American 600

[bitbuster]

For 2 days in a row this past week the 1979 600 lock I use at a local storage facility has failed to open after a night of 20 degree weather. The lock faces south and when warmed by the sun will then open. Has never happened before. Anyone with similar occurrences ?

[Raymond]

Your lock most likely needs a thorough cleaning and re-lubrication (not WD40). Also, American has forever used springs that do not fully apply pressure on the pins. If it were my lock I would slightly stretch the pins so they do apply enough pressure to push the bottom pin to the bottom of the resting position.

What is probably happening is that there is a lot of dirt, dust, etc., etc., that holds a pin up too far when you put the key in and the spring will not push it down. As a quick trick before you get it correctly sorted out, put the key in, hold the lock so that the key cuts are up, apply gentle turning pressure, and tap the head of the key gently to see if the pins vibrate down.

Good luck.

[bitbuster]

Thanks. I'll give the quick trick a try and then give it a thorough cleaning.

[GWiens2001]

If it were my lock I would slightly stretch the pins so they do apply enough pressure...

Never tried stretching the pins. I stretch the springs. But then again, I go for the easy way.

Gordon

[Kenneth_V]

I'd agree with it needing a good cleaning.

I bet it has had the wrong lubricant squirted in there at some point and it gets gummed up with lower temps. Especially if works good in warmer weather.

[Raymond]

The pins will stretch if you use Tactical Lock Goo.

[GWiens2001]

:D The pins will stretch if you use Tactical Lock Goo.

Thought it was Tactical Doggy Doo.

Gordon