[56] Best L Keyway 7 Pin SFIC Picked to Control

[@rickcox3216]

It’s hilarious to hear the difference in his content from 4 years ago compared to now. His skills have vastly improved and he’s a lot more concise.

[@BigDish101]

Can you do more videos on Best Access Systems locks? I think this is your only one...

[@scsywar]

I agree, it'd be nice.

[@mattlogue1300]

yeah they are all I see around town but not in his town apparently...

[@VoidsDemise5443]

Oh don't worry I own a SFIC Best access but im awaiting the SFIC core package to arrive so thats sad. The only thing is the hole from where you would remove the core from the control key Sadly there is issues since they don't give you a control key so that'd not cool. But yeah there is just a brass part for the core to sit in to do operating to open the lock from the actuator.

[@jacobh2629]

I work at ksp so I have access to all I can ever want lol

[@ericalbany]

My workplace uses these throughout. I'm glad to know they aren't out and out crap

[@ryanholton48]

The trick with Best has always been SUPER light tension. Also tension wrenches from Falle-Safe were a MUST. Look those up kids I’m pretty sure they don’t make them anymore but could easily be made if you had the right touch. I had a mental block with BEST early in the 90’s so I decided to take them home and pick on them while watching TV. Taking care to never look at the locks themselves I got used to the feel. I alway used the BEST factory approved white graphite while picking. Sooner than later I was picking every one I came across. Any thing from 4 pin all the way to 7 pin. I never again had a mental block against them but I later developed a mental block with Corbin Russwin IC.Those are a REAL bear. I developed my own tools for bypassing those locks (and BEST)both picking open and to control. I made control lug tension wrenches for BEST and CR before they were ever on the market. I have never seen a BEST lock I couldn’t pick open and that includes factory pinned models with security pins.

[@albertp.3893]

You might be one of a handful of people that specialize in Best locks. Definitely not easy picks for beginners. Have you seen any picking tools nowadays made specifically for BEST locks?

[@aurelienyonrac]

Please do one video. I have a Best lock and I'm having a hard time understand them. Thank you

[@FulcanelliRosetta]

I would really like to connect with you to learn a little something. If you're near an area i travel I'll definitely pick up the tab and buy you a nice bottle of your choosing. Lmk as I really want to become a pro at best and others like them as I see where others give up an opportunity to stand out.

[@lbjoshbal]

BEST locks are some of the hardest ones out there. There aren’t many videos on KZbin about them. Maybe you could make one?

[@Claps1775]

Can we get an update on this lock? I have one that I am adding to my practice locks to pick. Like to see more about this lock.

[@raintheory3390]

No tips or tricks, just happy to see someone do it! I pull out my BEST every once in a while and frustrate myself for a week and then throw it in a drawer. lol.

[@danielmcpherson9062]

Did you manage to pick it?

[@marcuspurciller]

I’ve got these in our bathroom doors and they are completely unpickable for me. Nice to know I was picking to control the entire time, didn’t even know that was a thing

[@WhereWhatHuh]

Really like your privacy, dontcha?

[@voodoochild5729]

I think this is Super impressive. I’ve worked with SFIC for almost 2 years and have never tried picking to the control shear-line . You make it look easy.

[@bobryant442]

I’ve been working on a best S610 for months now in my spare time. Im an amateur but this has been my biggest pick challenge yet. I had no idea there were different shear lines. I thought I was getting a false set once or twice. Glad to see lpl struggling with it, too.

[@rjgaynor8]

This makes me feel good about my choice in locks. Been using best locks at work for years.

[@bostonrailfan2427]

listening to him, i’m ready to call LPL the Bob Ross of lock picking...same calm style of narration, same nice guy personality, same passion and need to educate for the benefit of everyone

[@WhereWhatHuh]

We're just gonna put a happy little wave rake right here...

[@dm4800]

You can definitely tell he has made leaps and bounds in his skill level since this video came out

[@bostonrailfan2427]

@@dm4800 and in the time since then he has also changed to a shill for his products and uses his videos to go after any company that won’t pay him to “fix” their locks

[@forrestmorgan3222]

My first Best Padlock, turned like this, and I thought I had spools, until, i started to pull the pick. and the core came with it !! I got a screw driver, and turned the mechanism, and it opened. You cannot choose which way to pick.

[@anekroth]

Hi LPL, I noticed that this video is one of your earlier publications. Do you have any new thoughts about these sfic locks that you've come up with since the release of this video? I can typically rake these open, but I have yet to successfully spp one to either operating or control. When it comes to lock picking I prefer to spp and don't find much gratification in raking. Raking just feels like rolling the dice until you win, whereas developing spp skills that don't rely on luck is much more gratifying. I've been working on these sfic cores off and on for a little while, trying to identify some form of approach but I am curious if there is any advice to be had from more experienced pickers such as yourself.

[@55ATA3]

Have you gained any info on picking past control in last few years? I am just getting started in single pin picking and would value any info you have on this type of lock. I enjoy your videos and the info you share on the all the picks and equipment that you use. Your way of walking through the pick has made picking very fun and enjoyable. Thank you for taking the time to show the deal tails of pick. I know I never would have started in picking if not for your videos.

[@AuGold808]

I some how just raked two best type a's to control in like two minutes flat. Now my Sargent locks... My god those are absolute nightmares! The feedback is bizarre .. Sargent makes some amazing locks.

[@tacitguardian]

that WB keyway looks nuts.. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on a few different BEST locks both for the keyway challenge and for picking more pins. Very well done on that one.

[@lockpickinglawyer]

+tacitguardian Thanks. I've had no luck with the WB yet.

[@ryanhucul9118]

@@lockpickinglawyer Any update on the BEST WB Keyway? it seems present day there is nothing you cannot pick however I cant find a video where you picked this...

[@sigsauer2557]

@@ryanhucul9118 I want to see this too.

[@dunckeldust]

You should do one of these again. I know where they use these best access locks with the interchangeable cores & they seem tricky. I'd like for you to understand them so you can make a video and break it down! 😃

[@rfi-cryptolab4251]

I have 7 of these padlocks (six and seven pin). I've managed to pick 4 of them, but only to operating. Is there a trick I'm missing to pick them to control? I've been away from picking for a while but started practicing again.

[@CheddarCheeseBandit]

I’ve been able to bump the BEST padlocks from this video, but it took soooooo many tries. I was working comfortable sitting on the couch also, so not a field use situation.

[@cubfarmall1]

Been trying to master the control myself. Always hopeful when I feel the tension wrench begin to turn, but always turns past to operation.

[@lockpickinglawyer]

+cubfarmall1 It's probably the lock, not you. Some locks like to go to control, some like to go to operating... like I said in my video, there's no rhyme or reason that I can distill from my (limited) experience.

[@dirksecrets]

As always, great picking. A pleasure to watch. I had never the chance to play with these kind of locks. I would have enough problems with 7 pins, I don't need as addition this random experience. ;-) I am looking forward to your video, when you show us how to detect the right shear line for both possibilities .

[@lockpickinglawyer]

+dirk Thanks, but it may be a very, very long time before I make that video!

[@x--.]

@@lockpickinglawyer 4 years and counting :D

[@jerrtheripper1349]

I've been picking on a Best padlock for a couple years with no success. I got ahold of another one with a cut shackle at work the other day. And spp d it to function in under a minute. A few times.

[@jamesstrain7062]

Came here looking for some tips on Best SFIC picking (to control). But it seems like LPL was a lot younger and less of a picker. His voice even seemed to change. Maybe he was law school student back then. Who knows. But I wish he would revisit the SFIC type they are a lot more finicky then other pin tumbler locks and are the bane of my existence lately. Thanks.

[@ryanholton48]

Use super duper light tension. BEST locks use super tight tolerances.

[@Goodywloss2010]

the Mexican locksmith "el keyway"

[@LimeCrushSoda]

Have you had any more luck with these guys? Perhaps we could get an updated video?

[@TallanPick]

Really great picking. Two shear lines it´s too much for me for now, in fact, one shear line it´s too much in seven pinner locks ;-))) Nice vid mate, thanks for sharing.

[@lockpickinglawyer]

+Tallan Pick Thanks. The dual shear lines really are a PITA. The best way to deal with these is often raking.

[@Potti314]

Great picking. I have made the experience that these Finch tension wrenches (got some from l0ckcr4ck3r) makes a difference. My BEST I can usually pick to operating (if at all). Once I picked it to control but never again. With that tension wrenches it picks much better to control. For me they make a difference.

[@lockpickinglawyer]

+Potti314 Thanks... I have the Peterson version of the SFIC "Control" tension wrenches. As of now, I see no appreciable difference using them, but I'm keeping an open mind as I spend more time with these locks.

[@AndrewPrinster]

Just started picking and was given one of these without a key. It took me a while put after a half hour of picking and resetting I got it. I look like I've lost something important the way I am scouring the house for any old locks I can find to pick.

[@goldenwalrus2579]

Can you do a video on best bell system locks?

[@mcart8453]

Any improvement on this particular skillset? I would love to see more on this particular type of lock.

[@hugomartel8552]

Nice one as always I never had the chance to play with one of theses

[@klepas]

+Hugo Martel Neither. The Aussie market doesn’t really seem to care about these SFIC style cores; they’re happy with cores that screw out (I lie: the BiLock does have an interchangeable core via key feature - the BiLock NG QCCs). @LPL: what are your thoughts re. precision and tolerances, comparing these Best locks to the Lockwoods (mine, or the others recently you featured)?

[@kevenquinlan]

Lol. Funny that it was 3 years ago since my last comments. I was looking for a vid of Best's MX core and it brought me here. Some things- Peterson's iCore wrench's= don't need them. They cost 20 bucks a pop and only the B is useable. The C= so thick it barely fits in an A keyway which is Best's least paracentric. The A= so thin it doesn't allow for proper tensioning. I have used the whole set extensively and only the B is operational. Now, you get no advantage using this over a TOK/BOK turner. I know all about Blaze's research but I just haven't found his 'flaw' to be significant. Also= you had a W keyway in the Vid. Best has the standard line/ the T series/ and the W series. W is the most paracentric, so insane that locksmith's will often crush keys when trying to punch them on a key machine. They are also hard to pick- simply from an access standpoint. You were right that a dimple is pretty much the only thing that will work on them, that being said= you will almost NEVER find them in a real world environment. Since all I pick is SFIC mostly, and I have for 6 years now= I can almost breath on them to open them. The last one I popped in under 10 seconds. SPP these is easy and you should be using just Sparrows Lunatic or Tron, but the Luni is the best pick design for just about any lock period. You need at least a medium or deeper as every lock will have 1 deep cut, most have at least 2. Stuff like short hooks and diamonds simply can't press the pin high enough up into the chamber- you'll also F up your set if you use a less desirable hook and start from the front. I never pick from the front- for this very reason. Also, these locks are THE best lock to practice your rake skills on. I've raked tons of different locks but these will be the most challenging and you will learn that you can start fine tuning your technique's. I'm way more adept now on raking anything, just b/c I have raked so many of these open and they are very susceptible to BEING raked. I'm so adept at raking them, I don't think I've SPP'ed one in a year or 2. Anywho- thanks.

[@dgere2]

Could you give more on the control key picking ... i can pick the Best 7pin sfic to operation and i have that key but lost my control key and i would like to have one made but i am having a problem picking to control...

[@mfascuba]

Just got the genesis pick set today, tried a bunch of locks with moderate success and then I tried one of these ones, no dice. Then I searched, found this and I don’t feel bad at all.

[@brooksybaby03]

I've had my pick set for less than a week, so if it sounds like I'm full of shit, I am. The Best lock that I've been playing with has a pin (4th from the front) that locks in its at rest position. Once I find this pin I hover my pick over it and drop my tension thus releasing the others. I then start on the "locked" (4th from the front) pin and try again. After some shotty, unsystematic, picking I'm then able to get it. Does this sort of "locking" pin have a name and a method of dealing with them?

[@stephenvikla6926]

found one of these at an antique store and it only has the operating key. would be fun to get it to control. but for now i like it as a secure padlock regardless

[@oceancaldera207]

This was interesting! I work with these a lot at work.. One thing i know about these is that the little bar that holds the core in position likes to get stuck, and I mean STUCK. It's a major pain when this happens. If it's out of the lockset some guys are able to smack it just right to get it moving again, but that's only out of the set and in an ideal position.

[@scsywar]

I hate it when they get stuck, I will spend a fair amount of time trying to free it before I drill the core.

[@DFWJon]

@@scsywar For me it seems that the bar gets stuck mostly on exterior locks where the core is exposed to a lot of dirt and moisture, typically gates and the like. I usually try jiggling my control key up and down while trying to turn the cylinder and if that doesn’t work I will try spraying carb cleaner in it or brake parts cleaner followed with some Tri-Flow lubricant and then it will usually let go. If not, I start drilling!!! Good luck.

[@nitramretep]

Good points about the interchangeable core. The WB looks like it is a real beast to pick. Don't you find the top of the key way leverage a little more difficult? I have never had such positive clicks on a Best...are you getting to control without 7th pin?

[@lockpickinglawyer]

+Peter M Thanks. Top of the keyway is pretty much always my preferred tension method because it gives more control and leaves more room for me to maneuver my pick. Usually, the only reason I use bottom of the keyway is some quirk in the warding... either TOK will not fit, or I'm using the tension wrench as a platform to pick off of.

[@lockpickinglawyer]

+Peter M one other thing: the last pin I set was #7...

[@goldenwalrus2579]

I am very much a beginner and I have an old, similar lock that I can’t seem to open.

[@kurogane2x]

I haven't picked a best stic core but working with keying them. Its going to be hard to determine what the shearline for control is especially when these cores are master keyed which would give you 2-3 shearlines to work with. I honestly haven't studied the internals of it.

[@mdwayrdneck]

Recently got into picking as a hobby, I got curious and using a couple hairpins was able to pick to control a L keyway 7 pin Best SFIC after 2 min. Tried 3 other locks and got control each time. Im thinking Best keys their control as the first shear line...thoughts?

[@howardtoob]

I purchased 5 of these cylinders for practice. I did a cut away on one but cut too deep into it and ruined it. I decided to gut it and found something that I have not come across on youtube. Each of the 7 holes had 3 driver pins consisting of all different length pins and all had a single, very thin, driver pin. Have you seen such a stack of driver pins Thanks

[@Riyame]

Nice picking. How did you like the training set you got from me? I can always chuck a core full of spool pins if you want a real challenge :D

[@lockpickinglawyer]

+mresurm Thanks. The locks from the sets you sent were great practice, but I put them down after a couple nights because I eventually figured out how they opened and memorized them. For now, I'm buying whatever I can find cheap on ebay (usually without keys) tossing them in a bucket, and randomly picking whatever I pull out. As for spools... I wonder if they would make it easier because it would give the picker a reference... any thoughts on that? PS- the lock body in the video was the one you sent my way! Thanks.

[@Riyame]

+LockPickingLawyer Yea, I noticed that :D Well, if you are ever interested in more I could stack one full of spool for you.

[@ronaldpetzke346]

I like your Best Lock picks. I have 3 old locks and would like to pick them. Also I would like to remove the cylinders. I have keys for 2 of the locks, but no control keys. Any suggestions on how I can get control keys for all three and a regular key for the one I don't have a key for.

[@macro820]

This must be why my work uses these lol

[@kevincarter472]

If you put the tension counter clockwise, then you can only pick to unlocked correct..?.

[@lockpickinglawyer]

+Kevin Carter correct, but there's still tension on the control shear line, so you have all the difficulties of two shear lines, but only half the potential benefit. Thus, it's usually better to pick clockwise.

[@RobExNihilo]

I'm currently struggling with a 6-pin L-keyway Best padlock. Two actually. I have operating keys for both, but no control keys. One has a mild bitting, and picks or rakes to operating usually in less than 5 minutes. The other has a more aggressive bitting with pins 2 & 3 real low, and 4, 5 & 6 very high. 5 & 6 also bind first, so it's ridiculously easy to overset 2 & 3 wide trying to set them. I've picked it to operating once, and raked I've never had luck raking it (I've never been great at raking, anyhow). I just don't seem to get much feedback at all. Almost nothing to speak of on the tension wrench. When a pin binds, it's usually only slightly harder to move, barely noticeable even with a good bit of tension. I can't believe how much of a pain this lock has been with just standard pins. Anyway, I see its been a while since you posted this, so I was wondering if you had any more advice for these locks.

[@lockpickinglawyer]

+Rob Kurtz Sorry, but I don’t spend much time of SFIC… the dual shear lines can be very frustrating. Have you tried the special SFIC tension wrenches sold by Peterson? They can be very helpful getting stubborn locks to control.

[@RobExNihilo]

+LockPickingLawyer I made one using a wiper blade insert yesterday, actually. On the easier lock, I've found that using that and a Bogota rake, the core pops out in mere seconds. Still no joy on the other one. Like I said, I just wasn't sure if you had any more experience with them since you posted. Thanks for the quick reply.

[@ppipowerclass]

+LockPickingLawyer I have used those tension tools from Peterson. They are a little over priced imo, but I HAVE had good luck with them. I have an entire box of SFIC Best locks someone gave me when a local retail location went out of business. I picked 4 to control in about 10 minutes with them. I have since re-used them. Swapped in my own cores. For around the house, they are a great lock. They can't be shimmed, the body and shackle are strong, and like you said, that SFIC core can be a pain in the rear end to try to pick. I have the best luck raking them. Usually using the .18 purple Peterson triple peak " bogta ", or any of the other triple peaks my by Sparrows, Mad Bob, etc. Sometimes, you can rock them open with a regular pick upside down. It seems like everyone is dependant on the bitting and if they lock is properly lubricated also.

[@forrestgumpv9049]

Looks like the FBI has cleaned house here too. LOL.....

[@p2o8wer]

I'm a newbie to the lock picking world and I have a good feel feeling for the pins but I tend to over set and my tension is a problem as well. either to much or not enough any pointers besides practice and practice?

[@lockpickinglawyer]

+p2o8wer Thanks for watching, and welcome to picking... regarding tension, you really need to develop your feel, and that comes with practice. I am constantly varying tension as I pick. Regarding oversetting pins, my advice is to be selective about the pin you pick. Don't fall into the trap of trying to pick a pin that is only semi-binding. Only push on the pin that is binding the hardest. You will find that oversetting is very uncommon when you follow that advice. Good luck!

[@p2o8wer]

+LockPickingLawyer very good advise. will give it a try. thanks for the help. great videos by the way. very helpful and crystal clear.

[@VenturaCapitalist]

If the core is master keyed does that make it even tougher to pick? What about other characteristics of Best locks - materials, locking mechanism etc.

[@pickbeard2690]

Like Dirk,I have not had the opertunity of playing with one of these types of locks. I'm not that great at padlocks anyway😂😂😂 Super picking and interesting subject. Good luck with the WB keyway😘😘👍🍻🔓

[@lockpickinglawyer]

+Pick Beard Thanks... I would not hold my breath waiting for a video on the WB. ;-)

[@Mrcoolassassin]

I'm just getting into lockpicking and am wondering, what do you mean when you say "picking the lock to control/operating"?

[@johnnemeth6913]

The lock takes two keys. The operating key opens it. A second key, called the control key, has all the pins set slightly higher and removes the core for easy rekeying.

[@fiddlesticksbessette398]

'TIP FROM A FRIEND~''PSSST,YA SEE THAT LITTLE HOLE NEXT TO THE KEY HOLE..''

[@spalding_ow6111]

Can you redo the picking of this best lock where you pick it?

[@Mrpurple75]

Found one on the road. It’s a frustrating lock

[@FloydThePink]

If you can remove the core, you can stick a screwdriver in and open the lock.

[@KentuckyBackyardMechanics]

The 7th pin on a best lock is only used to remove the core to unlock you only have to pick the first 6

[@georgercsd4771]

Whoever combinated the core could have elected to use pins 1-6 to operate, and 7 to control - and may have had a special reason to do it that way. But, from a security point of view it was a REALLY BAD idea. It is neither a necessary or standard feature for IC cores.

[@samueljames9342]

Have you ever seen an american (brand name) lock with this type of core made by Arrow, also with 7 pins? I can't remember the series number, i'll look tomorrow. We use many of these at work. The key looks just like a Best lock key but my blanks won't fit in the keyway.

[@g.davies1365]

Arrow makes a lower quality clone of Best's cores and they have a couple of keyways that are somewhat unique to them (1C and 1D) but other companies also offer the 1C and 1D now.

[@nalukful]

Is top tension better for these locks

[@shaynewaite5329]

My work uses InstaKey locks, how secure are they?

[@pstgh]

...but what can you do from "control" other than replace the core with one that you have a key to?

[@charliejames3738]

how hard is it out of the vice

[@geraldcampbell6834]

Can you show or does anyone know how to open these types of locks after the core is out?

[@scsywar]

Should just use a flathead screw driver. Depending on the exact lock you'll have either a divet or two prongs, just be gentle and turn clockwise. Much better if you have a follower.

[@kevenquinlan]

Wow. I only F with Best SFIC's because squat @ the university and that's all they have on the door's there- And I can attest= never easy. I find myself just randomly picking them most of the time. Always to Operate and never to control AND I am using the Peterson wrenches. I think I just may start using nuclear weapons. : Be so much Easier, lol. I'd love for you to do a video on the best way to extract a core from a mortise without picking it. I filed mine and it took 4 hours, lol.

[@jayo6468]

im looking for a interchangeable core padlock that comes with a core, and control + operating key.... but they are kind of expensive here in canada.. can you suggest a lower priced one? its not going to be used for security, just to add to my collection..

[@lockpickinglawyer]

+Jay O Sorry, can't help you there. most IC padlocks do not come with cores. Honestly, I'd troll ebay for a used one if you want a lock that comes with a core at a good price.

[@jayo6468]

yeah, they dont usually come with cores, thats what im finding, will keep looking on ebay and amazon

[@jayo6468]

just got a best sfic lock, no keys, having quit the time getting it to control, its in a mortise cylinder, and i want to get the core out to have it rekeyed.. i know i could just let a locksmith do it, but getting the core out would save me quite a few bux when getting keys made, any tips?

[@lockpickinglawyer]

Jay O There are special tension wrenches for picking these to control. I've had limited success with them. To be honest though, raking is pretty effective as well, if the keyway allows. Good luck.

[@jayo6468]

yeah, im gonna try and make a finch style tension wrench, raking hasn't yielded anything yet, thx man!

[@UncleFjester]

You never did the wb key way! Thats the one I cant get!

[@mnkeyd]

This one needs a refresh LPL.

[@Warvvolf]

Not many Best videos out there. Time to drill.

[@karuza82]

What do you mean by 'control' and 'operating' terms?

[@EnergeticWaves]

one turns the tailpiece, one releases the core

[@g.davies1365]

All keys that are intended to lock/unlock the door, etc. work at the operating shearline. The keys can typically be turned either direction, dependant upon the lock's function. The control key works a separate, higher shearline, turns only 15 degrees clockwise and only is used to install/remove cores.

[@josephmarsden9696]

Might be an 'M' rather than an 'L.'

[@charlesklein7232]

honestly, realistically, would you call this a pick proof lock?

[@d.i.n.g.u.s]

You seem to have changed

[@lockpickinglawyer]

Hopefully that’s a good thing. Certainly quality has improved, and I like my newer style better.

[@d.i.n.g.u.s]

LockPickingLawyer i know this Irrelevant, but our school provides us with a second option of Locker lock, which is a button style padlock. They are in the event of someone not able to operate a dial. Me, with the coordination of a fish, use theirs. However, I had a master luggage lock (nobody in our middle school even knows what a lock looks like) and I lost it somehow. I now have one of theirs. My experience is bad with them. They are susceptible to brute force and decoding, and picking, shimming. Secondly, there is a ¢99 and up store that sells padlocks. One stands out in particular. It’s one by a Chinese company with a name that takes up the entire package left to right. It claims to be a “skeleton key” I’d love to send them both your way. Lastly, I’d like to give you these locks, but I have one lock that I’d like for you to send back for me. It’s a ace padlock, and I lost the key. It fits perfectly in my locker, and I don’t know how to repin padlocks. I don’t know if you do, or are able to do that for me. I’d love to be able to send them your way for you to make a video on them

[@jaydenorcutt5677]

You sound depressed af in this video compared to your new ones

[@fzigunov]

He improved his craft!

[@mattlogue1300]

im dpressed

[@jimmeychue3363]

Drill that sucker in 1 minute 30 seconds

[@adamwest8711]

All locks succumb to a destructive attack eventually. Not much point in destroying a lock unless you’re demonstrating or testing a particular tool or design weakness.

[@scootersonlyrepair6773]

Looking at a lot of pictures of control keys next to regular keys its the 6th and 7th pin that decides that function

[@brianhasche9751]

Worked for Dormakaba/Best and they claimed to have some of the highest security locks with the removable core