Key stuck inside Abus cut away demo padlock

[McLock61]

Hi all. I've just joined and wonder if anyone can help me here.

I asked for and was given an Abus cut away demo padlock by a hardware store, which I could 'play' with.

Unfortunately, neither I nor they could extract the key which seems to be blocked inside. The key moved all 6 pins and opens the shackle, and it can be pulled out half way, but then it jams.

Anyone know if this is intentional so that customers in the store don't los the key and, if so, how the heck I can get the key out? I have seen the exact same cut away padlock on ebay - with 2 keys - which makes me think they can be extracted and the padlock used for practice.. and maybe it is easier than I think..

Thanks!

[cledry]

Our displays have trapped keys, but they don't pull out at all.

Try a bit of lube and work the key back and forth, that might make it pop out.

[McLock61]

Thanks cledry,

Firstly, I apologize: it is a 5 pin lock, not 6 as I mentioned. There is a 6th pin hole closer to the shackle, but it's got a solid long brass pin in it and is thus non-functional.

Anyway, I'm not 100% sure what you mean: that as a display-demo padlock the key is intentionally trapped by the manufacturer and I'll never get it out, or that with some lube and wiggling I might be able to free it out?

I have tried this now, but nothing. I have also lifted all 5 tumblers, but the key still comes out just 1 cm. It seems like there is a catch at the end of the key preventing it from passing the 3rd or 4th pin.

Baffled.

[Raymond]

One of the pin chambers closer to the bow may be loaded with a very long top pin. That will allow the demo to work but never let the key get lost until it is re-pinned with a shorter top pin. Also, one of the cuts in the key may have NO ramp to allow the bottom pin to move up smoothly. Either way it would have to be taken apart to remedy the situation.
A new project - rekeying.

[bjornnrojb]

Interesting, that is what I thought might be happening too: a really long top pin that doesn't allow the key to physically pass it because of a shallow cut at the end of the key. This makes me wonder though, wouldn't customers pulling this key all the time against this unusually long pin cause the spring to wear out and the lock to not work? Maybe they have some special thing inside the spring chamber that isn't a spring but still compresses?

[smokingman]

You might try turning the cylinder upside down ( pins and springs down) and rapping it down on a table top or something
while pulling on the key.
This has worked for me in the past. Hope it works for you, good luck. : )

[McLock61]

Thanks all for the tips. I'm currently aborad and will give it a go when I get back.
Let you know.
Happy lock-picking!