(1638) Review: Lishi SFIC Picks (WOW!)
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- Опубліковано 5 жов 2024
- In video 1638 we'll take a look at Lishi's latest pin tumbler picks for the SFIC cores. In the review I'll show you how to map the different shear lines and find the operating AND control shears, so you can remove the old core and replace it with a new one. This pick is AWESOME and fairly easy to use, even for people with little picking experience. I got them both at: www.lockpicks....
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![[388] $59 Genuine Lishi vs $120 Original Lishi | Is The Cheaper One Worth It?](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/B6iCKAfNmrM/mqdefault.jpg)
The fact that you accidentally found the control shear and had to double back actually made it clearer in my mind..
That was very detailed and interesting thank you Bill.
Other than being a nifty tool, that's an amazing way of illustrating the tension / binding order for beginners. Thank you!
I was thinking the same. This is a great way to teach picking! When I started it was tricky to understand what you and LPL were doing with the pick. Very interesting.
Why should he thank himself?
@@DaveMcIroy because he give great content and simple easy to understand explanations.
Yeah they are good at illustrating but damn that price is not beginner friendly.
Great videos, everytime I watch them!!!!
Have a great day, anytime you read this!
That probably wasn't the goal, but you visualized for me the first time how picking is really done. With traditional tools I never could see what happens.
same, such a cool tool!!
This is the best lockpicking tutorial i have ever seen to be honest.
Apart from the tension, you can actually SEE the pins click.
You will be missed sir! God bless you and your family. Thank you for all your knowledge you have shared. Much love and respect 🙏
Bill because of you, my picking skills have increased greatly. you really are a great man. you help saved my small business.
Thank you Mr Li for creating such usefull tools! I've used the LW4 especially to make keys when customer just needed the key cut to code. Saved heaps of time rather than removing to decode.
in 2018, I bought a bag of idk 10 or 15 old Best SFIC (small format interchangeable) cores but they had no keys. I set about taking the pins out of each chamber in each cylinder and mic’ing each pin and wafer. I used the Best manual to determine the cut number for each shear line. It took forever but I had the time and the inclination to get these cores working and to learn some stuff about SFICs.
I eventually ended up with a spreadsheet of all the wafer and pin sizes from each core. From that I was able to locate the operating, control and master sheer lines for each core… or so I hoped. So I called a nearby locksmith and got her to code cut me the control and master keys. When I went in to pick them up we got to talking about what I was doing. I showed her my bag of cores, Excel sheet, and explained what I had done to get the bitting for each key. So she had to know…would the keys work? Well they did! The locksmith was amazed and aksed if I had ever done any smithing before because she said it takes her years to teach that to apprentices. I said no, I’m just a giant nerd with too much time. Partly in gest, she offered me a job on the spot. I was honored but I told her now that this was done I would probably never do such a thing again. (haven’t) It was just a puzzle to me…although one that left me with a bunch of Best cores I now can use if I ever get a lock body for them.
I had the opportunity to use one of those at our local lockpicking meetup to open a car lock (Audi). They are FANTASTIC picks. Highly specialized, but fantastic. If I were a locksmith or car club I would get a ton of them.
Thanks for all your hard work! You have positively changed the world of locks and lockpicking!
Wow, after watching hundreds of lockpicking and gutting videos, I just learned some new and very useful things here. Thank you, much appreciated.
Awesome video really missing bills videos since his retirement awesome guy hopefully he's enjoying life and thank you for all the videos over years and the info and advice.
I've been servicing Best SFIC for over 30 years, and the Lishi looks like a fantastic add to the arsenal. Unfortunately, I deal with about 9 different keyways, so this could get very expensive. Perhaps they'll make one with the "FM" keyway that does fit multiple keyways, which would help a lot!
So far the tools can only be made from working core samples
Does the FM fit the J, K, L and M?
That seemed incredibly complex to me. Raked and opened my practice lock today for the first time. Have a lot to learn. Well done video.
I never had any intention to pick locks but this tool... It just looks like something I MUST have.
I have a few of the pin tumbler Lishi's, and while I like them, some of the "cool factor polish" has come off.. Mostly I consider them just another tool in the tool bag.... Useful, but not necessary though they make life easier and decoding quicker... THESE though, could be SOMETHING of a gamechanger for commercial locksmiths....
I FREQUENTLY get commercial jobs, mostly retail where I have to pull a core to replace worn out hardware... Problem is, no one can find the control key... Usually, they don't even know what I'm talking about... Now most of those are on pretty massive masterkey systems, so yeah, it's still going to take a bit to decode, but it's gonna be a lot quicker than drilling the hardware for the lug, HOPEFULLY hitting it just right, pulling and dissembling the core, THEN decoding it, and repinning a new cylinder. The ONLY problem of course, is when the keyway isn't the A keyway... That's the most common, but loads of places use other keyways. That's when it's good to know the old way.
Note the allen wrench that comes with the LISHI allows you to move the tensioner part of the tool closer to the face of the plug which gives you more control and better feel -- that is the "Propper" way to use a Lishi
Those are some nifty tools! These remind me of my stint in artillery. In school, we learned to solve the aiming problems using slide rules, aiming squares, maps and pins. Later, in the Fleet, we got computers. We got the same result, just a bit quicker with the computer. Still, i like knowing the "primitive method" first, then the sleek new stuff. Gives one a fall back option.
Agreed!!! Yes, you CAN do the same SFIC decoding by drilling for the lug leaving the pin stacks intact, dissembling the cylinder, but it's going to take a LOT longer, use a LOT more tools (and the stakes are higher if you make one minor screw up)... I still like knowing how to do it if I need to though... I mean the Lishi's are awesome, but what happens if you run a call and your Lishi has broken, or you loaned it to another locksmith, etc?
Wow this is a total game changer. Awesome demo & video as always Bill.
Lishi tools are awesome. We've been using them in the automotive side of locksmithing for years. They've made my job considerably easier. Super cool they are moving in to building keys. Lishi for building locks are roughly 3 to 4 times as much as an automotive lishi tool. Automotive lishi tools are anywhere from roughly $30 to $45 on average with some going higher. Either way lishi tools are amazing. Totally worth your money.
Your use of BE2-6 really helped me see what is going on inside the lock cylinder. Just watching the usual picking process is hard to see the small movements of the pins. Thanks for that demo. That type of tool would be helpful on other demos.
That tool is a game changer for sfic. Very nice demonstration. I imagine these particular lishi picks would have a great return on investment for locksmiths.
Few locksmiths are called in to decode someone else’s system. There are ethical reasons in most situations and systems are carefully recorded per lock change by the locksmith of record. When we have a retail store call that uses Best on an emergency rekey where there is no control key available, we would pick the core to sheer. Pop in a new core, or if necessary, a new cylinder. This “A” keyway is the generic keyway rarely used in any system of size or importance. The only time we use an A keyway is when a building is sold, we take our cores back and use A keyway and hand the new owner both operating and red tagged control keys. I see this tool more as a burglary tool or for the heavy duty enthusiast due to high cost. The A keyway is typically avoided by most professionals in modern day systems, especially industrial. It would be more rare for a system of size to use the A keyway. With that said, the locksmith will likely wait for the rare day when decoding is needed to invest in expensive tools like this from a practical perspective.
Bill -- quite instructive with lots of interesting comments form many obviously experienced SFIC users -- thanks for showing us your method.
The other Lishi pin tumbler picks were kinda neat, but these right here could save a lot of time!! Also possibly a lot of drilling too! - Well, I was wondering how many keyways that Lishi were going to make for the pin tumbler decoders for. Now we'll just have to see what's next... Thanks Bill, Stay awesome! 👍
Just for kicks and giggles it would be interesting to see those in action on a lock that has serrated pins. To me these picks greatly enhance my visualization of what's going on in the lock and while I'm picking. I could imagine those would help in building your "feel" a little too, though their shape isn't the same as the normal picks you might use...
bests don't use serrated pins
They can always be repinned. Also the Lishi picks come in other core styles as Bill has shown in the past.
@@Genthar Best cores have to have balanced drivers also the pins and master chips used in Best locks are smaller than standard pins found in most lock sets.
I have the kwikset 5 & 6 pin lishis as well as both the schlage decoders and have success with serrated and spools but not 100 percent of the time.
Here is Chris picking a challenge lock I made using a Lishi: ua-cam.com/video/so66HogqA7g/v-deo.html
I think...if I remember right...there was only one slightly serrated pin in it...but it should still give you an idea how it does on different pins.
This video really gave me the insights needed to know how those locks and picking actually works.
I wish the picks were more modular so instead of buying a new pick for each keyway you could buy a different end.
Fascinating tool nonetheless
You would a different keyway & different gauge (not sure what "end" you meant). Only the actual picking tool and tensioner would stay the same.
Not really possible when you consider the difference key way lengths and depths. Not saying impossibly but its probably more accurate this way
This would be a great idea. I think there are 30 different keyways that Best makes. I bought this and of course the majority of what I can use it on is every other keyway but the 'A' keyway
At first I was totally boggled, but as you began to follow that number scheme to actually pick it, the mud began to clear!! I'm very excited to see more using this tool, as it starts to clear up what's going on inside, where those details are hard to see as you pick it...WE don't get that feedback.
Thanks for this! Lynn
These Lishi tools, given very minimal training, are easy to use and work great. They're absolutely a GREAT investment.
It's expensive, but worth it to anyone working with Stanley/Best locks. The only downside, it only works with the A keyway.
lol i remember when i first started getting into lock picking i had an old best lock that i didnt have keys to. And as i was picking i got it to turn a bit and then to my surprise the whole core came out. i never could get the core to go back in. i think i ended up throwing it away.
Maybe it's the camera angle but it looked like you were writing down the wrong numbers... consistently.
Yeah, there was a bit of parallax error sometimes. And it's worth noting that the pinning is read under minimal pressure, so the tool doesn't bend.
yeah I thought so too.
Noticed that too, also noticed that sometimes the pick wasn't flush up against the rest of the tool as indicated by a shadow which would cause discrepancies as to the correct pin number. When it is flush you can clearly see it is spot on with a number line when it has been picked.
I agree... I didn’t see how the numbers BIll was writing down matched what I was seeing!
He got it right on 4, but 5 and 6 seemed to be 1 off.
Fascinating. I haven't started this picking journey yet. I have a lock collection that are missing keys. No picking tools yet but getting a basic understanding of binding/springiness on pins and tension. Watching that expensive tool with the markings and mapping the cylinder made so much more sense - I think I could do this.
What a cool video and explanation! I’ve always been interested in the subject and hobby but never got into it, now years later here you are. Thank you for the great content. Happy Trails Everybody!
You might consider a series of videos using one of the Lishi tools and a contact microphone, like used for horology, for training. This tool allows seeing what's going on inside and is a fantastic training aid.
Very nicely done Bill. I can pick a Best to either shear line but usually can’t chose which one. Their really good locks.
That is a really interesting way to visually see the binding order.
I have a Best lock that was left on a lawn mower that I purchased new a couple of years ago. I didn't find the lock until after I had been using the mower for a full season so I just kept it. I never could pick the thing so that little tool would be just the thing to try out, but I just cannot in any way justify spending that much money just to get that one lock open. So, here's hoping for a nice little surprise in my inbox when this giveaway is over. :)
Sounds like you just need some more Bests lol
Somewhere on the Chinese UA-cam:
The tool that Mr Lee and I made...
I understood that reference.jpg
*我和李先生制作的工具
"Shi", according to google means "to be, yes,
is, are, right". Maybe Li is "Lee". And the whole LI-SHI is just a play on words.
Ken _ The shi in Lishi is different than your shi.Lishi Tools means “tools under Li’s name”or”Li’s Tools”.
🤣🤣🤣👍👍👍
Those Lishi tools are awesome indeed. Absolutely fantastic tutorial Bill.
Tactical Kevlar uses
That's really cool how it finds multiple shear lines. A great tool for a pro or enthusiasts. Great tool but too costly for me atm.
Don'z Lockz great tools!!
Stay tuned 🤣
"...but those that understood him smiled at one another and shook their heads; but, for mine own part, it was Greek to me."
I love my Lishi picks. Some of the 'best' tools I've ever invested in!
why is the word best in quotes? does that mean you are not implying that they are actually the best?
@@mrthiefy It was a lousy play on words but I am very glad I bought these. I know of no product to compare them to and I am not qualified to judge tools anyway. That is Best left to Project Farm or AvE
Years ago in another life as a locksmith I developed a way to always pick to the control. My mentor at the time didn't believe me until we had a job with 27 best locks without a control. He was very happy with me after that.
Curious what your method was. Mind sharing?
Geez bill didn’t even get to play with them and now your giving them away you are incredibly generous have a great weekend and stay warm in this nasty weather.
With the lock mapped you can actually make new keys for old cores instead of replacing the cores.
Wouldn't that be riskier? So we're doing this because there's a lost key(s). If we just order new keys, someone who 'found' the lost key could still gain access.
@@brolohalflemming7042 He ordered these off of Ebay. Nobody is going to try the right "found" key in these locks.
Very good review and tutorial mr. Bill! I have been interested in a few of these lishi picking tools but the cost has held me back.
Super cool to watch. Thanks for sharing. I have 10 E core Best padlocks of unknown vintage ( I believe 1950s) and only 2 keys. It would be neat to decode them and have a control key. I'm willing to bet, based on where they came from, that the keys I have are master keys and that there are operator keys out there.
You would need a LISHI for an E keyway -- the A Keyway LISHI won't fit (and not offered yet by LISHI)
Fantastic video! I like them all but you did a great job explaining this very technical process. Thanks because I am just learning this as a hobby now that retirement is just around the corner.
All the best to you and yours!
Those Lishi tools really are something. If I had money I'd probably order all and any types they sell. But as I don't I guess I'll have to hope on winning them ;) Thanks for the great explanation. I haven't come across any SFIC locks but I find the principle highly interesting.
Spent 25 years working for a telephone company that used Best changeable core locks on just about everything, and in several different keyways. During strikes or if we discovered a security problem we would do mass core changes on some or all sets (trust me that was one Hell of a lot of locks).
Most cores were master keyed (keys labeled 2, 4, 6, and 8 with "8" being the highest master level, and of course "C" control keys. A typical marking on the key would be "DX" on one line and below it the key level, for example "2" for a limited location contractor key.
I really enjoyed learning about those locks when I worked there (I was an engineer with "8" keys for two states), and those little Lishi tools are fascinating. (Would have been a lot of fun to play with.)
One thing I did notice on all of our company keys I had a chance to examine is the tremendous amount of planning that went into the system. For example, in any of the series, the lower level keys could not be simply filed down to a higher master level as the lower level keys always had at least one position cut deeper than any key number above it. :)
Thanks for a great video!
Always learn something watching your videos :). I've been thinking about trying a Lishi out but the cost makes it hard to choose which one first. Great tutorial!
If you are a general locksmith,I would get the Kwikset pick.In my humble opinion it IS worth its weight in gold.
That looks so much more easier than the conventional tools of lock picking. Great video. Differently subscribing to your channel.
You may just train me to start picking, waiting on my first kit as we speak. Went with the wizwazzle and going to get a .015 kit soon after if I have the hand for it.
So, after you have picked and decoded both the operating and control, why not just make keys to that biting instead of replacing the core? It is great tool, but it is a bit on the pricey side for the hobbyist lock enthusiast, especially since it only works for one key way and set number of pins. At $120 a pop, one could spend $1,000 just to cover a few common key ways.
I felt the 7-pin core offered more security than the 6-pin core. Yes, the ARE a bit pricey but if you can convert a $10 lock (w/no keys) into a $35-40 dollar lock after replacing the core I think you'd make the $ back pretty quickly. Also, if a locksmith is faced with an SFIC, most will attempt to drill it out and often damage the lock housing (usually in an institutional door). This tool does no damage and they can still charge an equivalent amount. Less work, no damage, same earnings. The other keyways (KW1, KW5, SC1, etc) really are not necessary if you have a bit of picking skill. Their only advantage is that they allow you to decode a lock and cut a new key.
Bosnianbill hi bill if you hadn’t pick how would you know which shear line number went to each other
@@highwaymenpizzaco5164 Once you map the shear lines on the card you'd simply begin using different combinations of the different shears until you got an open. Begin at the extremes (all maximum cuts, then all minimum cuts). If the locksmith was lazy, one of those will give you the control shear. Once you ID the control shear, then all the others are nothing but operating shears.
They're tools for smiths and not meant for enthusiasts. At $120, that's a couple lockouts or calls and you'll cover the initial costs. The initial investment cost is to keep the random joe off the street from going out and buying a set to do... not so legal things.
@eak125 nah, it actually just keeps enthusiasts out. Anyone considering using one of these "in production" would probably make back the "investment" after a single heist...
I have never gotten so lucky to accidently pick to the shear line 😃 I think that is skill Mr Bill. But then again the Best locks I played with also have master pins in them. I never had any luck with the special tension wrenches made to pick the control line.
You make it look so easy sir. I love it.
Great video, Bill! It gave me an idea for how to open a BEST that I've had sitting around. (Sadly I don't have one of those nifty tools and have to do it the old fashioned way)
With the Lishi tools I find i need proper lighting to use it. Also I used a marker to add color (with a marker) to the pointer on the tool to help in seeing it. Another technique is to start with the pins totally depressed and look for the shear line as I release it.
That's a great idea! I used my black magic marker to color the little pointer and it is 10x easier to see & read. Thanks for the tip!
I love those decoders, so finely made!
That's a great tool to have in the kit for sure. Thank you Bill for the vid
BEST doesn't use "master wafers, or master pins" because you don't use standard pins in BEST ICC. BEST has specific pins with a set of bottom, and multiple rows of top pins. The only thing that I can see which is a big negative about the lishi tool with BEST locks, is the keyway. BEST has a ton of keyways which means you would have to spend 120$ for each of their keyways. I am not willing to spend that kind of money. At least on the automotive end, the lishi picks are around $40 for each keyway, and car manufacturers share a lot of common key ways.
Uhhh, I've gutted LOTS of Best SFICs that were master keyed - some with as many as 4 shear lines per cylinder. They may not call them "master wafers, but it was A BEAST to decode, but still possible. I absolutely agree about the cost and number of keyways. I glanced through my naughty bucket and found 7 different keyways... and know there are many more than that. I guess those are future projects for Lishi... If I were a locksmith responsible for a large facility using SFICs, I think it would pay off to keep one of these for whatever keyway you use. Buying them all (when Lishi eventually produces them) would be cost prohibitive.
@@bosnianbill you are absolutely correct that BEST ICC can be set up on a master key system. But the terminology for BEST is just "top pins" there are no master wafers or pins; VS a standard lock, which has bottom, top, and master pins.
We don't want to confuse anybody lol.
Cool device for working with locks without keys to change out the core to the one you have a key for.
"I went to a Public School guys" 😂😂
But honestly, it looks like it was a damn good educational foundation.
So did I . I suppose your grew up poor too ?
"Public school like Eton" ? (In the UK, the words are reversed, "public" schools are the expensive schools for rich kids)
I remember the first time I saw some of those, mind exploded! Great job on another great video
What I liked about this video is that after listening to the LPL for ages, I now have a much greater idea of how this works, and what LPL is talking about. Hands up here, I have only just started watching Bill, so shame on me. I will certainly be following Bill going forward.
The numbered padlocks with inline numbers can be picked in a similar fashion. I can pull on the lock and feel each number line up. Now the master one where you have to push it closed to release it, this method doesn't work. That's what is on my shed. Good luck getting into that one. Back when I worked for the city, we had master & sub master keys. Some door locks took 3 different keys. Foreman had a master. The service guys had sub masters. And the laborers & helpers had a regular key. Locker room, shop, office, & storage was a master. All but office was a sub master. Locker room & shop only was a regular key.
Coincidence, I just received some Best SFIC locks. Now your going to make me have to save up for the pair of Lishis.
Just curious, get them for use or just picking practice? I got a couple old cores from a locksmith to practice on. One of them I have never been able to pick or rake to open but a home made worm rake will rake it to control in seconds every single time.
This is actually helped me understand picking more.
I've been wanting a Lishi pick for a while, but didn't have the funds. I have my fingers & toes crossed for this one.
Very cool! Those Lishi's sure are useful. Thanks for the demo Bill!
Way above my pay grade today,did learn something.
You've sold me on another product @Bosnianbill.
Need those lishi picks in my life.
Vvbo
Just found this channel, heck of a first video to watch. Subscribed.
Great showcase of these products, thank you for showing them.
I've seen this before... Trying to remember BB or LPL... Also accidentally picked the control key... BB I think you did this before, or it's an extreme case of deja vu - literally - my memory going back months ago. I recall, how sweet these picks are and how I will never be able to own one... - YES - Well, kind of... It was 1554, 1463, where you reviewed the picks, but was LPL that accidentally picked the control key and pulled out the core... So we know when you are picking removable core locks, it's sometimes easer to tackle the control shear.
That's very nicely done, thanks Bill.
Great video! I haven't even finished watching yet but it's very informative!
Great demonstration. I was wondering how these work.
amazing source of knowledge as always
Great job, awesome tool!!!
I've been trying to pick this best lock as my 2nd lock ever and now seeing I need this makes sense. I didn't really understand but I need more practice.
We like getting the control bitting. We are usually working on multiple cores with no control keys. Service wise we need that key no one seems to have it though.
NIce to see someone showing how people can break into other peoples stuff. You should get an award from Bob Barr.
I remember using slim jims on old cars. Now you have to use air bladders.
I Iove your videos you explain everything very well and I I get excited seeing some of old strange locks
Amazing would love to have a set trying to start a small Business. Love the craft my ex girlfriends uncl taught me a few things in Florida. And ever since I’ve been hooked now I’m moved back to New York I want to start a Small handyman’s company and this would be perfect for a small veteran owned company.
The reason BEST starts pin 1 at the tip and not shoulder like most non-auto keys is because the lock is gauged from the tip not the shoulder.
8:08 Since the step between bitting heights is only .0125 in the Best A2 system, there are no #1 master wafers. Minimum step inside the same chamber is 2 (.025), and those are tiny enough to make your head spin if you're not careful when building them. Almost indistinguishable from the spring retainer caps.
Great video BB. Thanks for the awesome information 👍
Very awesome! Really cool they work on the sfic!!
Awesome tool but I bet it’s just for A2 as there are A3,A4 and AX cores. A2 increments are .0125 so locking lug is .125 thick. Great job, Bill
Yes A2 only
those clicks are immensely satisfying
You have to buy one for each keyway? Best has so many...
Nice vid, great pick, I have a best I could use that one on, got it open but not to control.
Now THAT's a proper specialty tool. One purpose and expensive the way it should be 😁
You make it look so easy, but I suppose it would be when have already done it before and know where to go
I would like to see you do it on a fresh lock
that was a great video on a few different levels. thanks for the time and effort
I'll order one of these for the 7 pin best locks, i've got a ton of those. Should be a fun change.
They never really interrested me but i'm in for something new
Great video - cool little tool - thx for posting
Very cool! It’l be interesting to see if lishi creates one for the pks series. If you don’t want the old core, I am interested in it.
Looks like the control is always a larger cut which would explain why you found control first
Look again. It's a mix of smaller & larger cuts.
I pin these cores up and create systems, I will always try to have some pins higher than the op key, and some lower, so no body can try to "guess" like that. ;P
"I went to public school guys" LMFAO!!
So did I .I suppose you grew up poor ?
@@Chaomhainn Na.. I grew up Po! So Po we couldn't afford the "or"! Lol!