Master 22 - Unpickable...kinda...

[GateTwelve]

(Sorry for measuring in plates instead of whatever I should be using... )

In my battle against the Masterlock 22 warded padlock, I've found that in about 2/5 of the cases, I could not pick them with my conventional picks. So I invested a little bit of money (and a little of my friend's money), and bought around ten of them. Luckily, out of the ten, there were three that my 5 pick warded set could not get open. So I grinded them apart. The standard warded lock pick set allows for two variations on the two lever locks: one plate between the levers, and two plates. There is not, however, a pick that allows for three plates between the two levers, which is exactly the case of these locks.

The only reason I decided to post on this was because I've seen several posts pop up about the masterlock 22 not being able to be picked. And the responses are ALWAYS that one of those two picks WILL open the lock for them, and the discussions ends. But this is definately not the case. Without the use of at least one shim, these locks will not open with the standard set.

[vector40]

You might try combining two of the warded picks to make a three-pronged tool (just stick them in together and rotate simultaneously).

[GateTwelve]

That would probably work on one of my locks, but the other two have wards immediately in either direction of the second lever, making at least one of the picks unable to turn.

[digital_blue]

Thank goodness it's not just me. I have a Master 22 that I just can't get open with my warded picks. This may shed some light on it all.

db

[Chucklz]

In this case the single pick is your best friend. You should be able to pick them one by one, if you pull gently on the shackle as you pick. Of course, you could always just grind a key to do the work for you as well.

[GateTwelve]

I'm in the middle of grinding myself a new key. This is the situation for which I wish I knew how to use/even owned a CAD/CAM mill. But first I'm going to have to buy myself a few new locks.

[Chucklz]

You certainly dont need any of the precision of an actual milling machine. Just filing the majority of the key near the bow will allow you to open a great many locks.

[GateTwelve]

Heh heh, as I type, I've a metal file and a half destroyed key by my computer. But you have to admit that mills are nice for making equipment to add to your collection.

[Chucklz]

If I had one, I would.

[raimundo]

Well now do you see how you can get the spacing for making a pick from the laminations, on the outside. I have even seen laminated warded padlocks that show where the springs are by haveing them mounted in thicker laminations, you can see the difference, although it is not so huge that it is obvious, when you've seen how its built, you can tell which laminations have the spring. You have enough information now to make a pick. A three lamination pick.

[GateTwelve]

Only after about 30$ worth of research.
Hopefully sometime soon we might see a new addition to the standard warded pick set?

As for information from the outside of the lock, I don't see ANY qualities of the laminations (I may as well use the correct term for them ) with levers that set them apart form the ones without.