Abstract:
Apparatus for opening, or removing without damage, automotive side-bar type ignition locks, comprises a combination tool with a plurality of projections extending horizontally and forwardly from the combination tool to engage the lock's keyway, at least one balanced pair of recesses in the lock's face, or, optionally, when the tool is used as a lock-remover, the inner walls of the lock's hollow wing-nut cylinder cap. When used as a lock-forcing opener, the combination tool is placed in position on the lock cylinder's face and a conventional wrench gripping the tool's hexagonally-shaped portion is turned to create torque applied by the tool's projections against the walls of the lock's recesses, forcing the lock cylinder to turn to its ON position and start the vehicle's engine. When the lock is to be removed without damage, the combination tool is used as a drill guide mounted on the lock by its projections, with its drill guide hole so positioned that an access hole drilled therethrough gives access for a side-bar pressure tool to be inserted and to exert inward pressure on the lock's side-bar, while at the same time a wafer pressure tool is reciprocated in the lock's keyway to urge the lock's wafer elements into lock-opening alignment, allowing the side-bar to be retracted. The lock can then be removed from its automotive mounting, a replacement key made, and the lock returned and reinstalled for continued use.