Master lock EX series

[ski610]

Hi everyone I'm new here but I've been pickin for a few years off and on recreationally, I have an ex series master lock that I've raked open a bunch of times but I'm having trouble single pin picking it, I can get it sometimes but other times I get stuck. So my question is does this lock have security pins or is it just stubborn sometimes? Im using a small hook and a large hook for the front pin with tension applied at the top of the keyhole in front of the pins. Just so there's no confusion I own the lock, I bought it at a local locksmiths for practice and it isn't used to secure anything. Thanks in advance for any help/advice.

[LockDocWa]

Photos will get BIGGER responses

[phrygianradar]

Don't know about the Master EX series for sure, but I have cheapo little Master locks (black plastic, 5 bucks each...) that have spool pins in them, so I don't see why not. But like LockDoc said: Pictures!

[daniel22747]

Don't know about the Master EX series for sure, but I have cheapo little Master locks (black plastic, 5 bucks each...) that have spool pins in them, so I don't see why not. But like LockDoc said: Pictures!

I agree...even the chep master locks can be somewhat tricky with the short hook. Never took one apart but I own several and I suspect the do often have at least one security pin in them.

Wave jigglers (like the 2 or 3 wave pagodas) open these guys real fast...

[ski610]

I can get it open pretty quick now with the hooks, but I gave it to a friend to practice with so.. But thanks for the responses guys! I'm lookin for something more difficult tho say an American lock or a schlage?

[phrygianradar]

I would move on to Brinks and American padlocks, both of which have security pins. The Brinks can be real tricky and usually have two spool pins in them. I had an especially hard time with a Brinks "puck" lock, because the tension was so difficult to get correct and it had spools on top of that. American locks have serrated pins and serrated spools (spoorated, I think they call them), both of which take a different set of skills to pop. Those should keep you busy for a while. I still break out my Americans and Brinks padlocks for practicing on because they are tough to master. The cool thing about American padlocks is that if you get a few of the re-pinable verity, you can increase or decrease the difficulty yourself by taking them apart and pinning them up yourself. Just don't forget to take out the drivers if you remove the bottom pins! I have ruined springs by not doing that. It's an easy mistake to make and many have done it.

[phrygianradar]

One more thought; when you buy a new lock, look at the key first to see what it looks like. If the padlock is not re-keyable I try to at least find a hard looking key. High low high low... or first pin real low and the deeper ones high. I figure if I can get those ones down, easier pinned locks will be, well, easier!

[ski610]

Cool, thanks a lot for all the info!

[Luissen]

Don't know about the Master EX series for sure, but I have cheapo little Master locks (black plastic, 5 bucks each...) that have spool pins in them, so I don't see why not. But like LockDoc said: Pictures!

I agree...even the chep master locks can be somewhat tricky with the short hook. Never took one apart but I own several and I suspect the do often have at least one security pin in them.

Wave jigglers (like the 2 or 3 wave pagodas) open these guys real fast...

some of the newer 140(Aljlkjlksjdlskaj too many letters now ._.) masterlocks seem stupidly easy, to the point where I brought some to the table at my local picking enthusiasts group and had a few complete newbies get them easier than Master #3s