Got me a tough one ,any tips?

[Darek84CJ]

Hey guys. I picked up an American Lock series 1305. I removed the core, so its a bit easier to pick. Still no luck though. I heard that they have mushrooms pins, is that true? Any tips?
Thanks
-Darek

[Varjeal]

You're going to learn to hate this lock, but when you do finally get it picked you'll have more than proved your worth as a lock picker. Not only do these locks have spool pins, they also have serrated bottom pins as well. (With the exceptions being the #1 and #2 length bottom pins)

Tips? Tear the cylinder down and begin practicing with just one chamber and work your way up. That can be a tough lock to crack. If possible, use slim-line picks or those with smaller heads/tips. Work on refining your sense of touch, and try a variety of tension wrenches to see which one(s) work best for you. A hook or a diamond with good "reach" will probably work the best for you.

Always practice picking these in the clockwise direction since that is the direction of turn when the cylinder is in the lock.

Good luck.

[Darek84CJ]

Cool, thanks for the tips. I just realized I posted this in the wrong section. Feel free to move it if you wish
Thanks
-Darek

P.S. Should I just try to pick it normally, or would reverse picking do me any good?

[Varjeal]

That's actually a tough question, because either way isn't going to be easy. Try the "normal" individual pin picking first, and take your time.

Keep us updated.

[Chucklz]

I should add, if your not comfortable with a single or two spool pins in a lock, not necessarily one of amazing tolerances though, you should start there. I have found that some American Locks just refuse to be picked. Not a particular model, but every once and a while you get a combination of keyway, security pins, keying, and binding order that just wont yield on any regular basis. Just to let you know.

[ackhoffman]

Keep trying and let us know what happens.

[Squelchtone]

Keep trying and let us know what happens.

You do realize you just replied to a post that is over 6 years old right?

That's some good necromancing right there...

Squelchtone

[ackhoffman]

You do realize you just replied to a post that is over 6 years old right?

That's some good necromancing right there...

Squelchtone

You're the best Squelchtone. After a hard day of work that made me laugh.

[Squelchtone]

You do realize you just replied to a post that is over 6 years old right?

That's some good necromancing right there...

Squelchtone

You're the best Squelchtone. After a hard day of work that made me laugh.

Heh, I do think you get extra brownie points for bothering to read the forum that far back, most people don't read at all and just post questions that were already answered a hundred times.

Kudos to you sir,
Squelchtone

[loginix]

i hope he has learned how to do it by now.. that would be a long 6 years