Tension wrench problems

[sparkicks]

So picture this. Pad lock. Pins are coming up from the bottom and i have a t-wrench inserted at 10/11 o'clock. I go to pick the lock pushing clockwise slightly and i fiddle around for a while. Now sometimes the problem is that the tension wrench swings around until it's about 2 o'clock without the lock opening.

I'm just not sure if i'm pushing too hard towards the end or if i'm somehow pushing it into a position where it can do that by pushing the pick too much up by wedging it to push up when trying to get to the far end pins.

When it does go (and i control the move instead of it just slipping over) i feel (what i think is) the same sensation as if the lock is about to open. I've seen on a movie once where the guy picks the lock slightly and then takes out the wrench then puts it in again differently in order to open the lock. Obviously now with a tightly sprung padlock it'll just click back into place but can anyone relate to this?

Of course one answer is that wrench is too small but it wedges fine at the start and needs a LOT more pressure at the start to actually go all the way through.

[LocksmithArmy]

i would try a wider tensor... not thicker

if you have a padlock that has no spring on the cam you can start the turn and remove the tensor and replace it. ive done this with some masters and most americans.

i ran into one lock once, i could turn it avout a quarter turn then it would go no more. if i removed the tensor to get a better position it slammed back closed whith force ive nevver seen in a lock... eventually i took a screwdriver with me and picked it and put the screwdriver in with the tensor... i still couldnt open the dern thing. it only turned a quarter turn the sprung back shut...

it was a master... i think the shacle was rusted shut but thats just me...
its at work i think ill give it another go tonight...( its on a lockbox for a generatoe... its not locking it shut... just in the way if you did want to lock it shut)

anyway im rambeling
hopefully i helped if not hope someone else does.

[NanoDuke]

Is it just the wrench that is slipping, or is the lock cylinder actually turning?

[cds333]

Have you tried one of these:



I think I know what you're problem is... I have the same thing happen when I'm picking a cylinder with a very wide keyway and my standard wrench slips (like 45deg)... I then employ the aforementioned wrench which applies the pressure to the top and bottom of the keyway simultaneously, which usually gives much better results.

Good Luck

[tjweaver84]

You could also try inserting the wrench in the same side of the keyway that the pins are on top for most US and bottom for most Euro. I find I have less wrench slippage it I use top tension. I have also serrated the edge of the wrench I normally use for even better grip

[sparkicks]

I actually bought a set online and i have that tool. How do you use it exactly? (the one in the picture)

I think the locks are slightly different in America to Ireland which is causing some size compatibility issues with size.

All the pad locks i'm trying have a natural spring back. I've picked them a number of times but often enough i get this turn problem. Is it infact easier (if possible) to use a second wrench to open it or does it really not make a difference?

I should really go for a wider wrench but i can't get my hands on a grinder (or a blow torch) right now to make some new ones.

[cppdungeon]

Maybe the lock is dirty or jammed? I have a ML220 that has a crazy strong spring, and i have to pick it, turn it a bit, and then insert another TW to turn it. Even then, it doesent like to open, and i have to pull on the shackle a bit.

also, when you turn your TW, its not slipping right? the lock just isnt opening?

--Cpp