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Core removal for an American AC20 Padlock

PostPosted: Sat Nov 08, 2014 4:44 pm
by GWiens2001
American AC20 padlock core swap

This is just a short post on how to remove the core from an American A20 padlock. Was sent this lock without a key and a core with keys to make a swap.

The AC20 lock looks like this:

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And is a dual-sided wafer lock.

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It was already unlocked when it arrived, but it is easier to get the core out with the plug turned to the unlock position as it takes spring tension off the core. So picked it.

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Now if you look into the shackle hole, you will see… nothing! :P

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But that is OK, because you are not supposed to see anything yet. Now get a piece of soft wood, a rawhide mallot, or a plastic mallot… anything that will not mar the lock when the lock is rapped a couple times against it. Then hold the padlock by the shackle with the open shackle hole of the lock body facing downwards, and rap it a couple times on the mallot with the side of the lock.

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Now look in the shackle hole…

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There is a pin at the bottom of the lock body starting to move into the hole. (Moving upwards in the picture. Still not moved all the way yet, so rap it a couple more times.

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And a little more:

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Finally! When the pin has moved to the far side of the hole, you are done with knocking the lock into submission. For now. :twisted:

Now use a hook to catch the inside of the plug and give it a tug. The core will come out.

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If you look at the core with the keys on the right, you can see the groove that the pin slides into to lock the core in the lock body. On the left, the groove is facing down. This grove limits plug rotation past the unlock position, or past the key removal point when locked. (This lock is not key retaining, but it only opens when turned clockwise.)

Now look in the lock body where the core went. Near the outermost point on the side facing the shackle hole, you will see a hole.

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That is where the pin is located. If you push the pin out of the shackle hole, it will show itself and how it holds in the core…

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If you use tweezers, you could pull out the pin if you wanted. Just swapping cores on this lock, so it gets pushed back towards the shackle hole. Insert the new core using the key, then rap the lock on the mallot again to move the pin back in, retaining the core in the lock again.

Don’t forget to try your key BEFORE locking the lock again to be sure the cam is lined up correctly. If it is, then you are done. As is this write-up. Hope it helps someone out. :mrgreen:

Gordon

Re: Core removal for an American AC20 Padlock

PostPosted: Sat Nov 08, 2014 5:15 pm
by Oldfast
Ah yes, a much needed tutorial with pictures. Very nice Gordon!

I remember my first encounter with one of those. :???: I was left scratching
my head a bit until Riyame got me going in the right direction. It'll be nice
to simply direct the next lost soul to this thread - easy pZ :)

Also, if the retaining pin is exceptionally reluctant I will sometimes smack it
in a different way. I dangle the lock by holding it by the shackle in one hand.
Then hit it with plastic hammer from the appropriate side. I always wrap the
lock body with some thin rubber - like you said, you don't want to damage it.

Re: Core removal for an American AC20 Padlock

PostPosted: Sat Nov 08, 2014 7:14 pm
by Riyame
Ah, perfect Gordon. Is this the one that Jeff was having so much trouble with?

Re: Core removal for an American AC20 Padlock

PostPosted: Sat Nov 08, 2014 7:33 pm
by GWiens2001
Riyame wrote:Ah, perfect Gordon. Is this the one that Jeff was having so much trouble with?


Mayyyybe. :)

Also, for those who are not familiar with this lock, it also has a screw in the shackle hole which normally blocks that pin from being able to slide outwards releasing the core. I should have mentioned the screw. There is no picture of it, because the screw is still with the owner. Owner of a lonely lock. Owner of a keyless lock. Much better than an Owner of a broken lock... :mrgreen:

Gordon

Re: Core removal for an American AC20 Padlock

PostPosted: Sat Nov 08, 2014 9:05 pm
by jeffmoss26
You da man Gordon! Thanks again, that was a tricky one for me.
Now I just have to find the screw!

Re: Core removal for an American AC20 Padlock

PostPosted: Sat Nov 08, 2014 10:09 pm
by norwoodgolf
IMG_1321.JPG


You inspired me to pick this lock I had never been able to pick. Sometimes it helps just knowing it CAN be picked. Thanks!

Re: Core removal for an American AC20 Padlock

PostPosted: Sun Nov 09, 2014 9:28 am
by GWiens2001
norwoodgolf wrote:
IMG_1321.JPG


You inspired me to pick this lock I had never been able to pick. Sometimes it helps just knowing it CAN be picked. Thanks!


Good job! Glad this got you going. :)

Gordon

Re: Core removal for an American AC20 Padlock

PostPosted: Mon Dec 15, 2014 3:16 pm
by Papa Gleb
If I got it right from the picture, this is a 3 wafer core coming in, right? or if counting double then 6 but 3 stacks or pairs right?

Re: Core removal for an American AC20 Padlock

PostPosted: Mon Dec 15, 2014 3:31 pm
by GWiens2001
10 wafers, five stacks of two (from opposite directions). Sorry my pics are not the best. :(

Gordon

Re: Core removal for an American AC20 Padlock

PostPosted: Mon Dec 15, 2014 4:34 pm
by Papa Gleb
Thanks Gordon. Going home to try to make a key for the one I have. I see that the key has one size that travels across the entire key which is the size of the inside hole of the wafers. I think that should make it a bit easier. Any helping ideas on how to accomplish this would be great. I already have a blank btw.

Re: Core removal for an American AC20 Padlock

PostPosted: Mon Dec 15, 2014 4:51 pm
by Doogs
Great tutorial Gord!

Definitely something to help out should I ever acquire one of these locks sans key. Hell even with a key seeing as I love to take things apart.

Re: Core removal for an American AC20 Padlock

PostPosted: Fri May 04, 2018 1:14 pm
by MrPharmer2012
What about for the old barrel locks how do I remove the core on these I have several and cannot figure it out is there a hidden pin on these also?

Re: Core removal for an American AC20 Padlock

PostPosted: Fri May 04, 2018 7:36 pm
by jeffmoss26
Those are factory sealed. Not rekeyable