Masterlock Help

[gargarvin]

I have two, No. 3 masterlock padlocks that I have unsuccessfully been trying to pick. I am using two different picks that I made myself, which are definitely capable of working as I have picked other, easier locks. These locks have had a lot of wear and tear on them from the weather, excessive picking and bumping, could this be the reason I can't pick them and what should I do to improve my skills, I am new at picking but very familiar with how a lock works and a pretty good bumper.

Thanks

[MacGnG1]

yes its very possible that the wear and tear has impacted the lock.

[gargarvin]

If the locks have been affected would it just be the pins being sticky and hard to move and could it be fixed with some form of lube, graphite, WD40? When picking I have released pressure on the torque wrench and heard at least 3 pins fall back down.

[le.nutzman]

Well if you released tension and you could count 3 pins dropping back into place, it's probably safe to say that there's nothing wrong with the lock in the aspect of opening it. I'd say you're probably still using too much tension and just haven't found the proper picking order of the pins. Keep trying!!!!!!!

[ToolyMcgee]

I agree with Nutzman. Locks with wear can be tougher to pick for sure, but if the pins are popping back down under spring tension then it doesn't sound broken. Tension issues, overlifting, picking order. These sound likely. I have Master #3's that have pins that are already at the shearline and when you lift them at all you overlift. Something to think about. Keep trying.

I know bumping is a skill, but I've seen toddlers successfully bump locks with screw driver handles. Not to be mean, but being "pretty good" with a bump key isn't going to help your picking skills or earn you many brownie points with other members.