What's going on inside this lock?

[Tai15]

So, I'm new to locksport. I bought a small set of southord slimline picks and a master lock n. 140 that I've been working on for about a week. I've gotten to the point where I can pretty consistently open the lock in under 30 seconds, but I'm having trouble visualizing what's going in the lock. To open it, I've been using a shallow hook and doing a back to front rake, and then generally there's one pin or two pins that aren't set so I go back and put a little pressure on those pins till they pop up. The problem is that I never get the false set that I see in articles, videos, etc, on picking this lock. Shouldn't the spool pin catch and give me a false set? And often the only pin that I need to go back and set is the first one. If that was a spool pin, wouldn't I be able to see that it was a spool?

[critmass235]

you might raking the spools first ,then just normal picking the rest. make a cut out (or buy) that really teach you how to visualize the inner working after you see it happening

[Tai15]

So how do I know which one is the spool pin?

[Divinorum]

You would not be able to "see" the spool pin as you can't see the top pins in the lock. Spools are identified by the feedback they give. Spools will not always false set. Another way to detect them is to feel for counter rotation in the tension wench. If the spool does get caught in the middle as you go to set the pin the tension wrench will rotate back the other way as the fat part of the pin passes the sheer line. It is possible to set spools in one swift motion especially if you use light tension. If that happens you won't get a false set and you probably won't feel any counter rotation. If you want to really get the entire feel of spool pins don't rake the lock, instead try to single pin pick the lock. Last but not least, Bosnianbill did a great video on how to detect and beat spool pins.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=d3H2rK-3FaQ

[KPick]

Yeah it sounds like you're raking the lock with a naturally good tension. Usually I rake a 140 and it false sets right away. Maybe you have good tension. Apply a bit more tension and you're most likely going to get a false set. Then single pin pick it. (set the pins one by one)

[Tai15]

Okay, that makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the help guys.

[KPick]

Okay, that makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the help guys.

No problemo amigo.

[crowley]

To continue this thread, I too need help with a Yale v140.50:

https://www.google.com.sg/search?q=yale ... 7&dpr=0.75

I managed to get it down to where I can rake it, and SPP the non-set security pins and open the lock in under a minute. On a whim, which I am now cursing myself, I bought the same lock again, thinking I've mastered it. I can't open the second lock!!

I do the same thing, rake to set most of the pins, but not a single one sets. I try SPPing. I manage to set 3 pins, and the remainder seems impossible. Setting those pins makes the tumbler turn BACK. I understand that I most probably have a false set, but I can't rectify it normally ie release some tension and push the pins down more. When I try to do that, the tension tool and the lock is telling me that it's already set, despite varying my tension. Can anyone help?

Also, with regards to my first similar lock, could it be that the reason i can pick it so fast be because I've inadvertently worn it out?

[daniel22747]

I own 3 master lock 140's. Only one of them has a spool pin in it. The other two have only standard pins.

[critmass235]

To continue this thread, I too need help with a Yale v140.50:

https://www.google.com.sg/search?q=yale ... 7&dpr=0.75

I managed to get it down to where I can rake it, and SPP the non-set security pins and open the lock in under a minute. On a whim, which I am now cursing myself, I bought the same lock again, thinking I've mastered it. I can't open the second lock!!

I do the same thing, rake to set most of the pins, but not a single one sets. I try SPPing. I manage to set 3 pins, and the remainder seems impossible. Setting those pins makes the tumbler turn BACK. I understand that I most probably have a false set, but I can't rectify it normally ie release some tension and push the pins down more. When I try to do that, the tension tool and the lock is telling me that it's already set, despite varying my tension. Can anyone help?

Also, with regards to my first similar lock, could it be that the reason i can pick it so fast be because I've inadvertently worn it out?

the setting order is different for each lock. even if its that same brand and key. you are getting a false set. when you say impossible have you tried rotating back to the point other pins drop then setting the spools. check each pin before you set any and see if they give you a little counter rotation. try setting those first. some spools set before the normal pins.
as for your first lock you got to "know" it. that and sometimes wear and tear makes it easier to pick.