(24) COVERT INSTRUMENTS ARBITER BYPASS KIT

[@PocketWomen]

This is more than a review of the CI gear it's a great comparison video as well. I like to know the difference between the brands so I can best decided what company to spend my dollars with as This is why I like your reviews. I don't have the option of buying crap that can't be used more than once. In that case I will copy the design and make a range of the tool that suits my needs in a stronger material. Thanks for this video, it's good hearing the opinion of an experienced locksmith/locksporter, cheers

[@sandman_locksport]

Thanks for watching! I didn't like the idea of making a review of this set, and just saying it is good, it wouldn't make sense. Because "good compared to what?" lol. Also, i didn't want to make a video reviewing just 4 peterson bypass tools that I never use, or 8 sparrows bypass tools that are garbage lol. I figured i would hit 3 birds with one stone on this one lol. Sorry it was so long, but I got to the point eventually. Covert Instruments makes decent tools because other companies have set the standard low, and all Covert Instruments needs to do, is copy their idea or design, but with better materials and construction. I think thats what they are doing. They are doing decent. They just need more pick options.

[@PocketWomen]

@@sandman_locksport totally agree

[@lgreen1091]

Perfectly said! I couldn’t agree more!

[@aratondisane]

It also has good information how useful bypass tools are in general.

[@spencerthompson1]

"All the locks whisper my name in fear." That is a great line!

[@sandman_locksport]

🤷🏻‍♂️😂

[@normanvename4404]

Lol, straight banger.

[@LarsLarsen77]

That's why I make my bypass tools and shims on the spot out of an old beer can. If you jam enough beer can shims into that commercial lock you'll have enough clearance to put your expensive tools in.

[@TequilaDave]

Not really into bypassing myself but I do carry a Covert Companion in my work bag for the odd emergency. I probably use the decoder the most, just showing people how vulnerable Masterlock keysafes are! 😀

[@greg77hot]

I think as an ongoing project, I am going to try and craft some of these tools.

[@sandman_locksport]

Nothing wrong with that!

[@nilebrixton8436]

Amazing review that's willing to demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of these tools. Thank you for this honest review.

[@sandman_locksport]

Thanks for watching!

[@SeeStuDo]

Dude, the printed out info pages are singing to me, lol. Old school methods anymore, im here for it. Thanks for the breakdown!

[@sandman_locksport]

You bet!

[@DiyDMMakesThings]

Another great video! I've been debating buying the arbiter but haven't had a chance to really comparison shop. You pretty much did the leg work already! Glad I found this! You got my sub!

[@Ajurra13]

My name is Matt Foley, and I live in a van down by the river!!!! But seriously, a great review video and I appreciate it...

[@sandman_locksport]

Thanks! You’re the only person that got that reference!

[@Pandemos]

The straightening tool is the same as a jeweler's tool that costs half the price. They just rebrand it. It's meant for controlling the curvature of jewelry.

[@SacredHeart0520]

You are so right . And it does take practice and. Picking is. The best way to

[@sandman_locksport]

Thank you for watching

[@vinsanitybeatbox210]

I love watching your videos as a 17 year old with only 1 year of lock picking experience

[@kingzach74]

I've been messing around with the FNG set from CI and one thing I've learned playing around with it, is the standard picking method of using the hook part to pick is much more difficult than just inserting it upside down and bumping the pins. It is so much faster than trying to get every single pin set. I know this only works with this one particular lock but I didn't even think to turn it around until I watched this video and saw you use the traveler's hook in that way.

[@sandman_locksport]

If it works for you, that’s all that matters. There are zero rules in Locksport. Do what works!

[@gdaman3700]

High quality content and very well organized. This video helped me make the smart choice as I enter the lockpicking/locksport world. I wish your channel well and hope to see you get a lot more subscribers!

[@sandman_locksport]

Thank you 🙏

[@SnakePicks]

I bought this set a few weeks ago and am super excited to see this review!

[@sandman_locksport]

I love this set, I go into the WEEDS on everything you need to know about this set. Its a damn good review, or so my wife has said lol jk. you'll like it.

[@SnakePicks]

@@sandman_locksport I have no doubts!! Keep ‘em coming bro cuz you’re killing it!! I recently bought an Adams Rite lock to test the bypass on and it works wonders. I’m very happy to have picked up this set.

[@MonkeyDPickle]

I put most of my bypass tools in a box rarely to ever even see the light of day. The problem with the CI SSF tools is that like you said they break or break the lock. And it can cause youre entire multitool to get stuck with it. Unless you have a quarter or flat head to dissassemble the thing on the fly then you have a bunch of parts everywhere

[@5pro479]

I especially enjoyed your comments on the American Bypass Driver. I too destroyed the Sparrows American Bypass Driver and have had questions regarding this tool. Your analysis helped me understand that it simply isn't going to work on every unshielded American 1100. I have noticed that the SSF American Bypass tool for the Covert Companion is difficult to use without potentially wrecking the tool.

[@sandman_locksport]

yup. great tools but bypasses generally wear and tear up the tools. which is why i dont practice them.

[@robertl.grayjr.nremt-p994]

Well hell, now I suppose I will be buying the arbiter set from CI. Just ordered the comb pick set from Law Lock Tools. Will combine the two sets most likely if I can fit everything into the same case. You do excellent reviews. Really appreciate your honesty. Helps tremendously!!!

[@sandman_locksport]

I appreciate you watching. Law Lock tools makes some of the best tools on the market. I don’t see any reason why they won’t fit in the case.

[@Dr.Fluffles]

I had to modify my SSF Bypass tool to get it to work, but only slightly by grinding the inner edge (just slightly ground that edge with the end of a pliers). Now it works perfectly. Also, my Sparrows Abus from a couple year back has that pattern handle, but is bonded so much better than that. I've always been worried when using it that it'd slip, but assumed (apparently incorrectly) that it had an extension on the tang inside to stop that kind of failure.

[@davisblackwelder4681]

Another thorough, informative video. Thanks much.

[@sandman_locksport]

Thanks for watching!

[@GpotterBMX]

Sandman, I fukn dig this channel! You’re fun to listen to. Great reviews. You’re real. 🤘🏻😎

[@sandman_locksport]

Thanks brother!

[@normanvename4404]

Thanks for keeping it real. Especially about Sparrows. I have the same problem with the American driver. Total dogshit! I did however try the Sparrows Abus driver on an American lock and got it open twice in a row...then it got all fucked off and bent the 3rd time.

[@sandman_locksport]

Thanks for watching!

[@CucumberLocks]

Dude all your reviews are fire, fantastic insight

[@sandman_locksport]

Bless you brother! Thanks for watching!

[@Arrowed_Sparrow]

Great video. I think lock picking is an amazing hobby and there's so much to learn. But for anyone starting out, a bypass or pick is not a magic wand, it's a tool that requires skill and knowledge. So buy a cheap starter set and a master lock and start learning 😁👍

[@ShutterProp]

I bought the set in the video and a brinks lock to practice on. I opened the lock in less than 3 minutes. I no longer trust Brinks locks. 😂

[@ieyasumcbob]

I have a few of the more obscure Sparrows tensioners (GOAT, Lebel, comb) their build quality seems to hold up. I was giving the revolver some thought and i just got the monkeys paw (hoping to keep introduce new pickers to the sport. I hope they sorted out the handle manufacture when they fixed the black flag picks. A bit sad to see, if not their fall, then a wobble.

[@sandman_locksport]

I love my revolver. Its fun for what it is. They have great tools, and not so great tools. Thanks for watching!

[@ieyasumcbob]

@@sandman_locksport thanks for making it, i enjoy your down to earth style

[@weatherman68]

I got my Sparrows/Lock Noob Monkey Paw pick on Saturday. Getting along famously with it so far. God bless you and yours.

[@georgiajim2260]

I’m 99% certain that American changed the shape of their actuator. I had similar issues with the 1100 but could bypass my mako padlocks with no issue once I removed the anti-bypass wafer.

[@sandman_locksport]

I think you’re probably right

[@joshh535]

"If I want to hear empty promises, I'll call my father. Oooh that stings for someone out there." Lmfao I don't know about stinging, but I definitely relate and laughed. Great video review though! I almost didn't watch because it's 35 minutes, but I'm glad I did.

[@michaelzborovan4362]

Not sure if anyone mentioned this below. I had the same problem w my bypass driver, it's not the tool. Rotate the e-clip so the opening is on the bottom of the keyway. The bottom of the flag is catching on the clip

[@michaelzborovan4362]

One more thing. I've opened my AL this way now dozens of times and the driver is like brand new still. Once it has the clearance there's little resistance on the tool.

[@sandman_locksport]

I appreciate the advice, that could be what is the problem, but I don’t think that’s something I can control in the field. If I approach a lock, I can’t exactly rotate the E clip without having access to the cylinder. So it’s not exactly a hack that is functional in real time on an unknown block to my best estimate if I understand you correctly.

[@michaelzborovan4362]

Yea your totally right about not working in the field. But to ba able to practice it at home its worth rotating the clip u know. I wonder what the percentage of AL's have the clip in the shifty spot so u can't bypass it...? I'd imagine we could file off a 64th or whatever off the height of the flag too and it would pass by the clip either way, I just haven't tried it myself. I only got 1 arbiter and 1 bypass tool so that's on someone else,lol...

[@pieincLockPicking88]

Hey man, another great video. That really sucks with sparrows. I was actually thinking about picking up some of their bypass drivers to add to my collection but after seeing the quality of that probably not going to be doing that now lol anyway, looking forward to the next video.

[@sandman_locksport]

thanks for watching! yeah, its crazy how far their quality has fallen. i really do love some of their tools, but the more i review, the more i realize they suck lol. i think their strong suit is the toys and the fun locks. because their picks and bypass tools are garbage compared to everyone else. and 10 years ago their bypass tools were better than they are today. i dont know what they are doing but its not good.

[@jonholistik]

Beyond the decoders i personally never saw the need for the bypass tools as i focus mainly on spp....that being said however i do see the usefulness of the set..as always legit breakdown and fabulous vid sir

[@sandman_locksport]

I'm the exact same about these. I love that I have them, these are the best you can buy, but I'll just pick the lock.

[@jonholistik]

@sandman_locksport yeah, thats partly whythe decoders caught my eye. Just dunno which is better, the ci set or the southern specialties set since they are both virtually identical but the southern specialties is about 1.25 less lol

[@sandman_locksport]

@@jonholistikif the southern specialties comes with a case, go with that one, they are a good company and make great products. im sure they use the same tool steel for their bypass tools.

[@jonholistik]

@sandman_locksport they only come by themselves if im not mistaken, however i actually bought the genesis set specifically for the case so its less of an issue to me personally as it would go in w that set(along w the short monkey paw and worm rake as my edc) lol

[@61pickgun]

Great review Sandman!

[@sandman_locksport]

thanks for watching!

[@Majestiicc12]

Hey I just found your channel. And this review. This has been a really great, HONEST review of these tools. I’ve been considering getting some of this stuff, and would have spent the money had I not been lucky enough to find your review. I appreciate it!! Definitely subbed. (I really wish more videos were actually this honest, it’s not something I see a lot.)

[@sandman_locksport]

Thanks for watching! I get a lot of hate for how long my videos are, but if I just came out and told people what is the best tools to buy, inside of a five minute video, it would sound biased. So I have to kill you with knowledge and experience before I give you my final opinion.

[@newsthatdoesntsuck840]

Chinesium! Throwback to the Canuck!

[@dropshot2437]

I think you have to pull up on shackle to bypass with American lock bypass thing

[@sandman_locksport]

It’s possible

[@galacticdeep]

You mentioned that with that American lock if you put too much pressure on the CI tool it may bend or break, so could it be the spinning of the Sparrows grip is to keep the user from breaking it? Or am I putting more thought into the design than Sparrows did?

[@sandman_locksport]

I have yet to bend or break a CI tool, but, like anything else, I’m sure it could happen with enough force. I appreciate your thought and input, however, I do not believe sparrows intended this for their tools.

[@SemperFi_EDC_Guy]

I actually thought the combs DID come with that set lol. I automatically bought the bypass set with the CI comb set and always had em in the case. I believe it was a cheap add on or something.

[@sandman_locksport]

meh, when your spending $100 on an order, whats another $20! lol. its an amazing kit. I love it. thanks for watching!

[@SemperFi_EDC_Guy]

@@sandman_locksport lol, exactly 💯 🤣

[@michaelzborovan4362]

This was my first CI purchase and my first set of bypass tools and couldn't be happier. So far I think CI is absolutely great and best value for sure. I got the green case and agree it's basically perfect as far as cases are concerned. Sandman, Did you get the storefront latch double hook thingy for the covert companion??? If so is it worth it? Oh and I added a set of the combs/tensioners from sparrows to my arbiter set. And because they're tensioners ill probably add the genesis picks just so it's an all in one kinda kit. And still minimal space.

[@sandman_locksport]

thanks for watching. i havnt tried the latch double hook tools in the covert companion yet. but im sure they work just fine. i keep it in my truck, the covert companion. great to know i have it for emergencies, but im not exactly out there slipping latches everyday lol. im just a locksport enthusiast. its worth it to add to the companion though. the companion is sweet!

[@michaelzborovan4362]

Yea I'm ordering that too then. As long as it wasn't a piece of shit or whatever I'm gettin it. I thin a couple flag picks built like the AL bypass tool would be a great addition.

[@iyeetsecurity922]

I'm so glad that Sparrows, and then CI came along. I _really_ dislike Peterson tools. They're the only tools that've broken on me and they're overpriced. Especially for not even being *half* tang. I definitely agree about the quality of Sparrows going down, but I think they're (mostly) worth what they ask. But CI and JL are all I bother buying now thanks to them both being a perfect balance of quality of price.

[@WyteLox]

Could you tell by that custom pick I showed ya black and red is my thing to😅

[@sandman_locksport]

Great minds think alike

[@newsthatdoesntsuck840]

@Sandman, thanks for the explanation that even the proper tool doesn’t ensure success.

[@sandman_locksport]

That’s what it boils down to unfortunately. I think Covert Instruments makes the best bypass tools on the market currently, but be prepared to destroy your tools in the process, and to feel let down 50% of the time lol. Not because of the tools but because locks are designed to be difficult to bypass or manipulate. Thanks for watching!

[@newsthatdoesntsuck840]

@@sandman_locksport Thanks for the work

[@HVAC_Tips_Tricks_Calcs]

Another nice review! I keep most of my spp picks and turners in the black case, and my bypass tools, comb set, rakes and a few turners in the green case. Pretty much all I need. I just wish the black case was able to hold some of the slimmer euro picks, which seems to have longer handles.

[@sandman_locksport]

I totally agree. I think they will have more case options and tools coming out this year or next spring. Time will tell! Thanks for watching!

[@HVAC_Tips_Tricks_Calcs]

Great! Now I'll have to buy more stuff, lol.

[@502deth]

that "good" "quality" sparrows adams-rite bypass tool is shit too. ive had 2 of them. one failed first use, the other failed 2nd use. much like your complaint with the rubber handles, as soon as i went to turn them, the wire just spun in the handle.

[@sandman_locksport]

That sucks! Thanks for letting me know!

[@Kycirion]

I was one of your so called "contractors." Every single door latch I've ever installed is installed correctly because I can read directions and, you know........ the internet exists.

[@sandman_locksport]

I have no idea if this was supposed to be a negative or positive comment lol. When door latches are installed properly, bypass techniques become impossible. That comment I made was directed towards people that teach bypass techniques like they are everywhere, they are not, they are only possible when shitty contractors dont do their job properly. If you took offense, that is on you. If your not a shitty contractor, and you are a good contactor, then you know what I'm talking about, and you get what im saying. Thanks for watching and subscribing!

[@shadeiland]

Reminds me of plumbers I come behind. I am a plumber by trade and now an inspector, more often than not I run into very bad workmanship. The ones that do it right, especially in new construction, are rare. If you are one of the ones that installed to spec and/or went above and beyond then you should be proud. But if your industry is anything like mine then more often than not the work is done sloppy.

[@sandman_locksport]

@@shadeiland that’s exactly right!

[@IYF_Productions_SL]

Sandman i loved the video. When you said they can use the knife tool on a Medeco I died. Way too funny and I have no doubt some internet nitwit has and will continue in the future to try and do just that. If anyone knows about Medeco mortises they will know why that was so funny. Keep up the good work and thanks!

[@sandman_locksport]

Thanks for watching brother! Smashing nitwit expectations since 1984!

[@IYF_Productions_SL]

@@sandman_locksport 👍👍

[@SpaceDr00ze]

Informative and funny!

[@sandman_locksport]

Thank you!

[@canadafree2087]

Bypass tools are an arms race; a vulnerability is discovered and taken advantage of until the companies counter the bypass. I shrink tubed my handles black but used red for the thinner decoder. Sparrows covers many things but the Arbiter with flat handles makes a more compact set. I got mine more as a collector and would rather break Sparrows as I can replace them in country. More and more Sparrows is made in China, the CI kit has a made in China sticker on it so I'll assume the case and contents are all made in China. While not what I prefer, some Chinese products will be made better than other Chinese products. For hooks I love the original Carolina Roller. Sparrows decoder and knife/shiv should be $5 cheaper.

[@sandman_locksport]

I 100% agree. I will be selling some high security tools from China soon and they are amazing! Not all chinese products are crap. Just the lowest bidders are. Thanks for watching!

[@weatherman68]

​@sandman_locksport Can't wait to see your vid in the future mate. I must thank you for putting Moki tools on my radar. Brilliant channel and great content. Best of luck bro. God bless you and yours. 😊

[@sandman_locksport]

@@weatherman68 thanks for watching brother!

[@weatherman68]

@@sandman_locksport The pleasure was all mine. 🍻

[@skyman5209]

Try depressing the lock while turning the bypass tool In the american lock

[@sandman_locksport]

Thank you for the advice I’ll give it a try!

[@mattkrcma4092]

Really informative and i think youre pretty funny

[@sandman_locksport]

Thanks Matt!

[@shanevalverde4523]

would you be able to share the printout you read off of?

[@sandman_locksport]

Nope. Google is your friend

[@SemperFi_EDC_Guy]

It's. ... well built. Other than the access card. Too many sharp edges imo. And kinda smaller than it should be maybe.. the other stuff I like alot.

[@sandman_locksport]

Good assessment, I think they just wanted the access card to fit the case. But I agree, I would carry a larger tool like the Rapid Access Tool (R.A.T.) to accompany this set. Perhaps sanding with high grit sandpaper might make the card more usable or user friendly. Its a valid point to make. Thanks for stopping by brother!

[@SemperFi_EDC_Guy]

@sandman_locksport anytime! Looking forward to the review!

[@lilyxenos2380]

i very much dislike the sparrows bypass driver. mine had the same issue, and combined with other issues i've had with sparrows products, i don't really plan on buying from them again any time soon or at all for that matter

[@ronaldhesse4992]

so wie die schlösser, die werkzeuge europäische schlösser und werkzeuge sind nicht sooo muschy

[@hobofoshitsho8999]

Hey man, im making an assumption here and i could be wrong but im coming from a place of helping and sharing instead of a place of criticism. I think maybe you aren't aware of the meaning of tolerance in this context. Don't worry, its not super obvious. Im a machinist of 23 years and you're using my lingo. ;) Tolerance, in this context basically is something called out alongside a designated dimension for a part or specific feature of a part and it tells the machinist/inspectors how much room you're allowed (fudge factor) to deviate from the nominal measurement. Its how much you can fuck up or adjust that particular dimension. For instance 2.375" +/-.0025 . This dimension has a fairly tight tolerance of .0025" on either side of nominal (2 3/8") .0025" is about the thickness of the average human hair. 2.375" +/- .02" This tolerance call out is what we would call " wide open". Thats about a half of a mm on either side. Thats a 1mm window for that measurement. My dog can make that dimension using hand tools despite lacking thumbs. Hope i was fairly intelligible enough. Lmk if you have any questions. Hope that helps. For the record, my assumption from what you said in reference to your mortise lock, is that you understood "tolerance" as simply a gap. Again, if i was incorrect and you knew all this, i apologize in advance. Much respect. Thanks for the vids!