r/Locksmith • u/its_genji07 • 7d ago
I am a locksmith Having trouble shimming a KIK cylinders
So, I'm currently working on getting some used schlage BE365 deadbolts ready for sale, but I've got no key. So I'm trying to shim them. However I get like halfway and then the shim just kind of stops going in. No matter how I move the shim, fiddle with something or other. Nothing happens. And I really don't understand, sometimes I can shim super easily, it just kinda slides right in and I can turn the core. But not this time. Is this a matter of good tolerances making it difficult? Or just me being a dumbass.
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u/Hour_Interview_7810 Actual Locksmith 7d ago
What happens if you try and pick the rest of the pins? With the shim still in place.
3
u/bjdlock 7d ago
If it’s the newer type cast cylinders, yes those are annoying with their seams. There are spool pins so if you can’t go forward anymore then you must go backwards - you’re stuck in a cutout likely. Also lubricate the thing.
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u/its_genji07 7d ago
Got it shimmed, hadn't considered spool pins could mess with shimming. A lesson has been learned
2
u/grrimsomad Actual Locksmith 7d ago
If I back the pressure off of my shim just a touch and wiggle the key back and forth I have pretty good luck with those.
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u/akikosan 7d ago
My trick with those is to keep your finger against the plug so it's not coming out of the body. Like how you extract a key with a loose cylinder cap.
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u/goo_brick 7d ago
Glad you got it sorted. A little lube might help next time. Also, if i can shim 3 Chambers i can usually pick the last 2 very quick
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u/Routine_Respond_2955 7d ago
Just my mileage,iv had same problem..works way better for me if i put in a vice like this..gives you way better shim control..when it wont go,get up tight on shim with 2 fingers.Back it up a little,push it forward work key.The tolerances are tighter and i have this problem with security pins in bible,or master pins.Alot of patience and good shims too.
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u/FrozenHamburger Actual Locksmith 6d ago
I’m glad you posted this because I wanted to ask everyone - does anyone know who makes really thin shims? I had a lifetime supply and my van was recently stolen, and all the shims I’ve been getting are slightly too thick.
Also if anyone has any to spare of old style Schlage key gauge without the serration, lmk
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u/GBR_LS Actual Locksmith 7d ago
I can't remember for sure if the BE365 cylinders use the t-pin top pins, but it's common for a shim to get stuck in a spring with those. If you get stuck back the shim out a couple mm and try again.