Picking a Master No. 3

[bum]

So I've got a Master padlock that says No. 3 on the bottom... the padlock looks like a bunch of metal plates stacked.

Anyway, I set the first pin pretty easy, but the second one just won't set no matter how much or how little tension I apply. Do I have to set them at the same time or something? I don't understand. :X

Thank you in advance for any help.

[bum]

Update...

So I got the second pin... don't know how, but yea, anyway, I can get four of the pins set and there's only one left but it won't go anywhere! It's just like really stiff and won't move a bit. I don't know if the lock is broken or what... I don't have the key to tell.

[CitySpider]

A Master #3 only has four pins, bud. The last one isn't a pin, it's part of the latching mechanism.

[bum]

LMAO that explains it... so I must not be setting all four pins?

Once you set them does the key plug simply give way and the hook becomes unlatched?

[bum]

Could it be that I'm applying tension the wrong direction? For this padlock should I be turning the keyplug clockwise or counter? I've been doing counter clockwise 'cause that's how my door opens.

[n00by]

It shouldn't really matter which way you are turning the lock because I think all or most padlocks open either way. I also have a master no. 3 and I know it opens both ways but I prefer clockwise but it should open your way too. Also are you picking the pin closest to you or the one furthest? Because master no3 locks are really easy to open.

[bum]

Well when I turn it clockwise, I can't get the first pin to set at all.

I'm picking the first one first and working my way back. I'm using just a flat bobby pin, so I can't really start from the farthest pin.

It seems like all the pins are set but I just can't get any latch action.

[n00by]

Hmm, I'm not too sure you'll have good results with starting with the pin closest to you. When I was first starting out I used a bobbypin as well and just kind of jammed it in the back of the master no3 and raked it a bunch and it popped open. You could also try a paperclip if the bobbypin is too big. What are you using for a tension wrench?

[bum]

So raking worked for you with just a flat bobby pin? Or did you use the side that's all curvy?

For a tension wrench I cut a thicker hair pin and bent it into an L-shape.

It's about yay thick... ||

[n00by]

Yep, I just used the flat side, I'm sure you could get it to also work with the curvy side as well but I did the flat side. Just keep raking and don't give up! I can pick my master no3 lock real easy with a bobby pin because the pins are set up so all I have to do is move the pick up and then down and it pops open. I'm going to try to rake a diff master no3 lock right now with a bobbypin to see if it was just cowincadince on how easy the lock was. I'll tell you how it goes.

[bum]

Odd. I'm trying to rake it... I feel like I'm scraping plaque off teeth like the dentist. I can't get this lock to open for the life of me.

[n00by]

Perhaps your using one of those big bobbypins, maybe try switching to a paperclip and bending the tip of it like a short hook? I just opened my master no3 lock in like 3 minutes. It's tuff with a bobby pin or paper clip, you should buy some lock picks or make some out of hacksaw blade or something.

[bum]

Thanks for the help, I'm off to bed. I'll see what I can fashion.

[Varjeal]

Just to clarify a couple of things.

1. Some, not most, padlocks will open in both directions.
2. Most padlocks (if not all) will open when turned CLOCKWISE.
3. It does matter which pin you start with unless you are raking. You want to apply slight tension to the plug, and find the pin which binds the most. Then, relax tension slighty, lift that pin until you feel the plug shift, then find the next one, and so on until the lock opens.
4. You haven't got all the pins set unless the lock will open when applying tension to the plug.
5. Locks such as the one you're mentioning (with the "plates") are called Laminated padlocks.

Hope that helps.

[bum]

Aha! So that's why I can't seem to pick any locks. I've been starting with the first pin and working my way back on all of them. That might work for some but I'm not that lucky.

Thank you Varjeal... I see what I need to do now.