5200 series american lock

[adkins]

im having a great deal of trouble picking the 5200 series lock. im pretty sure its a high security lock. its a 5 pin tumbler and i can get all but one. im pretty new at lock picking. should i stick to a simpler type? all the pins have rings around them is this normal? thanks

[zeke79]

the pins you are describing are called serrated pins. The top pins will likely be spool pins in 2-3 posistions in a 5 pin lock and 3-4 posistions on a 6 pin lock. American padlocks are some of the more dificult padlocks to pick, either keep practicing or move down to an easier lock for a while and return to the american in a few weeks.

[Grudge]

I haven't gotten an American yet, but I hear they are pretty tough. In fact, they are the padlock my local locksmith recommends on the low end (which is usually a good sign for security).

If you are just getting started, I would venture on down to your local discount store and grab something in the $3 to $5 range (or even the dollar store, but sometimes those are so cheap the lock doesn't work well, even with the key). Make sure you check to see that is has pins visible in the keyway, otherwise it might be a warded lock (which are easy, but different to pick).

Past that, I would recommend a Master laminated padlock and then one of those disk (round) locks by Ace/Master/Brinks.

P.S. I really don't know what your level of picking ability is, so those are just my general suggestions.

[Chucklz]

I would like to add that for the Master laminated lock that you should ONLY buy a Master at this stage. Lots of the "made in china" ones actually contain spool pins, which would just be discouraging at this stage in the game.