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Get More Fun From Your Locks

Having read the FAQ's you are still unfulfilled and seek more enlightenment, so post your general lock picking questions here.
Forum rules
Do not post safe related questions in this sub forum! Post them in This Old Safe

The sub forum you are currently in is for asking Beginner Hobby Lock Picking questions only.

Get More Fun From Your Locks

Postby deolslyfox » 20 Feb 2015 14:47

When I was just beginning this hobby I started out with the obligatory MASTER locks. I picked 'em until I knew those locks like the back of my hand. But, they were sealed units and couldn't be changed. That left me no choice but to "move up" to better locks, which I learned cost more $$, but offer more challenge. It also led me to learn that with those locks that have removable cores, you can re-pin 'em for a "whole 'nother pick" .... :)

If you have say an American 5000 series. It will have a mix of serrated and spool drivers, and most likely all the key pins will be serrated as well. Once you've picked the lock and can do so without too much struggle, take it apart and move the drivers around. You won't need to re-key because the key pins remain the same.

What you'll accomplish is to change the setting order of the pins. Same lock - different setting order - different pick. Just like having a different lock, except this one didn't cost you anything .... You may be surprised at how just swapping two pins can change the complexity of the pick. It may be easier than the factory pinning, or you may find it to be more challenging.

All you'll need is a Phillips screwdriver to remove the cylinder, a pair of tweezers and a plug follower to keep from spraying pins and springs as you take 'em out.

If you're new at repinning, you might consider putting both hands and the core into a gallon plastic bag. That way, if you shoot some pins and springs, they won't go far .... :)

Along the way, you'll learn a new skill (repinning) while you're saving some cash.

There are lots of videos on YouTube on how to "gut" and re-pin locks. Suggest you take a gander at one or two just to get the steps down before you start the first tear-down. I didn't have that luxury, and of course I sprayed pins and springs like a load of #4 shot out of a duck gun....

Have fun !!
deolslyfox
 
Posts: 128
Joined: 15 Feb 2015 17:01

Re: Get More Fun From Your Locks

Postby sentientsentinel » 20 Feb 2015 19:02

Or you can get an "Improved super max 7 pin easy rekey practice lock" from MrWizard whos on this very forum. I just bought one and couldn't be happier it came with extra pins and a tool to change them. You can repin without having to mess around with a plug follower etc. Make sure you get it from MrWizard there are similar locks but this one has it all.I can't think of anything I've bought in a very long time that was actually better then I expected it to be. Keep up the excellent work MrWizard!
sentientsentinel
 
Posts: 78
Joined: 21 Jan 2015 16:35

Re: Get More Fun From Your Locks

Postby deolslyfox » 20 Feb 2015 19:04

Yep .... I have one of those as well, and it is well made ....
deolslyfox
 
Posts: 128
Joined: 15 Feb 2015 17:01

Re: Get More Fun From Your Locks

Postby Comrade627 » 20 Feb 2015 19:18

Just to add, remember that somewhere around 2011 Master lock took over production of the 5200's. If you get a newer 5200, it will be much easier to pick with just one bumpstop pin in the 5th chamber. If you're looking for spools and serrated pins, you'll need to look elsewhere or at older 5200's. If you just need a rekeyable lock, the newer 5200's are a solid choice.

You can tell how old the lock is by looking at the date stamp on the side and conparing it with this chart http://www.lockwiki.com/index.php/American_Lock_1100_1200_1300

The new ones will also feature the regular ol Master lock keyway. Same one found on the #3.

Before you start collecting pins though, I recommend getting something to contain them. I just use a small vial with a sturdy cap, got it from my wife. Cosmectic things some in all sorts of useful little containers.
Remember: Pick something every day, no matter how small and insignificant it may be…it helps maintain proficiency.”

SPP purist.
Comrade627
 
Posts: 290
Joined: 12 Sep 2011 10:41
Location: Melbourne, Florida

Re: Get More Fun From Your Locks

Postby deolslyfox » 24 Feb 2015 21:27

Harbor Freight has plastic bins with small boxes inside that make super pin keepers.

As to the bump stop key. Even the Master Lock maintenance manual from 2010 recommends to "dump the bump".
deolslyfox
 
Posts: 128
Joined: 15 Feb 2015 17:01


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