Is my 1105 key retaining?

[dnullify]

So i've been battling with my 1105, and decided to remove the backmost pin (and driver and spring), making it a 4 pin lock. i have successfully got it into false set, then picked the spool...

My problem is, the rotational force against the tension to open the lock, when i go to turn the successfully picked plug, my top of the keyway wrench flies out and the plug snaps into the locked position.

i was watching AWOL70'S (wizwazzle) how to pick 1105 video, and he mentions that beginners should buy key retaining, so they're not fighting the return spring...

thing is, when the shackle is undone, there is next to no force when picking. is my lock just not "broken in"? i've been watching youtube on 1105's and it doesn't seem many have to exert as much pressure to turn the plug once picked... infact, if it wasn't for the spool pin in the front, i wouldn't know that i had picked it! there's very little give once all the pins are above sheer...


is this normal?

[Solomon]

I think all American padlocks are key retaining. If you're not sure though, just open it and try to turn the key back with the shackle still open. If it's key retaining you won't be able to.

If you've definately picked the lock, assuming it is key retaining, it should rotate pretty smoothly. I've never seen a padlock with a removeable core that had a spring return, so by the sounds of things you're trying to rotate prematurely with too much force and the tensioner is snapping out of place. I could be wrong though, after all I can't exactly see what you've been doing. Maybe you need to put just a single pin stack in there to get the feel for when it's definately picked and go from there.

[femurat]

No, the 1105 isn't key retaining.

Yes, it's normal that it's a lot harder to turn the plug when the shackle is closed.

Try what Solomon suggested: start with 1 or 2 pins instead of 4. It's easier this way and you can learn how this lock works (by the way it's a very fun lock to pick).

Cheers

[dnullify]

actually, i started with 3 then put one more in to get 4... i can pick 4, i was just startled the first time i managed it how much force was necessary!


and, i can remove the key once the shackle is open, but by returning the plug to the locked position (shackle open) then closing the shackle.

[loki-aka]

According to American, the 1100 series is made in non key retainging or non-removable key. Though nearly all I have seen are NKR (non key retaining)

With the plug removed, look at the end of the actuator, if it has a quater-pie-slice shaped stem the lock is NKR. If the stem is HALf-pie-slice shaped the lock is non-removable key.

have fun.