Ace series A527

[sisk]

I got this lock from Ace thinking it might have serrated pins and thus provide a challenge. Once I got the package open I noticed the bitting on it was a little on the sad side (44322 I think from just eyeballing it) but went ahead and picked it. As suspected it has serrated pins, 5 of them, but I still got it picked in about 3 minutes the first time and within half an hour was consistently picking it in under 45 seconds.

So I've got two questions. First, how does this compare to, for example, American locks? Second, given that my skill should not be high enough to breeze through a high security lock would I be out of line to use Ace's satisfaction guarantee to trade it in for one with decent bitting or should I just repin the thing myself?

[kwoswalt99-]

The Ace locks can be as hard or harder than some American locks, only they don't have six pins. You are right, you should not be able to breeze through a high security lock, which you didn't. American locks aren't high security locks either.

[sisk]

Touche. Let me rephrase. I should not be able to breeze through a"pick resistant" lock with security pins. I wouldn't even try a true high security lock a medico.

[GWiens2001]

Touche. Let me rephrase. I should not be able to breeze through a"pick resistant" lock with security pins. I wouldn't even try a true high security lock a medico.

There is nothing wrong with trying a Medeco or other high security lock. It can refine your feel when picking, making picking lesser locks easier.

Gordon

[sisk]

True enough I suppose, but it seems silly to tackle a medeco while I'm still struggling with schlages.

[Squelchtone]

having a hard time finding that padlock on the web, is it stamped model a527 or was that on the packaging?


is this this one? http://www.ebay.com/itm/222162699085

Is this made for Ace Hardware stores or is ACE it's own company?

Thanks
Squelchtone

[sisk]

having a hard time finding that padlock on the web, is it stamped model a527 or was that on the packaging?


is this this one? http://www.ebay.com/itm/222162699085

Is this made for Ace Hardware stores or is ACE it's own company?

Thanks
Squelchtone

That's the one. It's stamped with "Series 527" on the back. I got it from an Ace hardware store, so I think it's safe to assume it's their store brand.

Incidentally, I gutted it when I got it home (last night several hours after my last post) to see what was in it. It's a 6 pin core with only 5 pins, three serrateds and two serrated spools. I pinned it back up with a more challenging bitting and pinned the sixth hole with a spool. It really didn't make it much harder to pick. It added maybe 20 seconds to the time it takes me to pick it. I'm kinda disappointed. I expected this thing to give me a challenge for a while.

[kwoswalt99-]

Ace manufactures so very few things themselves, I am inclined to think that Master/American manufactures them.