masterlock no. 3

[hiaxis]

Hi all,

Long time lurker, first time poster. I've been a hobbyist for a year or two now and have spent most of my time on pretty much every padlock I could get my hands on(including a number of no.3's) as well as kwikset and schlage locks and deadbolts. I was beginning to get pretty confident in myself but this masterlock padlock has kicked my behind.

The plug is fairly loose and the pin springs are fairly strong compared to other locks I've toyed with. Usually, I try scrubbing first and sometimes that works, sometimes it doesn't. In this case, it doesn't and never has so far. When scrubbing fails, I switch modes to single pin picking and can usually get most padlocks in a minute or two(or less, depending on the lock) this way but not this one.

I own this lock and I have the key. The front pin is pinned very high, while the others are very low. Even having the key in front of me, I just can't seem to get this lock. I probably don't know all the "technically correct" names of the picks I've tried but I've used a number of diamond and hook shaped picks to try to manipulate the rear pins without touching the front pin but for the life of me, I just can't seem to get it and it's rather frustrating.

Any tips on how to deal with a lock like this would be greatly appreciated. I can post the key code too if anyone is interested.

Thanks for reading and love the site!
Brian

[JackNco]

Uve lost me a bit but i think its another no3 your struggling with. so ill base this on it being another no3.

As you look at a master no3 key way there is a space where you can see the pins and then bellow it and to the right is where most people will apply tension.

Instead of that try applying tension to the top of the key way and insert the pick in the bottom. you will then have more space to use the pick and can completely avoid the front pin(s) while you set the rest.

You will need to twist the pick to the left slightly to move around in the key way.

This will be much easier if you are using a slimline pick set.

Hope this helps

John

[hiaxis]

Hi,

Thanks for the reply. Yes, you're right...it was yet another No. 3 I was struggling with. No. 3's are normally a piece of cake but there's just something about this lock that gives me a headache. I haven't had the time to mess with it but will give it a try using the method you described.

Thanks again,
Brian

[Eyes_Only]

Don't know if this would do any good but if you sprayed a bit of dry film lubricant like RZ-50, it might make it a little bit easier. Most published manuals/books suggest lightly lubricating the lock to help.