Master Padlock (No 160)

[paulvalente]

Hi Folks

So here's the problem.

I've got a Brass Master Padlock (purchased specifically to practice on) and I can't seem to pick it!

It's Brass with a Chrome Shackle, with brass coloured keys. It has "No. 160" etched on the bottom.

I feel that the main problem is the fact that the first pin is quite long and I'm having to push that up quite a way to get to the other pins possibly over setting it.

What do you reckon?

Cheers

Paul

[paulvalente]

Sorry,

I suppose I should have posted a pic to prove that I'm not asking for instructions on how to burglarize something.

Here it is!



Thanks

Paul

[Eyes_Only]

From the looks of the bow of that key I'm guessing thats either a M12 or M13 keyway so the lock may be similar to a Master 140. If thats the case the sucker might have security pins in them.

Never picked a 160 but these smaller Master padlocks can be a real pain if they have security pins. You would need to counter-rotate the plug to bypass those special pins once you've snagged them.

[le.nutzman]

What you're probably referring to is hi-low biting which is usually defeated with DCAP picks (Deep Cut Access Picks) or a really good hook pick. My suggestion on this lock, is to try to set all the other pins first and try to determine if any of them have security pins. Once you set all the other pins or as many as you can, then go back to the keypin and try to set it. One of two things, that I can think of, if you're having to push it all the way either you're over setting it or it's a deep cut pin and probably doesn't need to be moved at all, which again, is referred to as hi-low biting. Usually done as a security feature to further deter picking as setting the key pin first then setting all others would cause you to accidently unset the key pin from the picks moving around in key way. Use a pick like a long hook or a deforester pick and see how you fare.

[raimundo]

The key showing has a long pin at the tip. you could not be interfering with this pin while setting the rest of them, as they are quite high. I am assuming that the key showing is the duplicate of the key in the lock.

You might have a problem with this pin in over setting it, because just moving it a little bit is all it will take. Are you sure that your problem is not security pins? spools and such?

Don't think of this lock as a problem, its a good learning experience, i predict that when you finally get it, you will learn some little nuance of the lock and be able to do it again and again. My thinking is that you are just a newbie trying to intellectualize a mechanical problem without all the data. Just sit in front of the TV and with light tension tap each pin a couple of times, as you move the pick in and out. and then DROP TENSION and start over.

One of the newbies worst habits is to get so hung up on a set pin dropping that its a big deal. You should deliberatly drop set pins after a minute or two, because you may have overset or bound some pin in a way that is interfering with the picking. Get used to dropping tension and restarting, its far better than becoming emotionally invested in some supposedly set pin falling. Reduce frustration and you will pick better.

[Havoc]

Well I came here looking for some solid advice to help me learn, and I have to say that after sifting through probably a hundred other documents over time, this last post was probably THE best advice ever. I totally do that and probably get frustrated too quickly.


...that and aside from this one lock I got at the dollar store, I've been practicing on the No. 140....

[op-sec]

If that key shown is the duplicate of what is in the lock, you shouldn't have a problem with oversetting the first pin. If you think that is the case though, try tensioning at the top of the keyway vs the bottom. That will give you lots of room.

[paulvalente]

Excellent advice, thanks very much!

I suppose I should have though of that really!

Thanks again.

Paul