Subject: RE: Moto Guzzi Re- Lock sets
Author: psabr-@aol.com
Date: Sep 17, 2001, 8:23 AM
Post ID: 1708268928
Ron and all,
Let me tell you what I did for the tool box lock sets. As many already know, the (Nieman?) blanks are available at any BMW dealership. I removed the hinge pins to open the boxes and then removed the locksets from the covers. On top of each lock is a small plate on the cylinder which can be removed. In doing so, pins and springs can be removed and the tumbler will slide out. Be very careful in doing so (a large work area with a light background) as the tumbler pins will be loose when removed. It is the height of each of the tumbler pin that determines how deep the cut will need to be on the key. Remove the springs and pins making sure they remain in sequence. Measure and park the position of each pin on the key blank, then make an approximation of how deep each cut will need to be. To check if they are at the proper depth, insert the key and drop the pins into the holes of the key cylinder. When properly cut, all pins should rest in the tumbler even with the surface (!
that allows the tumbler to turn
in the cylinder only with the key inserted). Once the flats of the key are set to the proper height, the areas between the flats should be angled (sloped) to allow the pins to slide over the key will inserting or removing. Check your accuracy by trying in the lock that was not taken apart.
In the worst case where the pins get mixed up, simply take apart the other lock and place the pins in the same order as the first one. I got mine to work with the first key I tried. It is really not that difficult, it just takes patience.
Thanks
David Whitmore