Those annoying shrouds!

[SwitchBladeComb]

Hey people. When I say "those annoying shrouds" I'm refering to the metal framing plates that American puts over its heavy duty I-Core padlock's lock cores and the plate that Master puts over its knockoffs of American's locks. They have a hole that allows access to the keyhole and the propper turning radius for the key. The hole is circular in nature, but also has little triangular insertions that make it not quite circular. It's tough to describe but I hope you get what im talking about.

At any rate, those triangular bits sorta jam up my wrench whem im trying to pick these locks, making it impossible for me to correctly apply tension. You can stick the wrench in, in such a way that it doesn't get jammed, but then it always slips out and into the part of the keyhole that jams it. All I need to know is, is there a special wrech or tool for this? Is there some way of sticking the wrench in there that keeps it from jamming?

[Darek84CJ]

On the American locks, you can remove the core by opening the shackle, and removing the Philips screw inside. With just the core in hand, it may be easier to work.

[CitySpider]

I don't know of a particular tool, but I've also never had any problems with the shrouds when picking those locks. As long as you're applying tension the right way, it shouldn't be an issue.

[Mad Mick]

Maybe he's got a tension wrench with a short tang or a less-than-90 degree angle?

[SwitchBladeComb]

The wrenches are standard SouthOrd wrenches. It might simply be that the tension needed is less than that that I am applying and me applying too much tension results in the slipping out of the cracks that I am experiencing.

In either case, how does one go about applying tension the "right" way?

[Mad Mick]

Do a search. There are too many posts, which relate to tension, for someone to list.

As a general guide though, think of the least amount of tension you require, then half it. Sometimes it's just the weight of a single finger on the wrench that's enough. Feel the all of the pins with a pick, when no tension is applied. Insert the tension wrench and apply tension in miniscule amounts, until you feel resistance on a pin when you push it up with the pick. Do not increase the tension until you have tried to push up all of the pins individually. Sometimes, the first pin to bind will not be one of the end ones - check them all.

[CitySpider]

Sorry, I misphrased. I meant to say "in the proper direction." Which direction is proper should be obvious if you have a lock like that in front of you -- assuming, of course, I'm thinking of the right lock.

[Mad Mick]

I think we're all thinking of the same locks...the key goes in at twelve 'o' clock, and the cover plate on the lock only allows the key to rotate clockwise to three 'o' clock. I initially assumed that these protrusions on the cover plate were where SwitchBladeComb's tension wrench was getting hung up, hence the reference to a short tang/less than 90 deg bend.

[SwitchBladeComb]

As a general rule i know how to correctly apply tension and can pick most locks without this irritating shroud. Its just in this particular case with this particular design that i am having issues. I believe the problem could be solved if the width of the head of my wrench were greater. Anyone know where one might go about finding a wrench thats wider at the head than standard wrenches? that would do the trick here...

[Mad Mick]

Get a transmission/engine dipstick which is flat (not the wire type) and make your own. You should be able to make five or six wrenches from one dipstick.

[SwitchBladeComb]

Hmmm...brilliant!

[HeadHunterCEO]

Get a transmission/engine dipstick which is flat (not the wire type) and make your own. You should be able to make five or six wrenches from one dipstick.

very crafty i like that

[Chucklz]

If i can make 6 tension wrenches from one dipstick, ya think I could make a dozen out of two morons ?

[PYRO1234321]

I believe that 1 moron = 1.5 dipsticks = 0.5 idiots.
so you could get 18 from 2 morons

seriously though, dipsticks are good stuff. a trip to the auto dump will get you lots and you may find the odd wiper blade also.

[Mad Mick]

If i can make 6 tension wrenches from one dipstick, ya think I could make a dozen out of two morons ?

There's a couple of morons where I work, whom I'd be glad to send you. Once you get to know them, there'll be tension in abundance....