Masterlock No. 3

[LyricalFo]

I've searched and read everything I could find about masterlock no. 3 and about pin tumblers, but still can't open this Masterlock no.3. I've used the small hook, half diamond, and the snake to rake, with no success. I'm new to lock picking and this is only my second lock, but i've been stuck with it for about a week and I hear about other newbies opening them in seconds. Any suggestions?

[Sabin37]

You've been registered since 2003 and this is your first post, wow!

Have you read the MIT guide? If you haven't it should help substantially.

http://www.gregmiller.net/locks/mitguide/

[LyricalFo]

Yes I've read the manual and still can't open this lock.

LyricalFo

[master in training]

have you tried searching for master lock no 3 on the forum?

describe what happens when you pick it, can you move the pins ok? does the plug turn at all? when happens when you set a pin? how old is the lock, is it rusted at all? do you have the key to test it with to make sure the lock works?

[LyricalFo]

As stated in my first post, "I've searched and read everything I could find about masterlock no. 3 and about pin tumblers," and still can't get this to open. As I set each pin I can feel it move alittle, but I know that all pins aren't set since it won't turn all the way. It's a new lock, and still works, but I just can't seem to find that missing pin.

BarleyMob

[master in training]

ok, are you sure no pins are overset? if one is overset the lock wont open, if not, one or more also may be underset slightly, you would have to gently push up each pin stack and check to see if they are set properly, being careful not to overset any.

[erehwesle]

I've found with my #3 it is all about pressure. It is very easy to jam a pin on these, however, if you start with just a breath of pressure, literally just holding your hand barely on the tension wrench, and start picking from the back, it will almost magically pop.

Again, easier to show than describe, but try using very light pressure, and start picking from the back pin. Just as Master in training said, I think you are overseting a pin. For some reason (experimenting on several different examples of the lock too) it seems to me to be far easier to overset the back pins, hence my recomendations to start from the back, and ease WAY up on the pressure.

Hope this helps.

[master in training]

i've never touched a master lock, but advice seems to work from one lock to another

if oversetting is a problem, you can use more tension when moving over pins which are already set to hold them in place, then ease off when setting another pin, like i said, i've never touched a master lock, but it should work.

[stick]

Just to make sure... You are using a tension wrench right?

[BrownDwarf]

Might try using a shallow hook, pulling it slowly over the pins one by one, with enough pressure to push them down. If you are doing it right you will feel the tip of the hook traveling over the tops of the pins. If you get the pressure on the hook and the wrench right, each pin will hang up at its shear line and the lock will open.

Two tips:

1) After you've pulled the hook over all four pins, back the pressure on the wrench off a tad to let just one or two pins pop back up. The first ones to pop are often the ones that have been pushed down too far.

2) If the lock won't open with tension in a clockwise direction, try putting tension on in a counterclockwise direction. Sometimes things are a lot easier in reverse.

[daedalus]

Apply enough tension to see which pin binds first.. relieve pressure to a very light tension a tap the pin that is binding a few times and push it higher each time you tap it. Avoid pushing it all up at a time. When the pin is in place, you'll feel the cyllinder rotate a little.
Apply a little more tension.. see which pin binds next.. relieve the pressure to light tension(just enough so the pin you've set doesn't fall) and repeat the "taping" procedure. Repeat the process until all pins are set.
At first, you'll probably drop the pins already set until you get the "feel" of the correct tension(which is just enough as to bind the pin.. not more.. not less).
And.. practice.. practice... practic.

By the way.. if you can't feel a pin binding.. either you're using too much tension(therefore binding multiple pins at the same time), or too less tension(not binding a pin at all).
Just keep on it, and you'll get it in no time. The "taping" procedure will help you not to overset the pins.

Let us know when you open it.

[Mad Mick]

First off LyricalFo, we congratulate you for searching and attempting to help yourself before bombarding us with 'help me' posts.

The Master #3 is usually the starter lock for beginners. This lock has a loose plug, which is not affected by the springs of the locking mechanism. Try inserting the tension wrench and letting the weight of the wrench, combined with only the slightest touch (imagine trying to remove an eyelash from your eye) of one finger resting on the wrench, apply rotation to the plug (clockwise).

Now you have this slight rotation (tension/torsion, whatever ) applied to the plug, insert the pick - half diamond or hook, preferrably - and feel the pins...4 in this lock. Starting at the back of the lock, feel each pin in turn. Try to lift each one, as if you were removing that eyelash. One pin will feel stiffer than the rest. Gently, lift that pin until you feel a slight movement on the tension wrench. As you feel the movement on the tension wrench, this particular pin will now feel more solid...ignore this pin and retest the other 3 pins. Gently lift the next stiffest pin....and so on.

HTH,
Mick.

[Sabin37]

(imagine trying to remove an eyelash from your eye)

That is a very good analogy.

[Kayvon]

Have you been able to pick any other locks, or is this your first one? It is an easier one to pick (I borrowed one from a friend a few minutes ago so I could try--took me 30 seconds), but if youo're getting frustrated with it that only makes things worse. And if someone is watching... it'll take 10 times longer.

I'd agree with the tension wrench comment. The eyelash analogy is really good. I always tell people to imagine balancing a quarter on the end of the tension wrench at how much weight that would add.

If you've picked other locks before, though, you've probably got a good feel for it already. Have you picked any padlocks?

[kodierer]

heh, I can reverse pick this Master No.3, in 3 seconds. Thats probably what the 3 means.