Old No. 3 Master lock difficulty

[Binko]

Hi,

Every summer I find myself a new hobby to keep me occupied, and this summer it's lockpicking. It's something I've had an interest in for 20 years or so, but only just got around to picking up proper tools for.

Anyhow, I got my set this week and managed to pop open a few locks without much issue, both four-pin and five-pin locks. First just sloppily doing rakes, picking, and that sort of thing, then moved on to single pin picking. But one old lock in the garage is driving me nuts. It's a Master No 3. It's an older model, all silver (no blue Master logo) and imprinted with the words "No 3 Master Lock" and "Milwaukee WIS." I can't locate the working key for it, although I suspect it is somewhere around the house, as I must have removed this lock from the chain it was on this winter, so my assumption is that it is a functioning lock. For comparison, I just bought myself a new No 3 Master lock and was able to rake it easily, and single pick it easily as well (both under 15 seconds, so I must be feeling for the right things, I think.) This older lock, though, I was working on last night for something like an hour and a half straight and no amount of raking, single pin picking, jiggling with an L-rake, etc., could get it to open. Some of the pins feel a bit "sticky" to me--like the number 1 key pin binds up quite easily. I feel like I'm getting 3 pins to set, but I can't quite get the fourth. Is there any trick I should be aware of to older Master No 3s, or is this just a function of it being an older and worn lock or something? I mean, these things wouldn't have security pins or anything, would they? This is driving me nuts, as every other padlock I've been able to crack so far, and the new No 3 I have is so easy.

[GWiens2001]

Use WD-40 to clean out the gook from the lock. Then use compressed air to get out the WD-40. A little cleaning and lube can work wonders.

Note that I am recommending the WD-40 only for cleaning the lock.

Gordon

[Binko]

I'll give it a go. Got plenty of WD-40 on hand. I thought WD-40 was a no-no for locks, but I see looking online now that many disagree.

[blue60]

Binko, it is a no-no but you are using the WD-40 to flush out the lock then by introducing a shot of air you are going to blow the WD-40 out of the lock (with all the dirt and crud that is in it)

[Binko]

Well, I was finally able to open it for the first time by filing down the spare key on my new Master padlock and making a bump key, so it is definitely a functioning lock, but no luck on picking so far. The challenge continues.

[LocksportSouth]

Well, I was finally able to open it for the first time by filing down the spare key on my new Master padlock and making a bump key, so it is definitely a functioning lock, but no luck on picking so far. The challenge continues.

How did you do with this lock in the end? All my picking practice locks so far have been Master No.3s, and I've not had much luck outside of pure dumb luck and raking. I suspect it's my technique and lack of skill as much as anything, but I know what you mean about "sticky" pins. Even the keys inside the lock feel "gritty". I bought these locks new from a big-box UK hardware chain but their store always feels dirty and grimy and I know they have products that sit on the shelves for years without selling so I do wonder if mine could do with a clean out. I have some WD-40 but also some silicone grease; wondering if it's worth cleaning them, then blowing out the WD-40 with air as detailed above, then finishing off with the silicone grease - not sure if it's a good thing to put in padlocks.

I know the No.3 locks get recommended a lot for picking practice, but I do wonder if it's made unnecessarily hard by the seemingly 'dirty' insides!

[kwoswalt99-]

How did you do with this lock in the end? All my picking practice locks so far have been Master No.3s, and I've not had much luck outside of pure dumb luck and raking. I suspect it's my technique and lack of skill as much as anything, but I know what you mean about "sticky" pins. Even the keys inside the lock feel "gritty". I bought these locks new from a big-box UK hardware chain but their store always feels dirty and grimy and I know they have products that sit on the shelves for years without selling so I do wonder if mine could do with a clean out. I have some WD-40 but also some silicone grease; wondering if it's worth cleaning them, then blowing out the WD-40 with air as detailed above, then finishing off with the silicone grease - not sure if it's a good thing to put in padlocks.

I know the No.3 locks get recommended a lot for picking practice, but I do wonder if it's made unnecessarily hard by the seemingly 'dirty' insides!

I wouldn't use grease in a lock for the same reason WD-40 is discouraged. I use grease for hinges and even ball bearing padlocks, but not in the cylinder.

[Jeb37]

I'm curious as to why WD-40 is considered bad. What lubes are better in lock cores?

[Squelchtone]

I'm curious as to why WD-40 is considered bad. What lubes are better in lock cores?

There are many many threads and arguments for and against WD-40, poke around and you'll find them.

the internet nerds will tell you that WD is Water Displacement fomula #40 blah blah, and not technically a lubricant, etc,etc. In a nutshell it's more of a cleaner, and has some lubricating qualities for door hinges to not squeak for a while, but it is not a straight up long term use lubricant. Why is it so popular and on the shelf in nearly every garage and work bench in America? because of good marketing and because most people don't know any better.

Here's one such internet argument https://www.reddit.com/r/YouShouldKnow/comments/1wa9a6/ysk_wd40_is_a_solvent_not_a_lubricant_mistaking/

I prefer Locksaver which is made specifically to lubricate locks, it is made by a company that makes gun lubricants for the military.

Other folks like other lubricants for locks, like I said, Search on the forum and you'll find those many many posts.

Squelchtone

[Jeb37]

Anyway, I found three old Master No. 3s and I used TS-99 to lube them up. Now 2 of them have been working just fine. The other one is still really sticky but I've managed to SPP it a few times. I think I'm going to try blowing it out and see if that helps.

[Squelchtone]

Anyway, I found three old Master No. 3s and I used TS-99 to lube them up. Now 2 of them have been working just fine. The other one is still really sticky but I've managed to SPP it a few times. I think I'm going to try blowing it out and see if that helps.

What's TS-99? glad you got your locks working, but I'm not sure what you mean by "Anyway," in your reply. Did you not like what I had to say about WD-40? I was just trying to answer your question.

[Jeb37]

What's TS-99? glad you got your locks working, but I'm not sure what you mean by "Anyway," in your reply. Did you not like what I had to say about WD-40? I was just trying to answer your question.

I said "anyway" because asking about WD-40 kind of took the forum on a little tangent. Your information on it was helpful, I understand now. I was taking it back to the original topic. TS-99 stands for Top Shelf, the brand, formula 99. I don't know where it came from, it just showed up in our shop one day and I can't find any info online. I'm guessing my brother got it someplace. It says "penetrating lubricant" on the label and it works really well for just about anything.