tension wrench spreads the bottom of the plug apart

[zsknoebel]

When I use the tension wrench, it spreads the bottom of the plug apart instead of turning the plug. Is this bad? Is the lock about to break? It is just a crappy lock from the PX here on base... its a $5 LYNX.

[GWiens2001]

Sounds to me like a VERY cheap, possibly broken, lock and/or too much tension.

[MacGnG1]

Its just cause its a cheap lock.

[Altashot]

I have seen that too.
I binds the plug in the housing like drum brakes...
I find it better to apply tension at the top of the keyway in this case.

M.

[GWiens2001]

Good idea. I should have thought of that.

[zsknoebel]

So I decided to take that lock apart tonight to see what was going on inside. Its a laminated pad lock, so not having any power tools in the barracks, I filed off the ends of all the rivets. Then in the process of getting the lamination to separate, the plug completely cracked in half.

I was about to throw the whole thing away, but I was wondering if there was any reason to keep the springs and pins.

[zsknoebel]

ps thanks for the top tensioning idea. That worked out much better.

[zeepia]

You shouldn´t throw away any pins or springs you have salvaged from locks. You can storage them anywhere in a plastic bag or a film canister. And when you have taken some lock apart and hear that sproingg-sound when one spring goes off the window, then you thank yourself for having saved all that stuff!

Pins might of course be different dimension but useful to keep them anyway if you continue with this hobby.

[raimundo]

yep, what zeepia said... +1

[zsknoebel]

Thanks then I will keep them!