Master No.5 padlock

[horsefeathers]

Hi

Had a job last night where I had to pick two of these padlocks on the rear door of a business premises. Took a little bit of time but did them both.

I then had a brainwave after I left - On this particular padlock could I have used shims? Or is it one of those ones which are not susceptible to this form of attack? I do not have any shims anyway so could not have done so then so picked them open, but just wondered.

regards

wayne

[quickpicks]

Shims dont ususally work for no. 5's they're easier to pick.

[Chucklz]

The no5 is double locking, so shims would be rather difficult to use. Again, usually a rather easy pick. 4 pins, no security pins.

[Sbecspeledrx]

Why would double locking stop you using shims? Sure it's a little harder to get the second shim in, but possible. Shouldn't one on each side do the trick?

I don't have a master No.5 so can't check it myself. But it's certainly the first thing I'd try.

[Chucklz]

The locking dog on one side is squared off, making shims a tough sell.

[horsefeathers]

thanks guys - didnt know they double locked!

regards

[paku]

My masterlock #5 can be picked in literaly 10 seconds with a snake rake... i havent tried other #5's but after i figured out the right pick to use for it... it is the easiest lock i own to open.

[Wade]

same here, but the back 2 pins are the only ones that work in my lock. its always been like that

[zeke79]

My masterlock #5 can be picked in literaly 10 seconds with a snake rake... i havent tried other #5's but after i figured out the right pick to use for it... it is the easiest lock i own to open.

There is a difference between picking a practice lock in your collection and picking a lock that has seen the weather for a few years. It can turn that easy to pick master no5 into a nightmare if the conditions were severe for those few years or even months.

Picking in the field as a locksmith is much more difficult than sitting at home in your comfy computer chair and picking a lock at a nice comfortable level while nice and warm. A lockie on the other hand is out picking at a 30" height when it is either 20 degrees or 104 degrees. Just something to keep in mind .

[horsefeathers]

Very true - those two padlocks I picked (first post this thread) were done a 1am on a bloody cold/wet night with the shop owner hovering on my shoulder wanting a quick entry!

regards