The Locksmith Journal Jan/Feb 2022 - Issue 78 | Page 22

HINTS & TIPS

What are Magi-Burrs ?

Magi-Burr is a new concept by Souber Tools to open any kind of cylinder lock .
By Shane Hales QML MMLA FIOC LCGI
» I FIRST HEARD ABOUT THIS NEW idea to opening cylinders at the 2019 MLA Expo . I was chatting with Paul Souber the founder of Souber Tools , as they had kindly donated their TCT drill bits to a brand-new High Security Cylinder opening class that myself and Paul Horton had designed for the MLA Expo that year , later being taken to HQ in Rugby for a full day ’ s course . Now the class mainly concentrates on nondestructive openings , but as we all know there ’ s a time and a place for everything .
The last few years we have all been using Die Grinders to open failed or cylinders that just won ’ t pick .
The drawback to these tools is that they are large , powerful and very imposing to some people . There is not a lot of “ finesse ” with these tools , they will of course open anything , but it ’ s with brute force . It also doesn ’ t help either if the locks are protected by a hardened “ spinner ” to prevent drilling , likely meaning that it needs destroying or handles cut off , even more expense to the customer .
This is where Souber ’ s new burr comes into its own , its unique in its design , a slim profile that allows entry though things like spinners , used in conjunction with a lightweight tool that ’ s easy to control . It ’ s an extremely clever , even ingenious idea .
I wasn ’ t told too much at the time , but when it was ready for testing , I was asked if I minded taking a look , as I often offer consultancy services , I was very happy to agree and thought no more of it .
Roll on one year later …. 2020
Souber Tools sent over an email , after a huge amount of research , development and in house testing had been completed , they were ready for independent testers . A few trusted people were chosen to start this next phase .
I have been using / testing the tool well over a year now . After its official release at Expo 21 , after all my reports , and tweaking with how we all got the best out of the Burrs here are some of my thoughts .
I have seen people already asking on social media what tools should be used with these Burrs . Even asking for 3mm collets to fit in their die grinders . I guess this is partly why I ’ ve been asked to write this piece .
Souber have full detailed instructions on what and how to use these Burrs to the best of there capability , including a very detailed video here : www . soubertools . com / burr
Anyone remember the movie Gremlins ? Well just like the film these tools have a set of rules you should be using to get the best results and life out of the cutters ( and yes , you can feed the user after 12 for you 24hr workers ).
Choose the cutter you require . There are three to choose from so far .
1 . Magi- Burr , this has the tear drop design on the end and designed for opening cylinder locks . 50mm for standard , or 60mm to be used for longer length , for instance if there is a spinner protecting the lock .
2 . Plain Burr , similar to the Magi , but without the teardrop design , ideal for cutting or shaping steel and hard metals .
3 . Safe-End Burr , this has a flat “ safe ” top . Ideal for reaming out a hole in a mortice lock so you don ’ t damage the levers under the cap .
Then , next is the Rotary tool itself needed to be used with the cutter .
A lot of time and effort has gone into making sure the Burrs work at their optimum level . So why people want to put them in a die grinder ? ( The whole point of this idea was to get away from heavy chucky powerful tools ). So do not try to use these cutters in a tool like that . They are far too powerful with too much torque and you ’ ll break the Burrs . Think of it as tickling a cylinder open instead of using brute force .
Plain Burr Safe End Burr
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JAN / FEB 2022
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