Stepping up the Learning Curve

[Raymond]

Master padlocks made for the US military currently have no security pins. They are five pin locks and because of the key retaining feature, will only turn to the right. The keyway is deceptively simple. A normal turning tool will slip over the paracentric ward at the bottom of the keyway and fall over into the way of the pick. Preventing this can be accomplished by holding the turning tool at the top of the keyway or by using a stepped end turning tool. I prefer the stepped turning tool and a standard curved pick.

These locks often use the full range of high/low pin combinations. I just finished impressioning a key to one that I tried for weeks to get. It was easy to pick but I wasted way too many blanks making the key. (Yes, crazy and obsessed!) One cut on the key was so deep that I believe the cut was actually a 0 or 1 and the top pin fell completely into the plug to the shearline.

I do not rember where I saw the article but I remember reading something about "Zen and lockpicking." After reading it I have used one of the concepts many times. Close your eyes and "see" the lock, pins and pick with your mind's eye. Try it a few times and you will be surprised how easily you can raccoon finger a view in your mind.

Happy picking.

[le.nutzman]

Preventing this can be accomplished by holding the turning tool at the top of the keyway or by using a stepped end turning tool. I prefer the stepped turning tool and a standard curved pick.

Any clarification on this type of turning tool? Never heard of that before and I would be interested in getting ahold of one.

For me, it's been a while since I posted this originally, and since then i've overcame alot of the barriers associated with these type of locks. I now open them just as easily in most cases as the American 5200s I deal with just as regularly.

However, your insight on the Masterlock is right on the money.

[blake1803]

Preventing this can be accomplished by holding the turning tool at the top of the keyway or by using a stepped end turning tool. I prefer the stepped turning tool and a standard curved pick.

Any clarification on this type of turning tool? Never heard of that before and I would be interested in getting ahold of one.

I believe what he is referring to is something similar to the Peterson Pry Bar?

http://www.peterson-international.com/i ... LOW-UP.gif

but I'm not sure. (I wouldn't recommend buying that specific tool for working on Master locks, I should note -- it does fit the keyway but I think it's a bit awkward for padlocks. Although that is just my personal preference.)

In any case, he could be talking about something entirely different..

Cheers,