Masterlock™ 6230 pin question

[Darkness1569]

So I just took apart my Masterlock™ 6230 and I found what I think is a serrated pin, but I do not know if the grooves are deep enough for it to be a serrated pin. Is the pin on the right a serrated pin?
Another question I have is, Is this lock easier to pick since it has 4 spool pins then it would be to pick if it had a normal pin in 1 and 3 spools with the serrated? I read somewhere that said too many spool pins make a lock easier to pick.
Thank you in advanced

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/19880850/IMAG0161.jpg
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/19880850/IMAG0162.jpg

[MortimerDuke]

I'm relatively new to lockpicking, so don't take this as a definitive answer. Pin #5 is a serrated pin. Adding spool pins, whether 1 or 5, will make a lock more difficult to pick- how much more difficult depends one's familiarity with spool pins. I do not know how all pins being spools affect a lock's resistance to bumping.

[The Lock Artist]

Yes, That is a serrated pin. There are lots of different types of serrated pins, from deep groves to shallow groves that only go halfway up the pin. I think that what you might have read was that beveled pins can make RAKING easier, but I have never heard about spool pins making picking easier. But i'm a newb so maybe i'm wrong

[Darkness1569]

Thank you for your answers. When I Picked this lock I thought that it had 3 spools, I didn’t feel the 4th spools or the serrated. So I was really surprised when I opened it up and found 4 spools and a serrated pin. Guess I need more practice cause even though I've picked a bunch of times now, I still can't feel that 4th spool.

[Wizer]

...I have never heard about spool pins making picking easier.

When a lock has, say, 4 spools + 1 normal pin, you set the normal pin and get a false set. Now every unset pin gives you counter-rotation on the plug when you push it.
It makes things easier because you can feel if a pin is set or not. Many times that one pin thats not spool has atleast one serration to confuse you.

[The Lock Artist]

Thanks Wizer, that makes alot of since. I am gaining lots of knowledge about locks from these forums.