Lockpicking Master No. 5 (Best Beginner Lock)

Picking the very first lock I ever picked, a classic beginner lock, the Master No. 5. It's a great lock for those new to picking because it is forgiving on tensioning, and is a basic design.

Generally I prefer top of the keyway tension, because it gives you more room and allows you to better feel what is going on inside the lock. I believe that the tight space as a result of bottom keyway tension gives a better and quicker strategy for getting this open.

This video is meant for review/educational purposes, illegal activity using information from this video is not condoned.

[Aussn]

It’s so amazingly scary how easy it is to just get into a lock. I just got my picks in about 15 minutes ago and have a master lock number 5. Going to start learning! New hobby !

[rich]

Thanks I'm used to picking #3 locks this got me out of a huge bind opening my gang box at work

[esqueue]

I literally struggled with this lock for over 6 hours. I then got frustrated and set it away for a month until I saw this video. I watched this video till the 1:14 mark and opened it. I'll finish the video though :D

My problem was way too much tension. None of the videos I saw explained that the extra tension causes oversetting. I looked at the amount of a divot that the tension wrench put in your finger and tensioned it exactly as you show. Got it open in about a minute.

Just picked an old no1 that was trashed and cut due to the welder's key arching out and melting the tip.

[TexasElectrician]

Thanks for the pointers! I worked on a Master no 5 for an hour or more for about three days before I got it open. The second time took less than a minute and the third about ten minutes. Obviously, I don’t have much technique yet. It just shows how easy they are to pick. It did give a feeling of accomplishment and of learning a new skill! I see Master locks completely differently than before, because I knew several ways to defeat them destructively but didn’t know how piss-poor they were against picking. Edit:I don’t have a city rake in the set I inherited, so I got it open by single pin picking. I did rake some with the hook, though.

[randomodbuild]

Thanks! Just picked a 20 year old Master Lock Co. No5 with a lost key that was laying around, thanks to your advice! Great video!

[Vector_QF]

Thanks, my first lock picked today was a master # 5 with help from this vid!

[cplusmcretired]

Unfortunately my lock I got for my storage unit only needs one pin picked to open. But it's helped me get in when I forget my keys. I'll be switching it out shortly.

[fordfisher]

Thank you thank you thank you. Had to make some tools out of a windshield wiper blades metal. I just copied your tools. I have a job box converted into a gun safe and lost my keys. The first lock took a couple of minutes and the second probably 30 seconds. Wow, you saved my bacon.

[craigs]

Dude I used your method today and got this open in seconds

[addads]

COOL!!! Thank you for this video. Now I understand much more. This was my first and I got it within 30 seconds. It was the start from the back that helped. Thank you.

[StephenMaris]

yes, it's really that easy people! buy better locks. I usually just rake these instead of SPP, but it's good as a training lock to do SPP. I started with a clear training lock, which is great to show what is actually happening to conceptualize the insides.

[VideoNOLA]

Ooh, this makes me feel like a n00b, cuz I've been wrestling with two of these No. 5 locks for the past 48 hours to no avail. Single-pin picking, raking, etc. They are so weathered (left outside for years), I'm not sure if they'll ever yield. Haven't tried shimming or bypassing yet, which I know the No. 5's are highly susceptible to as well. THANKS for the tips!

[grpIII]

Can you tell me a good picking set to buy that includes the tools you used in this video? Thanks!

[czar]

Does the 4 pin comb works with this master lock n5?.

[Chinookman]

What's the best don't break the bank source of tools for a No. 5 just to starting anyone? I legit have a No. 5 on a tool chest of mine I need to get into. The stupid lock is recessed so I can't whack it or cut it. Might as well use this as an entry into the hobby. I've always been fascinated with the engineering of lock picks....thanks all!

[jackburtoncantsavelopan]

I got this lock today, it took me 15 seconds to open it with this method. I still cant open it with the quint rake

[calsonmane]

worked first try been trying to get it for days

[MrModelking]

Will this method work the same on a Master commercial No. 5 lock? Also, what size tension wrench and hook did you use?

[Rev]

im trying to pick one of these that is just gummed up with oil and the core is very loose. Its proving to be more challenging than other locks. i already hit it with lube but its just so hard to tension because the core is so loose. Any tips?

[thaghost]

Anyone know what's the difference between this one and a No.5 "KA"?
It's a commercial one (Black rubber instead of blue) and seems to be quite beefier and has a smaller keyway