Inside the American 5200 series padlock

[zeke79]

Just wanted to chime in and say thanks for the great breakdown photos. If more new members done this with new locks we would have a wonderful resource of lock info. We already have a vast amount of breakdowns if you search, but we can always use more as long as we are not getting multiple posts of the same locks.

[vrocco]

Thanks for the comments zeke. Hopefully someone else can learn something alongside me.

As for the picking, this one is giving me a bit of trouble. I think i can feel the serrated pins pretty well, but the spool is giving me problems.

I have read many posts on dealing with spools, i just think I need to work with it a little more and get a better feel for it.

[vrocco]

Thanks for the comments zeke. Hopefully someone else can learn something alongside me.

As for the picking, this one is giving me a bit of trouble. I think i can feel the serrated pins pretty well, but the spool is giving me problems.

I have read many posts on dealing with spools, i just think I need to work with it a little more and get a better feel for it.

[JackNco]

with these i have turned the lock upside down and bent a wiper insert to make a "top" (although bottom when its upside down) tension wrench and used light tension.

Unlike the 1105 it does not have a spring pulling it back and is key retaining (as far as i can tell i dont have a key)

Either way you can get away with light tension.

John

[nothumbs]

All the discussion peaked my interest, found a used 5200 on eBay for $4US, on its way. Curious to see how I do with it. Picking first, then *cough* that other method for opening it.

[dmux]

5200's are used on everything, in iraq, they are' along with the high security master locks, used to lock connex's, trucks, tanks, and pretty much everything except an arms room

[JackNco]

would that high security master padlock be that big laminated thing with a double ball mechanism and no return spring?

[dmux]

that is correct, exactly with serial number and a DG on every lock and key, and i have no idea what DG means


here is some linkage http://www.masterlock.com/apps/nsn/inde ... government

i have picked a couple but they are really tough.

[JackNco]

yes ive got 2X 5200s and 2X master DG from another member here sent over from iraq. the masters are easier than the Americans but still impressive for a masterlock. ive only managed to get one of each open so far. and im sticking to my story about dirt in the lock

John

[dmux]

yup those are the ones, that is what i say a lot too, i find cut ones here and there and i try to pick them and most i cannot do so i blame it on the desert sand

but locks get wasted soo much in the army, they are always cutting them. a pair of lock cutters is one of the most used/ most valuable pieces of equipment out here

[MacGyver101]

. . . and a DG on every lock and key, and i have no idea what DG means

The DoD has issued a number of "Defense Guidance" documents which set out the standards for securing equipment... but I somehow doubt that's the actual meaning. I'd be curious to know, myself.

[JackNco]

yep, 2 of these have had the shackles cut. but i picked the American with a decent shackle, picked it and measured the pins so i got one decent working lock out of it. they are both nice challenging lock without being impossible though.

[JackNco]

. . . and a DG on every lock and key, and i have no idea what DG means

The DoD has issued a number of "Defense Guidance" documents which set out the standards for securing equipment... but I somehow doubt that's the actual meaning. I'd be curious to know, myself.

If im right Han Fey mentions one of these requirements as being a lock with a changeable core. certainly not one of the masterlocks.

[Raymond]

All those 5200s you are able to pick open can be made into good locks again. I would venture to say the 90% of locksmiths have an excess of shackles because we buy 3" & 5" shackles for customers and take out and keep the standard ones. It is a one way accumulation. I even use the broken shackles to drive into the hole before welding when repairing drilled safes. Makes them hard to drill again. If you can't find some locally, they can be easily ordered from a supplier.

[JackNco]

true but I have a case full of locks, It doesnt seem worth ordering parts when i have more secure locks with keys already. Although I did look in to it just in case.