When picking a padlock...

[Garbit]

I need to know, when picking a padlock, is it different from a normall door lock. And also how much tention should i be putting on my wrentch...ps am i using the correct terminology?

[Mad Mick]

Terminology... read on for the correct spellings.

There is usually a return spring found in padlocks, which snaps the plug back to the closed position when the hasp is closed with the key still in. When applying tension, this spring is normally the first resistance to be felt on some locks, on others, it is only felt when the plug is free to rotate. A Master No140, for example, has the spring as the first resistance whereas the No3 doesn't, so getting used to the setup and feel of this spring is important.

If you insert the tension wrench, apply light (very light) tension and feel resistance then the wrench comes to a hard stop, you are probably dealing with the return spring. Releasing the tension and watching the wrench turn the opposite way, is an indicator of this. However, if tension is applied and no resistance is felt before the hard stop, you can pick the lock as you would a normal residential lock. Once the pins are picked and the plug is allowed to turn, the return spring tension will be felt upon further turning.

I hope this makes sense and explains what you want to know.

[Garbit]

Erm. ye actually i think it makes sence! By the way wich way do all locks open, its left isnt it?

[UnLock]

By the way wich way do all locks open, its left isnt it?

Not at all! On padlocks AND houselocks/deadbolts, they can turn either way. On many padlocks, you can turn the key either way to open the lock. On a house lock, depending which side of the door it's installed will have an effect on which direction you turn the key. Generally on deadbolts that are installed on the left side of the door, the key will turn to the right whereas if installed on the right side, the key will turn left. It also depends on what lock in particular as some have different characteristics.

[Varjeal]

All padlocks that I've ever encountered (except the one that uses a magnetic bar for a "key") ALWAYS open clockwise. (As others have said, some will open both ways.) Other locks vary depending on type and mounting position, check the thread in the top forum that gives hints and tips on how to determine.

[UnLock]

All padlocks that I've ever encountered (except the one that uses a magnetic bar for a "key") ALWAYS open clockwise.

Hello Varjeal,

I'm very surprised you've never encountered a padlock that'll open both ways. The ever popular Master #3 opens both to the left and right. I have a couple others as well although my Brinks only opens to the right. I still haven't been able to pick that one yet...bummer.

[plot]

All padlocks that I've ever encountered (except the one that uses a magnetic bar for a "key") ALWAYS open clockwise.

Hello Varjeal,

I'm very surprised you've never encountered a padlock that'll open both ways. The ever popular Master #3 opens both to the left and right. I have a couple others as well although my Brinks only opens to the right. I still haven't been able to pick that one yet...bummer.

you should have read one more line

(As others have said, some will open both ways.)

on another note: all my mul-t-locks (3) only open clockwise. one of them even has a keyway where you can only turn the key clockwise.

[UnLock]

I did read that line. It's just that I'm surprised Varjeal said ALL the padlocks he's ever encountered have only opened to the right. I'm sure he just probably forgot about the Master #3 unless he really hasn't tried opening one of those. Not like he'd have to try them seeing how he could probably laugh at them and they'd open!

on another note: all my mul-t-locks (3) only open clockwise. one of them even has a keyway where you can only turn the key clockwise.

I know what you mean about the keyway as I've encountered a similar keyway on the Master round body Pro Series Padlocks. I never did open that lock...it has 5 spools and I'm not that advanced yet.

[Mad Mick]

Unlock, for clarification on Varjeal's post, read the bold stuff as one sentence:

All padlocks that I've ever encountered (except the one that uses a magnetic bar for a "key") ALWAYS open clockwise. (As others have said, some will open both ways.) Other locks vary depending on type and mounting position, check the thread in the top forum that gives hints and tips on how to determine.

That's how I read it.

[UnLock]

Sorry about this as I don't mean to make an issue over this. I fully understand what Varjeal was saying, and that he DOES agree that some padlocks DO open both ways. Like I said though, I was surprised to hear he's never had the oppurtunity to pick a Master #3 considering how popular they are.

Anyway, at least now Garbit knows that the direction the key turns varies from lock to lock.

[Mad Mick]

Reread the thread, Varjeal didn't write anything about the Master No3.

[UnLock]

I know he didn't...I was just using that particular lock as an example. I assumed that b/c it's such a popular lock, and because Varjeal is knowledgeable with numerous locks, he has done one of these and didn't realize or forgot they open both ways.

[Garbit]

lol calm people!
I only asked a question and i started summat big..lol
I picked me step dads vriefcase last night, im well glad its only like a 2 pin lock and theres two, but i still think its an achivment because i use a paperclip and a file (as tention tool) So i cant wait untill my set comes,
11 piece south hord set smart

[Luke]

I scared a master open once...

[plot]

I scared a master open once...

pickguns don't count





i have one too