Questions about ContainerGuard lock.

[GiantPwner]

I was wondering if anybody here has had any experience with container locks? I got this lock from my dad and while I'm sure it is far beyond my abilities right now, I decided to poke around and see how it felt to compare it to the cheapo locks I have been picking so far.
I was very surprised how little tension it took to bind the pins and I'm having a very hard time holding such a light pressure with my tension wrench. Will a longer tension wrench (5-6") help give me more control or will it just encourage me to use too much pressure?
The other thing I noticed was that it feels like the pins aren't all on the same plane, it seems like the farther back you go into the lock, the lower the pins sit in the keyway, am I mistaken or is this normal for some locks?
I don't know whether this would fall into the advanced category or not but if it doesn't, any info/pointers would be much appreciated.

[FarmerFreak]

Good job posting pictures.

That lock is definitely a cheapo lock. It's a very cheap knockoff of an American 2000 series hockey puck lock.

It wouldn't surprise me if the pins didn't rest at the same position all the way across. Due to poor manufacturing techniques. The one that I have has rounded off spooled driver pins. When picking them they tend to have a sort of crunchy feel.

I don't generally regard these locks as too difficult to pick, but because of how they are made I don't recommend learning on them. Cheaply made locks like this are inconsistent, some can be a nightmare to open and some just fall open. You're better off learning on a the real American version, then later coming back and playing with this lock. This is because the lock you have feels different than a lock with real tolerances, and will likely give you a false sense of what you are feeling for.

[GiantPwner]

I can definitely feel the crunchy movement of the pins in mine, I thought maybe it was dirty but that didn't make sense since the lock has never been used. Also I feel absolutely lost when I try to pick it, but I guess that is partly due to the low manufacturing tolerances? Anyways thanks for the info, much appreciated!

[raimundo]

It should pick easily, you have the key? then you are aware to pull the cylinder out rather than simply turning the key.
Try light and quick, keep the pins juggling and pulse the tension, there should be no spring backpressure on this lock as there is on some padlocks such as americansbrand.

[GiantPwner]

Unfortunately the key was lost, which is why I have the lock to practice on now. So far I have focused more on SPP, but I might make some rakes if I can't manage to get this thing opened after some more practice.

Now that I think of it, we have a couple more of these locks at the shop, I doubt they are keyed alike but I will check it out. It would certainly be helpful to have the cylinder out.

[GiantPwner]

Well I decided to fiddle around with this lock some more and I finally got it! I have picked it several times now using a combination of raking and SPP. I opened it up and mine does have odd spool-ish driver pins in it, it is a very subtle spool shape that is kind of rounded like you mentioned FarmerFreak. Thank you both for your help!

[Rickthepick]

i could pick that with paperclips.

They are more deterrant than anything, you would struggle to cut/force/blow it off lol but very easy to pick, providing you have something to pull the bolt out when picked