Why is my Master #3 so much harder than the #5?

by **cyloneus** » 19 Oct 2006 14:45

As noted in previous posts, I am new to this, so this may be a dumb question, but...It seems to me that they are very similar locks...just different sizes. What is it that is mkaing this one so much harder than the bigger one?

ALso, I just got the Master 150...how does THIS one compare to the others?

by **melvin2001** » 19 Oct 2006 14:56

The pinning of a lock can make a huge difference in how easy it is to pick. if the lock has a long pin (such as a 8 or 9 cut) followed by a short pin (like 1 or 2) can mean you have to reach around the long pin to get the short pin, also masterlocks have small keyways which limit your ability to do that without hitting the long pin.

so yeah.. it is possible that one lock can be harder then another even if they seem the same. just keep working at it and try using a hook or diamond pick (if your not already) and of course watch your tension!

by **d_goldsmith** » 23 Oct 2006 2:18

I would search for this, but when I search master # I get a million threads. Can I get more info about master #'s. I'm assuming they're basically models. Is 1 the first type of master lock ever made or?

I have one that says No 140, but the 0 looks almost like an O. Is this a #140, or a #14?

Thanks,

by **melvin2001** » 23 Oct 2006 2:29

http://masterlock.com/

by **d_goldsmith** » 23 Oct 2006 2:52

melvin2001 wrote:http://masterlock.com/

I din't find anything on that side about the #'s?

by **melvin2001** » 23 Oct 2006 2:57

they are just model numbers there is a nice search on the right hand side where it says "product number" and you can put in any number there and it will give a discription.

by **cyloneus** » 24 Oct 2006 11:08

OK, so I have the 150 down. It took much longer than the #5. I still can't get the #3, which seems to give folks so many problems. I found it interesting that the 150 turns in another direction than the laminated series. I found with the 150 I had to use a combination of individual pins and raking to get it, but as the mechanism was more precisely manufactured, that was in a way easier as I could better feel the pins set.

Still...nobody has answered, is the 150 typically considered a harder lock to to pick than the #3, #5 laminated locks?

by **cyloneus** » 24 Oct 2006 11:11

Holy crap...I think we have a breakthrough!!! Same method worked with the #3 and I FINALLY got it!!! Now onto the 930!!!

by **Bud Wiser** » 24 Oct 2006 11:29

Yes the 150 is harder. I know that the 140-150 contain spool pins, but because they are made better then the junk masters (#1, #3, #5, etc), they are better locks to practice on because they actually feel like real locks

But really when you think about it, you might be tempted to say,

"but wait a minute, if the #3 is so crappy and gives so many people problems it must be harder!"

Not true. It's crap yes, but most can pick it pretty easy, and if you can't you can always rake very easily. The 140-150 have spool pins, not as easy to rake, and will throw most noobs not use to spools.

That said, you should know that the master 140-150 are the easiest locks with spool pins, and great to practice on! Better quality, better feel make them a great way to learn how to pick spools. But they are masters! And if you can find that sweet spot after the plug locks up, all it takes is to ease off the tension a little and push that pin up more and it will open. In other words, after you picked it once, you will be able to pick in a minute after that

by **cyloneus** » 24 Oct 2006 11:34

YUp...that sounds about right..I am down to under about 20 seconds now and I just figured it out 15 minutes ago. What do you recommend next? The 930 seems VERY hard, is there something in between or is that the obvious next step?

by **Bud Wiser** » 24 Oct 2006 11:48

Well IMHO the Brinks 1-9/16 (40mm) Brass Padlock is the perfect next step. Don't jump to other Brinks just yet, they are a lot harder, but the 1-9/16 is a perfect stepping stone! It's harder then the masters, but not as hard as the Brinks Shrouded! And another nice thing about the brinks is unlike the master 150, once you do pick this lock, it will still require more practice to pick it consistantly! It's a fun lock!
Walmart has them, p/n 101-42001

After that, try any Brinks you want!

Also Sears has a couple of good Craftsman Padlocks. I suspect they are masters with the sears name on them but am not sure. If they are they are definitely better then masters! They have restricted keyways, spools and mushroom pins, also fiun locks, but not as hard as the Brinks.

by **wallshadow113** » 24 Oct 2006 20:56

woah...wait wait
im a full class noob
and i can pick a master no.3 in like 5 secs
is it because my pins are set easily to be raked by my bobby pin?
ive given it to friends who have no expirence and they get it in a few trys
....

by **melvin2001** » 24 Oct 2006 21:55

depends on how it is pinned\how it was made... any lock that has bad tolerances is a two faced piece of crap... when one rolls off the assembly line it may be the easiest lock to pick the earth has ever seen, then the one right behind it could be a real pain to pick.

as far as i can tell you never really know what your going to get with a master lock. although i have my #3 down to about 3.5 seconds (literally) it took me a bit of trying to get there.

Why is my Master #3 so much harder than the #5?

Why is my Master #3 so much harder than the #5?

Who is online