Broken lock, still pickable?

[jbearnolimits]

Just curious... I have an old padlock and the tumbler rotates freely to the right 90 degrees and back to the left 90 degrees. I don't feel any pins in it. I have no key. Is it still possible to pick it or is it just a dead lock?

[GWiens2001]

If the plug turns and it does not open, then it is shot.

Gordon

[YouLuckyFox]

I don't think I've heard of this. How would all the pins leave the lock without it being installed without the pins and tailpiece/cam?

[jbearnolimits]

If the plug turns and it does not open, then it is shot.

Gordon

Ah yes, I forgot it is called the plug.

[GWiens2001]

I don't think I've heard of this. How would all the pins leave the lock without it being installed without the pins and tailpiece/cam?

I've seen locks with damaged pins stuck at the shear line, or if the lock could be disassembled, the pins removed. But not releasing the shackle even if the plug is turned speaks of other problems.

Gordon

[femurat]

Based on your description, it may be a cheap disk detainer padlock. Yes, you can pick it, but need different tools.

Can you post a picture of the keyway, so I check my theory?

Cheers

[GWiens2001]

Good thinking, Femurat. Same thing would happen with a warded padlock.

Gordon

[jbearnolimits]

Here is a pic of the bottom of the lock.

[GWiens2001]

Single sided warded padlock. It does not have tumblers or discs. It has a trip wire that locks the shackle.

Either use a warded pick set or get a flat piece of metal and impression a key for the lock.

So the lock is not broken! At least it does not have broken or missing tumblers.

Gordon

[jbearnolimits]

Single sided warded padlock. It does not have tumblers or discs. It has a trip wire that locks the shackle.

Either use a warded pick set or get a flat piece of metal and impression a key for the lock.

So the lock is not broken! At least it does not have broken or missing tumblers.

Gordon

OOOHHHH, I thought it may be a warded lock from the way it looked but wasn't sure. I've heard a little about this kind of lock but never encountered it. Guess this is my introduction. Thanks!

[YouLuckyFox]

That was my guess, warded padlock. Not asking for credit just glad it makes sense. I was confused for a bit how a padlock could be in this situation unless it was a warded padlock. Good point on disc detainer, too.

[jbearnolimits]

Curious, in the wild if the information on make and model is worn off how would you know it is a warded lock? Obviously I know now that the plug will turn and it won't have pins...but is there any other indicators?

[GWiens2001]

It actually does not have a plug. All it has is the keyway cover spinner. Some of the types of warded locks you just learn from experience. Google warded padlocks.

Gordon