UGH... need to vent

[mseifert]

Ok, an update I pick most my locks everyday the only one is the American 260 I'm unable to pick. When I got it the lock was covered in red rust and I cleaned it up the best I could I'm able to open it with a key but its pretty stiff could this is why I'm having such an issue with picking it?

That is probably the reason you are having trouble. Grit and Grim can make the "set" hard to feel.. I would recommend taking the lock completely apart and clean all parts and the housing... Then reassemble .. I guarantee you will get a different feel out of it..

[gouveia25]

Ok, I was thinking about doing that but was a bit hesitant since I've never done it before. It would also give me a chance to see the inner workings of the lock.

[mseifert]

Ok, I was thinking about doing that but was a bit hesitant since I've never done it before. It would also give me a chance to see the inner workings of the lock.

Everyone should do it once .. There are plenty of videos on how to disassembly .. Just be careful to not let any pieces or spring fall or fly out..

[gouveia25]

As someone who's still very new to picking this is an awesome forum for ideas and help.

[gouveia25]

The inside of the 260 was all rusty but now putting back together is another thing. it will be an experience

[ltdbjd]

Take it from somebody who has learned the hard way, too many times to admit. If you disassemble something for the first time, take lots of pictures every step of the way. Even if it doesn't look complicated. It will make assembling it much, much easier.

I pulled apart a Corbin Russwin CL3300 series classroom function for the first time a few weeks ago to scavenge parts for a broken one. I didn't take pictures because there weren't a lot of parts. But I couldn't get the orientation of the parts correct when I went to put it back together. A ten minute job turned into a couple hour job.

Lesson learned - always take pics.

[gouveia25]

Lesson learned for sure on my part as well!

[mseifert]

Lesson learned for sure on my part as well!

Did you get it back together?? If so how does it pick ..

[Ralph_Goodman]

Take it from somebody who has learned the hard way, too many times to admit. If you disassemble something for the first time, take lots of pictures every step of the way. Even if it doesn't look complicated. It will make assembling it much, much easier.

I pulled apart a Corbin Russwin CL3300 series classroom function for the first time a few weeks ago to scavenge parts for a broken one. I didn't take pictures because there weren't a lot of parts. But I couldn't get the orientation of the parts correct when I went to put it back together. A ten minute job turned into a couple hour job.

Lesson learned - always take pics.

One of the best things about digital cameras being on everything. Always take as many pictures as you can. There is no reason to be stingy on how many shots you take.

Take the time to get the pics!

Best advice!

[gouveia25]

Well I got it back together (kind of) like I said it was an old red rusted lock that I restored the outside but the inside was all locked up and when I was taking it a part a ball bearing went flying so it wont lock anymore but a great experience.

[Deja vu]

Gratz on picking that lock. I have yet to get one!

I scare my dog every time I pick a lock for the first time.

[billdeserthills]

Well I got it back together (kind of) like I said it was an old red rusted lock that I restored the outside but the inside was all locked up and when I was taking it a part a ball bearing went flying so it wont lock anymore but a great experience.

Ball bearings are easy to replace, I have a box of them in my van,
it's called a Keedex Safe Repair kit, but Ace Hardware carries plenty of ball bearings