inside a Commando lock

[GWiens2001]

I'd like to know how the snapping goes. Looking at the pic above, the springs are made of different diameter material, meaning they will have different compression strengths. Bumping or snapping may be difficult at best.

Gordon

[atticRR]

Ah crap! I totally forgot I was gonna do this! Thanks for the reminder, will give it a go by the end of the week. Seriously.

[Jedilocksmith]

Nice looking lock, you've intrigued me...I just ordered mine 2minutes ago.

[GWiens2001]

Another trick for the Commando lock...

If you cut a slot in the shoulder of the key so the key does not contact the anti counter clockwise tabs on the bottom of the padlock, then you can turn the key backwards. This does not allow opening the lock, it allows the shackle to be removed!

With this modification (which obviously weakens the key a bit), all Commando locks (current version, don't know about future versions yet), become iChange versions. You could try trimming the anti CCW tabs off the bottom of the lock, but the key trick is easier.

For those who do not know yet, to remove the shackle with an iChange version of the Commando (or with a modified key), open the lock shackle normally to the 180 degree position, turn the key back to the position where the key is inserted, then turn it counter clockwise 90 degrees. The shackle then can be removed. If the lock is upside down, the shackle will just fall out. To reinstall, just reverse the proceedure.

Gordon

[Jedilocksmith]

Just received my Commando today, that was quick! And I must say, nice lookin padlock...I really like the black chrome finish. That is a really fun lock to pick; Its going on my shelf of favorites. I started on in right out of the box, it took me a good 8-10mins to get it picked. I used the single bogota, 1/2 diamond basically. I havent really messed with serated pins yet so I was pleasantly suprised. The feedback was completely different and you really had to have good tension control once you got it into false set; Letting the plug push back just far enough not to let the pins reset. Im going to have fun with this one for awhile. Here are some pics.

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt12 ... oto-22.jpg

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt12 ... oto-23.jpg

http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt12 ... oto-24.jpg

[Teddy Picker]

I just got my Commando Lock today. It's so pretty! It's probably beyond my picking ability right now, but I'm amassing a nice little collection of locks for when I get more skilled.

[atticRR]

i did finally attack the commando with a snapper. So far, no luck, although this is probably because i suck at snapping. Will try with some other locks, maybe mod the snapper some more to assure myself that i can open a lock at all then report back.

[GWiens2001]

It may have no bearing on your skill with a snapper, as there are different springs in the different stacks. This causes different rebound speeds and compression distances. I still want to know how you do, and especially if you succeed.

Gordon

[atticRR]

lol, at this point it has everything to do with my skills! im gonna practice until i can at least get some kwiksets open, then try again. i am betting that the commando will be pretty tough though. now that i made the snapper i will be much more likely to give it a fair test. I still need to complete my re-assembly as well. will definately keep everyone updated.

[GWiens2001]

At this point, I doubt I could snap open a lock even if all the pins and springs were removed , so I can't exactly give tips on technique. Will take time to learn snapping when I have mastered some other skills I am working on.

Best of luck,

Gordon