having a hard time with a serrated american

[Br0keN]

The Peterson pry bar set is the best tension tool I own. as for the american locks the serrated pins have 3 serrations on each one so count the clicks an do it one click at a time. just keep going through the pins and applying a little pressure to each one until they stop clicking. also some have serrated spools but I could never tell the difference between them and regular spools.

[GWiens2001]

The Peterson pry bar set is the best tension tool I own. as for the american locks the serrated pins have 3 serrations on each one so count the clicks an do it one click at a time. just keep going through the pins and applying a little pressure to each one until they stop clicking. also some have serrated spools but I could never tell the difference between them and regular spools.

How many serrations you feel when picking will depend on what key pin is being used.

Gordon

[kwoswalt99-]

also some have serrated spools but I could never tell the difference between them and regular spools.

Ditto. I think in a lock with threaded chambers you might notice them.

[Br0keN]

well I was wrong about the 3 serrations in the driver pins of american locks. I just found an american with four and it also depends on how much of the driver is sitting below the shearline.

What size tap do you use to thread an american locks core.

[kwoswalt99-]

I don't know, but I would only do that mod if it's not a user lock.

[Br0keN]

I don't know, but I would only do that mod if it's not a user lock.

do you mean if the locks not in use. well none of my locks are in use

[AceOfShades]

I have found that using top of the keyway tension really helps a lot with Americans (personally I really like the Peterson Pry Bar). BOK binds up and I feel like it also makes feedback on the serrated pins easier to detect, although that part may just be anecdotal. Also I recommend very light tension, because if you use too much tension you probably will either not be able to set pins as they get stuck or overset them and have to start over.
Use whatever pick you like, but hooks that are too deep might overset pins and be quite hard to maneuver, although that becomes easier if you use top of the keyway.

Bosnianbill has a good video on technique for picking serrated pins, and others have already suggested ways of taking it apart and progressively pinning so I'll skip that.

[OrMeanGene]

I was skimming through and didnt notice anyone mention using light tension. Some serrated locks i have take extremely light amount of tension. Less then you think usually.

[drumnut01]

I use a Peterson pry bar in the top of the key way and a .015 or .018 Peterson gem most of the time. The trick, in my opinion, is extremely light tension. I've found that once I get a false set, the rest is easy.

[Shackle Jackal]

$#@!%* Finally !!! thanks all

[GWiens2001]

Glad you got it, SJ.

Gordon