Does anyone know about Guard Security padlocks?*LargePhotos*

[chrisj]

My wife is a sweetheart and bought me a new lock, as I have picked all in the house but my American. Anyhow, its a real tight lock (a lot of spring tension on the cylinder and the pins), with six pins. The number on the package is 626LS, its a brass body with a 2" shackle. I thought this $2.29 lock was going to be a breeze, but after about an hour I am beginning think otherwise. I can't seem to set more than three pins, but looking at the key profile would suggest its an easy pick, they are nearly the same depth. I could post photos of the package/lock/keys if needed. In the mean time, I have a mission.

*goes and sits on the couch with the lock*

[Varjeal]

I have a "Guard" padlock sitting in front of me right now. I'ts a 50mm brass 5/16" shackled beast, and apparently uses a Y1 999A type key. I haven't tried picking it yet other than to give it a quick rake because it's kind of beat up, but the pins feel stiff and there's likely pretty heavy spring pressure on this beast.

Some pics of your lock, keys, and keyway would be most helpful.

[Pheniox]

indeed they would
i need to go pick some myself, havn't done it in about a week now. never had any time

*finds the nearest park and has fun*

[chrisj]

Here you go fellas,

[plot]

looks like it has a Yale core. Y1 keyway like varjeal said.

also looks like it has 6 pins... good luck.

[chrisj]

Fantastic, now I have to pick this one and the American 5200!!

[Varjeal]

My padlock is somewhat similar except that it does not have the "security" part stamped into it. Also, it does not have the rubber piece around the heel of the shackle.

Anyways, I took to attempting to pick the lock I have (it's open but has no key, yet) and I've come across at least two spool pins for sure... The good news with your lock is that your key is basically a "descending order" configuration from bow to tip. This means that in the sixth position (nearest the tip) only needs to be lifted slightly while near to the bow must be lifted significantly higher. I would recommend (if the lock will allow it) to pick in this order if possible:

1-3-5-2-4-6

Concerning the American, that particular lock will have serrated top pins in all positions, and in ALL of the bottom ones as well, especially in positions 3-4-5. You may want to wait a bit before trying this one.

[Chucklz]

I've picked a similar lock, and I can verify that it can be a real pain. Guard security has funny tolerances. Some plugs are very tight, others loose. Try a little lube, and as always best of luck.

[yardguydave]

Taking a look at that 1st lock reminds me of my first lock I ever picked. Same profile, same brass and keyway the only thing that was different is that it was a training lock (as part of my course), even with the cut a way brass so I could see the pins it was still difficult to pick because it was vary tight and every one of the top pins were spooled. Binding was inevitable. I finally got it. Your lock could be the same. Good Luck.

[Varjeal]

Correction....the Guard padlock I have uses a VR91A key and has spool top pins in all positions..basically, it's a real pain to pick...I've done it twice now, and neither time was easy...I used varying amounts of tension, and the bent diamond Rytan and a basic hook. Tough going, but very satisfying when it opens. Now I'm working on impressioning it.

[MACS]

Just as a sideline - you could probably shim this padlock from the front depending on where the plug is pinned from. Most of these cheaper padlocks have the plug pinned from the top near the shackle. I would suggest that it is double locking and will open only in the clockwise direction. But anyway - you could insert a piece of plug shim into the gap between the plug and the body of the padlock and then use a pick to lift the pins and insert the shim as the shearline is reached. There is no anti shim lip on this padlock as your picture clearly shows.

I know this is not what you asked but it is worthwhile rembering.

tre asure the challenge.