Masterlock No. 3

[zekeo]

I too have been having some trouble with a master #3. My picking is getting better and better (I can pick a yale in no time at all) and other padlocks open like a charm. I could open it at first, but I think I've roughed it up enough that one pin refuses to smoothly set. I'm not sure if it's something with this lock in particular, but it's really turned into a pain.

I don't have the key, so I dont even know if it still works...

So I guess my advice is to get a few other locks and see if it's just your technique, or something to do with this particular lock that is giving you trouble.

[Kayvon]

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

I have a similar opinion regarding "kwikset" locks. Why would anybody name their locks kwiksets? It's a descriptive name, though!

[LyricalFo]

I finally got it, but just that once and only after looking at the pin set from the key design. I know how the pins should be set, but still can't get it. Pins 2 and 4 are set the highest and Pins 1 and 3 are pushed up alittle. I'm thinking the problem might be when I try to set pin 2 or 4, part of the pick pushes up pin 1 and 3 causing it to over set. I tried using the hook, but same problem happens on the back pins. Anyone got any suggestions on what I could do?

LyricalFo

[digital_blue]

Yup. Take a deep breath and go back to it. I think you may be right about accidently pushing other pins around. Common, especially for newbies and especially on padlocks. You might try adding a bit of tension as you push the pick to the back of the keyway to prevent moving anything around. Then let up a bit on the tension again and go back to picking the rear pins.

db

[kodierer]

Try inserting your half ball, or half diamond, and finding the last pin, and then laying the whole pick across the keyway. Use light tension

[jason0]

This was one of my starter locks, and I find it quite easy. It is a lot different than quiksets and locks like that, though. The plug wobbles a lot, and that takes a little getting used to. My only advice would be try more tension. The pins are easy to set, you might be setting them but not giving it enough tension to turn the plug, I have done that before. You could also try getting another #3 and seeing if it's still an issue.

[Crashmonkey]

I too have been having some trouble with a master #3. My picking is getting better and better (I can pick a yale in no time at all) and other padlocks open like a charm. I could open it at first, but I think I've roughed it up enough that one pin refuses to smoothly set. I'm not sure if it's something with this lock in particular, but it's really turned into a pain.

I don't have the key, so I dont even know if it still works...

I had some similar problems with a very simple no name padlock. When I first got it I picked it in under 1 min. but soon after couldn't pick it for the life of me. Several pins were acting funny and not setting smoothly so I got the bright idea to lubricate the lock. Seconds later the lock opened with no trouble.

[undeadspacehippie]

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

I know it may be late, but that is the funniest thing I have seen in a while. Thanks. (Esp since this is a bugger of a lock for me, now, gimme some time though).

[Squelchtone]

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

I know it may be late, but that is the funniest thing I have seen in a while. Thanks. (Esp since this is a bugger of a lock for me, now, gimme some time though).

Hi undeadspacehippie,

Don't worry if that No.3 gives you a hard time. I have several No.3's and one I can put my half diamond in, rock back and fourth and click! the other one is keyed differently and it takes longer to rake it open, but both are usually popped in less than 10 seconds.

Sometimes I do have a bad day when I forget my ninja hat at home and it takes a minute to open a No.3 any other lock for that matter.

keep practicing!

Squelchtone

[Wolfman]

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

That is FUNNY!


...but seriously, are you?

[ThE_MasteR]

You never know...Good thing he asked lol

[undeadspacehippie]

Sometimes I do have a bad day when I forget my ninja hat at home and it takes a minute to open a No.3 any other lock for that matter.

Squelchtone

I think this is what I need - a ninja hat, perhaps paried with Raimundo's Magic Rakes - starting to sound like a shopping list for a Potter movie or a D&D game.

- I'll keep working on that lock till I open it.

[undeadspacehippie]

Ok seriously now - how do you approach this lock, i've tried the eyelash on the torsion bar thing, i've tried 1/2 diamonds, half rounds, rakes, hooks on this lock and I still cannot get it to pop. This is driving me slighly crazy. I have even made 3 sizes of 1/2 diamond picks to attempt this lock and tried the extra low profile picks I have made for the schlage lock i am working on.

[undeadspacehippie]

Ok I just posted that I can't get it, and then a few minutes later I pop this thing open, it sorta opened like magic. But I had to rake it with by bogota-clone - Coffee shakes worked. Sorry about the cry for help there.

[Anziano Jackson]

I like the Master No. 3 because it's always a good challenge. I like to use a half diamond or a snake pick. Almost always on those locks, there's a long pin immediately followed by a short pin, so to get the small pin, you almost always push the pin in front of it too high. I'd try the hook/feeler pick, but that's kinda harder. Sometimes, I use a bump pick and rake it in and out with the smallest tension and that sometimes gets it.