Mastering Locksmith Skills: The Essential Tool Every Locksmith Needs 🔑
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Why a Dedicated Tool is Preferred
- The Offset Cylinder
- The Thumb Turn
- Picking the Cam
- Using a Dedicated Pick
- The GJ Tool
- Picking the Cylinder
- Returning the Cam
- Benefits of Dedicated Picks
Article
🗝️ Why a Dedicated Tool is Preferred for Picking WXm Ultion Cylinders
If you're becoming a locksmith, one skill you'll need to master is picking WXm Ultion cylinders. These cylinders, also known as monkey little bastards, are becoming increasingly popular in the composite door industry. In fact, it's safe to say that nine out of ten composite doors you come across will have a WXm three-star cylinder at the thumb turn. In this article, I'll explain why I prefer a dedicated tool over hand picks when it comes to picking these challenging locks.
The Offset Cylinder
One of the reasons why a dedicated tool is preferred for picking WXm Ultion cylinders is the unique offset shape of the cylinder. Unlike traditional cylinders, which are usually 35/35, these cylinders have a slight offset of 35/30. You might wonder why such a design choice was made. Well, it's because most composite doors nowadays have their own handles that are slightly concave inwards. Additionally, certain exclusive composite doors only allow a 30 on one side rather than a standard 35. This is where dedicated picks come into play.
The Thumb Turn
Another important factor to consider when picking WXm Ultion cylinders is the presence of a thumb turn on the inside. Most composite doors, if not all, have a thumb turn for ease of use. Rather than fumbling around for keys, homeowners can simply operate the lock from the inside using the thumb turn. However, this adds a layer of complexity when it comes to picking the cylinder, as you'll also need to pick up the cam.
Picking the Cam
Now, let's imagine a scenario where the thumb turn is locked from the inside, and you need to pick the cylinder to unlock the door. Unlike traditional locks where the cam is always in a fixed position when the key is retracted, the cam position in thumb turn cylinders can vary. This means that you'll need to be able to pick up the cam regardless of its position. This is where a dedicated tool shines.
Using a Dedicated Pick
A dedicated pick, such as the GJ tool, is specifically designed to pick WXm Ultion cylinders. Originally created for the standard Ultion locks, it can easily be adapted for WXm cylinders by flipping the tool around and using a wire. The GJ tool simplifies the picking process, making it easier for locksmiths to navigate the unique challenges posed by these cylinders.
Picking the Cylinder
With the GJ tool in hand, picking WXm Ultion cylinders becomes relatively straightforward. Using proper tension and carefully working your way along the pins, you can effectively tickle the pins into place. The goal is to push the wire past the pins, indicating that they are set. Once the pins are set, the cylinder is ready to be opened.
Returning the Cam
One key advantage of using a dedicated pick is that it takes care of picking up the cam for you. Unlike traditional picks where you have to manually pick up the cam, the dedicated tool will only engage with the cam when necessary. Once the cam is picked, the tool allows the door to be unlocked smoothly. When the key is used, the cam automatically returns to its natural position.
Benefits of Dedicated Picks
In conclusion, dedicated picks offer several advantages when it comes to picking WXm Ultion cylinders. They are specifically designed to handle the challenges posed by these unique cylinders, including the offset shape and the presence of a thumb turn. With a dedicated pick like the GJ tool, locksmiths can effectively and efficiently pick these cylinders, ensuring customer satisfaction and peace of mind.
Highlights:
- WXm Ultion cylinders are increasingly found in composite doors
- A dedicated pick is preferred over hand picks for picking these cylinders
- The offset shape and thumb turn add complexity to the picking process
- The GJ tool simplifies picking WXm Ultion cylinders
- Dedicated picks handle the challenges of the cylinder design and thumb turn effectively
- The cam is automatically picked and returned by the dedicated pick
FAQ:
Q: Are WXm Ultion cylinders common in composite doors?
A: Yes, they are becoming increasingly popular and are commonly found in composite doors.
Q: Why is a dedicated tool preferred over hand picks?
A: A dedicated tool is preferred because it is specifically designed to handle the challenges posed by WXm Ultion cylinders, such as the offset shape and thumb turn.
Q: How does the GJ tool simplify the picking process?
A: The GJ tool simplifies the process by automatically picking up the cam when necessary, eliminating the need for manual cam picking.
Q: Can dedicated picks be used for other types of locks?
A: Dedicated picks are designed for specific lock types, so they may not be suitable for other locks. However, there are dedicated picks available for different lock models and brands.
Q: Are there any drawbacks to using a dedicated pick?
A: One drawback is that dedicated picks may require additional investment compared to hand picks. However, the benefits they offer in terms of efficiency and effectiveness outweigh the cost for professional locksmiths.
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