Newbie Questions, Spanish Padlock "Lince"

[robbo007]

Hello all,

I'm new to this so please, don't flame too much..

I have a Spanish padlock, make "Lince" which I just need to get open.

What tools would you recommend for the trade? I want to invest in a set. Paperclip days are over.

Also any guides that are good for beginners? I got myself a copy of the MIT Guide to lockpicking...

Thanks for the help.

Rob

[plot]

Where do you live? That makes a difference in the stores you can order lockpicks from... I'm guessing europe, but, you never know.

You're off to a good start with the MIT Guide, read it a few times, practice picking, and read the MIT guide more. Also, check out the lockpicking section on www.howstuffworks.com , and the guide at www.crypto.com .

As for places to order lockpicks from and recommendations, visit this thread: viewtopic.php?t=1423 i recommend a southord MPSX set, MPSX-14 is good for a starter, MPSX-5 or 6 or whatever will work if you are looking for cheap.

browse through the FAQ section of the forum, and you will find tons of information on everything... including how to make your own picks. use the search feature up above and you'll find everything you ever wanted to know.

As for Lince padlocks, I have never heard of them and have no idea about them... i breifly browsed there site: http://www.linceweb.com/ but didn't find too much.

[plot]

Go here and try to figure out which particular lock you have:

http://www.linceweb.com/catalogo/Ingles/candados.asp

[robbo007]

I live in Spain. Lince is a Spanish company. Quiet big from what I see.

The padlock I need to opem is one of these:

http://www.linceweb.com/catalogo/Ingles ... x%20Series

I am guessing its a normal padlock. Does not look hard to pick?

Any recommendations where to buy the tools? I really only need the toolkit for Spanish designed locks as most locks in Spain are Spanish made.

Will that site you gave me do the trick?

Spain tends to produce these things locally and not import too much.

Thanks,

Rob

[robbo007]

They say the Slim range is better for Europe. Whats the C1500
like?

http://www.southord.com/catalog.asp?cat ... owstart=10

[Chucklz]

I have no experience with Spanish locks at all, but I will share how I would approach any new lock.

1.) Visual inspection. Dirty keyway? Rusty? Needs lubrication? Restrictive keyway?
2.)What kind of locking system is used here, standard pin tumbler, dimple key, warded, lever etc.? What tools do I need to bring to this lock to properly manipulate it?

Pin tumbler locks
1.) How many pins? I often will give a gentle raking with a small half diamond. I do use tension, because sometimes you do get lucky?
2.) Assume all pin tumbler locks have security pins unless you KNOW otherwise.
3.) Rake for about 90 seconds, switch to single pin picking.

[robbo007]

Is it worth using shims on padlocks?

http://www.lockpickshop.com/page/LPS/PROD/SPT/SPS-20

Or better to use a lockpick set?

[technik]

ive heard that shims are easily damaged, and only work on both non ball-bearing locks and with enough access down the sides of the shackle hole (sorry for terminlogy). Even master 3 locks have shackle securers on both sides of the shackle (need two shims) so i would advise to just go wth the picks. All padlocks can be picked with picks, but only a select few can be opened with shims. Dont rule them out though, there a great thing to experiment with, so if you have some extra money, go for it, but i would reccommend manual picks over shims.

Another option is to make shims (plz search on this site, there is HEAPS f info on this)

Hope this helps!
Technik

[PickPick]

The only padlocks I've found that could be opened with shims were the ones that I could pick in 5-10 seconds. Waste of money imho.

[plot]

master lock combonation locks (ones on lockers in high schools) can be opened very easily using shims... don't think they've ever fixed the problem either.

[Chucklz]

For most European locks, I would suggest forgetting the shims. Probably ball bearing/ or very tight tolerances.