Help with Best Lock

[Junior50]

I found a Best pad lock next to some of my local tennis courts. I've tried to pick it multiple times, but I'm not having that much success. I'm a novice lockpicker (I can pick most simple pintumblers-haven't tried security pins yet, and I made my own tubular pick that works!), and this is a high security lock. I think it has two mushroom pins, but the biggest problem is when I'm getting to the last few pins, whenever I lift one, the two adjacent fall down. It is really annoying
Any tips for how to deal with the security pins and disturbing adjacent pins? Also can you recommend a lock that is halfway in between a regular pin tumbler and a Best lock.
Thanks!!!
Here's a picture that looks the same as the lock I found

[Violaetor]

Best isn't a high security lock, so there really is not much between 'regular' pin tumblers and these, other than the security pins. With security pins in regular locks resetting pins is very common, its normal to have pins drop when setting others.

Best advice is to keep light but firm tension and don't force the pins up and overset them. Keep trying EVEN AFTER you have dropped a couple pins, lift those last couple pins then go back and re-lift those that dropped.

[misterj]

I found a Best pad lock next to some of my local tennis courts. I've tried to pick it multiple times, but I'm not having that much success. I'm a novice lockpicker (I can pick most simple pintumblers-haven't tried security pins yet, and I made my own tubular pick that works!), and this is a high security lock. I think it has two mushroom pins, but the biggest problem is when I'm getting to the last few pins, whenever I lift one, the two adjacent fall down. It is really annoying
Any tips for how to deal with the security pins and disturbing adjacent pins? Also can you recommend a lock that is halfway in between a regular pin tumbler and a Best lock.
Thanks!!!
Here's a picture that looks the same as the lock I found

Are you sure it has mushrooms? I believe that Best uses standard pins unless security pins are specifically requested by whoever is ordering them, meaning they're not too common.

This will give you a lot of information: http://www.crypto.com/photos/misc/sfic/

They've got at least two shearlines (control and operating), but they're usually master keyed so they'll often have more. Being a padlock, though, it might be single-keyed so that the master couldn't be decoded if it was lost.

[Junior50]

My friend took apart a best padlock that looks similar to this one. He got me into lock picking, and showed me the two mushroom pins that were inside (I think they only have a single notch on the side though). He also showed me the control shear sleeve that went over the regular shear line. I think that this lock is similar, although I'm not sure.
--> A couple of questions : First, how can I easily tell if a mushroom pin is set? (does it fall back down, and when I lift the pin there is no tension on it from the spring?)
Second, to which shear line do I pick to? How do I know if a pin is on one shear line versus another? Also if there is a master key, does it go the the control shear line or the regular one? As far as I know, there isn't a Master control sleeve.
--> After looking at the website, I now see that there is a special tension wrench to help pick the lock. Any ideas where i can get one? Does this website sell them? Website has a lot of good information!

Thanks for all of the advice!

[bobhdus]

First off, heres the standard disclaimer, "you shouldn't pick a lock that you don't personally own". Now, if this were outside you might try to lubricate the hell out of it. I have a bunch of these locks and none of them pick worth a darn without a good lubing. What lube to use is an argument in itself. But I will say that BEST says to use LPS Lubricant. Rap it with a soft hammer to make sure all the pins are bouncing. I also usually find it helps to put some light pressure on the shackle (pushing it in) so you don't work against the springs. I am not real consistent on picking these open but the ones I have opened were 7 pin and had multiple shear lines for several different user levels and no spool or mushroom security pins. That is a good thing as it makes it easier to pick. I use a really thin and narrow pick. I start by raking and then move onto SPP (single pin picking). Try not to force the pins all the way up which is what most people do. Ride along the bottom of the pins and then gradually work your way up. Security pins will usually give a feeling that they are set when the plug moves slightly but the the more you push them the more the plug will move back. Check each pin stack that way to get an idea if one or more may have Security pins. Use light tension. Good Luck

[unjust]

is this lock in use?

i note that at no point do you say that it's not, and you didn't post a picture of the actual lock in question.

[nhoj_yelbom]

is this lock in use?

i note that at no point do you say that it's not, and you didn't post a picture of the actual lock in question.

I see the lock, check again

[unjust]

you missed the text that says "looks like the lock"

[Junior50]

Mr. Unjust,
That is indeed the picture of the lock I found. I placed it on my living room table, zoomed in, took a picture, and then uploaded it to this website. I have no idea if it is in use, and it now occurs to me that there may be something wrong with this lock. If I am still unable to open it, then this may be highly likely. If I do get it, then I'll try to post a YouTube video and include it in my next post! . Thanks for all of the tips for the people who gave me advice! Sorry about repition or grammar mistakes, It's late :/

[unjust]

Ah, shiny. Initially you'd stated that it was a similar lock, which was confusing