American 5200... can't even get a single pin?

[maestrodt]

Well I've read a few topics on here about the american 5200, which I just got in the mail (the new version with bump stop) ... I'm trying to SPP ... I can't, no matter what amount of tension (tried top tension and bottom, light, medium, heavy) get a SINGLE pin to bind in and way. I even sat around for a few minutes putting tension on and raking back and forth and NOTHING binded.

Is this... common? They key works fine... I did try to reverse the tension direction and I did manage to get one pin to bind (i heard it reset when I let go of the tension) ... am I supposed to pick this lock opposite the way the key turns?

And if so... can someone explain why...?

Thanks

[GWiens2001]

You need to find the bump stop pin and set it first. It will be pretty easy to find, because you will be able to lift it a short distance with your pick without there being ANY spring tension. The bump stop pin only enters the plug a very short distance, with an open space between it and the key pin. You might even be able to find it by holding the lock with the key pins pointing up, then look carefully in the keyway, and see which pin is lower than the others. That pin stack has the bump stop pin.

Then apply LIGHT tension, and use your pick to set the bump stop pin. Light tension is important, because the bump stop pin has a sharp lower edge that will bite into the chimney in the plug, binding it hard in place. Once that pin is wet, the rest will be easy.

Good luck,

Gordon

[GWiens2001]

once that pin is SET, the rest is easy.

Gordon

[maestrodt]

AH.

THANK YOU for the advice. I was under the impression bump stop worked a completely different way but I guess I didn't look into it that much.

Will work on this while I have time throughout the day and see if I can conquer it by the end

[Werxes]

So that's the trick to this lock...

I'll give mine a try again. Is there any difference between the "US" gov 5200s and the regular American branded 5200s?

[maestrodt]

I, who probably shouldn't be answering this question due to not really knowing the answer for a fact, assume they are the same, just newer/older versions of each other. The 5200 I have is new, and was sold to me as a gov 5200, but is branded with "US" in big letters on the back. I've seen older 5200's without the US marking.