Pin Springs

by **TheCrow** » 13 Mar 2007 16:58

I have recently purchased two padlocks (1 ML #3, & 1 ML #1). The #1 is rather small, and instead of the traditional body is black, and gold. The other is the standard ML case. Anyway from my reading I understand that both should have the same cilinder, however the #3 has extremely stong springs on the pins. I'm using a pick made of something close to but stronger than a paperclip. When i pick the #1 i have no problems, and the pick holds up with no signs of bending. However even pushing the pins up in the #3 without the tension wrench inserted, It bends my pick. Is there any way i can make the springs excert less force on the pins?

by **Krypos** » 13 Mar 2007 17:09

how much tension are you applying to the lock?

and the physical appearance of the keyway may be identical, however, the pinning and springs may be manufactured differently.

by **TheCrow** » 13 Mar 2007 17:15

I have tried pushing up the pins without a tension wrench and it still bends my pick a bit. Like I said the other one gives me no problem though

by **Eyes_Only** » 13 Mar 2007 19:03

does the #3 pin feel springy in any way or does it not move at all?

by **TheCrow** » 13 Mar 2007 20:15

ohh yea, it moves. It just doesn't move so easily

by **Eyes_Only** » 13 Mar 2007 20:22

Could there be a possibility that the #3 pin stack uses serrated driver? You can tell if you constantly feel that pin stack "clicking" as you try to raise it up to the shear line.

by **TheCrow** » 13 Mar 2007 20:27

I seriously doubt that it does, as it was for one cheap, and two its the beginners padlock. It may just be that i need a stronger material for my pick, however, just wanted to see if there was anything i could do to make the spring less resistant to force.

by **Eyes_Only** » 13 Mar 2007 22:55

You should buy a simple set from SO just to find out if it really was the pin stack or your picks material that was the problem. Thats the best advice I can give since no one else seems to be sharing their views. :wink:

by **Krypos** » 14 Mar 2007 8:29

wtf is so hard to understand?! they have different spring strengths! thats all.

just understand that and know that its just gonna be that way.

by **Eyes_Only** » 14 Mar 2007 11:13

Well he said it was a cheapie padlock so i didnt really think they would have bothered to place variable springs in them. Plus it damages his picks so that was weird also.

by **TheCrow** » 14 Mar 2007 16:43

Yes, I have understood that they have different spring strengths Krypos. Thats not what I asked. I asked if there was anything I could do to make them a little softer. Anyway thanks for the replies

by **Krypos** » 14 Mar 2007 17:01

hmmm.........softer. missed that. yes.

take the key, and rape the lock. literally. just sit and watch tv or something and just continually open the lock. lock it, open it, lock it open it.

this is just breaking it in really, you are imitating years of use by using it over and over so much. so do that, and in theory it should loosen the lock up a bit.

really, you are looking to use the springs a lot. so maybe even try "raking" it with another key of the same keyway.

by **Kaotik** » 14 Mar 2007 17:12

Knowing that you are not using proper picks (whether homemade or baught), we suggest you do, as you will get better feedback from them.

Concerning the springs strength, the only thing I could think of without taking the lock apart is to get a key blank and leave it in thr lock for some time. This will compress the springs and make them less resistant.

How long do you need to keep the blank in their you might ask? I don't know, I have never had to do it and I have never had the problem lifting springs with the proper picks. Not to be rude, I just don't use paper clips, wire or the like to pick locks.

by **TheCrow** » 14 Mar 2007 19:14

alright thanks for the help, I'll give those a try.

Pin Springs

Pin Springs

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