Master No. 140

[almightyares]

Im having trouble with this stupid brass padlock. I did a search, and I read that other people were/are having the same problem, but they ended uo picking it. I havent been able to pick this yet.

Its the 4 pin lock, and something is messed up with the first pin...im guessing its a mushroom or spool driver pin from what other people are saying. I started with the small half diamond, and drag it across all of the pins one time. I can feel the wrench move a good bit, then the first pin slams down, and wont move a bit until I let go of the tension . When that happens, I cant get my pick out unless I back off on the tension. Any help?

[lockpickroy]

I just opened one about two minutes ago my advice would be to single pin pick it

[lockpickroy]

sorry also start with the first pin i was having the same trouble

[Chucklz]

I dont remember any of these locks ever having spool pins, but things may have changed. To me, it sounds as though your first pin sets fairly deep in the keyway, and that when you are inserting your pick, you end up setting it. Try raking/pin picking the remaining three pins with a bit of tension wrench play.

[almightyares]

Ok, I STILL cant open this! I tried starting with the first pin, and it will not set...I apply slight tension, and push the first pin the whole way up while it is held in place from the tension. I then begin to rake the last three pins, and they will set, and right when I feel the plug turn to begin to open the first pin will come down. That locks the plug and I cannot get the pick out of there until I back down off the tension. When I do that, all of the pins unset, and I have to start all over again.

There HAS to be a mushroom/spool driver pin for the first pin set. What are the characteristics of those types of driver pins? I am getting mad!

[Chucklz]

How could you say there "has" to be a spool/mushroom pin when you don't know the characteristics of these pins! From your description of what you did, it seems like your technique has some small problems. Why did you push the first pin "all the way up" and why did you start there? Is it the pin you KNOW binds first, regardless of your difficulties with it and your pick?

[mcm757207]

Uh- a little off topic but how do you tell what # the lock is? in this case it's 140, but the one master lock I have doesn't have any #s on it... is the only way to tell by basing it off of pictures on the web or in a catalog? thanks

[Varjeal]

Actual Master Locks, (the majority of the time) should have the model number stamped on them somewhere. With laminated padlocks the most popular place is at the bottom of the lock above the plug. Others will have the model number stamped, engraved or painted onto the "face". As you have said, some however have no numbers on them whatsoever, and these are most easily identifed by comparing them to pictures or catalogs.

[mcm757207]

Thanks

[almightyares]

I know what the characteristics of mushroom pins are, not spool pins. The reason I push it all the way up, is because it wont set in any other position. Also, I started with the first pin because somone else said to start with the first pin. Besides that, there is no way I can start with the last three pins because if I get them to set, the first pin wont move .001 of an inch...its like its mushroom driver pin is tilted, making it not turn, if there is a mushroom driver pin.

I know my technique is probably full of problems because I am pretty much a beginner, but its just this lock that is causing me problems.

[avarice]

Hello All.

I remember back in the day when I thought Master made the most secure locks in the world. Of course I know better now :)

Make sure you know that you first have to pick the first pin and you think its a mushroom (I dunno my lock number ID things, so make sure this is the first binding pin and is a mushroom!).

Ok, if it is, then try to loosen the pin "just a tad" after you feel a click, then push on the first pin again. If the pin feels a little mushy, then you have to push it up a bit higher. From the sound of it, you also might be pushing some pins a bit too high, and it might feel like its biding when in fact to whole pin is up where the blah etc.

Also, you said sometimes your pick get stuck. I know sometimes I place the wrench at the bottome of the keyhole and rest my pick on top of it. This sometimes gets my pick stuch in the keyhole. Try placing the wrench opposite of where it ussually is.

Finnally, try picking the last three pins first again. Try to have the wrench at the topo of the keyhole so you give your picks maximum room to reach for the back pins without accidently touching the first.

I know its hard. Believe me I know. But you'll get it eventually and you'll feel etc etc