Decoding: Difference between revisions

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= Decoding =                                                                                                                                                               
= Decoding =                                                                                                                                                               


'''Decoding''' is the process of determining the correct position of components in a [[Lock|lock]] through manipulation, disassembly, measurement, and observation of keys or lock components. While it does not necessarily open the lock, decoding provides the information necessary to create a working [[Key|key]]. In this respect, decoding is the middle ground between [[Lockpicking|lockpicking]] and [[Impressioning|impressioning]] techniques.
'''Decoding''' is the process of determining the correct position of components in a [[Lock|lock]] through manipulation, disassembly, measurement, and observation of [[Key|keys]] or lock components. While it does not necessarily open the lock, decoding provides the information necessary to create a working key. In this respect, decoding is the middle ground between [[Lockpicking|lockpicking]] and [[Impressioning|impressioning]] techniques.


Decoding techniques are quite varied and leave a wide range of [[Forensics|forensic]] evidence. Most lock-centric decoding techniques are considered [[Covert_Entry|covert]] because of the invasive manipulation required. In contrast, most key-centric techniques are forms of [[Surreptitious_Entry|surreptitious entry]] because they focus on observation and measurement.
Decoding techniques are quite varied and leave a wide range of [[Forensics|forensic]] evidence. Most lock-centric decoding techniques are considered [[Covert_Entry|covert]] because of the invasive manipulation required. In contrast, most key-centric techniques are forms of [[Surreptitious_Entry|surreptitious entry]] because they focus on observation and measurement.
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== Manipulation ==
== Manipulation ==


Decoding via manipulation focuses on analysis of the locking components to determine their correct positions. Most forms of manipulation are invasive and use specialized tools to gather diagnostic information from individual locking components.
Decoding via manipulation focuses on invasive manipulation and analysis of the locking components to determine their correct positions. A wide range of tools and techniques exist to determine the number, size, shape, and position of components. In some cases, lockpicking or impressioning is a prerequisite to the decoding process.


<!-- Invasive manipulation techniques may use lockpicking or impressioning to aid the decoding process. -->
* In [[Pin_tumbler|pin-tumbler]] locks, a tool may be used to determine bottom pin sizes once the lock has been picked. The tool measures the distance each pin can be raised until it gets to the top of the plug. Tools resemble pin-tumbler picks placed on a lever.
* Sophisticated scales to weigh components to determine their size. Generally, heavier components signify lower depths because of the additional material.
<!-- * Small shims to -->
* Some lockpicking tools, namely [[Axial|axial/tubular]] picks and the [[Sputnik]] tool, automatically decode or impression the lock while it is being picked.
* [[Impressioning]], in a general sense, is a form of manipulation-based decoding that directly produces a working key.


*Some lockpicking tools, namely [[Axial|axial/tubular]] picks and the [[Sputnik]] tool, automatically decode the lock while it is being picked.
== Disassembly ==
*[[Impressioning]], in a general sense, is a form of manipulation-based decoding that directly produces a working key.


== Visual ==
Disassembly of the lock will allow direct counts and measurements of internal components. These can be compared with manufacturing data to produce a working key. In some cases, disassembled components are imprinted with their sizes or codes, simplifying the process.


Visual observation of a key or lock allows for various forms of decoding:
== Measurement ==


* Observation of the key's bitting pattern. This process is known as "sight-reading" a key.
The key is measured to decode the values of the bitting cuts and the keyway profile. Various tools exist for locks specifically, but a ruler or micrometer is equally effective in most cases.
* Observation of the key's bitting codes on the bow. Can also be used to identify the keyway of a lock.
 
== Optical, Photographic, and Visual ==
 
Visual observation of a key or lock allows for various forms of decoding.
 
* Key bitting pattern. This process is known as "sight-reading" a key.
* Key codes on the bow. Can also be used to identify the keyway of a lock.
* Presence and position of secondary locking mechanisms such as [{Sidebar|sidebars]].


In the case of colored lock components, a borescope or similar tool may be used to look inside the lock and determine component positions. Many [[Pin_tumbler|pin-tumbler]] locks use colors to symbolize different bottom pin sizes.
In the case of colored lock components, a borescope or similar tool may be used to look inside the lock and determine component positions. Many [[Pin_tumbler|pin-tumbler]] locks use colors to symbolize different bottom pin sizes.

Revision as of 22:18, 2 April 2009

Decoding

Decoding is the process of determining the correct position of components in a lock through manipulation, disassembly, measurement, and observation of keys or lock components. While it does not necessarily open the lock, decoding provides the information necessary to create a working key. In this respect, decoding is the middle ground between lockpicking and impressioning techniques.

Decoding techniques are quite varied and leave a wide range of forensic evidence. Most lock-centric decoding techniques are considered covert because of the invasive manipulation required. In contrast, most key-centric techniques are forms of surreptitious entry because they focus on observation and measurement.

History

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Manipulation

Decoding via manipulation focuses on invasive manipulation and analysis of the locking components to determine their correct positions. A wide range of tools and techniques exist to determine the number, size, shape, and position of components. In some cases, lockpicking or impressioning is a prerequisite to the decoding process.

  • In pin-tumbler locks, a tool may be used to determine bottom pin sizes once the lock has been picked. The tool measures the distance each pin can be raised until it gets to the top of the plug. Tools resemble pin-tumbler picks placed on a lever.
  • Sophisticated scales to weigh components to determine their size. Generally, heavier components signify lower depths because of the additional material.
  • Some lockpicking tools, namely axial/tubular picks and the Sputnik tool, automatically decode or impression the lock while it is being picked.
  • Impressioning, in a general sense, is a form of manipulation-based decoding that directly produces a working key.

Disassembly

Disassembly of the lock will allow direct counts and measurements of internal components. These can be compared with manufacturing data to produce a working key. In some cases, disassembled components are imprinted with their sizes or codes, simplifying the process.

Measurement

The key is measured to decode the values of the bitting cuts and the keyway profile. Various tools exist for locks specifically, but a ruler or micrometer is equally effective in most cases.

Optical, Photographic, and Visual

Visual observation of a key or lock allows for various forms of decoding.

  • Key bitting pattern. This process is known as "sight-reading" a key.
  • Key codes on the bow. Can also be used to identify the keyway of a lock.
  • Presence and position of secondary locking mechanisms such as [{Sidebar|sidebars]].

In the case of colored lock components, a borescope or similar tool may be used to look inside the lock and determine component positions. Many pin-tumbler locks use colors to symbolize different bottom pin sizes.

In wafer locks, a borescope or similar tool can be used to look at the position of each wafer as it rests in the lock.

In lever locks, a borescope or similar tool can be used to look at the shape of each lever, but requires that a secondary tool (a key) be used to move other levers out of the way.

Radiological

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See also