Stubborn Unions

[huxleypig]

Is it me or are Union locks the most secure?

They definitely give me the most grief and I got a padlock that just won't give.

Is this due to good manufacture or security features?
Huxleypig.

[sidpick]

If its an old union the pin chambers are 'chamfered' (if thats how you spell it!) making the plug pin chamber slightly wider at the top, this creates a false shear line (fractionally) which may put you off

There are usually no really nasty surprises with the locks, probably only a couple of anti pick pins.

If you have the key, look at the combination and you might have a nasty pin set up. If all else fails and the lock wont go see if you can get it apart and find out why its not going! this will involve destruction of the lock normally.

Also if you don't have the key, are you sure your turning tension in the right direction - this will stop you before you start!!

Persevere with it and I'm sure it will go
If you still have no joy, get a cheapo lock from any hardware shop (master are good prey!), get a 4 pin and work up

Any other prob's - find out what lock it is exactly (or even measure it) and PM me or put this on your thread, I'm sure someone out there will help!!

[huxleypig]

It is an old lock cos its been on the family shed for about 15 years!!
I got the key but how do I know if its a tricky combination or not? What makes an easy combination?

It turns both ways so i got that right.

Destroying it looks tricky. There are no cast lines and its quite a sturdy thing. Its the lock I tried to pick first and I've done maybe 200 since but this bugger won't have it.

I picked the hobby up a few years ago but gave up cos of this lock!!
Cheers,
Huxleypig

[Chrispy]

I got the key but how do I know if its a tricky combination or not? What makes an easy combination?

A tricky combination is a high/low/high/low cut combo. Some can be freakin annoying.