Padlock Query

[picklocker_uk]

Hi

Just a quick query please.

After many years of wanting too, I finally received a lock picking kit last Saturday. I also ordered a couple of training padlocks which I can open pretty easily now.

Yesterday I went to my local hardware store and bought two Abus padlocks. One was a 64ti/30 and the other was a larger marine style Abus lock. As soon as I bought them I managed to rake and pick both of them fairly quickly and was surprised.

Last night I sat down and spent the night practising opening them. The large marine one I can rake open in a few seconds. However the smaller 64ti/30 one now takes a lot longer and at one point nearly took me 20 minutes to do it. This was frustrating after being able to do it so quickly earlier in the day. The security level on the larger marine lock is 7 and I think the one for the small lock is 5 but I can pick the larger lock in no time at all.

I don't think either of them have security pins in them as I can't find any mention of them in any ads online or on the packets.

Is it quite common for a smaller padlock to be a bit harder to pick?

There were times last night that it looked and felt as if all the pins were up and it still didn't turn?

Any help or suggestions would be gladly received

Thanks

[Jacob Morgan]

I've never had the chance to try to open an Abus so maybe someone with experience with those models will chime in.

Regarding small versus large locks, there should not be a fundamental difference other than smaller key-ways maybe being more difficult to get a pick into to lift pins. Especially if the tension wrench is getting in the way. If that is happening you might want a top of the keyway wrench (or maybe that would be bottom of the keyway if you're in Europe) or at least a smaller tension wrench. I use a thin-bladed narrow wrench for small padlocks.

If you look at the keys for the two locks does the smaller one have more high and low cuts next to each other? Depending on the bitting two otherwise identical locks can differ in pick resistance. Also if the pin holes in the plug and shell line up differently (due to manufacturing tolerances) it could make a difference, even on the same model of lock.

[GWiens2001]

Also, as the lock gets 'broken in', sometimes the lock gets harder to pick, sometimes it gets easier to pick. Parts wear, dirt and grime accumulate, and other things factor in how the 'pickability' of the lock changes.

Gordon

[RumballSolutions]

If you are relatively new to picking, you may be a little heavy handed sometimes.

This can result in pins being well and truly over lifted on occasion, which can in turn lead to collapsing springs. It is often easier to collapse springs in smaller cylinders as there is less space and lighter springs.

When springs are collapsed, the feel and function of a cylinder may change drastically, making it quite difficult to pick or less responsive to some techniques than before.

I'm not saying that this is the definitive reason for your troubles, but it is one possibility.

[Krullie]

as I understand from your explanation you are opening them by raking.

As a rake tries to mimic the bitting of a key it still is based upon luck for exactly aligning all pins the same time at the shearline. Hence the different shapes of rakes (for instance, the L-rake, worm, bogoto etc). So sometimes you get lucky quick, sometimes it takes longer.

For beginners most of the times the problem lies with tensioning. When picking and especially when raking try to use as light tension as possible.

The Abus padlocks typically contain a lot of spools and a normal or slightly serrated pin in position 1 (often called the gatekeeper because it tends to drop often while setting another binding pin). If you get to a false set try using a hook or half diamond and touch each pin gently if you feel some feedback in the tensioning tool this is the pin you will have to set a bit deeper, slightly release tension while pushing the pin until you get a click and continue this for the other pins untill open.

Because most of the time pins are made out of brass, which is a softer metal then steel (the material of your picks) it's also possible you just raked the pins so many times that they are worn and therefore bind differently.

[picklocker_uk]

Many thanks for all your replies.

I had a quick go on both padlocks last night before I had to go out. Again the marine padlock open pretty quick but I spent a couple of minutes on the small one with no joy.

I've got the whole evening tonight so I'll sit down with your hints and tips and give it another go.

Thanks again.

[Nightingangel]

I'd try your hand at single pin picking, that should help you learn what tension is right as well. Since you can rake them, they should be good locks to learn spp on

[-Random-]

As most have stated tensioning sounds like your problem, spping will help you learn that. Also I give a lock about 5 to 10min max them move on to another lock. I find that my frustration levels increase after time and I stop paying attention. Clear your head and comeback to it.

[C locked]

Don't forget to lubricate
As stated above raking mimics the bitting of the key and as a wrong key or worn key can jiggle
Thru so can you rake and be slightly off
This being off prematurely wears the lock
Causing the chipped off bit of the pins as they round over to act like a friction paste

I always assume that the lock was "dry"when the lock was in the package in the store and
I lubricate them , i won't recommend what lube to use. Depends on the lock and the situation (But not ky)