Exacta lock picking

[nosmit]

Is it possible for a complete novice to pick a Zeiss Ikon lock from a Gunther Wulff Exacta? The cabinet is locked and has been for many years. My 19 piece pick picking set turned up yesterday and after a couple of hours fumbling around decided to sleep on it. I have looked at a lot of threads on this site but not seen anyone state they have successfully picked one of these locks. I don't want to be beaten but I'm not a locksmith. Many thanks

[brigham]

These lock-picking kits are just like Airfix models...
'Skill not included.'

[coppinpr]

Picking normal locks doesn't need skill...it needs practice and an understanding of what is going on inside the lock while you attempt to pick it. Clear practice locks are inexpensive and speed up your ability very quickly. Unless you're doing this every day it will never be easy but is not all that hard....with practice....on normal locks

[badpenny]

The Zeiss have very thin apertures. Making them difficult to access.
I've not found a professional locksmith remotely interested in tackling one. Which tells you a lot.

That of course doesn't mean it's not possible.

BP
PS ... any chance of easing the back panel off?

[tallstory]

Drilling the lock is difficult as well and, of course, destroys it. As BP suggests getting the back panel off for access is the best idea. Then you can disassemble the lock and find its part number to get a locksmith the cut a new key for you to reuse the lock.

[nosmit]

Thanks for the advice. Looking under the peeling veneer on the back there are about a dozen rusted screws. This looks to be a much better way in

[arrgee]

This thread may be of interest: Picking locks

[treefrog]

I have to admit, if I were to choose between drilling a lock and damaging the back, I would choose the lock every time.... The problem with the backs, they are often glued as well and self destruct when attempting to take off. You may be lucky of course. On a few machines I have had people actually cut round holes in the back to access the locks on my machines, a bit annoying.

[tallstory]

I have never had a machine with a back glued in and that's why I suggested this option. TF of course has lots (and lots) more experience than me on this so its worth a little caution if you decide to try this approach. I just wanted to pass on a little tip that might help loosening the rusty screws. Give the screws a little turn to tighten them before trying to loosen them. (Yes I know this sounds mad but it seems to work.) Don't be tempted to use a screw release oil as this will swell the wood and make it harder to get the screws out.

[treefrog]

Also hit with a hammer on screw head with screwdriver.....

I suspect luck at the end of the day on getting the back off, I have definitely seen some kind of bonding on them, which may dry over time, but worth the ply splinters....

Hammer always works as you can use it to smash your way in when all routes have failed