Simple Bypass For Master #3?

[Bud Wiser]

Most of us know how easy the master #3 is to rake, and even SPP. Yet some times it seems to defy it's simplicity and put up a fight against SPP.

I like to pick up my master #3 once in a while just to see how fast I can pick it. Some times for what ever reason, fatigue, poor craftsmanship, whatever, it takes longer then usual!

BUT for some reason I can always pick it just by setting the last pin with the right amount of tension! What I do is put the small hook all the way in to the last pin, apply just enough tension, tapping the pin while jerking the tension ever so slightly and like magic it always pops up either immediately or with in a few seconds.

Is this another major flaw with the master #3? I can't call this picking! It has to be a bypass right? How can setting one pin open the lock?

Any ideas why?

[Schuyler]

I've got like 5 #3s back at the house. I have to believe this is just coincidence or the particular setup of your lock, but I will try it this evening on each of mine.

[illusion]

If this is like the one I have - it's a laminate one right?

You are moving the actual latch mechanism that secures the shackle. It completely bypasses the locking mechanism.

I don't know if this is the lock you menytion though, since we don't tend to get Master ocks in the UK.

[Bud Wiser]

thanks! would love to see if this can be repeated on other locks.

[Bud Wiser]

If this is like the one I have - it's a laminate one right?

You are moving the actual latch mechanism that secures the shackle. It completely bypasses the locking mechanism.

I don't know if this is the lock you menytion though, since we don't tend to get Master ocks in the UK.

yes it's laminated. I was wondering the same thing too. It's harder for me to visualize whats happening inside most master locks because they don't feel as smooth as other locks. It feels like a pin some times, and some times it doesn't. Place the pick all the way back and with the correct combo of taps and tesnion it will open quickly.

[unbreakable]

Bud Wiser, does the shackle simply open, or does the plug turn aswell?

If its simply popping open without the plug turning, Id say your bypassing it.

[Bud Wiser]

Bud Wiser, does the shackle simply open, or does the plug turn aswell?

If its simply popping open without the plug turning, Id say your bypassing it.

LOL, I just tried it again to make sure and it took a little longer this time. (damn_master)

It turns when it opens.

Some times it opens imediately! Some times it takes a few seconds. It does not always feel like a pin though, so it may be bypassing the locking mechanism?

I hope others can try it on theirs to see what happens.

The only other thing I can think of is the process of doing it this way causes the pins to site like raking but instead just by vibration?

[jimb]

Some times it opens imediately! Some times it takes a few seconds. It does not always feel like a pin though, so it may be bypassing the locking mechanism?

The only other thing I can think of is the process of doing it this way causes the pins to site like raking but instead just by vibration?

Check to see if you are touching the other pins with the pick. You may be lifting them to the shear line without realizing it.

[Schuyler]

If the plug is actually turning I think it has to be the pin setup, as jimb said you may accidentally be setting all of the pins to the shear when you're tripping that last one.

You say that sometimes it feels like a pin and sometimes it doesn't, those times when it doesn't, does the plug still turn?

What I'm saying is, you may be on to something, but without some sort of consistant something it's hard to tell, you know?

Also, I only have so much of a clue about any of this anyway, so I wouldn't be shocked if someone else knows exactly what's going on. I'm interested to see how this turns out.

[bumpit]

I've got like 5 #3s back at the house. I have to believe this is just coincidence or the particular setup of your lock, but I will try it this evening on each of mine.

How are the results?

[Schuyler]

:\ I tend to work fairly late, my friend. It's been 10-14 hour days at the office lately. I have one more ad to get out, then I'm gone! (Though I may grab a beer with the boys before I get home.)

I'll definately post my results, but I'm sure I'm not the only one with master #3s laying around, so hopefully we'll get a whole host of people to test this.

The part that still confuses me is that the plug turns...

[Bud Wiser]

If not for the fact that some times it happens with virtually no effort I would suspect the pins set by vibration because other times does take a little effort.

I can't wait to see other peoples results. There has to be a lot of #3's out there

[kodierer]

I hear what your saying budwiser.
When I first started pickin I picked a few #3's, and some off brands with that same problem. I think its the pinning. The only way to be sure is to make a cutaway.

[5thcorps]

I've had this happen on several master locks. For some strange reason I would start at the back to SPP and once the rear-most pin is set the whole thing opens. However trying it from the front never did this. And when taking the time to SPP from the front the pins all had to be set deeper then the small amount the pick moves them while setting the rear pin.
In many I think it's a design flaw, or they save a lot of money on cheaper locks by not being so picky on the machining.

[Bud Wiser]

I've had this happen on several master locks. For some strange reason I would start at the back to SPP and once the rear-most pin is set the whole thing opens. However trying it from the front never did this. And when taking the time to SPP from the front the pins all had to be set deeper then the small amount the pick moves them while setting the rear pin.
In many I think it's a design flaw, or they save a lot of money on cheaper locks by not being so picky on the machining.

yup sounds about right. I can do that on other cheap locks too. One pin pops! Has to be a design flaw.