Brinks House Key

Difficulty Notes

Some units require an 'ungodly amount of tension' to set pins and are described as 'sucks to try and pick'. Generally considered easy to pick or cut compared to high-security locks like Medeco or Mul-T-Lock Grade 2.

Sources (r/lockpicking):
- u/giantnegro (1pts): 'I've got a brinks one without a key that was in a shed when I bought my house. I haven't been able to pick it because it requires an ungodly amount of tension just to set the pins. I haven't tried really hard with it because it just sucks to try and pick it!'
- u/Swinekicker (3pts): 'They are easy to pick and cut to get into my trailer.'
- u/tonysansan (1pts): '...pick one marketed for exterior doors... You will know for certain by comparing the pins with lpubelts.com' (implying some are pickable, others may not be).
[confidence: medium]

Picking Notes

Practice pushing and counting pins front-to-back and back-to-front repeatedly before adding a tensioner. Increase tension in small steps.

Sources (r/lockpicking):
- u/bluescoobywagon (1pts): 'practice, practice! I would recommend spending time using the pick to push and count the pins front to back and back to front, again and again, until you're confident you know where they are and what they feel like. THEN, add in a tensioner and slowly increase tension in small steps'
[confidence: medium]

Tension Tips

Some specific units require an extremely high amount of tension to set the pins.

Sources (r/lockpicking):
- u/giantnegro (1pts): 'I haven't been able to pick it because it requires an ungodly amount of tension just to set the pins.'
[confidence: medium]

Bitting Variance

Brinks House Keys vary significantly by model (e.g., exterior vs interior/bathroom). Some contain spools, while others may not. They are often found in mortise cylinders. Some users report finding them in construction debris or sheds. They are generally considered low-security compared to commercial locks like Schlage Grade 2 or Medeco.

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