Fortress lock from heck

[tshock]

I finally defeated my 40mm arch nemisis last night in under 3:00. I has 4 pins (3 of them spool and 1 serrated). In addition to the security pins, it has a high low high low alighnment that is a real challenge. All I can say is thank god for featherweigh tension wrenches.

After defeating this lock, I thought about ways to make locks harder to pick. I was just wondering if you could alternate the strenght of the springs(above the pins) to make it harder to get the right tension. I think that would make picking a lock mor difficult.

[n2oah]

After defeating this lock, I thought about ways to make locks harder to pick. I was just wondering if you could alternate the strenght of the springs(above the pins) to make it harder to get the right tension. I think that would make picking a lock mor difficult.

Medeco has already done this on some locks. (I think the M3 removable is one) I think the M3 removable uses two different materials of springs. I'm not sure if they differ in strength or not. Anyhoo, good idea. Maybe you should post it in the "making an unpickable lock" thread.

[treboR]

Medeco has already done this on some locks. (I think the M3 removable is one) I think the M3 removable uses two different materials of springs. I'm not sure if they differ in strength or not. Anyhoo, good idea. Maybe you should post it in the "making an unpickable lock" thread.

Medeco definately uses 2 materials for its medeco3 interchangeable core, phosphor bronze, part #CP030001, and stainless steel, part #030042. The stainless springs are always on the 3rd and 4th pin sets.

[vector40]

Doing exactly this was one of the major upgrades commonly made to Ace locks after tubular picks became common.

[amc31b]

I bought a small 40mm, 4 dollar fortress lock the other day. it took me about 4 hours to finally get it. on the back of the package it says, made by master lock. the other master lock i have takes about 7 seconds to pick. i figured the cheap fortress brand would be a generic type master lock, just as easy to pick. man was i wrong. i didnt know it had secuirty pins though. i knew something wasnt right because after picking all the pins, the plug still wouldnt turn. well at least i have the confidence boost of picking my first secuirty pinned lock within 3 days of learning the skill!