American 1105, all pins down.

[Countryboy76]

Hey guys, I just recently picked up the hobby. I can pick my front f or and most padlocks very quickly. I am having a lot of trouble out of an American 1105 padlock. Either I get all the pins down except the first one or and this really makes me scratch my head, I can get all the pins down but still can't get the lock to open. I look in with a flashlight and all the pins are down and even, but no turning. Is this a common problem? I've been fighting this lock for three days. I won't quit but any and all tips and advice are more than welcome. Thanks guys, Rick.

[Squelchtone]

Hello and welcome to the forum,

Unfortunately, that's not how lock picking works, but this is a very common misconception. One does not just push all the pins up or all the way down, if that were the case, any blank key would open every lock they key fit in. each pin is a different length and only moves the distance needed to push the driver pin out of the plug in order to create a shear line. If you look at a key it has all these different small and large mountains and valleys, right? The pins go into those valleys and get pushed up a little or a lot in order to create a shear line. If all the pins get pushed up or down so they look flush when you look inside they keyway with a flashlight that means that some of the pins will be set correctly, but some will have pushed the driver pins out of the plug, but they also moved too far and now the key pin is blocking the plug from turning.

You should get a $12 dollar Kwikset or Defiant deadbolt at Home Depot or Lowes and take it apart to learn how the plug, key pins, driver pins, springs, bible, and housing all work together. It makes it easy to visualize.

what pick and tension wrench are you using? do you have a photo or link of your tools?

American 1105 is not a beginner lock, jumping from opening a Kwikset deadbolt, or whatever you have, up to an American Lock with security pins is a big jump.

Also, we recommend to all new pickers no to practice on your front door if you depend on it, if you break it, then you either cant lock your house, or your key may not work.

Thanks
Squelchtone

[Countryboy76]

Thanks for the quick reply. I guess the kit I have is truly for beginners. I'm trying to post a pic, but it's a pretty hard process, for me anyways, never had to go through so much to post a pic. But it's a secure-pro 5 piece credit card kit. It came with a transparent practice lock. This probably sounds dumb, but what is "false set" thanks for the help.

[GWiens2001]

The credit card pick kits that I have seen are all a poor choice for a beginner. They tend to have too tall a 'neck', making you push down the first pins in the lock when you try to pick the pins in the back of the keyway.

Gordon

[Countryboy76]

http://imgur.com/NoUmKtK

[Countryboy76]

That's my pick set, I've also been working on a home made bypass for American 1105 locks, Edited to remove information on bypass, which is restricted to the advanced forums.

GWiens2001 - moderator

[GWiens2001]

You seem to be particularly interested in this specific lock. At least two threads about it on the Dark Side, plus this one here. What about this specific lock seems to draw you? Where are these locks that you are trying to open and/or bypass?

By the way, I am editing your other post on making a bypass tool. Bypass is a restricted topic here on LP101.

GWiens2001 - Moderator

[Countryboy76]

I'm sorry about the restricted topic, my bad, the lock is currently (thanks to my 4 year old) locked around the front spoke of my goldwing. It was just some old lock that was open and lying on the edge of the carport when we moved it. I guess the key is long gone, it wasn't with it. As far as my pics go, should I file the necks down to make the actual business end more pronounced? I don't have any way to cut the lock so that's the reason for the sudden jump from easy locks to the American monster lol, any and all help is appreciated, thanks

[GWiens2001]

My son has locked a few things, too, so can relate.

Filing the necks of the picks may help, but if it has serrated pins then it will be difficult for a beginning picker to open, especially kneeling on the ground in a garage. You may have to cut it off if you need to use the Wing in the near future.

Gordon

[Countryboy76]

If I have to bust the lock, is there a weak spot? Can I pop it without destroying it? That would be a very good practice lock

[Squelchtone]

If I have to bust the lock, is there a weak spot? Can I pop it without destroying it? That would be a very good practice lock

theres no secret or only locksmiths know this sweet spot kind of thing, get bolt cutters, cut shackle. done.

[Countryboy76]

I'm gonna try my best to pick it or something else, can't justify going and buying bolt cutters for one lock, I've never needed them and probably never will again lol