American Combination Lock (with keyhole in back)

[jeffrey92]

Hi. I'm new here and I have this American combination lock that has a keyhole in the back, and I've been having difficulty getting into it.

The tools I have are a standard tension wrench, an s rake, and a short hook.

I'm pretty sure it has 4 pins, and I know I've gotten them all down, and gotten them all to stay down, but it just won't turn or anything. I tried turning both ways obviously. Does anyone know about these?

I've also had some trouble picking my front doors schlage bolt lock. Some of the pins won't go down, and it seems like I can't turn it too, but maybe it's just cause I haven't gotten all the pins down without taking the pick out.


I know I can just use a shim for the combo lock, but I'd like to know how to pick it.

(ps. I'd use the search feature, but it keeps giving me these error messages)

thx

[criminalhate]

By down do you mean to the shear line or down all the way out of the key way? If you mean the second part I would suggest reading the
MIT guide to Lock Picking
and
LSI Guide to Lock picking.

Both will explain how a lock works so you better understand whats going on in there.

[ObiWonShinobi]

Someone just posted a similar question about a Master.

In highschool we had American and MAster combo locks on our lockers.
We were only allowed to use locks purchaced from the school.
The office kept a copy of our combos in a book. (locked up)

also... BOTH the American and the Master locks had the SAME KEY.
every principal had one on his/her keyring.

Is this an in use lock?
Im seeing this question a lot today.

Also... dont try picking your front door.

I would say ANYONES front door, for obvious legal reasons...
but NEVER mess up YOUR OWN door.

[ObiWonShinobi]

ohh, what is the key controll number stamped on the back?
right nezt to the keyway.

series....xxx ?