My collection of locks (so far)

[Charodei]

I have a handful of locks to play with (the majority of which I have keys for), and some questions to go with them, so I'll start with a picture:

(A larger image can be found here.)

In the lower left corner is a Master #37; there's another at the top which I don't have a key for, which is why it's still attached to the cable. Next are two U.S. Lock padlocks, keyed the same. The only identifying marks are the letters "TGG" stamped on the back. Above them are four identical Yales. In the top left is another Yale with a larger shackle; the two on the right are the same model, but I don't have keys for them. The cable has a cruciform lock, with a total of twelve pins, but only two heights; it's made in China and shown here just as a novelty.

First, can anyone identify what models these locks are? Let me know if you want more detailed pictures of any.

Second, which of them are likely to have security pins or other reasons to be more or less difficult?

Finally, they are at least fifteen years old, quite possibly twenty or more. I've seen brake cleaner recommended for getting the dirt out, and graphite for lubrication. Is this reasonable, or should I use something else?

[Schuyler]

the yales are yale&towne, yes? If you have any that don't say "eaton yale and towne" they are from pre-1963, with eaton is post-1963.

And you'll likely want to clean them up. Melvin2001 cleaned out one of mine. I collected the yale and towne locks/equipment.

[Charodei]

"Yale & Towne Mfg. Co." No Eaton on them.

[blackfoot]

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s132 ... ure065.jpg http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s132 ... ure063.jpg http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s132 ... ure066.jpg kinda like this but im not sure on the age of this lock maybe schuyler knows.

[Eyes_Only]

Do those yale padlocks use any security pins in them?

[Chucklz]

That Yale looks alot like a lock I remember my grandfather having. Knowing him, it was made pre-1950 and picked up at a garage sale sometime in the 70's.

[raimundo]

comeon charo, that lock on the cable is just some little master lockco four pin cylinder, is it intimidating you? thats a beginner lock. pick it off there.

[Charodei]

Turns out the three long-shackled Yales are keyed the same, but two were too dirty to work. My cleaning method: Insert brake cleaner nozzle into each orifice (keyway, shackle hole, weep hole) and spray until rust stops coming out. Work lock mechanisms vigorously for a minute or two, and repeat. Wait ten minutes and repeat again. Let dry, then lubricate (graphite, in my case).

I don't like feeling like a noob, but I'm having trouble with these locks. I can set a pin in one of the Masters, but it drops easily and nothing else binds while it's set. In the other Master and the Yales that I've tried, I can't feel anything bind. Not sure what I'm doing wrong, and I'd like to know if there could be security pins in any of them.

As for the others, they are stamped "U.S. Lock", but look like an American 701CC. I took a look inside, and found that all the pins - key and driver - are serrated. The cylinder could hold six pins, but only five are used.

[UWSDWF]

thats an american lock... the pins are that of an american lock... ect... maybe a knock off but an american lock/style lock none the less


being in MA I'd be careful showing off those Yale & Towne locks.... Shoes might show up out of nowhere....