Warded Padlocks - A Guide by illusion

[illusion]

I saw on your bike pick that the tab is only to one side. Is this always enough for a warded lock?

I remember opening a diary book lock (not mine) once which I would consider a small warded lock. I was able to pick it with a paper clip making a "T" shape at the tip. When it finally broke I saw a spring at the top which had to be spread open by the tip to open. Would that be considered a warded lock? (sorry I got no images)

It was enough for my lock - I've seen some that do require tabs on both sides. It tends to be the older locks that have this feature - most of the newer ones seem to be clones of the lock I posted photos of.

The diary and luggage locks can often be opened by simply inserting an SO twist flex tension wrench into the lock and twisting - job done.

The term warded lock lends itself to the wards. You could have, for instance, a lever lock that had similar wards, which would be called a warded lever lock.

I'm not certain what mechanism you describe - I've forgottena lot in my somewhat extended absence from locksport. If you could give some better description, I'd be happy to help.

[ObiWonShinobi]

Remember the old master lock commercials?
"TOUGH Under Fire !!"
(Can anyone find a video link?)

Anyone notice the locks they were SHOOTING HOLES IN
were warded padlocks?
They shot them center mass....
in the section that has NO MOVING PARTS at all.

Thats kinda like having someone shoot a balloon off of
your shoulder and claiming the silk shirt you are wearing is
bullet-proof because you magically survived.

[ObiWonShinobi]

Some of the double lever types CAN be opened with
a single lever skeleton key.

STEP ONE:
Go in as deep as possible and rotate.
(it will rotate, but not release)

releasing tension on the key you will feel it start rotating back.
(almost like the feeling of a spring loaded padlock plug)
and SOME LOCKS (including 3-4 MASTER I have owned)
will STOP right before the key centers.

It feels like the spring is caught on something right before.
Anyway... since it is ALLMOST in the "normal" position
the spring does not have enough power to pop it over the crack.
(once again IMAGINE a plug rotating back and feeling the pins
hit the edge right before they pass the sear line.)

STEP TWO:
CAREFULLY slide the key backwards and out past one warded plate.
The key is still SLIGHTLY turned and you should feel it rub the walls.
While the deepest spring is still loose, turn the key in the second deepest.
and the lock SHOULD pop.
-------------------

This used to work for me all the time back in the 80's
I was too cheap to buy another lock to make another skeleton key.
Like I said, I had SEVERAL locks this worked on, BUT yours MAY
be different. Just some helpful ideas (I hope)
(maybe if I drew some pictures?)

[Servalite6354]

Excellent pictures. This really clears things up for me as to how these locks work. I shall have to make a key like that straightaway.

[johnpsmith84]

awesome!!! i always wondered what they loked like form the inside, thanks for the show!!!!

[gstrendkill]

thanks alot for all the information! But i have a question... i bought a set of 5 warded skeleton keys, how do i know which pick to use on a lock? like what signs do i look for to know which to use?

[gstrendkill]

never mind guys. question was answered in another thread

[jacknife]

this was the first warded guide ive ever seen very helpful thx

[mikitric]

How can you identify that its a warded lock?

[freakparade3]

How can you identify that its a warded lock?

Look at the pictures on the first page of this guide. The first clue is the key. They are very distinct. Second is look into the keyway, you will see the wards. Welcome to the site.

[patrick181]

wow, i guess you learn something new everyday.....

[bumber]

Remember the old master lock commercials?
"TOUGH Under Fire !!"
(Can anyone find a video link?)

Another product of BumBer@2:53am Tough Under Fire

[sir lot is here]

Great guide,

just so happens i bought this lock of e-bay the other day


had warded picks for a while but no lock, could not believe how easy they are to pick, its not even picking - master key basically like you said......

[rhyno]

Thanks for the guide illusion. These seem like very low security locks, in fact, i can't believe they passed as locks! Not that i've ever seen them here in Australia.

[.45cal]

Are there warded locks that require more than one set of "teeth" to actually activate the internal workings of the lock?