Notes on this lock are not complete. But, by all means read away!

Summary#

Now to start with the lock that broke me into this hobby of lock picking. I thought I would pick up a Master Lock No. 1 brand new for the purposes of adding some of the more common locks to this collection. Mostly because I don’t have keys to the other Master Lock No. 1 padlock I have. One thing I will say is there is a difference between a padlock that is new in the packaging and one I’ve let sit in the garage for a few years.

I may not gut/disassemble this padlock until I’ve reached the point where I’m ready for it. Performing a gutting on the Master Lock No. 1 will require removal of the rivet heads. Which I don’t have tools for just yet.

So this note is about the Master Lock No. 1 padlock. Discussing the lock itself. Some history, specifications, where to find it, who and where it may be used, etc. Although adding this to the lock notes seems trivial and boring. I personally haven’t looked into it’s history. Which given that Master Lock is a household name. I’ll probably delve a little further into it’s history. It’s the least I could do for what is considered to be the most common low security padlock used in the United States.

These notes wouldn’t be very enjoyable if I couldn’t discuss the vulnerabilities of this lock. Which I will provide my findings after various tests upon completion discussing them. Either in video and/or photo format. I intend to buy more of this model with the intention of performing different destructive tests. There are multiple posts everywhere of people finding different ways to break into these that it’s almost boring.

I have been reluctant to make a post about this without taking time to understand it a little more. Just because it’s a lock used by many and has been abused by many. However, there are those who are getting their start in lock picking and this just may be the post for them where they can learn the different vulnerabilties and try those for themselves. Keep to the why of these notes.

Master Lock No. 1#

The Master Lock No. 1 is a laminated steel pin tumbler padlock. These locks are sold with a hardened steel shackle attached with dual locking ball bearings intended to prevent pry resistance. With a four-pin cylinder intended for pick prevension. It’s also weather resistant

Master Lock No. 1

This is one of Master Lock’s most affordable options for those wishing to use them for personal reasons like picking. They are easy. Though some do struggle with it.

History:#

Still researching. Will provide updates when the research is complete.

Intended Use:#

Master Lock’s intended use of the Master Lock No. 1 is industrial, storefront, and business gates. Security gates and fences. Along with tool cribs and vending machines.

This padlock can be used just about everywhere the shackle fits on to prevent opening whatever container or fenced area that needs to be secured. The Master Lock No. 1 will generally keep out some of the curious people. Along with the common individual if they never intend on breaking the lock.

Materials Used:#

Some of the core materials used in the Master Lock No. 1 is Alloy Steel with a laminated finish in the lock body. With a hardened steel shackle.

  • Lock Body: Alloy Steel
  • Lock Shackle: Alloy Steel

These locks are susceptible to physical attacks. Which will be covered in a future section.

Dimensions:#

Here are the dimensions of the lock I purchased. Provided by the vendor either on the packaging or from the Master Lock website. I may not provide every sizing option. But, I will definately provide the one(s) of the locks I have.

  • Lock Body (Width): 1-3/4 in. (44 mm.)
  • Shackle (Length): 15/16 in. (24 mm.)
  • Shackle (Width): 3/4 in. (19 mm.)
  • Shackle (Diameter):** 5/16 in. (8 mm.)

Buying Options:#

The lock that I bought from the hardware store has the 15/16 in. (24mm) shackle length. In the Keyed Different (D) option. But, Master Lock does sell it in multiple options.

Shackle Length(s):

  • 15/16in (24mm)
  • 2in (51mm)
  • 2-1/2in (64mm)

Keying Option(s):

  • Keyed Different1

On the Master Lock website they market in 1 or 3 quantity packs with a link to go to one of their partners. I believe buyers can also purchase by a carton with a quantity of 24 and a shelf pack of quantity of 4.

Features:#

Below are some of the key features Master Lock discusses related to the Master Lock No. 1. Take the features with a grain of salt. Considering that “pick resistance” in this case means “no resistance”. Master Lock is marketing what they intend for the security features this lock provides.

  • 1-3/4in (44mm) Wide laminated steel body for superior strength.
  • Hardened steel shackle for extra cut resistance.
  • Dual ball bearing locking for maximum pry resistance.
  • 4-pin cylinder for added pick resistance.
  • Weather resistant and rugged.
  • Three different sizing options to choose from. (Included in Buying Options)

Gutting The Master Lock No. 1#

I have not gutted this lock given that the rivets don’t provide the ability to do so. But, in the future I intend to take it apart and display gutting the lock. When I do this I’ll be adding pictures and a video to these notes.

Where To Find These Locks#

The Master Lock No. 1 can be found in just about any Home Depot or Lowes I think. I’ve also seen these in Ace hardware store, Walmart, Menards, etc. I haven’t reviewed much else. But, those are the places I would go within the midwest. This is a pretty common padlock. So, you may be able to ask a relative for one to keep if they’re feeling generous as well.

Who May Be Using These Locks?#

Given how common the Master Lock No. 1 is. I would say its use can be found being used anywhere from your school or gym teacher, construction sites, storage units, tool chests, sometimes even bike chains. I’ve even seen these locks used to lock up electrical boxes and traffic cameras. Just depends on who wants to use it. Sometimes people just need a temporary solution to lock up their belongings. Even though I advise against using this model. Sometimes this is the only option someone has or knows of.

Lock Pickers United Rating (White belt)#

Now it’s time to discuss this in relation to the lock sport community. Using the LPU Belt Explorer this lock is sitting in the White belt category. So, to their standards these locks are good for beginners.

The requirement for this to pick this lock with any tool. I think this applies to bypass methods as well. The evidence format for this belt is video or photos showing the turned core.

When I reviewed the lock it provides older pictures of it gutted and presents some information about the standard pins. Along with other parts of the lock. It’s safe to say that this lock is well documented within this community.

Vulnerabilities#

This is where I move to the section of these notes that I find the most fun. I will be experimenting with multiple attacks and I will post the ones that worked. There is a large number of attacks that can be performed on the Master Lock No. 1. Just need to pick one2.

Included in these attacks I will be providing the tools I use to exploit the vulnerabilities on the Master Lock No. 1. If you prefer another tool for the job and want to discuss it. Please send me a message or an email; information can be found on the Contact page of this site. I’d be happy to discuss.

Picking Attacks#

Raking#

Single-Pin Picking#

Conclusions & Opinions#

  1. Key Different generally means a different keys are cut for each lock. This can be shown by the letter shown after the model of lock. Mine had the letter D to show this. ↩︎

  2. I will note that these are tests intended to inform the general public of the locks security. There have been lock companies and lock smiths that would prefer for these vulnerabilities to remain trade secrets. Which is the exact opposite of what a lock company or lock smith should be doing. The competative market should be rewarding lock companies for providing affordable yet secure locks. Not affordable yet insecure locks. On the other side of that coin. I do not condone the attempt of these vulnerabilities on a lock you’re either using or don’t own. As Bosnian Bill would say, “Stay safe and stay legal.” ↩︎