What kinda lock is this?

[Darthbiz]

I have a couple of padlocks I picked up for dirt cheap at a corner store. They're no-name "Made in China" locks. One is smaller and looks like a luggage lock, the other vaguely resembles a master #5, but a bit smaller.

Both locks said "Disc Tumbler Lock" on the packaging, but I find it doubtful you'd find something like that for $5.

(This is the weird thing) The "front" of the keyway, the little plate with the keyhole in it, just turns freely, even without inserting anything into the lock.

The keys to both locks have identical wide, deep cuts with rectangular "hills" in between them.


Sorry I have no pics, and sorry if this is a dumb/often asked question. I'd use the Search feature, but I don't know what to search for.


Thanks

[JasonAller]

Is it possible that those are warded locks like the Master Lock 22D? It could explain what you describe for the cuts in the key.

[JasonAller]

Here is a link for the Master Lock 22D: http://www.masterlock.com/product_details/LaminatedPadlocks/22

[Darthbiz]

They could be.

There are only cuts on the top of the keys though. I guess the regularity of the cuts could just be shoddy craftsmanship.

[Darthbiz]

Here's a crappy picture of what the keys look like.

http://img227.imageshack.us/i/keyrq.jpg/

[JasonAller]

If there are cuts on only one side of the key it isn't similar to the Master Lock 22 series. Does the key drop freely into the lock, or does it need to be pushed in?

[Darthbiz]

it just drops right in. I never thought about that before.

[JasonAller]

With the key dropping right in and the rectangular cuts on the key I'd expect that it would be using wards rather than pin tumblers.

[Darthbiz]

Thanks a bunch man.

Now at least I know I'm not gonna be able to pick them with the tools I have.