Mushroom Pins......

[Krypos]

hmmm... as i havent played with many big name locks yet, maybe thats my problem.

btw..... unbreakable.....any news on that lock set you bought??????? i sent ya an email a while ago....but no response.....

[unbreakable]

hmmm... as i havent played with many big name locks yet, maybe thats my problem.

btw..... unbreakable.....any news on that lock set you bought??????? i sent ya an email a while ago....but no response.....

Yeah, I just responded earlier today. Sorry I wasn't quicker.

[natastna2]

I have that exact same lock in my hand now, i bought it off ebay, of all the locks i've bought recently this has to be the hardest, I've picked it about once a day but its not for the want of trying. Most of the time that I pick this lock I feel that i've done it more out of luck than intention but hey I'll keep practicing. If anyones really really interested I'll take it apart and show u the pins but i dont have a plug follower so it'd b murdering the lock. Good picking!

[JackNco]

I'm having real problems with mushroom pins in a Yale lock. I can get the plug to turn about 10 degrees or so but no further. The pins must be 'false setting'. I've used all kinds of picks and tensions, have tried single picking and raking but I can't get the thing to spin all the way! Any practical tips from anyone? My enthusiasm is beginning to wain.

Right get 2 locks strip them down. theres a guide on here. then put 3 pins back in and pick it, then 4, then 5. always using non security pins. yale seem to have 2 security pins in each lock in my experience. so get 2 locks and you have 6 non security pins (Or at least 5 if u do get a lock with more)

Trust me u will feel way better after that
then try it with one security pin (Im just getting to that stage now. one noob to another. it feels great the first time u pick a full lock.)

Also rake it open a few times if u can. i have no idea why but i must get a feel for the inside or something. i find it easier to pick if its been raked 3/4 times

John

[Tybomb]

I just bought a couple locks today so I could give this a try. I havent picked anything other then my nose so this is all new to me. I started with a paddle lock I got from the buck store figuring that would be simple enough. Half the stuff you get at the buck store falls apart on it's own within the first 48 hours. After an hour of trying unsuccessfully I checked the package and it's a GUARD lock. According to the package it has:
1. Laminated steel Plates
2. Mushroom pins for pick resistance.
3. Double bolt locking.
4. Hardened steel shackle.
I assume this is all normal except for the Mushroom pins. I live in Canada and these locks are made in Montreal I believe.
First time I bought something worthwhile at the buck store and it had to be this...

[Bump]

Dis-assembled a Legge 5 pin single cylinder last week, it had 5 mushroom pins, 3 upper and two lower. It took about 15 minutes to pick using a Wendt.

Conclusions:
Locks with security pins CAN be picked using the correct techniques and equipment....eventually!
You probably aren't going to do it by hand picking unless you're very, very good or lucky.
As a trading Locksmith I would normally spend at least this amount of time before resorting to the rotary pick unless there are clear reasons to do so earlier ie lost keys or damaged/corroded lock.
If I have to drill, other than lost keys, I replace the lock, like for like, for free. This avoids the cutomer feeling they have been taken advantage of. (Split infinitive I know)