Help with "sure-loc" padlock please

[serpentballz]

Hi guys, kinda new here, and need help with picking a particular padlock. I dont know the model number, but its a "sure-loc" padlock with (i suspect) security pins and some mechanism im not familiar with.. coz when i pick the pins, they set, the plug turns about 1/8 of a circle in the direction of tension and then gets stuck at that position, with all the pins (appearing to be) set, but the lock doesnt open.. any idea whats the probelm, or something i missed?

[JackNco]

does indeed sound like a spool or maybe a mushroom?

Any chance of a pic of the lock as i doubt u will get much more help than that without one on your first post?

Is the lock your first attempt at picking?

John

[Vincent-XXI]

Sounds like its a security pin. when it gets to that point ease off the tension so its "light tension" just resting your fingers against it, take your pick and start testing each of the pins, by pressing on them, if when you push on a pin the plug starts to rotate backwards (if your being really heavy handed with the tension you'll stop this and wont feel a thing hence use as little as possible)allow the plug to rotate while continuing to press on the pin once the security pin is set properly the plug will rotate in the direction you were originally rotating it. if it agin gets tuck theres probably a second security pin or the first still isn't correctly set, repeat the procedure until the lock opens.

[serpentballz]

ah cool, finally got it open.. think theres two security pins behind.. thanks guys. started out three weeks ago, and figured there was some security mechanism when i could open other cheap padlocks. btw apartment-type locks kind of have light pins and require heavy tension to actually make pins set.. could i also ask how u deal with this? (yes they are all my old house locks, dont worry)

[Vincent-XXI]

If it requires heavy trension, it doesn't relly matter use heavy tension pick the lock false setting the security pins(the plug will turn then stick, thats called a false set) then go easy on the tension to fix the security pins. If you were to use heavy tension at this point as well you'd lose the benifit of being able to tell which pins aren't set properly and to press them up you'd be fighting against your other hand.
In short if it needs heavy tension use heavy but if you wind up false setting security pins, light is much better choice as it makes progress alot easier.