(1816) Curtained Lever Lock Basics

[@AndyMaclocklab]

Much appreciated Bill 👍 The lock is a 7 gauge ERA viscount If anyone would like access to my website and tool information please just mail me

[@LockpickingDev]

Nice to find another skilled pick maker! Lever and Disc Detainer makers seems to be harder to find. Your tools look gorgeous!

[@choochoochooseyou]

Fantastic work, Andy.

[@justie1220]

Well made tools sir!

[@NigelTolley]

Those are looking good Andy!

[@rogerhudson2814]

I've often said, pre-KZbin, that one got extra security by using a 'foreign ' lock to deter the casual burglar.

[@mscottdowning9682]

Thank you for showing me what a "false gate" looks like. Yes, it is "beginner's stuff" to you but not all of us are as accomplished as some of your viewers.

[@Alchemetica]

Thank you for taking the time to show the false gates and how they work for people like me who get a great deal of pleasure from watching you pick and telling us what you are doing and showing the insides of the picked lock. I am not a lock picker and the extra info makes the methodology more accessible.

[@waddac2]

Glad you had fun with it buddy and well done on the opening. When I pick mortice locks, I generally start right at the back and work to front testing levers as gives me an idea as to which lever I am on, but each to their own just like euros and padlocks etc. Andy is correct with ERA Viscount. Have fun with the others and the Fortress. Great picks made by Andy, he is a true pro.👍👍👍

[@waddac2]

@Gary V Ive been very ill Gary mate.... Hence reason for no videos.

[@THR33STEP]

Awesome!! Well explained on how these work! Great job Bill and nice tools from Andy!!!

[@sanshukan]

"Lot of cut 1" - Worth remembering that the lock has to be symmetrical because they are designed to be opened from the inside and the outside of the door. So if you find a 1 as the first lever then there will be a 1 as the last lever

[@gerrybrandreth1933]

Right idea but wrong levers. Levers 3 & 5 must be the same. The rest can be anything.

[@Pozi_Drive]

only if the lock is intended to be opened from both sides.

[@NigelTolley]

@@Pozi_Drive most of my customers prefer a two sided door.

[@Pozi_Drive]

@@NigelTolley into a cl;oset under the stairways? or as the entrance to a cellar?

[@gerrybrandreth1933]

@@Pozi_Drive You would still use a lock that is keyed for use from either side. Wellington escape locks are one exception but that's pretty much it.

[@sillyseppy7095]

Love the longer videos !!!!

[@bosnianbill]

Good to know!

[@brianjrichman]

I grew up in the UK (now in Texas). Every house built in the 1920's and 30's had one of these locks on exterior doors. You needed two keys to open the doors. One for the simple Yale lock that everyone seemed to have and one for one of these.

[@Pozi_Drive]

frontdoor yale, backdoor one of these (bearded key)

[@tomwilliams8675]

I've always wanted to see the inside of one of these and how it works. Thanks Bill.

[@LegalLockPicker]

I've been working on lever locks for 6 months now, some of these tips are invaluable so thank you and Andy Mac for the best god damn tools

[@TsiolkovskySportingLocks]

Andy is such a top bloke and a master tool maker.

[@xorsyst1]

Great video Bill. These sorts of locks are pretty standard in the UK, most home insurance recommends one of these on all external solid doors. That's why they are pretty cheap - even the big sheds like B&Q (our home depot) sell them for ~£26. The biggest downside for me is the key is quite chunky compared to a pin lock.

[@davidcovington901]

From zero to 90 in 14 minutes. Great teaching and demo. Tx for the "in-sight."

[@DonzLockz]

Well explained Bill, you you be a lock teacher. We always earn stuff on every video.🍺😎🇦🇺

[@billhenderson731]

Excellent tutorial. And excellent tools from Andy Mac. Like several viewers, I too grew up with these in the UK, and ‘mucked about’ with them in my early years; which got me interested in locks. Definitely have to take a break from padlocks, and go back to door locks 👍

[@FredGandt]

Best wishes for a happy retirement BosnianBill. Thanks for all the edutainment :)

[@KermodeBear]

Thank you for this video. Very rarely see anyone work with these kinds of locks, and your explanation / teardown was very informative.

[@Aceoffroad4x4]

Loved the video. No worries about the time. As you said " covered a lot of stuff."

[@msamour]

Holy wow! That seems to be the safest lock I've seen lately. I should but these on everything.

[@parapicktog7734]

As usual Bill, great presentation with excellent commentary. Your videos are very easy for a layman to understand. I always learn something. And now I have another tool supplier to add to my bookmarks. Thank you Andymac.

[@89smokey]

The house I grew up in had these old “skeleton key” locks on all the doors. It was built around the turn of the century and was used as a boarding house when my grandfather bought it. Wish I had some of those AND all the skeleton keys that went with them!

[@waynejoynes589]

Nice to see lever locks on the channel Bill. We have many lever lock types in the UK and some amazing pickers. Highly recommend giving Chris Evans Lock Picking a watch on KZbin, lives and breaths these locks and makes the best tools to open them in my opinion 😉 👍

[@LockpickingDev]

Thanks, BB! Haven't played with Levers too much yet but have a growing collection waiting for the day 😁

[@mickconnolly5784]

I brought mine off andy to his new one's are made by G.J Locks and they make his new padlock pick set which is just awesome especially with all the new tips wow all made by GJ s and Andy's hand made wires his gear is top shelf best on the market just beautifully made

[@The_Doc_Rocks]

Another nice video, @Bosnianbill - thank you. One thing that may not have been obvious to some is that the curtain is attached to that backplate that you had a bit of trouble fitting back into the back keyhole, and in most of these curtained locks, it is that backplate that actually turns and pulls the bolt back. That's why Andy's little nub of an upstand at the end of the pick will tension the bolt - it locks onto the curtain/backplate unit and turns the whole thing as a unit - curtain, backplate, then the bolt. If you see what I mean... :)

[@noosart6525]

It would be so cool if this could be shown in a transparent lock. Just to see how this way of picking is really done

[@penfold7800]

LockNoob does that in one of his videos

[@marinemanagements]

See Andy Mac's You tube page as well for this

[@choochoochooseyou]

Always interesting to listen to, Bill.

[@frankbiz]

Pretty amazing lock, more secure than many pin tumbler locks found at the big box stores. Nice picking Bill. 👍🏻

[@FloydBunsen]

This took a surprisingly long time considering the simplicity of the lock.

[@Large_Sarge]

Thanks for sharing and teaching. I want to put a few of these in my home. I seriously doubt many people know how to pick them in a timely manner. Good stuff.

[@peglor]

It's a requirement for my home insurance policy that mortice locks have at least 5 levers. The curtain isn't a requirement, but most 5 lever locks I've seen have it. It also means you can block access to the keyhole from the outside by turning the key a little from the inside - useful to stop someone who has the key getting in, but with a pair of pointed rods it's possible to drive the lock open from the outside by pushing the curtain along so it drives the key, so the key should not be left in the lock. On doors without a decent step or tight seal at the bottom, you can slide a sheet of paper under the door, push the key out so it lands on the paper and then slide the paper back to you to get the key.

[@peteo4454]

@@peglor You must've watch that same MacGyver episode lol

[@peglor]

@@peteo4454 Knowing about this predates MacGyver. I read about it first in an Enid Blyton children's book.

[@chriswalford4161]

Anti-saw rollers in the bolt, too.

[@floorpizza8074]

Very educational video, Bill, thank you.

[@codyhoche8888]

Well great to wake up to locks and some coffee

[@ro11erbeast]

I had a bagel and locks with my coffee. 😊

[@Machineius]

Excellent video on describing these type of locks. I actually learned a lot. Thanks.

[@cnsult]

Very nice picking and show and tell on the tools. In future, please consider backing the camera off so we can see the end of the tool and how you are rotating it.

[@elund408]

I lived in england in the early 80s and always wondered why they used ancient technology for their door locks, turns out they were more secure than the standard quickset that mose american homes have,

[@jakeblanton6853]

Locks just keep honest people honest... Most criminals are not going to try to pick a lock, they're just going to use a destructive approach -- kick the door in, break glass, crowbar, etc... Many of us in the US realize this and figure that the only purpose of the lock is to slow them down enough and cause them to make enough noise that we will notice it and choose the proper caliber firearm for the task at hand... :)

[@Disinterested1]

Andy does awesome kit :) a very talented man ! great video and hope you are all well :)

[@freakygardener8033]

Very cool. Never seen that before!

[@Silvertoburn]

Thank you sir!

[@leecraig8010]

Grate job at picking a ERA.

[@mattikaki]

Nice. Now I must take a look if my safe has that curtain and false gates. False gates are easy to make but the other needs more to tweekie.

[@zwz.zdenek]

At least they allowed themselves to use identical consecutive levers. There is a lock design that used to be made here in the Czech Republic (now sold to India) and they only had 4 depths of cuts (0-3), different consecutive levers and 4 independent levers before you started mirroring. (The outside cuts were always zero to actuate the bolt.) 27 combinations were pretty susceptible to a tryout attack. Well, there were 3 different sizes of the mortise lock and 6 profiles for each, but the medium size was like 95% of doors and you could grind the bit to disregard the profile and fit them all.

[@roysammons2445]

Nice demo and explanation as always Bill.

[@parapicktog7734]

You need to add a link to Andymac website.

[@bradw0535]

Thanks Bill, very helpful and informative!

[@mfx1]

A LOT of cheaper lever locks are prone to overliffting attacks, one of the best lever locks is the legendary Chubb 110 or the newer 3G110 you should get one of those in for picking.

[@Tommi23]

Sorry to get technical but 110s have detainers not levers difference being the bolt passes completely through the gate of a lever where the detainers have a hammer that just goes in then out rather than through. (Had to learn it for MLA exam) Your right in saying they’re great locks used to be used on banks everywhere (in uk) normally the main door had 3 if you really interested i got one in the shed if you wanna have a look at the inner workings really well designed and build

[@mfx1]

@@Tommi23 Principle is still the same, it's probably more accurate to say that a detainer lock is a specific type of lever lock.

[@philthejet]

I also have fun picking lever locks. They are not really common here in Switzerland so I usually order some from England. How much does Andy Mac sell the newer version tool kit you have? Thank Bill and stay safe, stay healthy.

[@ostbagen]

Here in Sweden you often have two locks on your door, one normal and one of the same type as the one in the video, with often a relatively long key.

[@glennj6465]

Great explanation though bill 👍🏻😎

[@lockhenge1752]

Great picking and vid Bill...!

[@donnierobertson3088]

Great job and video like always

[@cheyannei5983]

This one didn't end up in my notifications somehow. My bell is rung and everything, which is weird--lever locks are my favorite... that may explain why you aren't getting the normal 30-40k views on this one, or your other subscribers hate lever locks or something!

[@Westhelockpicker]

It's amazing how easy we can get locks in the US and can't get them overseas but I'm doing a package exchange with a guy he wants American locks and in the US you can get them for 9 bucks a piece and the locks I want are very common over there so it's definitely worth shipping a package overseas it's really not that expensive about 30 bucks

[@TsiolkovskySportingLocks]

That's why I'm always so happy to send locks around the world to people - want to share the love with some of the world.

[@oracla]

@@TsiolkovskySportingLocks Please send me some locks kind sir :)

[@Westhelockpicker]

@@TsiolkovskySportingLocks do you live in the US?

[@TsiolkovskySportingLocks]

@@Westhelockpicker nope I'm a Brit - who sends out things like lever locks on occasion

[@Westhelockpicker]

@@TsiolkovskySportingLocks I'll have to sub to your channel bud I just started getting into lever locks I did an exchange for some not long ago that's what my comment earlier was about and I'm working on another exchange for lockwood's their hard as hell to get in the US unless you luck out on ebay

[@thelockpickinglebowski633]

Nice work.

[@Zerbey]

My parent's front door had this exact time of lock growing up, the key always fascinated me - probably why I'm into locksport now. They got a more modern lock when they replaced the front door a few years ago but I still have the key as a childhood memento.

[@penfold7800]

'UNION' made some great warded lever locks back in the day, with the equivalent of paracentric keyways

[@penfold7800]

Great picking. I'm glad I haven't bought the 1st design, now I can get the improved 2nd design, or the 1st set cheaper?

[@gozzendk]

Thanks for the video 🔑👍

[@ericwes7351]

Always wondered what a "false gate" was. Do you have video for a typical lock with pins? I think I have heard the term used with this type of lock too. Or please correct me if I am wrong. Thank you

[@highinquisitor0083]

Just started this as a hobby, but I can't help but wonder. How much of this method translates over to disc detainer locks? The mechanical concept is very similar.

[@bosnianbill]

Practically none. Sorry.

[@highinquisitor0083]

Good to know. Thank you.

[@Someone-mo3ye]

Nice video bill 👍

[@lockpickingbelfast]

Tip placement is important

[@Darg0rTSL]

Is there any play list of locks that are actually worth buying? Im sure bosnial bill can lock pick anything he can put his hands on but there most be something good out there

[@metamorphicorder]

Yes. Look through his video and you will find things he reccomends. Him and lock picking lawyer as well.

[@danareed1656]

great info thank you!

[@pappaflammyboi5799]

So, if I'm not mistaken, it appears that you would only need to pick this from the one side, not the side you picked, since you have easy access to the screws to open it up. Yes, no?

[@penfold7800]

The whole lock body fits inside the door itself, so you would only have access to the screws when the door is open and you are able to slide the whole assembly out. However, if you know which specific lock it is, you can drill a hole through the door and through the lock body to drill the pin out that would normally fit through the gates. More expensive mortice locks have a hardened steel plate on the part of the lock body where the pin is to prevent that. (Another more tricky drill point is through the pin that the levers pivot on, so the essentially become innefective.

[@pappaflammyboi5799]

@@penfold7800 Thanks. I noticed that the further down the comments I got. Oops...🧐👍

[@richardarmstrong3rd53]

@Bosnianbill how hard would it be to make a master key for this lock design? I used to have one but I gave it away when I was 11 years old or so.

[@penfold7800]

I think you're talking about warded 'skeleton' keys. The key looks similar to this design, but there's usually only one lever and the bolt latch to activate, so a 'skeleton' master key was basically a bypass key. To have a set of multi-lever locks able to accept a master key as well as thier individual keys, you would need two true gates on the levers that were different in each lock. Possible, but not practical, as expensive.

[@UnderTheRadar1976]

I find them easier to pick then normal locks I made my picks from bicycle spokes

[@Bemei219]

This is a era mortise lock

[@charlesrknottsjr]

Bill what happened to the swick? Is it going to go on the market?

[@bosnianbill]

As a kickstarter supporter, I get the occasional update. Last week they send out an email to confirm addresses of pre-orders. It LOOKS like they are getting close to shipping product, but I won't believe it until I actually SEE it. They've announced too many "plans" that have fallen through. Because of my experience with Swick (and two others), I will not be supporting kickstarters in the future. I am 0 for 3...

[@charlesrknottsjr]

@@bosnianbill thank you. I like what the Lockpickinglawyer came up with, but I like the swick design better. By the way I have been following you for about 5 + years. I love your content. Happy Thanksgiving and thanks for all your help.

[@nagasako7]

These kinds of locks seem insane, if you had these locks installed, would a local locksmith even be able to help you?

[@chris-ot4og]

I was eager to get some windshield wiper blades and use the steel strips inside to make picks. However the steel is thin on width and thin on thickness. Why is this a common recommendation? Useless to me.

[@bosnianbill]

There are at least 4 different sizes. Try another brand.

[@Graham_Langley]

@@bosnianbill Here in the UK and I presume elsewhere you'll often find them at the side of the road. But then you need to be walking...

[@adama1294]

I cant seem to find these types of locks here in the US. What term should I search for? Lever locks just return lever handled locks.

[@colinstu]

"Mortise lock" is the main term. People like to call those big old keys "skeleton keys" as well.

[@Tommi23]

In the uk they’re called 5 lever mortice dead locks or sash locks if you wanna get a decent one the British standard 3621 has the pick notches

[@Tommi23]

Also known as Chubb locks in the uk but it’s like calling vacuum cleaner a hoover it was just the most popular brand even though Chubb have gone bust now

[@Graham_Langley]

@@Tommi23 Or any kind of cylinder rim lock a Yale lock.

[@ninjabaiano6092]

Damm i really have those for the inside areas instead of outside because it looked less modern and secure locks .

[@jwhuffandpuff]

What brand case is this?

[@bosnianbill]

It is a Pelican Ruck R60. I got it on Amazon.

[@oracla]

"The tip of it just barely fits in but... only sideways." - that's what she said.

[@michaelamundson4715]

Smh

[@UTubeHandlesSuck]

AvE would love this vijeo. "Just the tip, and just for a minute."

[@brigbjones]

Stuff Made Here built a strong lock you should check it out!

[@JimWhitaker]

Not Philips screws holding it together. They are Pozidrive-headed ones.

[@Graham_Langley]

Pozidriv - no 'e'.

[@metamorphicorder]

So a bowley lock is essientially a curtained pin tumbler lock then.

[@penfold7800]

Not exactly. With a bowley lock, you can't get a pick in once the curtain is turned, whereas with a curtained lever lock you can.

[@metamorphicorder]

@@penfold7800 no exactly. I didnt comment on the extent of the curtain or its effective ness. Simply its existence. The bowley is a curtained pin tumbler lock. You could make a lever lock that has a more effective curtain to where you cant get a pick in at all and it will still be a curtained lock. Im aware there are differences between the two designs. But its still a curtain.

[@MikkoRantalainen]

That lock would have been so much better if the curtain had been slightly deeper there that bent wire would't have been enough to bypass the curtain.

[@oracla]

Bill it seem to me that you are using the wrong direction of the bend in the wire. So.. making it even harder, not easier. Can someone confirm this?

[@BrettSucks]

.

[@paddlefaster]

The "stay legal" part sounds more like a suggestion.

[@160rpm]

beefy bolt

[@colinstu]

0:10 you say it's an ERA lock... then at 10:27 you don't know who made it??

[@metamorphicorder]

I think he meant specific model. Hes basically doing this on the fly. Givem a break.

[@1stfacts542]

🥃🥃

[@maxgarascia]

Couldn’t see your right hand manipulating levers only see shiny tools

[@glennj6465]

Andy s great guy and got all his videos hacked by some jealous F#####

[@andytuesday500]

Two Philip screws doesn’t seem secure. I know I’m missing something

[@Hawk20O1]

You're missing that that part would be inside the door.

[@mw3goymw3goy]

The lock is inside the door you can’t get to it with out unlocking the door and removing it from the inside of frame

[@jca111]

If you get to the screws you have either a. Opened the door or b. Destroyed the door.

[@Graham_Langley]

1: They're Pozidriv screws 2: It's a mortice lock so they're inside the door