help with masterlock pro series

[2jets]

Hey, my first post and a newbie. I have a masterlock pro series lock that I am having trouble with. I can set the back 5,4,3 pins easily but the plug turns enough that my half diamond gets stuck and I can't get it out unless I back off on the tension wrench, which makes these pins drop. Any suggestions? Thanks for the help.

[melvin2001]

that lock has security pins in it... do a search on spool pins and you'll find lots of nice information.

[globallockytoo]

Master pro Series padlocks use interchangeable cylinders. Is your cylinder a Master cylinder or another keyway?

Any Schlage style key in knob cylinder can fit in that padlock using the correct adaptor, that is one of the reasons the Pro Series is one of the worlds most popular padlocks.

[2jets]

Yes it is a masterlock cylinder. I noticed on the bigger, higher security locks that the cylinder is the same...a 6000b key so I guess if you could pick the 6835 (which I have) you could pick the others. I did do a search before and the trouble I was having was I was putting too much pressure on the tension wrench. I tried the light touch approach and instantly felt that I was on track. But like I said, after getting the back three I found the plug turned too much which jammed my pick. I haven't found a remedy for that yet.

[2jets]

Nevermind, I refined my search and found what melvin2001 was getting at. There sure is good info here. Still figuring out how to use this site. Thanks.

[Krypos]

hey, it might not be spools. it might just be that the pins are lower when they are set, keeping your pick stuck in the keyway.

but, personally, i dont know jack about the master lock pro series.

so look up the lock and see if it has spools.

[2jets]

Oh yeah, i've taken it apart many a times. The first four are spool pins and the fifth is a driver pin. I have 4 locks keyed the same and a fifth lock that I master keyed because others have access to that lock. It's nice having one key that opens 5 locks! I practice on the non master keyed lock.

[Squelchtone]

Hey, my first post and a newbie. I have a masterlock pro series lock that I am having trouble with. I can set the back 5,4,3 pins easily but the plug turns enough that my half diamond gets stuck and I can't get it out unless I back off on the tension wrench, which makes these pins drop. Any suggestions? Thanks for the help.

I have a ProSeries 7040 chrome & a 6121 black outdoor grade. The 7040 was for some reason very easy to pick, first try 20 seconds, the 6121 was a good challege, and if this is the one you have, try light tension, or vary your tension. I use a hook on this lock and work the pins front to back quickly until it opens. Super light tension, adding a dash of tension after you feel a pin set properly, not false set where you get 15 degrees rotation.. Those are the spool pins catching, but you probably read about those already.

If you're a noobie, you might have more repeatability with a No.140 brass, it's not as easy as a No.3 laminated, but not as hard as a Proseries 6121.

good luck! =)

Squelchtone

TOOOL-USA

[2jets]

Thanks for the feedback, it's greatly appreciated. In addition to the 6835, I also have the 6127 black outdoor grade which would be the same as your 6121 with a bigger shackle I assume. Yes, I was getting the false sets which made it turn which I thought I was on the right track...until I read some posts here about false sets. I took both apart and the cylinders are interchangable in both locks. I own the laminated versions and they are easy to pick. I have a brass master that came from a locksmith course and it is cut away. It's hard to pick. I set the back pin and for some reason the 2nd last pin doesn't want to catch at the shear line. I have tried more tension on the wrench and it doesn't help. I have picked the 6835 a couple of times but I think it was just luck. I used the super light tension that you say and it is definitely the way to go. Got any suggestions on locks that are gummed up on the inside? I have a laminated outside that is been through the elements and is hard to pick. I noticed on some locks that I have taken apart that when I take the pins out sometimes the bottom and top pins are stuck together which would make for some hard picking. Should I spray some tri-flow in to loosen it up? Thanks.