Another noob pleading for help!

[DennisK]

I have a simple Master #1 padlock that is eating my lunch.I can rake it and it opens almost immediately,but I have yet to SPP it. I can never find the binding pin.All the feedback I get is spring tension.I have tried light tension and heavier tension,picked from back to front as well as front to back. I've tried many different picks,and so far,nothing. Any advice?

[rerun12]

the locks are so cheaply made i wouldnt even bother trying to spp it, but thats just my opinion.

[DennisK]

the locks are so cheaply made i wouldnt even bother trying to spp it, but thats just my opinion.

Well you ain't no fun............ lol

[easy-e]

I can never find the binding pin.

I frequently have the same issue. My problems tend to be from overlifting pins. I have also picked the lock...kept getting frustrated for another few minutes and then realized all I needed to do was apply more tension to over come the spring so the plug would move.

I have tried light tension and heavier tension,picked from back to front as well as front to back. I've tried many different picks,and so far,nothing. Any advice?

Have you tried CCW verses CW tension? TOK verses BOK?

[DennisK]

I can never find the binding pin.

I frequently have the same issue. My problems tend to be from overlifting pins. I have also picked the lock...kept getting frustrated for another few minutes and then realized all I needed to do was apply more tension to over come the spring so the plug would move.

I have tried light tension and heavier tension,picked from back to front as well as front to back. I've tried many different picks,and so far,nothing. Any advice?

Have you tried CCW verses CW tension? TOK verses BOK?

Haven't tried CCW,but have tried the TOK.

[Norseman]

Try out different tension strength. Be careful when feeling for a binder, and yous hould be able to feel one pin that is a bit stiffer then the rest.
There is not much movement needed to set it, so be gentle.

If you haven't seen schuyler town video on lockpicking on YouTube, I'll recommend them.

[xeo]

Try this:

1. Tension as hard as possible without breaking your tensioner
2. Insert your pick all the way to the back of the lock without touching any pins
3. Glide the pick from back to front touching all the pins until you feel resistance on the pick.
4. When you feel resistance on the pick, stop, and lift that pin.

What happens?

[Oldfast]

+1 on all the advice already.

Personally, I'd use TOK tension and (as already mentioned) try pickin' CCW if you find no joy CW.
Variable tension. Using heavy tension will make that binding pin a little more distinct and easier
to find. At the same time, it'll help prevent overlifting other pins while you're in search mode.

Once you've found it, get your pick situated underneath it. Now lighten your tension JUST enough
to allow you to begin lifting it. Once you hear and/or feel it set, apply heavy tension once again
and begin searching for the next binding pin. If there's no 'next binding pin' at this point, revisit
the one you were previously working on.... it is most likely over or under set. Or, you may have
inadvertently lifted other pins with the pick shaft. Try not to disturb other pins while lifting.

[Violaetor]

While its still under tension, if you remove the pick and look inside, while turning the whole padlock upside down - rightside up - upside down etc, etc. while looking into the keyway you can see the keypins move freely if they are set properly. If you see one that isn't moving and is low than its likely still under spring tension and not set, if its high and not moving then it is likely overset.

It will give you an idea of where the issue may be and what to correct for next attempt.

[DennisK]

Great advise guys. Thanks a lot!

[xeo]

Great advise guys. Thanks a lot!

I am eagerly awaiting the results.

[Oldfast]

GET IT!

[DennisK]

Quick update...........................







Still kicking my ass!

[xeo]

Did you do what I said? What happened?

[HerrMannelig]

Quick update...........................

Still kicking my ass!

You might want to try another lock of this model. Sometimes, individual locks can have their differences which make them harder to SPP. If you have no experience in SPPing a lock, then it is very hard to tell what the issue is.

Try this:

Use whatever tension method is most comfortable for you, use whatever rake you have, and give it a quick pass with the rake. Try not to open it.

Then, switch to the hook and see what you can feel.

This may give you a lot more to feel for, rather than just the subtle binding pin, as some pins may already be set, some overset, and some not set.