3 General Padlock Questions

[D35p3r4d0]

Hello, I'm new here. Nice to meet everyone. Now that that's out of the way, I have 3 questions related to padlocks in general.

1: Reading the FAQs and other literature on this site has given me the impression that not all padlocks work on the standard pin and tumbler system. What other kinds are there?

2: Do any of these types require special tools to pick? If so, what kinds?

3: Other than dissassembeling the lock, can I tell what kind of lock I'm dealing with, and if so, how?

I'm mostly intrested in common, currently produced padlocks. Information about antique or high security locks is not what I'm looking for (although if you want to post it, I'll read it). Can anyone help me?

[Gordon Airporte]

You're probably talking about warded locks. From what I've read you don't so much pick them as stick stuff in them and open them The tools look like this: http://www.lockpickshop.com/p-WP-10.html
Of course there are padlock bodies that you can put any kind of cylinder in, so it's /possible/, but very unlikely, to see dimple locks, tubular locks, etc.
Other than those and some high-security disc locks, which may require very-cool-custom-German-engineered tools, it should all be pin tumblers, for which you use standard picks like a short hook, a rake, etc. They should be 95% of what you encounter.
So, if you look in and see a pin, you're dealing with a pin tumbler. Sorry if that's flip, but I can't think of cases where the pins are somehow hidden - the key has to get to them.

[digital_blue]

One of the best ways to learn about a lock is to research it. Many padlocks will have some sort of model number (in addition to the brand name) which will allow you to visit the manufacturers website and get some specs.

Most currently produced padlocks could be reasonably grouped into one of four categories.
1) Warded padlocks (see above). Usually cheap, but pretty difficult to pick without the right tools. And with the right tools, it's hardly picking.
2) Typical pin-tumbler padlocks. This is the most common, and can range from the super simple to your worst nightmare.
3) Other style high security locks. These could be disc locks like the Abloys, or dimple locks, etc.
4) Combination padlocks. These could be single dial as in the popular Master and Dudley locks found in many highschools, or multiwheeled combo locks that range from super simple to your second worst nightmare. There are a few other types of combination padlocks such as push-button types, but they are far less common.

Hope this helps some. Sorry for repeating some of what Gordon already said, but I was trying to be as complete as possible.

Cheers!

db

[Chrispy]

There are actually wafer padlocks too. I've never come across one but I know they exist (or used to).

[D35p3r4d0]

Actually this is the kind of info I'm after. How common are warded padlocks? Common enough to invest in a set of keys? And whats this about wafer padlocks? Like I said, I'm not worried about high security jobs like tublar locks or disc locks, and I'm not going to be trying to take out a combination lock anytime soon. I just want to know that if I run accross a padlock "in the wild," I'll be able to pick it 9 times out of 10, and know that other time that I can't. Make sense?

[digital_blue]

Warded padlocks are pretty common around my area, but still not as common as pin tumbler locks. I felt it was worth owning a set of warded picks, but that's your call.

Chrispy: I vaguely remember some sort of wafer padlock, but it seems to me it was a pretty high securily lock, more like an auto wafer than a file cabinet wafer. I don't remember enough to be sure I'm not making it up tho.

db

[Gordon Airporte]

Now that I look at my desk I see that I have a tiny lever padlock, as purchased from a gumball machine - so those exist too, fwiw.
If you're interested in picking as a hoby or challenge I think you can safely forego the lever picks since they just aren't that interesting. If you plan on opening many people's sheds they might be worth it. Wafer locks are pretty trivial too, but they open with standard tools.

[vector40]

9 times out of 10, it'll be a pin tumbler, so you're set there.

[quicklocks]

dont forget lever pad locks they are good fun to pick eg.

[vector40]

Okay, let me qualify. 9 out of 10 padlocks in America are pin tumblers.

[Chrispy]

Db: Lockwood 225 - 5 Disc Wafer Padlock.

Knew there was a common one around.

[vector40]

... hate you.