"dead core" locks similar to Master

[gumptrick]

Back on topic.

I bargain-hunted and ordered a few more Master 570s and they've slowly been trickling in. I just got one yesterday that is noticeably different from most of them. This one DOES have a torsion spring on the core, and a spring that pops out the shackle when the lock is opened. Also, on close inspection the exterior of the lock looks a bit different as well. The steel pin which is pressed into the side of the lock to hold the core in place is in a slightly different position (I'll see if I can post some pics later). This lock came to me brand new, still sealed in the original packaging.

So it seems that not all Master 570s are built the same way! Perhaps they revised the design at some point and the new production ones are different?

[nite0wl]

That is possible but that seems like an extreme change in a model without changing its model number. No chance they accidentally stuck the wrong label on it and it is actually a different model?

EDIT: You can get padlock bodies that take half size Euro cylinders. Wish I knew the maker's name off the top of my head but I know I have an EVVA MCS padlock that is built that way.

[gumptrick]

I threw away the packaging long before I discovered the difference between the two locks. However, they are both stamped (on the lock itself) Master and 570.

I have a couple more on the way that haven't been delivered yet. When I get those I will inspect the packaging carefully.

The locks themselves appear identical in every other way. The shackle, keyway, and body of the lock look exactly the same, both in dimensions and in finish. I bought both of the locks brand new, sealed in plastic packaging. The only difference that I can visually see is that if you look at the side of the lock body the location of the pressed-in steel pin (which I assume secures the core) is in a slightly different place.

Whenever I have time to fool with the camera I'll see about posting some pics.

[gumptrick]

OK, I had 2 more 570's arrive in today's mail, and both of them are the spring-containing type. I took some photos of both locks side by side for comparison.





And here is the packaging for the version WITH springs. The packaging looks pretty old. There's a 1999 copyright date on there, and the cardboard insert looks like it's yellowed a bit with age (see the back). The yellowing doesn't show up all that well in the photo, but it is aged/yellowed. New Old Stock is my guess?

[gumptrick]

....so several days ago I contacted Master Lock and sent them the 4 images I just posted above, along with a detailed explanation. I asked them if they could shed any light on the difference between what appeared to be the same model lock, and I asked if there was a chance that either type might have been a counterfeit. Here's the reply I just received:

Thank you for contacting Master Lock.

The Model #570 design and packaging has changed over the years based on customer feedback.

If there is anything else we can assist you with please feel free to call or email.

Needless to say that was rather vague. I asked if they could please provide a more detailed response, specifically regarding when this change may have been made.

[gumptrick]

Now things are starting to get interesting!

Master just replied to my request for more specific information. This time they claim that according to the "product manager" (whom they did not name) the No. 570 has NOT had any design changes made to it, which is in contradiction to their previous message.

They have also asked me if I am willing to send the locks to Master so that they can evaluate them!

[GWiens2001]

Sounds about right. Please keep us informed!

Gordon

[gumptrick]

No problem, I will keep everyone informed.

Since my earlier post today Master has Emailed me twice. They have sent me a prepaid shipping label to send two locks to them for evaluation. They have also promised to send me replacements for the locks I would be sending in.

[gumptrick]

Well, I must say I'm impressed. Master seems to be on the ball! Today I received a pair of brand new 570's sent by FedEx Priority Overnight at no cost to me. They are exactly the same (except keyed different); I just flipped one upside down so you can see the back of the packaging.



These are the "dead core" type with no spring on the core or to pop up the shackle, exactly like the one I photographed earlier. Tomorrow I'll be shipping my older ones back to Master for their evaluation and I'll let you know what I hear back. My working theory is that the "with spring" version is an older version of the 570. Its packaging had a much earlier copyright date.

[gumptrick]

Well, it took 2 months but I finally heard back from Master.

Their reply was that the difference between the locks was because one model was key-retaining while the other was non-key-retaining. I checked, and they are somewhat correct: the "dead core" version retains the key, while the locks with the springs do NOT retain the key.

Master stated that the "key retaining" version was a special-order version of the 570. I think they have that backwards because all the ones I bought in new retail packaging are all "dead core, key retaining". Even the locks which Master sent me as replacements are the same. So I think that someone mixed those up in the Email reply back to me, and that the standard 570 is key-retaining, whereas the ones that are non-key-retaining (and have springs) were the "special order"/ NOS.

Also, if anyone cares: The No. 575 is exactly the same as the 570, but has a brass body instead of an aluminum one. I ended up finding one in a box of other stuff I got at a yard sale.

[Ralph_Goodman]

Well, it took 2 months but I finally heard back from Master.

Their reply was that the difference between the locks was because one model was key-retaining while the other was non-key-retaining. I checked, and they are somewhat correct: the "dead core" version retains the key, while the locks with the springs do NOT retain the key.

Master stated that the "key retaining" version was a special-order version of the 570. I think they have that backwards because all the ones I bought in new retail packaging are all "dead core, key retaining". Even the locks which Master sent me as replacements are the same. So I think that someone mixed those up in the Email reply back to me, and that the standard 570 is key-retaining, whereas the ones that are non-key-retaining (and have springs) were the "special order"/ NOS.

Also, if anyone cares: The No. 575 is exactly the same as the 570, but has a brass body instead of an aluminum one. I ended up finding one in a box of other stuff I got at a yard sale.

2 months to craft a reply and the information they give you is mixed up if it is correct at all... well at least they are consistent with their incompetence throughout all levels of the company.