HINTS&TIPS • 55
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blade correctly is that if you are striking
the pins with a curved edge you may be
hitting the back pins but missing the front
pins where the curve sits.
Once the blade is situated in the EPG
correctly it is then time to set the bounce.
It is always best to set the gun up with
the minimal bounce and then increase
it very gradually. Start off by setting the
bounce to zero (where the blade does
not move up and down) and then move
it up very gradually. There is no need to
have the needle moving frantically up
and down at the highest setting because
all you will achieve is turning the cylinder
into filings or damaging the internal
springs and pins. If you have no luck
after a few attempts then the bounce
should be gradually increased.
‘It is always best to set
the gun up with the
minimal bounce and then
increase it very gradually’
Finally remember that you are using a
pick gun rather than a drill, if you press
the button constantly without any breaks
you will again end up probably damaging
the cylinder. All that is required is short
bursts of a few seconds and then stop
and repeat.
All the while you are picking it is
important to remember to feather the
tension on whatever tension wrench you
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are using. Again, there are numerous
versions of tension wrenches on the
market and it is trial and error which one
you prefer. We all have a favourite one
which we will tend to go for first. Some
people even prefer using a dental pick
rather than a standard wrench but with a
little practice you will soon decide which
you prefer.
On some of the more restricted and
tighter key sections you may have to rotate
the gun slightly to give a better strike on
the pins and to give you more room in the
keyway but always remembering it must
continually remain horizontal to the keyway
and the blade remains in contact with all
the pins within the cylinder plug.”