What is the difference??

[CalBears]

Hey, I am new to lock picking and I was in the store the other day and I picked up a Master Lock no.3 but it had a Yellow plastic part that wraps around the lock.
I haven’t managed to pick it yet, but I have many other master lock no.3's that I pick with ease. My question what is the difference between the normal master lock, the yellow master lock and the commercial master lock?

[CalBears]

These are what I am talking about, and they are all no.3's so whats the difference besides looks?

[FarmerFreak]

There really isn't anything different. They all have the same basic cylinders in them.

There are imperfections left behind from the manufacturing process that has caused some of them to be easier or more difficult to pick. The key bittings can also make it easier or harder to pick.

[CalBears]

So they are all the same lock just with different colors?

[Evan]

So they are all the same lock just with different colors?

Yes, they are all the same locks with the same 4-pin W1 keyway cylinder which may be more difficult to pick in one lock over another because of the bitting for that lock is more difficult to pick or as someone else here noted that the manufacturing process may have left a burr or chip of metal in one of your lock's pin chambers...

The difference in the plastic bumper color means nothing for a No. 3 lock...

~~ Evan

[RevDisk]

Hey, I am new to lock picking and I was in the store the other day and I picked up a Master Lock no.3 but it had a Yellow plastic part that wraps around the lock.
I haven’t managed to pick it yet, but I have many other master lock no.3's that I pick with ease. My question what is the difference between the normal master lock, the yellow master lock and the commercial master lock?

The color bumpers are intended for visual identification (such as same keying) or just plain aesthetics, depending on your usage.

They might be all No. 3's, but check the SKU's on the packaging. Different SKU's, different products. Probably very similar, but maybe made at different plants or by parts from different vendors.

[CalBears]

Thank you for these answers, helped me clear things out. I still haven't picked the yellow no.3 but I am still giving it a shot.

[Engineer]

I assumed the coloured bands were actually made quite thick, as a "bumper" to help prevent the lock from being scratched.

Incidentally, them seem to come off suprisingly easy. I was also wondering if they would trap rain behind them, leading to premature rusting in that area over time? All in all, I think it's more of a marketing gimmick. After all, it does highlight that you are using Master Locks to anyone who looks...

[Squelchtone]

I assumed the coloured bands were actually made quite thick, as a "bumper" to help prevent the lock from being scratched.

Only a true lock lover would think it is for protecting the lock. Alas, it is to protect the door from being scratched while the padlock swings on the hasp and staple.

I do admire your passion though. You should see what a certain member from Texas makes me do when I send him locks. I have to pack them like Faberge eggs.

Squelchtone

[LocksmithArmy]

a difference in some master commercial verses civilian (im not positive about the no.3 though) is that the commercial ones have a little guard at the bottom to only allow the key to turn one way whereas the civilian ones will open in either direction. I have no idea why this is a good thing for commercial companies... but whatever... and it has nothing to do with picking because when picking you can still turn it the opposite way if you were so inclined.

[Engineer]

I assumed the coloured bands were actually made quite thick, as a "bumper" to help prevent the lock from being scratched.

Only a true lock lover would think it is for protecting the lock. Alas, it is to protect the door from being scratched while the padlock swings on the hasp and staple.

I do admire your passion though. You should see what a certain member from Texas makes me do when I send him locks. I have to pack them like Faberge eggs.

Squelchtone

Nice reply! <grin> I love locks and keys, I cannot deny it...

[CalBears]

This is a great community! I love the help!