MFSSupply lock?

[Yoder]

A friend of mine gave me a 40mm padlock with MFSSUPPLY on the side. I've never heard of the company so I assumed it was a knockoff, but so far none of us can pick the darn thing. I've searched the forum and found one passing reference to MFS, but nothing specific. Of course, I googled it and I see that they sell lock boxes and the like. Their sales pitch doesn't give me a basis for comparison though. I could disassemble it, but I'm not quite to that step yet. Anyone know anything about them? Did we end up with a cheap lock that's just really stuborn, or are these things actually as tough as this one seems to be?

[spandexwarrior]

Does it look like this? http://www.mfssupply.com/A802-40mm-LS?sc=116&category=18184

If so, it's a knockoff of a master laminated padlock. Probably 4 pins, no security pins and it can't be disassembled non-destructively. They are selling it for 3 bucks so I would imagine it's not exactly a high quality lock.

-Brian

[Yoder]

That's what I assumed. I've never had any issues with most master locks, though. I guess I could have a stuck pin or something, but everything seems to be moving properly. I guess I'll just keep at it.

[GWiens2001]

Look at the bottom of the keyway. Is it a gray or white plastic instead of brass? If so, excess tension will cause the pins to press into the soft plastic. Use only enough tension to barely cause the pins to bind lightly.

Gordon

[Yoder]

I think you nailed it. Looks like it has a gray plastic cylinder. I never would have thought to look for that. I'm still new enough to picking that I've no doubt my tension control needs a lot of work, but at least I know what the problem might be.

[GWiens2001]

Then go to town on that lock! Slap it around and let it know that you are the boss.

Keep us informed on your progress.

Gordon

[KPick]

That lock is too cheap. Get yourself a better lock with a brass plug.

[billdeserthills]

Then go to town on that lock! Slap it around and let it know that you are the boss.

Keep us informed on your progress.

Gordon

Stick a flat-bladed screwdriver up the keyhole & see if it won't like a new twist

[GWiens2001]

Not supposed to discuss destructive entry on the open forums.

Gordon

[billdeserthills]

Not supposed to discuss destructive entry on the open forums.

Gordon

I don't suppose anyone would ever think of that one by themselves, either

[Yoder]

Finally gave up and disassembled it. Turns out the plastic plug had a crack running the entire length of it. Tension wasn't actually turning the plug, just expanding it. It was one of the first locks I ever got, so I'm sure the crack was caused by me being too ham fisted with it. Lesson learned. I lost a lock, but I gained a training aid for the people I know that are just learning.

[billdeserthills]

Finally gave up and disassembled it. Turns out the plastic plug had a crack running the entire length of it. Tension wasn't actually turning the plug, just expanding it. It was one of the first locks I ever got, so I'm sure the crack was caused by me being too ham fisted with it. Lesson learned. I lost a lock, but I gained a training aid for the people I know that are just learning.

I can't wait till kwikset or schlage comes up with this fantastic, new idea for a high security cylinder
with a pre-cracked plastic interior to foil pickers!

Did you try picking again after discovering it's truth?

[Yoder]

I'm a little late in answering this, but no, I didn't try picking it again. Once it's apart it can't go back together, and that darn crack runs the entire length of the cylinder. If I put to much tension on it the whole thing would probably just split in half.