Different types of Master locks #1,3,5,7,380 etc

[BobbO45]

There are many different types of Master locks that have four pins and I am wondering how they are different. If one goes to www.masterlock.com, they can find all of the different locks that I am talking about.

>www.masterlock.com
>consumer tab (red)
>Home & Yard/
Other Locks and Cables for #380 (Rustoleum), and Laminated steel for #'s 1,3,7

#'s 1, 3, 5, 7, and 475 all look fairly similar, and all have four pins and no security pins as far as I know.
#380 looks like the others with a nicer pain job

All of the above seem like they should be fairly similar to pick right? I don't know what it is, but I can open two No. 3 locks consistently in under five seconds, and I am having difficulty with one of the #380s. Maybe the problem is that (when looking at the key) the first pin is very deep, and the last three are very high. I would say that the 1st is either a #8 or #9.
I cannot insert a pick into the lock to reach even the second pin without lifting the first pin to what I am assuming is too high, causing none of the other pins to bind.
So I guess to put it briefly, I would like to know about the differences of the above locks, and I would also appreciate some help on the #380.
Thanks much!

[Wolfe]

There is really no difference between the #380 and the #3. Its all in your mind. You're going to find theat 90% of the locks avalible are pretty much the same. BUT all locks have thier little nuances such as manufacuring slop,pin configuration,wards in the keyway and so on.So even know that 90% of locks are for the most part similar picking might differ slightly.

Thier are two technics that would better suit you.
1. pick from the last pin foward OR 2. start with the binding pin then to the next pin bound. Tipicly you would use the 2nd technic.

I hope this helps
W.

[BobbO45]

So among the Masterlock pin tumbler laminated locks there is not a lot of difference, but what about security pins? Do some of the locks have spool or mushroom pins?

[UWSDWF]

not the laminated series

[BobbO45]

I have switched to slimline picks which give a better feel, and it seems to be working; however I am still having troubles with the #1 pin and over setting it just by having the pick in the lock. Any suggestions for how to unset an over-set pin without letting down all of the other pins? I have tried bouncing the pick on it but no luck.
I will continue to practice.

[nekret]

Try applying tension at the top of the keyway. This technique often helps with restrictive keyways or with deep set pins such as yours.

[BobbO45]

Thanks for the suggestion. I will also try some different wrenches that don't take up as much space.

[BobbO45]

Haven't been back in a while, but I did get the lock. The trick was using a smaller wrench at the top of the key way.

I also popped my first non padlock cylinder the other day, quite exciting, didn't think it would be that easy.

Did a schlage deadbolt I found in the basement, and then three random KIK cylinders that I got from garage sales.