AUTO LOCKSMITHS
The Best Tibbe Picks
If you have been in the game a long time , you will know all about Tibbe locks ; they have been used on Ford models and some Jaguars for over two decades . The lock comprises six rotary disks that must be correctly positioned , allowing a sidebar to slot into position . Only when all six disks are correctly rotated can the sidebar be dropped into place , allowing the lock to be freely opened . The rotary disks are driven into place by a matching key , known as a Tibbe key .
Mr Li ’ s pick
How Do Tibbe Keys Work ?
The Tibbe key is made of a solid metal blade , cylindrical in shape and has six notable notches cut into the tip . The unique notches bear the profile of the key . But what makes Tibbe keys unique ? Rather than traditional tumbler keys , the cuts do not consist of hills and valleys . Instead , they consist of a combination of different inclined surfaces .
These inclined surfaces have four possible depths , and with up to six positions available , that ’ s a lot of possible combinations .
The Top 3 Tibbe Picks Mr Li ’ s pick is well built and is easy to operate with its six levers-not quite strong enough to open all locks but is fantastic at decoding a wide variety of locks .
Nicknamed the ‘ Caterpillar pick ’ because of its unusual appearance , this strange-looking tool has what appears to be multiple legs . These ‘ legs ’ are actually the levers that you must individually rotate to manipulate the lock ’ s disks into place — simulating the effect of a key .
There will always be at least one ‘ number four ’ disk that needs to be located and used to turn the lock . Any positions containing a number four disk will be firm and offer no movement in the lever .
When picking the lock , firm pressure should be applied to one of the number four positions in the lock ’ s direction , essentially acting as a tension tool . Once all other positions have been successfully picked , the lock with be ready to open . The other positional levers must then be turned and clicked into place until you can feel a more significant movement . Once the pick has opened the lock , you can gauge the lever positions to obtain the cut depths for making a key .
The individual tips of the Mr Li pick are silver solder welded , ensuring the tool stands the test of time . However , there are times that more difficult Ford Transit locks can challenge the Mr Li version ; this can be because it ’ s not always robust enough to receive the pressure needed to open these challenging locks .
If you are looking for a pick that works with all Jaguar locks , we suggest looking at other options , as it only has six positional levers , which will not work on the variety of Jaguar locks out there .
The Souber Tibbe pick is a valuable tool for picking ignition locks ; however , it ’ s not best suited for daily picking of door locks . Additionally , it cannot decode open locks and only pick the lock open . This easy-touse pick is designed to quickly open locks found on most Ford vehicles . However , whilst it provides an easy method of lock picking , it cannot decode the lock to supply the essential information to cut a key . Unfortunately , the tool will only open locks in one direction , meaning two picks are required , one for clockwise and another for anticlockwise . Looking to pick ignition barrels ? We would totally recommend this tool .
The Safe Ventures Tibbe pick makes opening Fords and Jaguars a simple task , ensuring you are confident at every job you attend .
In our opinion , the Safe Ventures Tibbe pick is by far the optimum tool available for opening and decoding Ford locks .
Furthermore , the addition of the rod that runs through the centre allows you to use this tool on new models . Not to forget , this tool is also capable of working on eight disk Jaguar locks . By using the Safe Ventures pick , you ’ ll be opening Fords in a matter of minutes . Perfect for when you ’ ve got one of those customers who love to watch …
The pick is well manufactured and offers accurate decoding . It ’ s not the cheapest lock pick on the market ; however , you can make this money back in no time at all .
www . 3dgroupuk . com
Souber Tibbe pick
Safe Ventures Tibbe pick
70
JUL / AUG 2022
locksmithjournal . co . uk Issue Takeover
Magazine Sponsor