Differences between Master Lock #1 and Master Lock #3?

[The KeyMaster]

Things have been going very well with my new pickset. This week I purchased a few different padlocks to practice on. I purchased a Master Lock #1 and #3 as well as two Brinks padlocks. The Brinks are the gold colored smaller padlocks that are "medium" security level and the "low" level, but I haven't been able to consistently pick either of them. Instead for now I have been focusing on the Master Locks because they seem easier to me.

I have now "Mastered" the #3 and can almost always pick it in under 10 seconds. The #1 is another story however. I have only picked it a couple times and have no consistency. I was wondering if someone can give me some idea as to what are the internal differences between these two locks. Why is the #3 so easy and the #1 giving me more problems? I don't think this lock has any security pins and I have been trying different levels of torque as well. Anyone know the technical answer to this question? Thanks again.

TKM

[ThE_MasteR]

Can you post a pic of the key or just tell us how shallow the cuts are on it ? Because maybe you ca n be oversetting a pin or 2.

[Chucklz]

There are no differences between the cylinders used in the #1 and #3 lock. You must just have a difficult bitting.

[The KeyMaster]

Ahh, hmm the #1 sure seems tougher than the #3. On the security gauge listed on the package, the #3 gets "3 out of 6" for security while the #1 gets a "4 out of 6" for security. I figure this would imply there was some mechanical difference between the two. How else could they claim one to be more secure than the other?

My friend also bought a master #5 which opens for me just like the #3, very easily. It's just this darn #1...

[Chucklz]

The cylinders in the 1,3, and 5 are all the same. 4 pin, M1 keyway, no security pins.

[quickpicks]

the cylinders in 1's, 3's, 2's, 15's etc. will change to different keyways (optional). I have about 3 different keyways for my laminated padlocks.
the only thing that will make them hard to pick some of the time is the pin combinations other than that they suck. Is it just me or do the Master "commercial" padlocks seem easier to pick?

[The KeyMaster]

Yes it just must be a difficult specimen. I agree the commercial Master padlocks are a joke. I definitely consider myself a newbie in the hobby still, but I can pop the #3 and the #5 in under 10 seconds easy. Sometimes in about 3 seconds. I still cant even get the "minimum security" Brink's padlock open though (the gold padlock).

TKM

[Chucklz]

The "other" keyway numbered locks are rarer, you almost certainly wont find them in your home depot or most hardware strores.

[quickpicks]

Agreed. Special order padlocks theese are.