Lock Defeat via Key Impressioning

Demonstrates defeat of a mortise cylinder lock using hard key impressioning. Here, a working key for the lock can be generated while only having knowledge of the keyway type and NOT the lock's pinout or code. The lock depicted is a quality, medium security lock (at least that is how I would classify it as an enthusiast and NOT a locksmith), but it could certainly be made more challenging to defeat through more aggressive biting, more security pins, etc. Understand also that I used a small magnifier off camera in order to closely inspect the key after each iteration in the lock and then used the large magnifier at the bench as a final check before filing. This can be done with something like a jewelers loop, but it is difficult to show on camera. Equipment used was a Pippin (Appleseed) #2 file (though a round file will work well), and a small Irwin hand vise. I made the video from a lock sports perspective, with hard key impressioning being my favorite lock sport discipline, though I am by no means a master at it. However if you are concerned about this type technique from a security perspective, the mitigation would be to look into obtaining a high security lock for you particular use case. Mechanical locks are wonderful machines and are always getting better, even in an age of electronic key systems. However you should do your research and understand the strengths and vulnerabilities of your mechanical locks.