Beginners luck ran out

[Mrelectric]

I've been picking for about 5 days proble got 30hrs n n that by of time can unlock everything around my house
Pads locks were no challenge but I've come across two master locks on the bottom one says m1 the other says m5 I can't seem to pick em I got one yesterday but can't re pick today
I'm aggravitated and woul love for some small glimmer of hope on this

[GWiens2001]

Are these the older style or newer (wrap around cap on the bottom) style? Having a tough time with some of the newer ones. Took one apart, and the lock cylinder and pins appear the same, so I assume the problem is the spring for the cam.

[dhoelzer]

I could swear I posted a reply to this but it seems to have vanished...

I've got a Master #3 that gives me a hard time picking... but only when the plug is rotated clockwise!

Many of the Master padlocks will permit you to open the lock by turning clockwise or counter-clockwise. There are a few exceptions, of course.

Try picking while applying tension in the counter-clockwise direction and see if it helps you to set the pins more easily.

[Solomon]

Try picking while applying tension in the counter-clockwise direction and see if it helps you to set the pins more easily.

The M1 and M5 only open when turned clockwise. You can still pick them CCW (and you're right, many will open much easier this way), but you need a plug spinner to open after that.

There's nothing special about these locks, they use the same standard 4 pin cylinders and don't have any security pins. They do seem to be a bit more finnicky and you have to pay a bit more attention at times but that's about it. The key is to play around with different tension wrenches until you get nice clear binding and crisp sets... personally I find BOK tension with a wrench which is wide but not too wide, ie. sits about 45 degrees in the keyway, is perfect for these.

You can use TOK if you're really stuck and the wrench is binding up the plug, but generally speaking it doesn't matter if you use BOK. Doesn't even matter about the bitting, there's always plenty of space. Just make sure to pay attention to the pin states and drop a pin if you get lost, just incase you've overset something. They usually don't put up much of a fight, as a matter of fact the majority of them will rake open pretty quickly regardless of the bitting too.

[Darkness1569]

Are you picking the locks with single pin picking or are you raking them?

[Mrelectric]

Newer style metal end caps
I've got one 3 times and none of the rest Ive tried to take mostly I'm trying a single pin pick
But I ca t get em open I cut one took it completely apart it looks same as all other locks to me ??!

[Squelchtone]

O and I'm sorry if I repost or am unetiquette I'm new to all this

Yes, please only ask your question in one forum post, no need to post it everywhere, it will not get your faster help or more help. It only creates more work for the admins and mods who keep the forum clean and running smoothly.

And please be patient, everyone has different schedules and some people work or go to school, so they're not standing by to answer your question the second you post it. If you're having trouble with a Master M1 or M5, it's because you're a new picker, not because there's something wrong with the locks, and there is not secret trick to getting them open. Not every lock opens easily, and one M5 might be easy but another that has different key cuts might be nearly impossible to pick compared to the 1st one.

Keep practicting, and by the way, what pick set are you using? which picks? someone else asked you this as well, not sure if you replied yet.

Squelchtone

[Mrelectric]

I bought a 14 piece set w a tension bar from the web
Sdss
I've made some of my own also outta sawz all blades they work really well
Especially for me being a newb I've broke a few of the ones I ordered
The set has 3 snakes a rake double o
Three hooks and what I'm thinking is three broke key remover hooks
Their very thin very weak I basically just copied their design on to a set of sawz all blades

[Mrelectric]

Are you picking the locks with single pin picking or are you raking them?

Both these pads that r harder I rake then try to single pin
Pick w a small hook

[Solomon]

If you read my post you wouldn't have had to cut one open lol... told ya, they're exactly the same core as the bog standard laminated ones. Read my post again. Find a tensioner that binds the pins properly and doesn't mess with the plug, take your time, and drop a pin if you get stuck. They're easy providing you use the right tensioner, play around til you find one that does the job nicely.

[Mrelectric]

I already cut it b4 hand
And thanks to everyone that has taken the time
To post advice and help
I've got 13 locks now brinksmanship master cheap Chinese ones
And I can get em all except the m1 m5 master made w the boron
These seem to be my weakness for now
I seriously worked one for 1.5 hrs last nite to no eval

[Mrelectric]

I freaking got it finally
Yeah man those master locks w boron carbide r touchy
But I've gotten it several times now
Thanks guys
O what's the best bat operated elec lock pick DIY ? Maybe