Cheap WallyWorld padlock with SouthOrd picks

[Imp]

Ok I really hate this lock, I was on to popping spool pins in a higher level masterlock before I realized what I was doing wrong with this lock



I think quite a few new pickers grab this lock at first, because it was something like 3 dollars. Logically, a brand that barely puts their name on a lock, obviously doesn't care about the security on it, right? Perfect starter lock. It is a pretty easy lock, IF you have a wide enough tension wrench.



The one that comes with the SouthOrd 5 pick set, is to narrow, as you can see in the picture, it tries to slip around the ward. At this point you're not really putting torsion on the cylinder. The way to fix this is to put the wrench at the top instead.



Now when I first did this it was really awkward, especially when you're first starting out, but you kind of get used to it. Use your thumb to keep it from rolling out of the lock. You'll also likely have to use the hook to hit the first pin, the wrench is in the way.

Now, this is a pretty shoddy way to pick this lock, and there are many better ways. Personally, I couldn't live with this lock beating me though, and I didn't have the tools to do it "properly." If this is your first lock, I would highly advise going and getting a masterlock No. 3. Its only about 3 dollars more, and the pins scream at you they're set. Later, when you're feeling pretty good about your picking skills, come back and show this lock who's boss. Pop it open till its tiny brass pins cry for mercy.

Then pick it again.

[Squelchtone]

Hi,

Welcome to the forum. Thanks for jumping right in and posting a good first post with photos and for being helpful to others who are just learning. A few comments though about the top of keyway tension wrench. So, yeah, we call this TOK (Top of keyway) and it is used like you said when the tension wrench/turning tool/torsion wrench cams out (God... I have to tell you I hate the term torsion wrench, although I know some Grammar Nazi's are gonna jump in and say we arent applying tension, but its one of those words that's been used incorrectly by locksmiths for 50 years so it's hard to get out of the habit, but I digress)

The other thing I wanted to suggest, if you're doing top of keyway tensioning, the wrench in your photo is 180 degrees out of phase, it should be inserted from the left if you are trying to rotate clockwise, but if that works for you, then disregard what I'm saying. Also, a lot of us bend the other end of our wrenches with a short 1/4 inch bend so that there is no need to hold the wrench in, it just rests against the face of the lock when using TOK tensioning.

Happy Picking,
Squelchtone

[Imp]

Even if I never make another useful post on this site, (I fully intend too) I really wanted to post this tip. This lock was the most disheartening thing while learning to pick.

The only two locks that truly stumped me for any amount of time have been this one, and a nice schlage that a friend of mine has. The schlage beat me, because it was well above my skill level. The last time I got to play with it, I didn't even know about spool pins yet. This cheapo lock was not beyond me, yet I couldn't get it to save my life. That was frustrating, I couldn't imagine if that was the only lock I had picked up the night I got my picks. I may have never really gotten into this hobby.

I always wondered what the point of the double ended wrenches were for, I had always assumed one was narrower than the other, or maybe one was vertical. Thank you, I'll be adding that bend to my tension wrench, likely tomorrow before work.

The reason I oriented the wrench the direction I did, is because it allowed me to use my thumb to keep it from rolling out of the lock. It makes it more likely to jump out, and cramps up the keyway. I just preferred that, over when I would set the third pin, and the cylinder would turn just enough to knock the wrench out. Once I make the shorter wrench I'll do it the other way.

I really do enjoy the fact that what ever works, is the correct way to do it.

~Imp

[JRock]

Man, I couldn't figure out why I was able to pick security pins and couldn't pick the cheap padlock I had. Tried it this way and it worked. And just in case anyone else is reading this is thinking "Well that isn't the problem I'm having because I can hear the pins click when I take the wrench out so I know there is tension..." try it anyway. I had the same thing going on and as it turns out, I think I was simply applying too much pressure because it was the only way to get any pins to bind. I feel like such a jerk. I was so proud of myself too.

[raimundo]

use round wire and not the kind from paper clips, paper clips have hack marks on the edges of the round wire to grip paper with.

smooth shiny round wire with a half inch 90 degree bend in it can be put in the lower part of the keyway to fill it up so that the tensor will fit better and more straight up.

it must be smooth round wire with no burr or cutting edge on the end of it because its very easy for steel to cut into brass and you do not want to erode a groove in your practice lock at the cylinder wall that is the bottom of the keyway, you don't need much of a handle on the other end from the bend, the bend is to keep the wire from getting too far into the lock and for a handle to pull it out,

anything squarish will likely tilt and present an edge to that cylinder wall, round does not dig into the cylinder
you will need a few different sizes although the area to be filled is small, size does matter and some will work better in different locks.

[raimundo]

Oh, another method is to put a bend in the tensor blade so that if fits tight against the left and right walls of the keyway, this means it takes a little force to press it in, and it will lose some of that bend but this makes the thickness of the tensor blade effectively greater.