Anyone heard of Toppadlock?

[Emrys]

My buddy's still overseas right now and sent me these pictures of a lock he picked up. He's had a hell of a time trying to pick it because of how restricted the keyway is. Not to mention, it's got pins on all 4 sides. Anyone had any experience with one of these?







Sorry the pictures are so small, it's all he sent me.

-Rob

[raimundo]

such a lock is probably easy with the correct tool, the tool would be made according to the size of the keyway, and with the knowlege that a pick is much smaller than a key, two sweeper bristles bent together with four ends comeing to one end, then twisted together 90 degrees makes a good tool for this type, although, the one I have was built for a somewhat larger keyway, (papaiz) you simply cut the two pieces like a double sided bogota, with another of the same folded inside it, to deploy the tool you rotate the inner one 90 degrees and on the one I made, there is a keeper at the twist that also is cut to hold the pieces in this way while working it in the lock.

I would definately call this particular lock a good one for someone who is making tools to fit the job, rather than try to get some commercial pick to fit it.

[Jaakko]

I have the very same padlock or to be exact, multiple of the same "TOPPADLOCK" family. If you want to repin it, just rip that green logo of and the solder under it, takes 10-15 minutes and with the key in hand, you can remove the pins and all and get it repinned the way you like

That particular 4-way keyway is called the cruciform lock and there is a specific tool for raking the hell out of it. Other than that, two spronger tensioner and a small hook is enough

[Emrys]

I agree that a new pick would have to be made for this lock. Something that is a lot smaller than a conventional lock pick. Bogota would be a pretty good choice if you got it sized right. Maybe one of those double pronged tensioners would work good at making some space available in the lock too.

So you have one of these toppadlocks already? How hard is it to pick? I'm assuming that raking is the best method of openign this lock, instead of SPP?

-Rob

[Jaakko]

Single pin picking is ALWAYS the best way to open the lock, as with raking you can't feel what is happening in the lock.

Yes I have picked it and I have to say that the locks tolerances approach that what goes down the toilet, so it is easy

[Emrys]

You know...I will agree with you 90% of the way on that one. I am a big fan of SPP. That is what i learned how to do first. I actually didn't want any part in raking until months after I started picking locks. There are some locks I have come across that I have to rake....or, should I say that it makes it MUCH easier to rake, to open the lock. Door knobs are a good example. OMG....I can't open a freaking door knob for the life of me SPPing lol. I can...it just takes a bit of time. Raking gives me much better results, and of course it can be faster. I have an old ILCO deadbolt that doesn't like to play nice with SPP, but will open right up when raked a few times. There's also times where it feels like i have every pin in a lock set, but for some reason the darn lock won't open. I'll press every pin but I don't feel anything. I'll rake it once or twice, and BAM, that's all it needed. So, I agree with you saying SPP is better, but I still think raking is a necessary skill, and definitely one i need more practice on

-Rob

[JackNco]

I actually have 2 of these locks exactly the same but under the name "BAOXINPAI"

one opens in seconds for me and the other Refuses to open. you can use a slim wiper insert with only a few MM folded over to tension it perfectly. but why bother. these things are easier to open than warded locks.

Have a closer look at the key, you will notice that ALL the pins are the same length. the only difference in keys is where they bother putting pins in. simply file all the blades down to the same level and you have a key that will open any lock that comes out of that factory.

Useless locks, don't use them on anything you want to keep safe.

John

[Emrys]

wow, really? At first glance, it's kind of intimidating. I'm really anxious to pick this lock now. My buddy says he hasn't been able to pick it yet.....although I think that he's just been slacking He's not going to be home for another month too so I'm going to have to wait.

-Rob

[raimundo]

does that lock even have the anti shim flange on the end of the plug, many of the worst chinese locks don't have this. To check, see if a piece of an anti shoplifting tag will fit in the gap, (the tag has slightly thinner stock than a purpose made locksmiths shim)

[JackNco]

i dont think it does but its to tight to get anything in there.