double ball/ single ball

[the_transporterkk3]

I was wondering, what is the double ball and single ball pick used for.??

[Eschatos]

Supposedly the double ball and single ball picks are meant to open wafer locks, but I've found that the single and double ball can actually be useful to open up some Master and other brand padlocks. They tend to push up surrounding pins just slightly as you pick the pin you were aiming for, thus giving you a greater chance to pick by accident =)

There is a version of the ball and double ball actually meant for pin tumbler lock mechanisms, the half ball and half double ball.

Keep in mind, in pin tumbler locks, they must have quite a high key clearance in order for you to be able to even insert the ball and double ball picks. Just explore with those picks and see if you can learn anything from what you feel!

[CaptHook]

Clarification, they are designed for double sided locks, such as double wafers. It keeps you from having to remove the pick and flip it over.
Also note the double balls profile bears a striking resemblence to a snake pick on both sides.....
Chuck

[the_transporterkk3]

Aswell, instead of making another topic.
I was reading a locksmithing course on opening locks without keys, and it said that to open basic lever locks, you could a tension wrench and a pick. Which pick would be used to open basic, three to five lever locks??

[the_transporterkk3]

by the way, thanks for the clarification in regards to the ball and double ball.

[kehveli]

the_transporterkk3,

what model is your lock? 5 lever ones usually contain anti-pick notches.

[the_transporterkk3]

I believe it's got three levers. One of which doesn't move. You must push the first lever up and then slide the third one over.

[raimundo]

the one you slide over is probably the bolt, the piece that you would tnsion as you lifted the lever tumblers hoping to get it to slide through the gate.