I'v noticed that a few of my padlocks have these marks on the outside of them and I'm quite curious. Does anyone know what these circles are for or from? What purpose do they serve? Do the circles match the amount of pins (6 pins?) Whats the large circle on top?
Those are the caps for the pin chambers and the locking components. Most of the time if a lock is manufactured that way they will finish it so you can't see it like that but it's very common on many brass locks like that. The big disadvantage is that the lock can't be rekeyed but otherwise it's just like anything else except that the bible is part of the body instead of a discrete component.
spandexwarrior wrote:Those are the caps for the pin chambers and the locking components. Most of the time if a lock is manufactured that way they will finish it so you can't see it like that but it's very common on many brass locks like that. The big disadvantage is that the lock can't be rekeyed but otherwise it's just like anything else except that the bible is part of the body instead of a discrete component.
If the cylinder has spring tension on it the sixth hole could be for the spring. I say this because if you are having trouble finding the 6th pin it's probably not there.
They are rekeyable. The 6th small circle is for a solid pin that retains the cylinder plug. There is a groove milled around the cylinder plug and this solid pin just sits in this groove. They sell replacement caps for these. You can order them from Yale and Corbin still.
cledry wrote:They are rekeyable. The 6th small circle is for a solid pin that retains the cylinder plug. There is a groove milled around the cylinder plug and this solid pin just sits in this groove. They sell replacement caps for these. You can order them from Yale and Corbin still.
I don't see how It could be re keyed unless you drilled out the caps. The caps don't even feel like a separate piece. They are 100% flush with the body and do not move at all.
You do drill out the caps. Drill a small hole in them, then put in a screw and pull out the caps. Then you can rekey the lock. Replace the caps with new ones, and sand them flat.
Gordon
Just when you finally think you have learned it all, that is when you learn that you don't know anything yet.
GWiens2001 wrote:You do drill out the caps. Drill a small hole in them, then put in a screw and pull out the caps. Then you can rekey the lock. Replace the caps with new ones, and sand them flat.
Gordon
Gotcha. How do the new caps stay in place? Do they thread in or what?
Friction fit - you tap them in until they wedge in place. Then you sand them flat. You would also follow the same disassembly process if you wanted to make a cutaway of that lock.
Gordon
Just when you finally think you have learned it all, that is when you learn that you don't know anything yet.
The large hole closest to the shackle is where the body was drilled for the locking bolts and spring. The next pin hole may be the plug retainer pin, followed by the 5 or 6 active pins. When this cap is removed there may be a long pin that fits in a groove around the plug to hold the plug in. Some padlocks have the plug and shackle retainer pins drilled through the face of the padlock body instead of on the side. You can often see similar 'circles' on the face of the padlock. FYI
Nothing is foolproof to a talented fool. Wisdom is not just in determining how to do something, but also includes determining whether it should be done at all.
You can also heat the lock and dunk it in cold water to get the plugs out or ATLEAST start them on their way out. Doing this can weaken springs and discolor the lock.
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