Master Padlock

[thebikefiend]

I tried to get a Kwikset deadbolt lock, but they were all "pick-resistant." So, I went ahead and bought this Master (4-pin) padlock. On the back it says "Pin Tumbler mechanism for additonal resitence to picking." Should I return it or go ahead and try it out? Thanks guys.

[Shrub]

Give it a go, if you cant pick it leave it until you want to try again after doing a differant lock,

Pick resistant in most cases doesnt actually mean much other than they have put spool pins in the lock and on some locks this really doesnt make any differance to thepicking of it due to the poor quality of the lock anyway,

Unless your broke and couldnt afford a lock of ebay or such like if this one is too hard to pick then keep it and buy a kwikset or somthing to learn on then move on to the padlock after that,

[bonez]

so are you gonna pick it or
return it?

[cjames73]

try to pick it.
im sure you wont find it too hard.
even if you cant open it straight away, keep trying.

[thebikefiend]

I'm gonna go for it. I'll tell you guys how it goes. It'll be my first lock.

[bonez]

nice one!

keep the tension easy!

and remember that feeling when it pops open

[thebikefiend]

Well, I gave it about three hours off and on. No luck. I've read through all the noob guides, etc, but I still can't find about how much tension you want with the tension wrench. And how much tension when I'm driving my key pins up with my pick? How do you tell the difference between oversetting the pins and setting them right? A few times when I released the tension wrench, I heard about three "loudish" clicks of pins resetting. Do the pins only click like that when you overset them and then release the tension wrench? Another problem I'm having is my tension wrench seems to impede my pick from getting to the rear two pins. Bah, I know it takes years to master, but I can't even tell if I'm doing anything right.

[thebikefiend]

Wow! I picked it! That felt amazing! There was no method to the madness, but I imagine I'll learn as time goes on. I put it in my bed frame, so I didn't have to hold it in my hand and then I was a bit more aggressive with the pick and voila! So cooool.

[linty]

kwikset basically is just saying it's pick resistant because it has pins. they make this claim all the time but it doesn't mean anything.

congrats on your first pick!

[cjames73]

Wow! I picked it! That felt amazing!

well done!!
after a few times you'll get to know the technique for that particular lock.
you'll have it open in seconds then

[jzorn1]

That master is one of the easiest locks to pick. Good luck and keep up the practice

[Tygart]

Awesome!!! Yah Master lock is really easy.. I don't have any others then the #3 but I stopped because it got boring.

[mercurial]

Master lock do make many padlocks that are insanely easy to pick, and I have never been a fan of Master locks.

However, it is dangerous to tar all Master locks with this brush - they do also make some far more respectable locks, with far better tolerances, that can pose quite a challenge.

I find their site's interface poor, but just browsing their website (www.masterlock.com) shows you a broader range of what they have offer than you will ever see at Walmart etc.

The Master #3 (and its close cousins) are not representative of the whole spectrum of locks made by Master Lock Co.

As we all know, the Master #3 is pathetic in terms of pick resistance, but given that most criminals brute-force locks, rather than pick them, the Master #3 (in part due to its laminated body) holds up surprisingly well for its size (and price) in this regard.

...Mark

[thebikefiend]

"Master lock... are insanely easy to pick" Well that makes me feel like a noob. .

[mercurial]

"Master lock... are insanely easy to pick" Well that makes me feel like a noob. .

Certainly not intended!

If you read further into my post you will see that I am saying that there are certainly some Master locks that are nowhere near as easy as one would assume judging by the 'pick resistance' (or lack thereof) in the Master #3 style locks.

The lock you have pictured is indeed a lock that is very easy to pick(and one that is recommended to those new to picking to start with), although I certainly remember the first time I tried to pick one, years ago, and being frustrated by it many times.

If you have a particularly nasty bitting, then the lock you have might be more challenging than would be expected - if you can post a picture of the key that could help.

It is worth noting that due to the cylinder in this lock being far smaller than its cavity in the lock housing, it is easy to 'bind' the tension wrench against the housing - meaning you will know when you have picked the lock if your tension wrench is jammed.

If you can, get a deadbolt cylinder, and start with digital_blue's picking exercise, and you will find you'll be able to rake and spp this Master lock in no time.

Don't be discouraged! You have already picked this lock, and you can continue to learn from it, until it does become easy for you.

...Mark