master locks

[shaunnn]

do you need to use a rake or master locks or can you scrub them open? how long does it take to open them?

[Dr. Bint]

Depends on the lock. I had one a while ago that required a quick scrub, or even a little jiggling with a hairpin to open.

[shaunnn]

well i've got a pack of about 10 lockpicks and i still cant open a master lock. master locks are what they put on doors, right?

[Kolisar]

Hello Shaun,

My first post here stated that I could not open a MasterLock #1 padlock (the combination locks went quickly for me). I originally thought that it was bacause the plug was loose and moved not only in and out but up and down. This appears to be how they are all made (after checking seven stores and looking at about 50 locks). I got frustrated and, fortunately thought to purchase another lock just in case the on e I was using was bad. I picked up another Master #1 and a Master #3. I ended up picking the #3 first and then the other two #1's were opened (All by setting the pins, no scrubbing).

I am not an expert in lockpicking but I can offer the following observations I made when I finally opened the locks:

1) Keep Trying. Like a lot of physical skills (juggling, flourishes with playing cards, etc...) it will just seem to "click" (no pun intended) and, all of a sudden, the proverbial little light will go off and it will all make sense.

2) Try another lock. Douglas Chick mentions in "Steel Bolt Hacking" that confidence is part of the equation. Having studied many physical skills I have to agree. The mind is a powerful thing and lack of confidence can work against you and create a cycle of defeatism (you think "I can't do this", then you can't do it and think "see, I knew I couldn't do it". Then next time you try you remember the last time you were unsuccessful and the cycle repeats over and over again). You WILL get it, it just takes a little time. You don't juggle the first time you pock up the clubs, you don't ride a bicycle the first time you get on one, you have to keep trying.

3) If you have read this far congratulations! Try setting the pins from back (furthest away from the opening of the keyway) to the front.

4) Vary the tension. I originally thought I was using too much tension and discovered that I was not using enough.

Sorry for the lengthy response, but I hope it helps.

Keep Working at it, it will come,

Kolisar

[drv]

So "Master" appears to be a lock Brand then, or what is it ??

[Buggs41]

Yes, Master is a lock manufacturer. ( Masterlock.com )
*tried to post a link there, but couldn't connect to thier site right now*

Master keying: is a way to allow only certian keys, to open certain locks. This is used in larger facilities, and keeps the key count down. The way master keying works in in how the pins are arranged in the locks.

[Project]

learn to single pin pick, instead of raking. It helped me a lot so when i moved on to security pins, it was much easier and more accurate. I dont think i can ever rake a security pin lock

[Kolisar]

I agree with Project, learning to set single pins would be far better than relying on raking. Raking it more chance than repeatable skill. I realize that people can use raking suggessfully on a regular basis but there is a large element of chance where setting the pins is a more deliberate act and a more prescise skill.
Please note that I am just starting in this so if some more seasoned practitioners believe that my assesment of raking is incorrect please correct me.

[drv]

Ah, now I got it ...

Yes, I am familiar with the term "master-keying".

I just never figured out what all the talks about "Master Locks" were
about... I first assumed it was a category name, like "pin tumbler",
"wafer lock" or "lever lock".

But it turns out to be some lock brand name.
Quite confusing to choose a name like that for a company

I've never heard of it, so it's probably US only?

[PickPick]

I've seen them in Germany occasionaly but not very often. It's probably that like a lot of popular US locks, they make great.... paperweights.

[toomush2drink]

masters are available in the uk too so not that far away from our euro friends.

[transitauthority]

I just started out too and i have a few masterlock #3s that i can pick with single pin picking so i guess i would suggest trying that from one newbie to another, also i seem to be more succuesful starting back to front w/ the pins

[PickNflick]

Yay! A Master #3 was my very first real lock picked. About 20 minutes ago actually.

I've picked the cheap wafer locks that are on a lot of office equipment before by scrubbing with paperclips but picking a real lock is fun.

Although, right now I'm still pretty awful at it. About 25% of the time I can pick it completely with a small diamond, the other 75% I have to resort to a single ball to get the last pin

Hello Shaun,

My first post here stated that I could not open a MasterLock #1 padlock (the combination locks went quickly for me). I originally thought that it was bacause the plug was loose and moved not only in and out but up and down. This appears to be how they are all made (after checking seven stores and looking at about 50 locks). I got frustrated and, fortunately thought to purchase another lock just in case the on e I was using was bad. I picked up another Master #1 and a Master #3. I ended up picking the #3 first and then the other two #1's were opened (All by setting the pins, no scrubbing).
...

Keep Working at it, it will come,

Kolisar

[PickNflick]

Progress report: I picked my Master #3 3 times tonight by setting the pins. It turns out I was putting too much pressure on the tension wrench and it was making it too hard to set the pins.

[Eschatos]

Master locks are basically considered the 'ego-builder' of the lock picking world. Most any beginners can pick up the MIT Guide to Lock Picking, a $20 SouthOrd pick set, and a Master No. 3 and pop it within 30 minutes. No. 5 and No. 1 go quite the same way (I believe they have the same pin-tumbler system, each with 4 picks. The numbers just correspond to body and shackle size)

Once you graduate from picking odd number master locks, you can feel free to move onto the US "Contractors grade" Master locks, categorized by the yellow and black package as supposed to the default red. These locks are often extremely solid chrome locks, with 5 pins, and POSSIBLY security pins (including spool and mushroom) Master No. 532 was the first I got to pop after the basics. The way they are constructed make them quite resistant to shims, and thus force you to practice your skills =)

Also a note of advice: If you're buying Master locks, DO NOT pay attention to the security rating on the top of the package... they are ridiculous.

Best of luck!