(19) How to Open American Series 1205 w/Spools & Serrated Pins

How to Open American Series 1205 w/Spools & Serrated Pins

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#Bosnianbill #LockLab #LockPicking #Lock-Lab

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Please watch some of my other videos!
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[zakorkaz]

Thanks to your crystal clear explanation on tension for these babies I just successfully picked my two American Series 1100 locks. You're the man!

[bosnianbill]

The cost to ship a Chinese 264 lock (they are all pretty much the same) back and forth would be cost prohibitive. Just be confident that if the key opens it (proving that it works) then it can be picked. If you can't pick it yet, set it aside while you pick other locks for a week, then come back to it. You will eventually pick it. A week after that you'll wonder why you thought it was so "hard". Practice and patience...keep at it.

[rsswaffar]

Just picked my first one today. Top of keyway was key (ba dum tss) to picking it as I could really get a good feel of the pins and control the tension (like “butterfly” weight against the pry bar; barely noticeable). Took me a day to give into top of keyway and try it, and I’m hooked already. After finding the right balance of tension I can now get into the lock in under a minute 🤗. Thanks for your videos! I think I’ve watched them all.

[troybyers]

Wow!
Very new to the SPPing hobby. (I've only been at it for about a month now.)

I just wanted to express my appreciation towards your "Stellar" tutorials.
Your detailed articulation has allowed my skills to flourish.

I only post this now because I was holding off on my American 1205. Your tutorial gave me the confidence to dig in.
Unfortunately I didn't get it on video. (Wasn't expecting the pick) Got it picked though!!
Woohoo!
Little adrenaline rush...

Appreciate your time immensely. Expect a donation to LockTube.

Cheers,
A babe in the cylinder.

[man-in-the-sky]

I think you may have gotten lucky with this one in particular Bill! I have several of these i pick and every single pin is serrated, top and bottom and usually have 2 spools in there. Half the time when you feel a "set" it's actually a serrated top pin caught on the shear line. And then you still have to deal with the spools. Very time consuming to pick them usually for me. But maybe you are just that good! :P

[danielroglich]

Great explanation here, tension always is hard to quantify but you did a good job with it

[dr.sneaky]

I just came into possession of one of these bad boys and it’s kicking my ass! I’ve been picking on it for a week now lol

[artconnolly]

I spp'd my first American lock today. For me the trouble I was having was I was giving it too much tension. once I switched to very vert light it popped. I almost dropped the tension wrench twice as an example.

[FloGrown]

Great video Bill! I've recently gotten into picking & I have found your videos to be most informative for a beginner!

I can honestly say that I am actually doing OK with American locks, well the 1105 & the 1205 so far! I actually do like the fact that I can tell easier where the pins are binding & once I get a false set, I know I'm close!

I'm actually having more difficulties with the master Magnum series with the octagonal shackle & rubber weather cover. I'm not sure if it's because of all the slop in the lock or what, but I am enjoying American locks & have ordered some more off of eBay!

Thanks for all of the great videos Bill, I have watched many & will continue!

[CustomRideOns]

Great YouTube channel! Subscribed. Thanks so much!

[mgt]

Im currently working on 1100 series, still newbie, but finding it hard to get the feel on the pins!! Guess Ill keep on practicing!! Thks for the vids

[jimu]

Still trying to open an 1105 made in 1997. I get some pin sets and major turns on the plug but eventually get to a point of stalemate. I am sure since I am still new at this I am using too much tension and/or over setting at least one pin. I tried picking just before watching this video again. Got several sets and 3 turns of the plug and then nothing. I did check the pins and have at least one that is springy. Gotta have something over set. Glad I found this video. I was starting to think I was going to need magic. I'll git it!

[TheSpkey]

Can you SPP an American Series A50D for us in this Playlist? I am working with a new one I got at Home Depot for $12 and I don't know why I'm having trouble. I think maybe it is because it is new as the tolerances seem really tight. I am using a set of Sparrows Monstrum XXL and even the thinnest picks seem to drag going into the lock to get at the pins. I noticed you are using a Peterson are they perhaps thinner? I have tried both bottom and top tension, like in this video for the 1205 and applying top tension just seems to make things more crammed even though I am doing it lightly like you show. There is a huge space at the bottom of the keyway which would seem to be a better option for tensioning than the top. Thanks for making all the great videos you do! I have learned more from you than anyone else in Locksport.

[COBBADAMS]

How well does a rake work on this? Or do you recommend the single pic?

[northwegianlockpicker]

Thanks for the video Bill! Appreciate the advise! Skol

[chadhenry]

I'm still convinced voodoo is involved somehow... 😜

[scarz]

I read the comments below after watching the vid. That's how my Americans open. Light tension. I have a Federal 90 that will not open until I hit the upper end of moderate tension. I have to use quite a bit of pick pressure but the lock is fairly easy to open that way. More tension locks it up. Less tension and nothing binds. Spools and serrated pins so I know light tension should but doesn't work.All I know to do is try light tension but move on to moderate or even heavy tension if light tension doesn't cut the mustard. You ever run into one like that?

[williefleete]

have you ever picked lever type locks, I know they're probably a bit old bit I think it would be kind of interesting

[smikee]

Hi Bill, i have a Lemen 264 (top Security) which i just cannot SPP! do you have one and would you attempt to spa so i can get some tips? can i send it to you and then watch to see how long it takes you?

[alementary]

I can sometimes open an American 1105 in a few minutes, sometimes it takes me more than a week.