ACE Brand Padlock (54535)

[chaos4zap]

So, I'm trying to graduate to single pin picking with spool pins. I did some looking around and it seems like ACE brand locks (from ACE Hardware) seem to be the best locks with spools that are fairly cheap. The back of this lock (model 54535) simply says "solid brass upper spool pins", but there is no indication of how many. I'm not sure why I assume this, but I am assuming that not all of the upper pins are spool. Is there any way to tell how many spool pins are in this lock? Anyone have any experience with this, or similar locks from ACE? And finally, is it realisitc at all to think I will be able to get the hang of spool pins by diving into this complex of a lock; or, is it more relistic that I practice, practice, practice on a lock that can be re-keyed so I can control the location and number of spools? Any advice you guy's might have would be appreciated.

[raimundo]

probably just house branded chinese masterlock schlock.

[Squelchtone]

probably just house branded chinese masterlock schlock.

http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1921007

Sure looks like it.

Squelchtone

[Oaklandishh]

I bought a replacement core for a door lock at ACE (which was also ACE branded). It cost about 6$ and it had 2 spool pins. I don't think all of the top pins would be spools because lock makers tend not to do that, but it is possible.

[chaos4zap]

Yeah, I really don't think this is a house-branded master lock. Corect me if I'm wrong, but if that were the case..it would say somewhere on the packaging that it is made by Master. I know that the "Fortress" brand that you can find at K-mart is manufactured by Master and it say's so right on the package. I have several Master locks and have no difficulty with them, this ACE padlock is far superior in quality and security than anything I have run into with lower level master locks. Give me some credit here guy's. I know a Master when I see one. If it had been a master, then the jiggling around from opening the packeging should have been enough for it to pop open.