Mushrooms and Spool's

[Chabo]

So, since off beeing quite (very) new to this whole thing, i was wondering if mushroom pin's are something that only come's with the better lock's or if they are something that most looks have?

Picking some padlock's at the moment, and with some off them i got a problem, so i guess i was kinda wondering if it was beacuse of odd pin's or just lack off experience, tri-circle to be quite specific.

//Chabo

[burchlockkey]

Locks can be problematic for a variety of reasons:

1. Old, dirty, corroded, damaged, etc.

2. A short pin tucked neatly behind a long pin, i.e., a number 7 pin in the 4th chamber and a number 1 pin in the 5th chamber.

3. Spool pins, mushroom pins or other 'security' pins in the chambers.

Solution? Lots of practice. Dissemble the lock to see what is inside. Lots of practice. Or just lots of practice.

Personally, I am always amazed when a lock opens under the manipulation of my weak skills.

Also, did I mention that LOTS OF PRACTICE helps?

[digital_blue]

I'll add that you're far better off practicing on a deadbolt or key-in-knob that you can disassemble easily. Padlocks are not a great place to start learning to pick.

db

[Gordon Airporte]

I think you'll find that spools are much more common than mushrooms. There are only a few manufacturers that use mushrooms, right?

[bumpit]

I have only seen mushrooms on Tri-Cirlces so far.

[Bud Wiser]

serrated pins can be found on some brinks locks.

I run in to more spools then mushrooms.

I was totally shocked to discover that my tri-circle 25mm padlock, as tiny as it is, contained spools!

So while it may be true to some extent that spools are usually found on better locks, not always the case.

Personally I LOVE spools! I find picking locks with spools is easier for me then no security pins! Keep in mind I have NOT attempted the more expensive locks yet. But the masters and brinks with spools, and they are easier for me then their non spool counter parts.

With spools I can feel what's happening better!

I still have trouble with serrated pins though

[digital_blue]

You know, I seem to go against the grain when it comes to serrated pins. But often times, I find if I apply quite a bit of tension, and then just let those puppies grind their way up, I have a lot of success.

Bud: I can appreciate what you're saying about spools too. I still think they're probably not a good idea for the beginner, lest they never learn to really understand feedback, but yeah... I love it when I'm stuck on a spool, 'cause I know I'm just a click away.

db

[jasontimmer]

i'd have to agree with burch in that practice will be your best teacher here. also, try with common door locks, like kwikset, weiser, and cheaper schlage first. and also, not to be a jerk, but you could also remember that the "apostrophe S" contraction in spelling is used to indicate posession or the contraction of "is" as in "he is = he's." sorry. grammatical policeman in me coming out.

[nezumi]

Security pins (as has been said) are sometimes found in lower end padlocks. I love it when I find those, it's like finding $5 in my pocket However, a lock with nothing but spools and mushrooms isn't half as hard as one that's gummed up from use. If it's a friend's lock, I'd check that everything is cleaned and lubricated before guessing its security pins.

As an aside, I'm under the impression that if you're going pin by pin, it's sometimes possible to feel out of a pin is really a security pin or not.