low / low combinations

[omgxraycat]

I'm still having trouble with this padlock I found.

#1 pin is high (some kind of security pin)
#2 pin is high
#3 pin is low (spool pin)
#4 pin is low

I think the 4th pin is binding first, but if I even put my hook pick back far enough to reach it, it either knocks up the 3rd pin and sets it, making none of the other pins bind, or knocks up the 1st pin (can't tell what kind of security pin it is) and makes the other pins unable to bind. I feel like I need a slim line pick to get back to the 4th pin to lift it, but I'm not sure. Is it possible to enter my pick into the lock with no tension and find the 4th pin and then apply tension and quickly set that pin? everytime I try this, my pick gets stuck because the 3rd pin binds.

[assweasel]

Sounds to me that you are experiencing one of 2 things.

1. A shallow cut behind a deep cut. The one pin is blocking your ability to actually reach and set the pin behind it with out lifting the blocker to the point of crossing the shear line and hence not allowing you to set the desired pin.

Solution to this is not so much slimline (unless the keyway is really restrictive I don't think so) but get yourself a a hook with a much sharper and longer curve to it. You can actually get or make hooks with 90 degree hooks on them. Often a lock just wont lend itself up to a single pick and you end up using 1 pick for a certain recalcitrant pin and another for the rest.


2. And this is more than likely what the problem is. A matter of tension. You need to more than likely increase the tension a lot. Often you will end up with a lock with a pin that is a factory defect and it doesn't glide as well as it should due to warpage or a bend etc.

If you have the key look at the cuts on the key and see which cut corresponds with your troubles. look at the Cut in front of it and see how deep they are you can tell if your going to need a hook. If it doesn't look like it then try the key in the lock and see how much you have to torque the key to open the lock. If it takes a lot then you have a Binder and are going to have to exert a lot of tension to overcome this.

If the key doesn't work at all you have a defective lock perhaps.

What you describe is identical to something I had happen to me. Word for word it sounds like this Master Padlock I got kicking around somewhere. I have only opened it 4 times in about as many years cause this mutha is a real beeeAtch. I have never taken it apart because it amuses me. It's only a Master padlock but it is a real tough lock to pick. So it is a novelty.

Try a Bogota on it you will be surprised at what that can do. Just as amazing a pick as my Basta MastaLock.

[assweasel]

Sorry just re-read your post.

You found this lock so you have no pedigree for it. It might very well not be a functioning lock at all at this point.

Lose it again and go with what you know.

If your dealing with a lock that you have never known to be opened it may well be that that lock is never going to open.

Go buy the same lock somewhere and try picking that one. If you have trouble with it pull the old one apart and see what is going on inside when your trying to pick it.

[omgxraycat]

well i have a key for it and it works fine. I can pick it consecutively, but I have to rake it. I think the problem is that my hook isn't long enough. I just bought the 5 piece beginner set from south ordinance and I think that could be the problem. When I rake it, I get 3 of the 4 pins up (the 3rd is false set since it's a spool). Then I slowly release tension while pushing up on the 3rd pin until it sets...which releases the 1st pin. The 1st pin is some kind of security pin...It is completely stiff...I use the same method as I do with the 3rd and it will unlock. Anyways, if I don't start with a rake, i can't get it.

[psyk0s1s]

When I rake it, I get 3 of the 4 pins up

first of all, what type of pick are you using to rake? since u bought, the southord 5 piece kit, i think you should use that half diamond and use little tension so you will only set one pin at a time. then remember which pins that you set and use a hook to pick it pin by pin from the beginning. good luck

-Bobby

[undeadspacehippie]

Is it possible that the first pin or the longer pins don't need to be moved at all?? I have a lock that I disassembled and the 1st pin sits in its natural locked state with the shear line matching up. This was on a schlage lock, and its a bit of bugger to pick - due to this first pin and the restricted keyway.

[Shrub]

Yes thats very possable as you have proved, its actually a more secure lock against picking in my opinon as anything inserted in that keyway means you wont open the lock unless you know thats the issue,

I must admit when a lock has such a pin in it i find it a harder lock to pick unless i know thats the case before hand,