Had a very interesting and challenging job today. I had to break into the front door of a bank. First time for me!
After about 30 minutes Sussex Police had paid me a visit, concerned locals had called to say a man was breaking into a bank. Both officers were very nice as I explained what I was attempting to do.
Due to the construction of the door my tool for the lock would not work, this caused a big problem. It is a high security Chubb 3R35 (shown below) and it is considered one of the most difficult mortice locks out there to pick.
The Chubb 3R35 requires you to firstly unlock the latch mechanism and then turn the key again, one full rotation to withdraw the latch so in effect, without the key you need to pick it twice. Picking these locks once is hard enough so I was ‘quite excited’ when the latch retracted and the door creaked open.
Once the door was open I managed to get the lock out of the door which was tricky, re-lever and then test, fit back into the door and re-secure the premises.
Again, due to the door width it was a nightmare getting the lock deadlocked. I had to modify a key which probably added 40 minutes to the job.
Chris Belchers fantastic pocket curtain pick saved the day this time. He did make a bespoke tool for the 110 and all its siblings but it was fractionally too short. The original, although very close to the limit, just reached and allowed me to pick the lock. It was the last tool I tried, very nearly defeated I am so happy I tried it, made my day.
Second successful mortice lock opening this week. Nice to get to practice on door locks from time to time.
The picture below shows the side of the door, nearly 2 1/2 inches deep in the door.
