American lock

[Dak]

for my 5100 I actually used a large hook and my flex wrench.

[LocksmithArmy]

As far as turning tools go, I had to grind my own the first time I opened an American.


I used a nail and bent the head down 90 degrees.
Then filed it do look like these. Their widths are exactly the widths of and American keyway.
One is a little smaller to fit some and the other is a touch bigger to fit others.
They fit so tight in the keyway that if you let them go they wont fall out.
You put very very very little tension, less than your fingers waight and you should be able to pick it with ease...

Yes Top tension.

[WolfSpring]

I have similar problems with Americans and top picking, I get all my pins set except the 1st one and when I set it my wrench pops off. I took out the first pin and tried and open the lock several times. I have also found iwth the non-key retaining locks if you open them take the key out it's easier to practice picking the security pins because you are not worrying about the the spring pressure pusshing back. It's how I'm learning to "feel" the pins. I'm still much so a begginer but I am learning quickly.

[thelockpickkid]

I have similar problems with Americans and top picking, I get all my pins set except the 1st one and when I set it my wrench pops off. I took out the first pin and tried and open the lock several times. I have also found iwth the non-key retaining locks if you open them take the key out it's easier to practice picking the security pins because you are not worrying about the the spring pressure pusshing back. It's how I'm learning to "feel" the pins. I'm still much so a begginer but I am learning quickly.

What do you mean exactly? You pick the lock while it's open? I am confused! Or do you mean you take the core out of the lock housing itself?

[WolfSpring]

Mine is a non-key retaining so I can take the key out. I open the lock, reset the plug so the pins are locked, but leave the shackle unlocked it takes a lot of the spring pressure off and the plug moves more easily making it easier to learn the states of the picks. I know that the spring pressure is one of the reasons I have problems picking the Americans, but if I can't identify the pin states with the shackle open I'll never get it closed. Just my two cents.

[thelockpickkid]

oh, I see exactly what your saying, that would make sense, less pressure. I can pick most American cores exceptionally well 90% of the time, I use a tension wrench with my own special bend in it, I always use bottom tension, and apply it very light, short hook will pop them every time. Start in the back of the lock towards the front, then front to back, keep doing this, and you will get it.

[WolfSpring]

Interesting, I was told you couldn't properly pick an american fromt he bottom of the key way. I fasioned a home made t wrench with a 45 degree twist on the head out of a sweeper blade to fit in the bottom of the key way below the lowest notch and gave it a try. I didn' even realize i picked it at first thought I had a false set and as i push a little harder the t wrench almost bent as the plug turned, grabbed a nother t wrench and it opened! Thanks for the info on bottom tension, so why is top prefered? Space?

[thelockpickkid]

Interesting, I was told you couldn't properly pick an american fromt he bottom of the key way. I fasioned a home made t wrench with a 45 degree twist on the head out of a sweeper blade to fit in the bottom of the key way below the lowest notch and gave it a try. I didn' even realize i picked it at first thought I had a false set and as i push a little harder the t wrench almost bent as the plug turned, grabbed a nother t wrench and it opened! Thanks for the info on bottom tension, so why is top prefered? Space?

Space mostly, and depending on what keyway your lock has, some have keyways that are hard to make a tension wrench stay put while your picking. I think like alot of other things in this sport, it's all a matter of preference, some people do things different ways, there really is no wrong way, whatever suites you the best I think is a good method.

[LocksmithArmy]

any chance you can put a picture up of you tensor with the special bend in it... I some across these alot and have yet to pick one from the bottom so I am quite curious. usually from the bottom the tensor puts alot of pressure on the cylinder wall and you cannot turn it. I would like to see how your tensor avoids this

[thelockpickkid]

any chance you can put a picture up of you tensor with the special bend in it... I some across these alot and have yet to pick one from the bottom so I am quite curious. usually from the bottom the tensor puts alot of pressure on the cylinder wall and you cannot turn it. I would like to see how your tensor avoids this

No problem, I hope you can see the picture clear enough to tell, I put the handle going the 12 o'clock position when the wrench is inserted.

[LocksmithArmy]

oh I see. because of the last twist there is relieves tension on the sidewall because of its flex...

and thats out of an sweeper brisstle you say... I'll be making that in about an hour lol

Thanks alot

[thelockpickkid]

oh I see. because of the last twist there is relieves tension on the sidewall because of its flex...

and thats out of an sweeper brisstle you say... I'll be making that in about an hour lol

Thanks alot

The one in the picture is actually my favorite, it's made out of an old southord twist flex, but I have several made from street sweeper bristles, but I like the one posted better.

[LocksmithArmy]

I tried to make one ... I need needle nose pliars... My big pliars made it bulky and a touch too long for me to try and work with. I will try agin once I get home

[WolfSpring]

I find a pair of blunt nose plier/wirecutters, much like a gerber or leatherman work best for me to do bends and twists. Only problem I have is putting 90s on a sweeper bristle.

[LocksmithArmy]

yeah I cracked 2 before I got a 90 degree but it was more gradual then expected... I just bent it with my finger so it wouldnt crack.

do you think heating it would help a bit?