Brinks padlock, need advice

[Kridge]

I've got a couple of those exact model locks. They require you to do pretty much exactly the opposite of what's good and fair in the tension world. Beyond that, they're not too terribly hard to open. I'd suggest using the stiffest wrench you've got though.

[Bob Jim Bob]

thanks everyone I'm starting to get the pins to set or at least make some noise so I'm getting somewhere

[blate]

Frighteningly, the higher-end Brinks locks, such as they are, are the hardest-to-pick locks available in any of my local hardware/home improvement shops (San Jose, CA). Even the mid-grade locks are equipped with serrated key pins and at least a few spools. Great to practice on -- IMO, not as hard as the older American 5200s, but a good pick overall.

Regarding tension -- I agree with several of the other posts; you'll need just enough tension to set the pins against the lock's spring tension, but not so much that the serrated bottom pins bind too much and/or that you lose counter-rotation feedback on spool pins.

Overall, I'd say that they are fiddly but not too hard -- given a little practice.

Good luck!