pins; and manipulating the position of the pins in bores of the plug of the lock with a pick.