The Lock-Picking Lawyer reviews the TAG 5 Industries LA Compression Light Box, a device designed for covert key impressioning. The product's creator, Russell, is an Australian locksmith with a multi-generational family background in locksmithing and experience as a covert entry specialist. The Light Box is a wearable device with a magnifying lens and two color LED lights that help highlight impression marks on key blanks. It also features light discipline, keeping the light in and minimizing visibility.
Russell demonstrates how to use the Light Box to impression a Kryptonite KS-82 padlock, showing the process of setting up the key blank, filing, and testing. He emphasizes the importance of proper spacing, filing technique, and not filing where there are no marks.
The Lock-Picking Lawyer notes that the Light Box is not inexpensive, listing for $480, but praises its excellent build quality, innovation, and ability to make impressioning easier and more portable. He concludes that the product's value depends on how much impressioning one does, but it has the potential to transform the process.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The product being discussed is the TAG 5 Industries fifth-generation LA compression in light box.
2. The light box was created by Russell, an Australian from a multi-generational family of locksmiths.
3. Russell was trained in locksmithing from a young age and worked in government service as a covert entry specialist.
4. The light box is designed for covert key impressioning.
5. Key impressioning involves creating a working key by filing a key blank to match the pins in a lock.
6. The light box has two different color LEDs (orange and blue) that can be used separately or in combination to highlight impression marks.
7. The light box is designed to be worn around the neck and has plastic flaps to keep the light in.
8. The light box is useful for both covert and civilian locksmiths.
9. Russell demonstrates how to use the light box to impression a Kryptonite KS-82 padlock.
10. The demonstration involves filing a key blank, using the light box to inspect the key, and repeating the process until the key works.
11. Russell stresses the importance of proper spacing and not filing too deeply when impressioning.
12. He also notes that the light box is designed with light discipline in mind, to minimize the amount of light that escapes.
13. The light box comes with a case and lists for $480.
14. The product has excellent build quality and is innovative, but is not inexpensive.