Heavy tension required to turn cylinder on Stanley 24/7

[pickaxe]

Am newbie to lock picking but like to work on my Stanley 24/7 60mm padlock because the feedback from the pins is so good. But it takes so much pressure even turning the key to get the shackle to snap out that I don't understand how I can set the pins without having to put too much tension on the tension bar. I hope I expressed that in a way that is clear. The spring is so strong when using the key on such a big lock that normal tension that I would use on smaller locks won't come close to turning the cylinder with all the pins are set.

[greengrowlocks]

A prybar style tension tool that fits snugly into the TOK may allow you to apply more tension to the plug. That is if your not using one already. A prybar in .04" or .05" will likely fit that padlock.

[pickaxe]

That takes care of one part of the problem if the prybar fits. But the main question concerns assuming the lock has a couple of security pins, you can't have to much tension while your dealing with those pins. My understanding of security pins is that you don't know for sure if they are truly set until the cylinder actually turns. Seems really difficult to use light tension for the pins, then really really heavy tension to see of the cylinder turns, and then back to the light tension that you had on the cylinder to keep the pins from dropping. Doing that back and forth seems like you would be bound to make a mistake, have the pins drop and have to start all over.

[greengrowlocks]

If the security pins are spools they should give counter rotation as you lift them upward. Once you feel the counter rotation slowly release tension until you can move the spool upward to shearline. At that point you can identify that it is properly set if it no longer gives counter rotation and also if a different pin become the binder.

If heavy tension is required to get the pins to bind, start with heavy/moderate tension and once you encounter the security pin slowly release tension until you can move upwards to shearline.


GGL

[billdeserthills]

On most padlocks the tension required to turn the cylinder becomes less when the shackle is compressed (squeezed)
it can be difficult to squeeze the shackle while holding the tension wrench & picking, perhaps you can clamp it in a vise

[femurat]

Or you could pick it with the shackle open

[billdeserthills]

Or you could pick it with the shackle open

Just taking all the challenge out, how will you ever build character that way?

[pickaxe]

Thanks for the tips. I have to order some Peterson prybars for TOK tensioning. Maybe will order a couple of hooks and a gem at the same time. I'm using Southord set now, and to be honest, the metal handled ones are pretty nice. The one's with no handles, don't know how people stand to use them.

I've noticed on an American 1106 that I'm working on now that bottom keyway tensioning tends to bind the cylinder on occasion. As for leaving the shackle open....I tried it and couldn't stand it. I live for the sound of a shackle springing open these days! Never seems to happen often enough.

I have a small woodcarving vise somewhere around here....will have to dig it up. Should work perfectly for locks.

Thanks again people. This seems to be a great forum for pickers and grinners.

[femurat]

Or you could pick it with the shackle open

Just taking all the challenge out, how will you ever build character that way?

Sometimes you need to build confidence before being ready for the real deal. This is not the occasion, since pickaxe wants to hear the sound of the shackle.

Cheers