Mr. Smartass,
I have been a lurker here for some time, posting only rarely.
I am a simple and lowly tow truck driver, lol, who also has responsibility for title documentation, seizure, and sale or disposal of vehicles. I feel that this gives me a legitimate and compelling interest in defeating automotive ignition locks, without damaging the column. But I am not a member of the Secret Squirrel Society, and I never will be.
I am only interested in ignition locks. I truly do not give a shit about door locks, since the AirWedge and The Big Easy give me quick access to almost all vehicles, usually in under 15 seconds. But then again, I do it everyday. It may take the untrained locksmith as much as 45 seconds or more, assuming he was willing to unprofessionally bypass the lock by working through the doorjam, LOL. For this service, most operators charge 50 dollars. Or less. Its good to be able to provide a service like this economically, without screwing around inside the keyway or inside the doorshell. Because lots of people accidently lock their infants inside running cars, especially in cold weather. And, trust me, thats not a good time to pull out a fistful of picks, squat in the snow, an' put yer eye up to the lock. LOL.
Because my employer sweeps up all makes and models, in direct proportion to market share, I need a reliable and economic way to make rough keys quickly to see if a car cranks, starts, and runs without problem. In this way, a lot of cars that now get junked can be returned to service to people who need them and are willing to buy.
I have tried impressioning, and it is more difficult than it looks. Amateur jiggle keys are ok for some cars, especially Chrysler products it seems, but I need a broader solution.
I have read with great interest your comments on the Force Tool and bypass key, and I am considering purchase of same. I am also considering the purchase of an otoscope, to read the ignition pins after (or before) removal. Professional sets of try-keys are also an option - I have seen locksmiths use them on the lot - but I need a full set for a large population of auto makes, and that could be expensive.
In short, I am looking for a cheap way to quickly evaluate motor vehicles, given that I have a high volume (MINIMUM 12 per month) with relatively few that have real market value. I have hammered a locksmith down to 45 dollars a car, but even at that, I most often say "screw it, save the 45" when it comes to a decision, because so many cars are simply junk.
So locksmiths are out of the picture, period, except as a desperation move.
I have greatly enjoyed your past postings, and I look forward to any help or advice you may offer to me.
Thanks.