master no. 3

[cmaltzan]

So I was working on a kwikset dead bolt but I've pretty much mastered that now. I can open it consistently in under 30 seconds pin by pin and a lot faster if I rake it. So I bought a master no. 3 for my gym locker (always a good excuse to buy a new lock right?) but I'm having a lot of trouble with it.

I can get a couple of the pins to set, but it wont open for me. Can someone tell me how this lock is different than the kwikset that I'm used to working on? Any suggestions or tips as well?

[cmaltzan]

Well this is interesting... I set up the tension wrench, pushed a diamond pick all the way to the back and pushed up on the last pin and it opens every time. Is it broken or something? I tested this with just a feeler pick as well to make sure I was only touching the one pin. I'm very confused.

[cmaltzan]

Okay, I've really narrowed it down now. It only opens immediately for me when I put the tension wrench in the bottom right corner with it sticking out to the right (doesn't work when I put it left) and then slide the pick all the way to the back and then push the last pin up one time. Instantly opened 10/10 times. Ive also released all tension right before pushing up on last pin in order to make sure I didnt accidentally set pins while getting it back there.

Could someone explain this to me?

[Solomon]

Sounds like the shaft of the pick is setting pins 1-3. I have a couple of locks that do this, it feels like you're only setting one pin but in fact they're all setting pretty much simultaeneously. The key bitting is probably very even. If you use top of keyway tension you should be able to pick it properly one pin at a time although I find with master locks the keyway is so big that TOK isn't necessary. Can SPP most of em with a short hook tensioning from the bottom, just need to be careful with your pick.

[cmaltzan]

That makes a lot of sense. Great advice!

[Abbe]

My #3 has a similar setup. Moving my diamond pick from front to back is setting the 1-3 pins and when I lift the 4 pin it pops. It's the only lock I own that I can pick in less than 10 seconds.

[cmaltzan]

Okay, good to know I'm not the only one. I got a second #3 for free from my uncle who used to pick locks and that one is much harder. It also seems to have had a little dirt inside which made feeling for pins interesting lol.