master no. 3

[Sinan]

Hey, I realize there are a lot of post relating to master #3 locks but they all seem to say it's a very easy lock and raking should work wonders. Well raking does work wonders and opens my 2 master #3's in a short time, the problem is I cammot seem to single pin pick them whatsoever. I have a master 140 and 2 defiant deadbolt cylinders (which I have repinned multiple times) that are easy for me to single pin pick. What are some possible reasons that I can't get the master #3's?

[raimundo]

it is possible to put a tensor blade clear through the plug on a master four pin and the tip of the tensor will obstruct the plug turning the bolt works even though the lock may be picked, if you suspect this has happened, just pull the tensor out a bit while not letting it turn back to relocking.

[Exodus5000]

Also the fact that master no. 3's have a high degree of picking pressure that is needed to set the pins because they are fairly sloppily built. Old ones tend to have kind of a "crusty" feel to them. Picking a quality "brand new" lock is easier than picking an old knock-off brand lock - ironically.

[pinsetter]

my guess would be that you're pushing a pin (or pins) too far into the cylinder. Try picking all the pins again as you normally do, then release tension slowly until you hear a click. When you hear the click, IMMEDIATELY re-apply tension. I've opened several #3's like that.

Questions like this are really hard to answer as we can't watch your picking technique to offer any real solid advice.

I think one of the hardest things to learn in picking locks is knowing when NOT to push on a pin.

[Eyes_Only]

I usually set light to medium tension and taking a simple diamond rake, "slip" the pick down the keyway while applying a modest amount of rocking motion. This method work better if you have had some experience with raking/ripping . I can get a Master #3 to open this way majority of the time.

[Squelchtone]

Hi

I'm new to the forum, but have been learning how to pick since last summer. I have a feeling I picked up a bad habit since I didn't know any better, and when I hold padlocks (especially the No.3 (I have several of them with different keys) I hold the lock with my left hand, with the pins down, and my left thumb applying pusling tension to the wrench which is at 10:00 o'clock. I use my right hand to wabble/see-saw the half-diamond pick inside the keyway and I can usually open the Master No.3 in 2 to 5 seconds, but I also think I have learned my locks so I know what to hit inside. I can also do this on a Master No. 150 brass body and a No. 140 brass body lock. I can also open a Master 930/6230 flat bottom huge lock; the kind they lock 18-wheeler trailers with. It looks like an American 700 series. Is it normal that I can open this in 10-15 seconds or am I some kind of ninja?

I tried tonight to hold my Master No.3 with the pins up, and it's just not as comfortable and I don't get the same feel for the pins, but I realize the way I normally hold it may cause pins to drop in when I least want them to do so. Any ideas to get me back on the right track?

This would probably explain why I have such a hard time with my front door. I have to push the pins up when I'm raking which isnt how I usually do the padlocks when I'm holding them in my hand. My lower Kwikset takes about 11 seconds, but I have not yet been able to do the upper Shlage (it's a $50 dollar Home Depot model deadbolt with keys on both sides)


Squelchtone

Springfield Area
Western Massachusetts

[undeadspacehippie]

I usually set light to medium tension and taking a simple diamond rake, "slip" the pick down the keyway while applying a modest amount of rocking motion. This method work better if you have had some experience with raking/ripping . I can get a Master #3 to open this way majority of the time.

This is exactly how I ended up opening the no. 3 with a half diamond made from a wiper blade. Thanks for the tip, I posted on another topic thread that I couldn't get the lock and then I ended up popping it in under 5 seconds. I work this lock a couple times a day, it makes me laugh,