Im new and this question might seem dum

[()= (.) LockPick!]

i just picked a master padlock and have a small question. How would i go about opening up the lock so i can view all the parts so i can learn further of how a lock actually works. Thanks
()= (.) LockPick!

[MeRZHiN]

that depends on what kind of masterlock you have. can you give us a number or go the their site and look it up which one you have. if you have a laminated (looks like layers of steel plates from a millimeter thick) with screws on the bottom, you can just loosen these screws and when the plate comes off, the cylinder comes right off. i also read about some where you have to unscrew a screw under the opening of the shackle( you know, the part you love to see out of the lock) and then the cylinder pops out. if it is a full brass one you will have quite some trouble opening it. but i would then suggest grinding it down a little so you can see the pins and stuff and work your way up from there ( can't give more details cuz' i have none) good luck.

ps. if you have some black plastick around it, i think it's basically a full brass one

[()= (.) LockPick!]

It's a llaminated master padlock. I unscrewed it and i am studying it as you read this... Thanks for your help
()= (.) LockPick!

[()= (.) LockPick!]

Sorry for the double post...but after finishing up with the last padlock...this one came up. Its a master padlock No. 7 and im trying to get the darn to come apart so i can study it but there isnt screws on the bottom. They're bolts. Im guessing I cant get it open but Im going to ask anyway. Should I take a hammer to it..lol?

[Mad Mick]

If you have a laminated lock, there will most definitely not be screws that you can remove. The lock layers are held together with rivets.

If you'd like to dismantle a laminated lock, grind the heads off three of the rivets and drive them out with a pin punch. Insert a machine screw through one of the holes and secure it with a nut. Only then should you remove the final rivet, otherwise the lock will fall in many pieces.

The solid bodied locks are more difficult to dismantle, unless they are manufactured to be rekeyable.

I made a couple of walkthough's on dismantling the Master #3, and the Master #140. If you are interested, here's the link:
viewtopic.php?t=1890&start=0

I never got around to rebuilding the #140, but if you were that way inclined, you could tap threads in the lock body, then rebuild the lock using hex grub screws instead of the factory brass plugs.

[Mad Mick]

Sorry for the double post...but after finishing up with the last padlock...this one came up. Its a master padlock No. 7 and im trying to get the darn to come apart so i can study it but there isnt screws on the bottom. They're bolts. Im guessing I cant get it open but Im going to ask anyway. Should I take a hammer to it..lol?

Well, your posts clear that up...pity you posted as I was typing.

The #7 is a 4 pin lock which is the little brother to the #3. You can dismantle the #7 in the same way though.

[Mad Mick]

one last thing too, they're not bolts....

[()= (.) LockPick!]

Thanks alot for the help dude I appreciate...Im working on getting it dismantled now. That link was an excellent source
Thanks again
()= (.) LockPick!