The Original Lishi lock picks sent waves across the locksmith community when it launched just a few years ago. The tool allows the locksmith to open tricky locks more easily and more efficiently and then in-turn use the tool to create another key with the Original Lishi decoder.

Because of the popularity and the ingenuity of the tool, there have been a number of imitators that do not live up to the quality of the Original. As such, the makers of the genuine tool only sell through a handful of authorized dealers. If you find a tool that looks like the Lishi that is for sale from a non-authorized dealer, the chances are high that it is not an original lockpick.

The tool can be used on a wide range of locks including Kwikset locks—the largest type of lock used in residential homes across the continental United States—and auto key locks. As of yet, the manufacturer of the Original Lishi doesn’t have a lock pick for Kwikset Smart Locks but they have intimated that a Smart Lock pick could be coming soon. Even if the Smart Lock pick isn’t released in the coming year or two, some have speculated that there is a way to use the Lishi as a Smart Key pick but only in highly skilled hands.

Which Car Locks Can I Use a Lishi Pick on?

The line of picks can be used for a variety of locks, especially for auto locks, including:

• BMW 2-Track and 4-Track

• Mini Cooper/BMW XL

• Chrysler 8-Cut (Jeep and Fiat)

• Jeep and Fiat 8-Cut High Security

• Ford 8-Cut

• Ford/Jaguar High Security

• GM 10-Cut

• GM Z-Keyway

• GM High Security 8-Cut and 10-Cut

• Subaru

• GM Pontiac

• Honda

• Motorcycles including Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha

Decoding with the Original Lishi

Once upon a time, locksmiths believed that they could not decode a lock unless they applied a lot of pressure to the sidebar to pick the or disassembled the lock. Both of which were potentially destructive and always time consuming. This was done because of 6-cut locks—like the General Motors 6-cut lock—that couldn’t be decoded while in a rest position because the locks had identical tumblers unless the sidebar was dropped, which then unveiled the V Notch. Thankfully, those days have long been over. Instead, the pick/decoder provides a great opportunity for locksmiths to open the lock and then sell a new set of keys (or two) to the owner.

As with any fragile lock pick, the Original Lishi needs to be treated with care. A dirty lock can easily cause damage to the Lishi tool, especially the lifter tip, which has a unique and delicate design. As such, it is important to use a proper lock cleaner and heavy duty silicone lubricant. Some of the common mistakes that locksmiths do when using the Lishi include forcing the tool into the lock, using a very strong grip while inserting the tool into the keyway, and pushing more when they feel resistance from the lock. If you’re looking for genuine Lishi tools, you can find them here at American Key Supply today, we are an authorized dealer of Original Lishi lock picking tools.