HINTS & TIPS
‘ A lot of time and effort has gone into making sure the Burrs work at their optimum level ’
I use the Dremel model 8200 , there are other brands like Milwaukee Etc , but it must be a rotary tool like this though , with changeable batteries . The tool must be set to 20,000 RPM .
Also needed will be a short hook pick , a torch and a flathead screwdriver . Then , you are ready to go .
As with any new tool I highly advise testing first before you go out into the field with it , get a feel for it . It doesn ’ t take long to get the technique correct .
Remember : This tool is about using a lightweight handheld device , taking your time using finesse , it ’ s not a race . Let the tools do the work , the force is not with you here …
Opening Method
Start by entering the top of the keyway and pushing to the back of the lock . Once you reach the back of the keyway start to remove the shape of the profile with a stroking motion . The cutter makes light work of the usually soft brass plug . As you remove the brass and move to the front of the keyway , you ’ ll notice the pins will start to “ fly ” out of the lock , make sure you are using eye protection . Once you have cut your slot into the plug , use the hook pick and torch to clear out the pins and springs . Taking your time here can be very useful , especially with a high security cylinder . Leaving a half hanging out spring in the keyway here could let it wrap itself around the plug making it very tight to fully turn
Magi-Burr
as you unlock the door . Being thorough here can save you messing around later . Therefore , again , I think practising before using in the field will pay for itself .
The technique for dimple cylinders is also very similar , but this time you should create a “ slot ” above the pin chambers as you cut . This lets the pins have space to jump up into so you can rake them out .
Caution : When using the cutter please make sure you keep it straight in the keyway . No hard lateral movements , let the cutter do the work , putting force or hard pressure on the Burr left or right could snap the cutter . If the cutter jams , just click off the rotary tool , back it up using your fingers till removed completely , then get going again .
Throughout my own testing I didn ’ t come up against one cylinder the Magi-Burr could not open . Some high security cylinders with lots of hardened protection inside took a little longer than others , but ultimately , they all submitted to it within a few minutes . Is it the definitive opening tool ? Is there such a thing ? No . But it ’ s another devastating tool to have in your arsenal , used correctly , with the right tools and sticking to Gizmo ’ s rules you shouldn ’ t go far wrong .
From the moment I started to get the feel for this tool I ’ ve been wanting to show it to the MLA students we teach , with questions like “ it ’ s got a hardened spinner .” which is now much more easily answered . I will be demonstrating and showing the techniques I use with this tool from now on at the MLA ’ s high security cylinder opening course .
You can buy the cutter individually from all the main suppliers , they now also offer a set of 8 bits that contain all the cutters mentioned that I would recommend .
The initial investment of the Burrs and rotary tool is not particularly high , you ’ ll earn your money back within a couple of openings . The life expectancy of the Burrs can be expected to be between 10 to 30 openings according to Souber ’ s own testing .
It ’ s also a very versatile tool package , you ’ ll more than likely be using for more than just openings , it ’ ll be extremely handy with day-to-day locksmithing , just another investment in your business .
Onwards and upwards , Shane . www . soubertools . com
JAN / FEB 2022
23
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