Picking a Master #3

[anoncoward]

I mentioned in another post about a #3 that I picked up from the office. It was part of a PC lock down kit & no one's seen the key in a long time. It was laying around in a drawer, and I figured it was fair game.

I've been practicing with this on and off all week. I still can't feel pins bind on it if I try single-pin picking it, but now I can consistently pick it with a couple of rakes. raimundo told me "you will find that the communication between the feel of the lock and your hand is something you can't intelectualize" and he was dead on. I was driving my wife crazy sitting on the couch working the lock, but not really paying attention to it.

I start out with a diamond, and I just rake it a few times. Now, I can feel when it's ready, and then I switch to an S rake, and it pops right open.

I want to pick up a few more of these locks, just to see how much of the feel is specific to this lock, and how much is to this type. I've read here that there are a few master padlocks that are essentially the same. Has anyone else noticed similarities in lock product lines?

- Ed

[poor paperclip picker]

I have picked a Master 3 and a Master 1, I think that they are essentially the same. I am not sure about the setup of the pins and everything, but it feels the same to pick. The only difference I notice is a longer shackle on the #1.

[dboeren]

As best I can tell, the Master #1, #3, and #5 are all the same lock from a picking perspective, just available in different sizes.

#3 is the smallest and cheapest, the #1 is the midsize, and the #5 is biggest.

I just picked up a Master 535 today. It's not on the list of Masterlocks pinned in the Locks forum, but I was guessing that from the number it would hopefully contain security pins. Besides, Master rates it 5 out of 6 for security, supposedly one of their better models. Turns out it was embarassingly easy to open, easier than the #1 or #3 that I have, and definately no security pins. They had the same lock in a slightly bigger size too, and another that looked like the exact same dimensions as mine only in brass. So, there's another Masterlock "family" most likely. I think the numbers were 534 on the bigger steel one and 572 on the brass version.

Nobody here seems to carry the 5-pin Masterlocks with security pins, or at least I haven't found them yet.

[Kayvon]

I mentioned in another post about a #3 that I picked up from the office. It was part of a PC lock down kit & no one's seen the key in a long time.

That's happened to me quite a bit at work. Consequently, I have several #3s at home. (And my work has saved some money on lock cutters.)

I don't think you should get several more #3s, but you might want to grab at least one more similar model just to feel the difference. After you pick the same lock over and over, you reach the point that you're only getting better at picking that lock, not at lockpicking in general.

[freakparade3]

Padlocks are not the best locks for beginners to hone their skills. The plugs tend to be loose and it's not ideal for learning to control your tension. Get yourself a Mountain Security or a Kwikset deadbolt. Both are basically the same lock and you can pick them up for less than $20.00. It will be a much better teaching aid than a master padlock. Good luck and happy picking.

[dmux]

i started with a master lock, it made me a better picker because all the excess play in the cylinder made me take my time and really feel the pins set when i SPP

[anoncoward]

...Get yourself a Mountain Security or a Kwikset deadbolt. ...

Thanks, I started with a Kwikset and a Defiant lock. The Defiant's a little harder to pick, and I think that's because of the spool on pin 3. I'm probably going to pick up another lock from Home Depot tomorrow.

- Ed