"dead core" locks similar to Master

[gumptrick]

Howdy everyone, new member here!

I picked up (no pun intended) a couple Master 570s for practice. I really like how the "dead core" with zero spring pressure helps me focus on improving my tension control. They are certainly not the best lock out there but I have learned a lot from picking on them. I was wondering if anyone knew of any similar locks, preferably with 6 pins?

[Squelchtone]

Howdy everyone, new member here!

I picked up (no pun intended) a couple Master 570s for practice. I really like how the "dead core" with zero spring pressure helps me focus on improving my tension control. They are certainly not the best lock out there but I have learned a lot from picking on them. I was wondering if anyone knew of any similar locks, preferably with 6 pins?

what's a dead core?

[gumptrick]

what's a dead core?

I might be using the wrong term; I'm just repeating what I heard Bosnianbill call it.

In the Master 570 padlock there is no spring acting against the core. If you turn the key to open the lock and release it it does not spring back to the starting position. When you open the lock there is no spring to fight, there is only the friction in the moving parts.

[Squelchtone]

what's a dead core?

I might be using the wrong term; I'm just repeating what I heard Bosnianbill call it.

In the Master 570 padlock there is no spring acting against the core. If you turn the key to open the lock and release it it does not spring back to the starting position. When you open the lock there is no spring to fight, there is only the friction in the moving parts.

ahh BosnianBill.. not the first word he's invented! I'd still call it something else...

does the lock have a shackle spring to pop the shackle up when the plus is turned? surprised to hear there is no spring (what is the actual name of the spring wrapped around the cam/locking dog?)

Thanks
Squelchtone

[gumptrick]

does the lock have a shackle spring to pop the shackle up when the plus is turned?

No, it does not. There is no spring that pops up the shackle, and there is no torsion spring applying torque to the core. The only springs in the lock are those acting on the pins. When you turn the core the only thing you feel is a very slight amount of friction from the moving parts. There is no spring acting against you, which is why I think this is a great lock for practicing your tension control.

[gumptrick]

This seems so obvious that I can't believe I didn't think of it before: couldn't I simply take a removable-core padlock, take out the shackle and the core for access, remove the two springs, and then re-assemble it without those two springs?

[GWiens2001]

That would depend on the lock. Most padlocks with locking dogs that are spring loaded would most likely not function properly. Most key retaining padlocks with ball bearing locking mechanisms would probably work.

Have not tested this theory, but there you have my non-professional opinion.

If you are planning on using the lock after removing parts, make sure you test the heck out of first! You don't want to do a face palm right after you lock it in something.

Gordon

[gumptrick]

Yes, you're right that it would have to be a ball-locking padlock and not the type with the spring-loaded pawl(s).

I wouldn't be actually using this lock for security purposes, it would simply be for my picking hobby.

[GWiens2001]

You can also pick up a lock from http://www.commandolock.com if you want a lock that is well made and a nice challenge for a beginning to intermediate picker. They have no springs on the shackle or locking cam and use spool, double spool and serrated pins.

The president of the company is a great guy, and has come to us in the past for testing and improvement ideas, some of which he has used.

Gordon

[gumptrick]

Thanks, I'll check those out. I had seen them once on a youtube video but they were largely off my radar since I generally don't care for laminated body locks. Then again, that's just an aesthetic thing. These sound like something that I'd enjoy picking since I'm certainly not beyond the "intermediate" level yet.

[femurat]

Gordon beat me to it. Commando locks for the win! Great padlocks to hone your picking skills.

Good luck

[Squelchtone]

you know, there may be a simpler solution to learning to pick locks without the additional need to over come springs. Dont pick padlocks. Learn on a deadbolt which will not have any spring in order to turn the plug once the lock is picked.

just a thought
Squelchtone

[gumptrick]

Yeah, picking deadbolts, euro cylinders, or just plain 'ol cores would achieve the same thing.

Though, I happen to like padlocks--there's a real sense of satisfaction when the shackle pops open. And I'm trying to limit my lock collecting to just one facet of the hobby otherwise I fear I'll be inundated with locks of all kinds. Though I fear that is a losing battle and before long I'll end up with a pile of cylinders too! There are just too many interesting cores out there that aren't found in padlocks. (Though, I suppose I can always get coreless padlocks and fit them with separate cores....)

[Gantry]

what's a dead core?

ahh BosnianBill.. not the first word he's invented! I'd still call it something else...

So for us noob's (yes, me) What do you call it?

[Squelchtone]

what's a dead core

ahh BosnianBill.. not the first word he's invented! I'd still call it something else...

So for us noob's (yes, me) What do you call it?

I don't know that I personally have a name for it.

If we look at the American Lock service pdf, it shows padlocks with and without springs on the actuators.

http://www.americanlock.com/pdfs/A-004_ ... Manual.pdf

I guess to start, I instincitevly want to call that part a cam, and if they were opposing spring loaded arms going into the cutouts on the shackle, most of us call them locking dogs.

As for the spring loaded actuator, when you turn the key ot loads the spring for the purpose of spinning the cylinder back to the locked position when you press the shackle down to relock the padlock.

Im not sure off hand why certain padlocks dont have the return spring on the actuator but I suspect it may be to do with key retaining or non key retaining actuators (1/2 moon vs 1/4 moon) I do have an American Lock with the spring on the actuator but it is not key retaining...

So what would I call a padlock that has no spring on the actuator? Im still not sure. A padlock with no return spring? I think thats as good as I can come up with for today.

Squelchtone