What makes one lock harder to pick than another?

[immax01]

So other than security pins, why are some locks harder to pick than others. For example, i have a generic, no big name brand padlock, which i can pick in a few seconds, then i have a master #3.. even though its not a great lock, i have a lot of trouble with it. i only managed to rake it twice, havent been able to SPP it.

Why is the master lock, or any other lock, more difficult to pick than "easy" locks? I understand the general physics of picking, but i cant understand how a lock can be more difficult other than its security pin. Now i know for most of you, the master #3 is a very easy lock but i think you get what im trying to say.

Thanks!

[vrocco]

Usually it's the way the lock is pinned. A few things make locks harder. For instance: a short last pin behind long 3 and 4 pins (in a 5 pin lock).

Also, alternating long and short pins make it harder to pick.

[Urbex]

The warding of the keyway can make it more difficult to pick, in my opinion.

As mentioned above, a short pin following a long pin can make picking more difficult.

[freakparade3]

The was a lock was machined makes a big difference also. A kwikset lock has very sloppy tolerances and is easier to pick or impression a key for. The reason is you do not have to be as exact on the measurements to get it to work. The better quality locks have very tight tolerances and are much harder to pick and impression because you must be very exact. If you take a few locks apart you will see that cheaper locks like kwikset the pins are looser and don't fit the chambers as well as a better quailty lock.

[raimundo]

Some really old locks have a security feature called "broken springs and jammed pins" these locks are nearly impossible to pick.

[josh0094]

Some really old locks have a security feature called "broken springs and jammed pins" these locks are nearly impossible to pick.

or some locks on front doors suffer from noobishpickinglockinuse syndrome

[immax01]

or some locks on front doors suffer from noobishpickinglockinuse syndrome

Im afraid thats the problem with my locks...

[greyman]

immax01, Have you had a look at my book on locks? The intro to chapter 2 discusses pin-tumbler mechanisms in detail and you may get a good understanding from that. There are many factors that influence picking difficulty. Have a look at the sample chapter:
http://books.elsevier.com/bookscat/samples/9780750684378/Sample_Chapters/02~chapter_1.pdf

and don't forget to click on my signature

[Raymond]

I have not read the reference in the post before this. It may have covered some of the same ideas. In manufacturing, it is near impossible to produce 100% exact accuracy between what should be identical locks. A drill could be getting dull or a piece of lint could have fallen where it makes a difference.

Even how much a lock gets used and work can affect everything. There is just no way to tell until you try picking.

[gasterpend]

Usually it's the way the lock is pinned. A few things make locks harder. For instance: a short last pin behind long 3 and 4 pins (in a 5 pin lock).

Also, alternating long and short pins make it harder to pick.

Any tips for a short pin behind a long pin?

[criminalhate]

Try a half diamond or longer hook.

You may also be able to get a better angle on the pin if you use a tension tool at the top of the key way instead of the bottom.

[gargarvin]

The was a lock was machined makes a big difference also. A kwikset lock has very sloppy tolerances and is easier to pick or impression a key for. The reason is you do not have to be as exact on the measurements to get it to work. The better quality locks have very tight tolerances and are much harder to pick and impression because you must be very exact.

In tighter tolerance locks bumping gets easier, but I don't know if that is supported here or considered newbish.

[apb]

Try a half diamond or longer hook.

You may also be able to get a better angle on the pin if you use a tension tool at the top of the key way instead of the bottom.

+1 on this advice.