Chateau C 970 lock

[Josh66]

I haven't really messed with this lock in a while, but I was feeling lucky today so decided to try again.

After about 5 minutes, I had it open.



I used heavier than normal tension. It was kind of a pain because all the way in the back was a very high pin, immediately followed by a very low pin.

I just inserted the hook then sort of 'rolled' it, following the warding, to push the pins.

[hellslave]

My aunt gave me one of these off her storge a couple weeks ago, and I have since managed to get it open only one time, and by bitch-picking at that. This particular lock is weird, in that first the driver pin is slightly visible in the keyway (and the key pin is entirley visible). I'll add some pics later on if I have the time. Aside from that singular, chance-opening, I have had ZERO luck with this bastard. I've since moved on to a mystery American lock that I found on the side of my house (unknown model/year, but camo in coloring, and still in seemingly great condition, given its years-long exposure to the elements).

[johnb007]

I haven't really messed with this lock in a while, but I was feeling lucky today so decided to try again.

After about 5 minutes, I had it open.



I used heavier than normal tension. It was kind of a pain because all the way in the back was a very high pin, immediately followed by a very low pin.

I just inserted the hook then sort of 'rolled' it, following the warding, to push the pins.

Where did you get that sweet tension wrench? What brand of pick is that? I thought I had all the cool toys, but my hatred of the Chateau C970 has opened my eyes.

I have picked this lock twice, almost by accident both times, in all the years I've owned it.

[GWiens2001]

Josh66 makes his own picks, and does a fantastic job of it.

Gordon

[Squelchtone]

I haven't really messed with this lock in a while, but I was feeling lucky today so decided to try again.

After about 5 minutes, I had it open.



I used heavier than normal tension. It was kind of a pain because all the way in the back was a very high pin, immediately followed by a very low pin.

I just inserted the hook then sort of 'rolled' it, following the warding, to push the pins.

Where did you get that sweet tension wrench? What brand of pick is that? I thought I had all the cool toys, but my hatred of the Chateau C970 has opened my eyes.

I have picked this lock twice, almost by accident both times, in all the years I've owned it.

you know you replied to a 4 year old post, right?

not a bad thing if you have something to add to the overall thread, but talking directly to or asking a question of the people who posted the original post may not work if they haven't been on the forum in ages. lucky for you, josh66 was last on here 3 months ago, so he may see this sooner than later.

Squelchtone

[johnb007]

I got so excited about the tension wrench that I didn't even look at the date of the post. My bad.

[Josh66]

They're both homemade. The pick is made from band saw blade I believe, with aluminum handles riveted on (there's a tutorial on here somewhere I posted on making those).

The tension wrench is made from a stainless steel cotter pin. I believe I posted step-by-step pictures of how I made that somewhere - but it should be pretty easy to figure out. I just took a cotter pin, twisted the ends 90 degrees, trimmed them to the same length (usually one side is longer on cotter pins), then bent the ends down. Then just spread it out a little so it stays put in the keyway.

[Josh66]

Found the thread for the tension wrench:
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=55563

And the one on how I make picks:
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=55277
Go to page 2 for the step-by-step directions.