Padlock—Help with keyway internal parts

[ausGeoff]

As a newbie, I've just started to buy a couple of padlocks to practise with. I now have a "Lockton" series 500-CS/55KD
which I haven't been able to open, either with raking and rocking, or SPPing. It was purchased in Australia, but I can't
find any references the this brand on the web, other than the manufacturer's own site.



In the right hand side of the lock, I can see a 6.5mm brass "plug" sitting flush with the lock body, and presumably an
interference fit. On the opposite side of the body, there's an open 1.5mm hole... what are they for?




I'm also a little confused by the first couple of bittings on the end of the key.





My major confusion?    Inside the plug, and directly opposite the matching pin stacks, are what appears to be tiny silver
ball bearings just above the internal surface of the plug. They 'appear' not be spring loaded and 'seem' not to move when
pressed with a tool.

I've not seen this on any other locks on LPL or BBill's sites. What are they, and what's their purpose?

—Thanks for any help.     

[GWiens2001]

Where are the bearings related to the warding on the keyway? Do the bearings extend into the keyway? Are they on the sides or bottom of the lock? How far into the lock keyway (how deep)? If they do extend into the lock, can you feel when the key reaches them?

I can think of several things they could be doing. That is why the questions are being asked.

The best way of figuring out what is happening inside the lock is to take it apart.

That interferencve fit large plug on the side of the lock is where the locking balls or pawls are put into the lock during assembly.

Gordon

[ausGeoff]

Where are the bearings related to the warding on the keyway? Do the bearings extend into the keyway? Are they on the sides or bottom of the lock? How far into the lock keyway (how deep)? If they do extend into the lock, can you feel when the key reaches them?

I can think of several things they could be doing. That is why the questions are being asked.

The best way of figuring out what is happening inside the lock is to take it apart.

That interference fit large plug on the side of the lock is where the locking balls or pawls are put into the lock during assembly.

Gordon

I understand now what the plug's for—it's a ball-bearing detained hasp. The little hole's in the wrong place as a drain hole—any thoughts?

I'll be taking the lock apart, so I'll let you know what I find down the track. Thanks again mate.

EDIT: They weren't ball bearings after all! Call me stupid LOL. They're actually tiny holes, and the far side of each—as you look
into the core—was the far side of each hole reflecting a silver colour.

 

[GWiens2001]

I was puzzled by the bearings. Was wondering if they had been recored with American Edge cores. Now that we can see them as holes, they are where the key pins are loaded into the core.

That tiny hole in the side of the lock is a drain hole.

Gordon

[nothumbs]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbSIQHAiZfY

[ausGeoff]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbSIQHAiZfY

Thank you kindly for this link mate. Much appreciated.    

My Lockton is slightly different—it's an ART.500-CS/55, and may have a security pin or two?
It certainly looks solid in the flesh, and weighs in at 503g or 17.74 oz.

I've managed to open it once, by rocking and raking with a city rake. I can't as yet SPP it.