Need help with an American 700

[ckc123]

I've read a few of the threads about American 700's and still and having a problem with this lock..

this is what I "think" I've been able to determine so far

1) the 1st and 2nd pin are serrated (based on visual confirmation).
2) I've never been able to get ANY binding on the 1st and 2nd pin.
3) The 2nd and 3rd are spool (serrated spool I suspect, as I can get 2-3 "clicks" on them)

4) Important.. with an SPP, Ive never really been able to get a good "set" either False or regular. the core just does not seem to give a good "rotation" with them. I can feel them click, and feel binding but that's it.

5) 5th pin is similar to 1,2 and I can't feel any binding

I have been able to get 2-3 pins to feel "set" (eg they click when I release tension) if I rake the lock with a w lock, but again I don't feel the plug rotate.

I don't have the key to this lock, so unfortunately I don't know if it even works (but the plug does has free rotation of the smallest amount with no "gummy" or binding feeling (so I suspect the plug will rotate ok..)

I've also tried light, and heavy tension (but still no rotation on a set, or false set..)

any advice from the masters?

[ckc123]

I should also add.. I've never been able to feel a reverse rotation on only of the pins that I suspect are spools (but if I do let up on the tension, I can get another 1-2 "clicks" out of them.. but never any rotation after that..

[Ortin468]

I still have a 700 series that kicks my butt. I even have the key for it..But the lock has 15 years plus wear and tear.

Keep at it (I'm due for another crack at mine) its not impossible. Search the website and look for hints on Americans.

Be patient, frustrated pickers don't get far, walk away from it for awhile. It will always be there.

[raimundo]

load that lock up with wd40 and then use some blown air in a can or something to flush it out.
the pins you cant get to bind may be so full of graphite that they can barely move.

seriously and if this works, report back to us.

its what I think should work from your discription

its just a suggestion.

[ckc123]

I've had a bit of success.. well not really when it comes to picking it, but at least to the lock itself.

I have another hull from a master lock which was all mangled, and I had removed it.. I was having a problem picking that second lock and I suspected it was due to the fact that I was holding the small hull in my hands, and not in a padlock..

so I took the 700 and drilled out the pin that retains the face plate, and replaced the pin with one that I can open when the lock is closed (so I can swap out the hulls when I want too even if locked).. it gave me chance to clean out the inside of the lock, and make sure it's all in order and cleaned up..

so now the hull for the 700 is all working (visually) and clean, now I just need to be able to pick it!!

(and after 5 mins of putting the second hull (Master with 5 spool pins) in the 700 lock, I was able to finally open it.. Lesson learned.. don't pick just the loose hull... it's harder to "feel" the pins responding.. )


I'm going to give it another try this week..