Q & A's on small padlocks

[FreeMason]

I got this stupid "Masterlock" pad lock type No. 3 so it's a 4 pinned-tumbler.

I know for certain I've picked three of the pins I think I might have even picked all 4.

But for some reason it's been my first 3 days now, I haven't been able to turn the lock...so either I've not picked it successfully or my tortion wrench just isn't proper to turn it.

See, here's where the real problem begins lol...

For a pic I've been using a saftey pin, it's worked really well, I know I can reach all four pins and raise them, not sure though which pins I'm picking.

For a tortion wrench I've used two items...I've tried this miniature alan wrench that I bent so that a longer portion was available for pressing against in a fashion to at least let the pins fall on the cylinder.

But I'm not sure that method provides me with any torque to turn the lock, like you have when you twist a key.

So I also have a screw driver, this I can use to twist the lock but with this method I can only get 1 or 2 pins as holding the bloody lock and the tortion wrench is a hassel, I only have two hands.

So ... obviously I'm doing some stuff wrong, aside from the fact I can benefit from real lock picks and a real tortion wrench, or at least something that works better for holding the lock...but, well what are tips on picking?

I mean, do I have to pick each pin individually? Or if I can set them by raising them all at once, would that work?

Is a lock pick just used to raise any pins you failed to raise by something say as a Saftey Pin, such as the last 4th pin, which is really hard to actually get ... especially since the hair pin by then has a lot of resistance what with all the springs pressing on the pins lol...

So what is the basics I thought I had it, I don't know if I do have it or not now...but I'm assuming I do know the basics, and my tools are just garbage...like trying to screw something in with a hammer you know?

I just need to know if that's the case or I'm missing something...

[Varjeal]

With small padlocks like that, it's generally easier to pick each pin indvidually. The only way you could set all of them at once would be either with the proper key or a tool shaped like the proper key. You can remove some of the resistance by pushing the shackle of the lock inwards. This may help some.

With the pins at the top, make sure you're turning the plug clockwise to unlock.

Chances are you are not getting all four picked correctly, otherwise the lock would pop open. Be aware that there is spring pressure occuring in the opposite direction that you are trying to turn.

Try starting your picking process from the back of the lock and work your way to the front, this may also help. Other than that, the proper tools would also probably help.

[Pheniox]

For a pic I've been using a saftey pin, it's worked really well, I know I can reach all four pins and raise them, not sure though which pins I'm picking.

you need to be able to tell which pins your picking

For a tortion wrench I've used two items...I've tried this miniature alan wrench that I bent so that a longer portion was available for pressing against in a fashion to at least let the pins fall on the cylinder.

that one just confused me

But I'm not sure that method provides me with any torque to turn the lock, like you have when you twist a key.

eh?

So I also have a screw driver, this I can use to twist the lock but with this method I can only get 1 or 2 pins as holding the bloody lock and the tortion wrench is a hassel, I only have two hands.

Try putting the lock in a vice clamp and picking it like that. On the screwdriver, most people bend it to look like an L, with the shorter part of the L going in the lock. If the head is to big, take either a grinder or file to it.

So ... obviously I'm doing some stuff wrong, aside from the fact I can benefit from real lock picks and a real tortion wrench, or at least something that works better for holding the lock...but, well what are tips on picking?

2 words
MIT Guide

I mean, do I have to pick each pin individually? Or if I can set them by raising them all at once, would that work?

Both could work, unless there is a big differnece in one of the pins. Look at teh key, are all the cuts about the same level? If so, raking(raising them all at teh same time(in effect)) might work. However, try single pin picking

Is a lock pick just used to raise any pins you failed to raise by something say as a Saftey Pin, such as the last 4th pin, which is really hard to actually get ... especially since the hair pin by then has a lot of resistance what with all the springs pressing on the pins lol...

You don't need much pressure at ALL to hold the springs up, so my thought is to much pressure here.

So what is the basics I thought I had it, I don't know if I do have it or not now...but I'm assuming I do know the basics, and my tools are just garbage...like trying to screw something in with a hammer you know?

MIT guide

I just need to know if that's the case or I'm missing something...

Well, a proper set of tools would help alot, but if you can't get any, read the site, several guides on how to make your own tools are on the site


*stupid penguins are attacking me again*

[rakemaster]

I'm following the lessons in http://www.crypto.com/papers/notes/picking/index.html I'm taking it slow but seems to work. I could pick locks before but I think I'm already getting better. Check it out.

You NEED a lock you can take pins out of to do this tho. Like an old mortize cylinder

You also need a rekey kit with a plastic tube to hold the top pins and springs in place plus some xtra pins. I got one at Lowes for like $9.

Rakemaster (soon to be pinbypinmaster and schroonmaster!)

[FreeMason]

Well yeah...so all the basic stuff I've heard before, except the useful tricks on making it work.

But, basically I just need to figure out what I'm doing wrong, I went to the MIT place and think I found it...

This is...I don't understand why you shouldn't be able to push all the pins up, twisting the lock and let them fall against the edge of the cylinder...that is, why I don't understand yet the need to pick individually, though I know you SHOULD and some cases have to, doesn't mean I understand it.

But I think at least, I know I can't get the pressures right, because either the bottom pins won't come back down, or they do but the top pins come with them...so I guess that's where I need to work the most, in getting it so I can have the two pins on their respective sides.

[FreeMason]

Wait and let me see if I do understand this or not....the bottom pins must also rest just below the sheer line, as the drivers must rest just on the sheer line? Or can the drivers rest on the sheer line while the bottom pins are left to fall to their original positions completely?

[Pheniox]

Wait and let me see if I do understand this or not....the bottom pins must also rest just below the sheer line, as the drivers must rest just on the sheer line? Or can the drivers rest on the sheer line while the bottom pins are left to fall to their original positions completely?

*nods*

that is IF the pins are on the top of the lock