pin location Master Lock #3

[bushy]

Right now i'm still working with filed bobby pins and a pen clip to pick my locks, so i stick with lower security

some of the locks i pick, then picked successfully, the driver pins fall back to the bottom, but on a masterlock #3 they stay in place, can anyone link me to a similar topic (i didn't find one in the search) or explain why they do not fall back down?

[tballard]

now i'm still working with filed bobby pins and a pen clip to pick my locks, so i stick with lower security

Yikes! As long as you are filing, try starting with a hacksaw blade, a wiper insert, or a street sweeper bristle. I can't imagine picking even a #3 with a pick made from a bobby pin would be easy.

some of the locks i pick, then picked successfully, the driver pins fall back to the bottom, but on a masterlock #3 they stay in place, can anyone link me to a similar topic (i didn't find one in the search) or explain why they do not fall back down?

First of all, the pins which touch the key (and thus usually the ones you can reach with your pick) are called the "key" pins. (Because they interface with the key.) The pins above them which are driven by springs are called the "driver" pins, because they "drive" the key pins into the plug.

The key pins can stick for a variety of reasons, but almost always it is because the lock is dirty or worn. This can create enough friction between the walls of the plug chambers to prevent gravity from pulling them back in place. If you're usually a relatively clean lock, I'd guess the problem is that you have scratched the sides of the pins (which are brass, and very soft) and that is causing them to stick a bit. Sanding your picks, even if they are bobby-pin based, will help a LOT. If this is an old, dirty lock, you can clean it, but that's beyond the scope of this post. (And you would be better off learning on a new lock. Fewer variables == greater success)

I hope I haven't discouraged you here. If it makes you feel any better, I had to take the first lock I bought (a Kwikset DB) apart several times to clean out all the metal filings which my first horrific and unsanded homebrew pick generated because it was getting hard to rotate the plug! (Did you hear that? It's the sound of people gasping in horror and revising their opinions of me. And I didn't even get into what I did to the wardings... *shudder*) Unfortunately, you can't as easily disassemble a #3.

[adrenalynn]

Some of the #3's, and _many_ of the #3 clones I've handled have tolerance issues that make for sticky pins too. If I notice a pin sticking that isn't under much tension and is free floating (not driven), I'm give the lock a little shake with my wrist just from the same hold. Just enough to get it to fall down where it's supposed to be. I can't tell you the number of times I've given the lock a little shake and the plug turns... Of course, that could theoretically happen under tension in a "bump sorta way" but it's not terribly likely.

[bushy]

thanks for the clarification on the pin names

as far as it being worn, it's brand new, and has happened since the first time i picked it, i can show you a picture of my picks if you want, im sort of proud of them since they work quite well for being so crude, they aren't sanded down fine, they have the same width as an unmodified bobby pin, and i made my hook have a flat top, same as my half diamond so i wouldn't get it caught as much

and also i have no trouble picking the #3 i usually do it in under 5 seconds, 10 if i'm not paying attention, i have even picked an old master #3 and i get the same issue with the pins not falling back to their rest position (if you call it that)

i have a NU-SET 5 pin that i also pick with my bobby pins, though i use a half diamond and rake that one, and the pins fall back no problem, but this is not a new lock, it is older

in short i'm really baffled by the way this #3 is operating

and just for clarification, the key pins only stick in their positions when i'm turning the tumbler (i think that's the name) and releasing the shackle, when it's in the locked position they are free floating

[bors]

If I notice a pin sticking that isn't under much tension and is free floating (not driven), I'm give the lock a little shake with my wrist just from the same hold. Just enough to get it to fall down where it's supposed to be. I can't tell you the number of times I've given the lock a little shake and the plug turns...

How do you exactly give it a shake?
I have a Defiant lock which I used to pick quite easily, but I've tried it today and couldn't pick it once! The first key pin I can "unstick" using my pick, but the other ones is trickier to bring back down. It's really annoying how sometimes all 2-5 key pins get stuck on the shear line.

[sean_1971]

Bushy wrote:

as far as it being worn, it's brand new, and has happened since the first time i picked it, i can show you a picture of my picks if you want, im sort of proud of them since they work quite well for being so crude, they aren't sanded down fine, they have the same width as an unmodified bobby pin, and i made my hook have a flat top, same as my half diamond so i wouldn't get it caught as much

I'd personally like to see the tools you are using,you can either post them or PM me if you'd like.Thanks

[Squelchtone]

How do you exactly give it a shake?
I have a Defiant lock which I used to pick quite easily, but I've tried it today and couldn't pick it once! The first key pin I can "unstick" using my pick, but the other ones is trickier to bring back down. It's really annoying how sometimes all 2-5 key pins get stuck on the shear line.

You can gave the lock a shake very easily when it is not mounted in the door you are picking

We have a way of thinking around here that picking locks that are in use, or that are not ours is a bad idea, because things can and do go wrong, and since most of us are not qualified locksmiths, the end result is a broken lock that we have to replace or figure out how to repair. This can lead to an angry landlord, spouse, parents, or college dorm maintenance guy who has to fix our mistakes.

Squelchtone

[bors]

How do you exactly give it a shake?
I have a Defiant lock which I used to pick quite easily, but I've tried it today and couldn't pick it once! The first key pin I can "unstick" using my pick, but the other ones is trickier to bring back down. It's really annoying how sometimes all 2-5 key pins get stuck on the shear line.

You can gave the lock a shake very easily when it is not mounted in the door you are picking

You are very astute, Squelchtone

[musicninja17]

I'm a bit stumped. I SPP my #1 open in under 10 seconds, but my #3 has problems. Once i get one of the back two in place then as i'm pushing down the next one i can hear that first one pop back up. Usually when i do get it its a combo of picking two and then giving it a good swipe to rake the last two ...but i can't do it reliably Any help? Ive used light tension, heavy, ect.....