How do I clean this lock?

[Noxinal]

I found an old lock in a box. I am able to pick it, but it is pretty hard. It feels like the pins are sticking before I can get them set. It's kinda like I have to pick it 2 or 3 times without letting the tension off. It also takes a lot of force to get the pins to set, or I have to ease off the already super light tension. I can take the core out, but I don't see a way to get to the pins to clean them. Do I just flood it with WD-40? Here is a pick of the top of the core. Thanks for the help!


Lock core by Noxinal, on Flickr

[sfodd]

That lock is an American 5200 and many of them have serrated pins so that's why it feels like they are 'sticking' when you are trying to pick it. You're going about it right by using very light tension. Keep practicing and it'll get easier.

Happy picking

[Noxinal]

Well that explains it. Thanks a lot. There are like 3 pins I have to click down before they set. I thought there was sand or something in it, but it didn't do it without tension.

[awol70]

To disassemble the cylinder to see/clean the pins,remove the C-clip at the rear of the plug.
make sure the cylinder is at the 2 O'clock position,and push the plug out of the shell with a plug follower.
(anything of the proper diameter and length will do, such as a AAA battery)


NOTE: if this is your first time taking a lock apart,you may wish to place the cylinder inside a ziplok bag,to catch the inevitable shooting springs and pins that want to fly across the room and into your carpet.

[Solomon]

The others beat me to it. Here is an example of some american lock pins, they're out of a 5300 I bought recently. Fun stuff