Single pin picking may be overrated.

[Lauren]

I once believed that Ace locks were a rather high security type of lock. But, must of us know that this is simply not the case, because of the Ace lock picks that make the design of these locks look like gumball machine toys. And by the way, most gumball machines still use these locks. If you ever watch a lock picking video of the Ace pick in action, you'll notice how the user gently rolls the device between the thumb and the index finger back and forth, while maintaining the slightest of tension as the tool is pressed inward. Ultimately, the pins come to the shear line and the lock turns freely.

After thinking about the Ace lock pick, I wondered if the same technique could be used somehow on some more conventional type of locks. To test my theory, I chose two brand new, five pin, Master padlocks. Next, I made a special pick from a hack saw blade. It looks very simuliar to a common rake pick, only tip has hills that are closer together and longer in length. Up to now, I never knew the true power of a rake pick.

Most of us probably think ill of a rake pick. I mean, what skill is really being used as you randomly scrub the pins in and out with a light rocking motion? Afterall, the true test of one's skill has always been boasted as single pin picking. I can pick most Master locks with SPP, but sometimes it takes a while, even with the best of talent. This evening, I was able to open my two brand new locks in less than 30 seconds each, with my homemade rake pick. The techique that I used doesn't even involve scrubbing of the pins in and out, but side to side. In fact, the pick remains pretty much in the same depth of the lock. Furthermore, I used the most slightest of tension with my tension wrench. I merely roll the pick side to side between my thumb and index finger with a gentle angle change from horizontal. Amazingly, the pins just fall into place! The pins just have a natural tendency to stop at the shear line. In all my years of lockpicking, I've never thought to use a rake pick in this way. It's time to change horses!

[LocksmithArmy]

wow, id love to see a pic of your pick ;P

[WolfSpring]

Not to question your attempt, but what Kind of Master lock? We have a 5 pin brass Master lock for sale out here:

http://www.masterlock.com/apps/masterlock/catalog/consumer_product.jsp?top_id=null&category_id=USERAPP_D576&target=/residential/highsecurity/

I picked it in 10 seconds out of the package using a half diamond pick and raking. I would like to see your pick on an American 5200, you might be onto somthing great.

[Eyes_Only]

Hmm, sounds kinda like picking car locks with rocker picks. I wanna see that pick too, didn't think a similar attack would be so effective on pin tumbler locks.

[GottFoo]

Sounds like what people do with the computer generated picks.
http://www.hpcworld.com/Picks/p_comp1.htm

[jailersmith]

My favorite technique is to use the L-rake as a jiggler. If that doesn't work in 10-15 seconds, then rake and/or SPP with half diamond or hook. But don't forget to talk nice to the lock! Couldn't hurt. Good Luck.

[Legion303]

My favorite technique is to use the L-rake as a jiggler.

The L is incredible. I've had a couple of orders for them in custom sets and in trying them on locks between sanding sessions, I found that they fly through most locks in seconds when you use the proper jiggling technique (as opposed to in-and-out raking).

-steve

[Lauren]

I know a picture would worth a thousand words, however, I'm not that computer savy. The pick has three valleys on each side, with a snake like tip of about 5l8 inch in length. The locks are Master's new cast metal with octagonal hasp. They are 5 pin and re-keyable with the rubber keyway cover. The locks are rather simuliar to the older die cast locks. It would appear that the contact of the pick over a greater length of pins has a helped in picking these Master lock samples. Thanks for everyone's input.

[Lauren]

Oh, no! I just took one of these Master zinc cast locks apart right down to the springs and pins. I can't believe Master is putting their name on these locks. First of all, the barrel was filled down. This is what cheap lock manufacturers do to make their keys turn when tollerances are poor. Even, the pin holes are larger than normal. So Master (China) is file the barrel now?!

No wonder why I am able to jiggle these locks open!!!

With big voids like this, it's like not even have pins at all. So far, it's safe to say, side to side rake picking (jiggling) works on this particular model of locks.

What a disappointment!

[straightpick]

[quote][I once believed that Ace locks were a rather high security type of lock. But, must of us know that this is simply not the case, because of the Ace lock picks that make the design of these locks look like gumball machine toys. /quote]

While SOME of the Ace locks are not too hard to pick, try an Ace II lock. MUCH more difficult to pick!

[Lauren]

In regards to the Ace II comparison, my analogy to that kind of lock was merely in the overall picking technique as how it may work for a Master lock, straight pin. I knew someone would miss the point.

[Lauren]

Well, I just don't know what to think. Today, I inserted my favorite home-made, bi-metal rake pick into a brand new Master hockey puck lock, model M736. This is a five pin lock. I began rolling the pick between my fingers back and forth with a slight up and down motion. The most that I raked the pick was no more than one pin in and out. I could just feel the pins fall into place. Within thirty seconds the lock opened. I also used my favorite tension wrench to do the deed. I made it from a 3 mm L-shaped hex wrench. What's unique about this wrench is that it has very little slop once inserted. This is because of the shape of the insert portion. I was able to grind the side of it with my bench grinder, creating a nice contoured pattern. It fits many Master and American keyways perfectly. I could easily make more of these wrenches for larger keyways with larger hex wrenches.

[Lauren]

The Master lock model M930Xkadlh was my latest challenge to my side to side scrubbing/ up-down picking technique today. This is a five pin lock, all brass key cylinder and shell. It's highly designed for re-keying with its C-retainer clip at the end of the cylinder. This lock should well represent Master Lock's quality and retails for about 23 dollars.

In my previous post, I was sad to learn that the earlier locks that I picked had cylinders that had been filed down to increase the shear line. Of course, these were different model Master locks, but also five pin.

Well once again, my technique opened my brand new M930X under a minute's time!

I could just feel all the pins just click to the shear line. After opening the lock, I inspected the barrel for possible filing, and there was none. The bitting on this lock I would approximate to be: 34321. And yes, there is no real high/ low stacks in this particular lock, but my technique has once again proven to be realiable and effective. I love my home-rake pick.

[Dooms_day]

from the link to that masterlock: "5-pin cylinder for maximum pick resistance" - im scared now! 5 whole pins! =o

[New-York-Locksmith]

may be using L rake as a jiggler will help you...