Loose cylinder on padlock

[cranker789]

Hey guys, just got into lockpicking and bought a masterlock 1 to practice on. I was able to pick it but couldn't get it open consistently. Then i couldn't get it open at all so i tested the key again and couldn't get it open either. The only way i could open it with the key was by pulling the key forward as much as possible to the front of the lock and then it would turn. The cylinder seems to be really loose in there and it's difficult to get forward and twisting tension on it while picking. Is there a way to fix it or is this just how the lock works?

[GWiens2001]

Two likely possibilities are that you were raking the lock hard and wore off part of the key pins. Since the pins are shorter than before, they would need to be raised higher to open.

Between each of the bittings on the key, there is a peak. When you pull the key out a bit, it uses those ramps to lift the pins up a little more, so the lock opens.

Also, the lock can be damaged, which can happen when picking. That is why we say not to pick a lock in use, or one that is depended upon.

You can try cleaning out the brass shavings from inside the lock using WD-40, then compressed air and see if that helps. Use the WD-40, spraying it heavily into the keyway until it runs out clean. Then use compressed air to get the WD-40 out of the lock.

Gordon