Tri-Circle Padlocks

[Zammo]

Hi

Me and my work colleges have been trying for the last day to pick a tri-circle padlock with a basic set of picks. But for some reason always fail. I used the search function and have done what was suggested to use a rake and a feaher light amount of tension. I have been able to manipulate all of the pins down using this technique but the plu will not turn. Am I doing something wrong or could there be a pin at the top aswell as the bottom of the lock?



Here is the type of padlock it is:

http://www.keyosk.co.uk/images-products ... dlocks.jpg

Thanks.

[quicklocks]

hi that lock you got there has spool pins in and i have one its a pig but can be done so keep at it do a search for spool pins for info on them

[capt.dunc]

they can be hard to rake, i've never seen a tri circle that didn't have a hi low hi pin configuration or similar, a bit like the era rim cylinder in that respect. you may have better luck with a bogata rake or use a set of curves and pin by pin pick it. and obviously try to pick it in the right direction

[quicklocks]

which is clockwise looking at the bottom of the lock

[Geek142]

I find that ray's bogota rakes are perfect for high and low configs because of there design.. all if do is put it in a jiggle it up and down and Presto!..

Goodluck!

Geek

[Zammo]

Even with the search facility i'm finding it quite hard to get am explanation of what a spool pin is? Also where can I find the bogota picks, and why are they named after the Columbian capital city?

[Houdini Locksmiths]

[raimundo]

Um, because thats where I was when I first started makeing them, also, the andes splits into three cordillera in columbia, the optimum config for the rake is three sharp peaks, with two wide sloping valleys between. Also, its better to have a name that makes quick reference to the particular pick than to have so say, "the one with the three peaks and the round valleys" I have made some with as many as five points, and less room between them, and it only serves to prove that the optimum is three peaks. Too many peaks get in the way, wide valleys allow the pins to seek their own places. The handles are different too, and this actually facilitates the style of picking that works, I don't think the design would work as well with the standard popsicle handles, the grip is wrong for the type of picking that works.

[Houdini Locksmiths]

Sorry about that link, you'll have to cut and paste it into the address bar leaving out the IMG. Try this link for more info:

http://tm.ask.co.uk/r?t=c&s=p&id=30753& ... pter9.html

Harry

[n2oah]

I find that ray's bogota rakes are perfect for high and low configs because of there design.. all if do is put it in a jiggle it up and down and Presto!..

I've also heard that ray's bogota rakes work well with spool and mushroom pins. I guess ray really does have the best picks!

[Zammo]

Thanks for all your replies.

I think this lock maybe beyond me at the moment, I checked it by listening to the pins springing up and theres 5 of them. I think it'd be an idea for me to get and easier lock to practice on first.

[gee252]

These locks can be a pig to pick but shim open in seconds.

[Zammo]

I suppose there is always that. But my thinking is, if I can't open one of these what chance have I on a standard lock?

[gee252]

Belive me you will have alot more success on what you call some standard locks than a tri-circle,

[Zammo]

I hope so!

With regards shims, are they reusable?