Really awesome video! I'm happy and honored that felt value in sharing what I showed you, with others through your channel :). You are a very fast learner and I have no doubt you will be picking your way into some high security locks very soon ;).
@@fishpicks4531 In very happy to be a part of your journey, but don't forget, you are the one that put in the work, and hours to capture this achievement! Keep up the amazing work and I seriously look forward to our next conversation and helping you further! :)
I’m so happy I found this video I’m at the same stage flying threw locks so quick opening every lock and door in my house until a few days ago when I received my package of American 1100’s now I’m stuck and can’t open any of them because I can’t tell the difference between a click and a sheer line click so u over set it! I’m great with spools but not with serated
Since I was a teen, I found locksmithing interesting. Fast forward 35 years I bought a cheap pick set from Amazon last Thursday. To my surprise, I was able to open the clear practice lock quickly. I know, its’s easy. That gave me the confidence to open a real lock. So after a few minutes working a cheap master lock, Boom, I got it open. Now I felt unstoppable. I felt like had a gift. That is until I tried to open an American lock 1100. Dammit! Maybe I didn’t have a gift. After watching many videos on security keys, I was able to open the American in about 3 hours. So I sit here right now, I just opened a different American lock 3 times in a row within a few minutes. Thanks for this video…
Brilliant video. Very well explained. And kudos to Isaac for mentoring. The only thing I could add to this is that at 11:12 in the video you close the shackle of the lock, without having the key in it, causing the core to rotate 180 degrees counter clockwise. At that point you can no longer insert the key and turn the core to its proper position, which makes someone who has not experienced that before believe that the lock is broken, or even bricked. However, you can at that point simply use a tensioner to rotate the core 90 degrees clockwise to bring it back to working order.
Did that on my first rim cylinder. I knew from all the great videos here that the solution was probably simple. But I'll admit it had me just a little bit worried.
You have no idea how grateful I am for your video. I lost hope and stopped picking. After probably close to a year, I watched your video…today…. and I’m finally opening these locks. In less than a minute as well. Thank you very much.
I wish I could like this more than once. I’m nowhere near picking an 1100 yet, but I love the methodical approach and realizing that it’s okay to take things apart first when you’re learning. What a great explanation. Thank you!
Right where I’ve been having difficulty. Just got my first open following your instructions! Didn’t go all the way to progressively pinning but using the bitting of the key to make sharpie marks on my pick made a huge difference in confidently knowing exactly where I was so I could focus more on the feedback. Going to keep opening and drilling this lock and other 1100s I have for a while like that until I can really get the feel and try without the marks
Lock Noob directed me here. I am fairly new to picking and purchased my first American 1100 last week. I am looking forward to using your lesson as my guide to learning this lock.
Rewatched your video , really really helpful , very slow & clear instructions , I look forward to opening my first Am 1100 , I'm 70 yr.s old , thank you so much for making this video , thanks , moe
When you're having trouble with a problem take a break. Practice without insight just leads to frustration. I've opened my 1100 three times but didn't feel like I grasped why. This helped me understand it. Great video!
As a relatively new picker. I have a few of these locks and never have been able to open them. This video was a great help and I'm looking forward to putting some of these lessons to use. Thank you!
Great video as always. I solved the 1100 in much the same way, by progressive pinning and practice. They are such a great locks and taught me so much, including gutting as you discuss in your video
This is great Fish, thanks so much for sharing your process on beating this lock! I still struggle just to know which pin I’m on, on easier locks than the 1100 🤣
Best video I've seen on a systematic approach to learning. Or maybe it came at a time that I was ready to hear it, after hours of frustration. I can breathe on my masterlocks and they open. I can't pick anything else. I am looking forward to applying the lessons from this video on my locks. Thank you!
I’m brand new to lock sport and thanks to this video I was able to pick my American 1100! Took a couple days working up to five pins but getting to know the lock pin by pin helped so much. I feel so accomplished having the 1100 as one of the first locks I ever picked. Thank you. Shoutout to @IsaacHashman
This is just the video I've been hoping for. I bought four 1100's about six months ago but have been stymied by each one. I can even open my 410 Lockout (6 pins) but just cannot move forward on the 1100's. I now have a plan to work to. Thank you.
Excellent video,very well made and some great information. Progressive pinning really helped me learn the 1100, I struggled with it for a long time before I decided to progressive pin it.
Wish I could have been in the classroom with you. That was really fantastic of Issac to spend that much time with you. Obviously the end result was great.
I have the same lock, and have struggled as you did, for months with no success. You put forth some superb tips that I feel confident will help me to open this 1100. I too have the feeling of no feedback from most of the pins, no good clicks, the pins bind really hard with the slightest tension, but your process will help me, I’m sure. Thank You.
What a great video. The way you set up your videos is great. Very informative. Thank you for passing on the lessons learned! Keep it up man. Great work.
bro thank you sooo much for this video!!! i was stuck on the A1100 for two months, watched your video a couple days ago, and was able to pick this lock 5 times yesterday!!! thanks again!
This is really helpful, man. I've been working my way through half a dozen 1100's I picked up on ebay, and at first I was rotating through them like you were. Getting discouraged with one, switching to another, before I decided to just concentrate on one until I conquered it. Glad to hear I'm not the only one! When I bought these I had NO IDEA there would be serrations and spools on literally every pin, hahaha. Oh man. It's been a journey. Anyway, thank you for what you do!
I just picked my brand new 1100 in two days of trying here and there. This is by far the most challenging lock for newbies (like me). Top tip if ever there was one is when you think you have all the pins set, give the tool some turning force. I probably had that lock picked a half dozen times and never knew it because I was relying on tensioning pressure to turn the cylinder, which it won't do due to the significant turning force required.
lovely video again mate.👍 The problems I'm sure that hold me back are 1. My many years metalworking and welding have given me thick skinned hands and fingers. 2. That same occupation + army+ age have depleted my hearing slightly over the years. 3. I suffer from Tinnitus in the left ear. The Tinnitus I've recently been given some very weird exercises for, and they are helping. The slight loss of hearing... Well that's life. The hands ? Well just need to do more washing up and always use Fairy Liquid....... Simples (remember the old advert 😁) Oh yeah.. one more exercise I need to do more..... PRACTICE.
Congratulations, Andy! Excellent video again as well. Now that you have a grasp of it, try picking it in hand rather than in a vice. Once you've accomplished that, try doing it upside down. These are things that I do to simulate "in the wild" situations where we don't have control over orientation. It adds a dimension that I feel will enhance your overall ability. Cheers!
Congratulations again on vanquishing your nemesis 🥳 this video has inspired me to put a bit more time into my ERA IP-38 (essentially a clone of the 1100, although it has 6 pins and two of the springs are much stronger than the others), and a re-pinning kit has moved to the very top of my shopping list. If I ever get it open I'll send it your way, I've not been able to get hold of an 1100 yet and I'd be interested to see how you rate it in comparison. As always, an excellent and informative video, thanks for sharing your experience and I look forward to seeing what you come up with next 👍
Fish, growing up as a child in Northern Virginia. I spent many of nights watching national geographic content on the television into the wee hours of the morning. Trying to keep my heavy lids cracked enough for a slight visual until it became only an audio of interest. It's been a while since I've been this intrigued by the content and it's narration. You sir are the David Attenborough of lock picking and have brought yet another valuable perspective to the table. Thank you.
Thanks for the lessons! I have recently been able to get an open on a couple of locks that have been my nemesis or months! Unless you're a picker, nobody understands the rush of adrenaline you get when you hear that click of the shackle popping. I have recently introduced a friend to the sport. The look of excitement on her face when the lock pops open is priceless! Keep up the great work my friend!
Thank you so much for passing your knowledge along. I can get mine open but not consistent enough for even a video. Sometimes I can get a quick open but when I try again then I struggle. Thank you again for the awesome tips
I know that feeling very well. Hopefully one will come your way soon - maybe arrange a like for like exchange with a picker who lives nearby so you are only dealing with postage?
@@fishpicks4531 you'll get there dude I honestly didn't mean eto make it so difficult I think it's the bitting combined with the mixture of tensions that will be catching you out.
@@smlocks4907 yeah I gutted it to see what I am dealing with and the double spring in the 4th chamber is probably part of the issue but even knowing this, the keyway is really kicking my butt and I can’t seem to get any positive feedback. I’ll stick at it 😉
@@fishpicks4531 I'd recommend maybe a bit heavier tension so you can get a positive click when you set any thing. Maybe worth progressive pinning the CL for the feel of the differing springs. Keep me updated man.
Hey thank you for this video! I picked a couple American padlocks earlier this week but have been stumped on this new pair for a customer, the pick tricks helped a lot! After fixing my pick and marking like your video I was able to open it relatively fast. Thank you!!!!
Thanks - I am always telling my students that the essence of good writing, and by extension, good presentation, is concision and precision - I hope I go some way to reflecting that in my content 😉
thank you - lovely collaboration here - and thank you for breaking it down. and that making the practice so meaningful and specific and doable - TIME is great - but this isn't just hours - it's hours with progressive with attention on a skill. And, go Canada! on Issac's generosity.
Thanks very much for this video. Being new to locksport I especially appreciate tip number 4. I had heard of this approach to pin point picking, but until I saw it done with visual reference I wasn't certain how to do the marking of the pick. Thanks again.
Excellent video as always Fish! I’ve only been able to open one American 1100 so far. It’s a key retaining brass military lock. I used a hybrid technique on it. I raked it into a false set then picked 2 pins to unlock it. I’ve yet to be able to do a straight SPP on it. I’ll give your method a try and see how it works out. Thanks! Also, good for Isaac for being patient and helping to walk you through the process.
Haha @Fish_Picks is a cool guy and the time went by so fast, it was past 1am before I knew it! Thanks for the kind words, and I'm happy to share what I learned :)
@@IsaacHashman I think it speaks a lot about your character that you would spend so much time helping out a new-ish picker. You’re a good fellow for that. I also appreciate that Fish gave you the praise you deserve. Best I can do from here is give you a verbal “attaboy” and a thumbs up. You’re a righteous dude. 👍🏼
I am a beginner and have chosen this American 1100 as my project to learn. I have 6 of these locks and I appreciate the insight you give with grace and humility
I have an additional help. If you find the lock stiff to open, even with the key, you can remove the actuater, spring, ball bearings and shackle so that you remove the stiffness they provide so you can more consistently know that you have picked the lock. The one I was working was so stiff that rotating the core was basically impossible with the tension tool at pressures you would be using to pick the lock so there was no feedback that I had, in fact, picked it. When I pulled the shackle parts it removed that part of the equation. It also puts the lock in a position that if you mess something up while fumbling around that the core can be easily removed since the retaining screw is accessible.
Really enjoyed that, but so much good info- I'm going to need to watch that again...several times!!😁 Isaac helped me out with an oddity lock, a little while ago- top guy. Thanks very much- have a great weekend.👍
@@IsaacHashman - for sure, thanks for your help! Getting my gut/repin set soon and we'll see what resides within. Plus I still have the seller details- I'll look into the provenance of "The Dreaded Schlage"- he may even comment here.....😁
I'm having success with an Abus 55/60. I cant gut it but I know 100% that it has at least one spool and one scirrated driver as well as scirrated first key pin. I think I'm ready to order an American 1100, thanks to this great video!!!
I’ve been struggling with my 1100s for so long it seems. I never thought to remove pins and progressively learn the lock. Such a good idea! You have helped me so much! Really enjoy the videos. Keep em coming.
You've done a nice job of turning the picking of one lock into a class on how to SPP all locks. Nicely done. Also, I love the locksport community's generosity. Five hours with Isaac on discord? Epic.
This is a big help Fish.Iv been struggling with my 1100 I got a few days ago.Iv opened 7 times in the first 2 days but nothing yesterday or today.I will try this technique though👍🏻
Interesting video. I too, got a first open on my 1100. TBH, I got more experience with by picking my Master 911. You get the true sensation of an over set and how to get out of it. The 1100 requires much more finesse but I could feel the oversets and counter rotation more readily. I too found that a longer hook definitely helped. I ended up gutting it and to my surprise, not only are there serrated key pins but the spools are serrated as well! It truly was a steak dinner after eating fast food for quite some time. Now, I'm on to the Paclock 90a Pro. It's a 7 pin beastie.
Always look forward to your videos. Great to see you overcome this challenge and tnx for sharing the tips. I am stuck on a Lockwood 120/50. Cannot remove the core unfortunately, but like the idea of checking the pick on the key. I guess have to put in some more hours.Will look for an 1100 here in Oz. They look beautiful.💪
Well you might know how to put together a well presented video but it's nice to see you're human like the rest of us! lol Knowledge & practice can take you a long way! Some really good tips both for beginners and as reminders to the "pro's". The end of you're video shows people clapping with encouragement and that gives me an idea. I think I will download a video of yelling, clapping people and play it every time I get an open. This will be MUCH better than tell my wife and having her say "Oh, that's nice..."
I've been having the same problem with an older Am Lock, even going through the same steps of trial and error. I was able to open it with the lishi tool, but only once. I don't have an original key so I've got to pick it again in order to take out pins to practice.
Andy, nice job on raising several picking sensations to a consciousness level. The non effect spool driver is never going to do anything other than act as a standard pin, it’s a common floor that is not understood by manufacturers when assembling locks. Big question now, is it a good idea to explain things at this depth level, it could come back to bite us all in the arse !
I think my opinion on sharing information on the channel still holds Martin - most criminal elements won’t take the time or effort required to employ non-destructive methods to gain entry - a crow bar and a pair of bolt cutters is faster and simpler - but you will know better than me whether this is the case in reality. I also maintain that manufacturers will only be obliged to provide better security options when we as a public see through the illusion of low grade ‘solutions’ and vote with our wallets.
@@fishpicks4531 More about making manufacturers aware Andy, at the moment they don’t realise that a spool with a long pin has no effect. If they do,, they can easily stop it happening, making locks harder to pick. Selfishly thinking about my former job !
I can pick security pins and such, but my problem is with heavy Master Locks. M1, M5, #15, etc. I can't get it. And it gets so frustrating when all the advice you get is HEAVY TENSION. Or,TOK, or BOK. I have bent tension tools from the pressure. I have even gutted a few (RIP) They all have the same core as ML#3. I saw some tips in this video I can use. But I can't subtract pins. Anyway, I'll get it figured out. And the celebration will be that much sweeter.
From what I understand the low tolerances on the Master Lock range makes SPP a real challenge at times - it might just be that you are fighting against poor manufacturing. Good luck with it 🙌
that's awesome sir! congratulations on getting passed your hurdle. i have many locks like that and they are euro cores without keys so i am unable to do the sharpie approach. i had thought about doing it before with locks i have the key for, but i didnt consciously about doing my 1100 series as a progressive lock, which makes perfect sense and will have to be something for me to try one day in the near future with the 1100 i have. i have to get some of these euros out of my naughty bucket before i go on that journey. i would like to say thanks you isaac and yourself for this video. keep up the great work fish!
@@IsaacHashman the sharpie approach I have been thinking of to help me defeat one of my 2 master lock#19's for the past month and a half, they are beasts! Have you had a chance to pick and open one of those?
First of all hats of to Issac for his help and support. Then congratulations to you for your dedication and achieving this open in a relatively short time (it took me two years to get mine open)! One point I'd like to explore is the pulsing at 10:38 to tell the state of the pins. I can't say I've heard of this technique before, could you elaborate on this here or possibly in another video?
Thanks - appreciate the feedback. So my understanding is that my pulsing the tension wrench - that is applying light to heavy and back to light again in a series of pulses, you can release a spool that might be stuck or just create some play in the core if feedback seems to have disappeared. Isaac will no doubt be able to give a far better explanation.
![[328] 40mmAL Series: American Lock 1100 (Edge Keyway) Picked and Gutted](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/StZCIDBKI-A/mqdefault.jpg)
Really awesome video! I'm happy and honored that felt value in sharing what I showed you, with others through your channel :). You are a very fast learner and I have no doubt you will be picking your way into some high security locks very soon ;).
With your help perhaps! Thanks again Isaac - this is every bit as much your achievement as mine 🙏
@@fishpicks4531 In very happy to be a part of your journey, but don't forget, you are the one that put in the work, and hours to capture this achievement! Keep up the amazing work and I seriously look forward to our next conversation and helping you further! :)
I’m so happy I found this video I’m at the same stage flying threw locks so quick opening every lock and door in my house until a few days ago when I received my package of American 1100’s now I’m stuck and can’t open any of them because I can’t tell the difference between a click and a sheer line click so u over set it! I’m great with spools but not with serated
Do you also have a channel Isaac
Since I was a teen, I found locksmithing interesting. Fast forward 35 years I bought a cheap pick set from Amazon last Thursday. To my surprise, I was able to open the clear practice lock quickly. I know, its’s easy. That gave me the confidence to open a real lock. So after a few minutes working a cheap master lock, Boom, I got it open. Now I felt unstoppable. I felt like had a gift. That is until I tried to open an American lock 1100. Dammit! Maybe I didn’t have a gift. After watching many videos on security keys, I was able to open the American in about 3 hours. So I sit here right now, I just opened a different American lock 3 times in a row within a few minutes. Thanks for this video…
Hope you found the redit forum r/lockpicking
Ok
Brilliant video. Very well explained. And kudos to Isaac for mentoring. The only thing I could add to this is that at 11:12 in the video you close the shackle of the lock, without having the key in it, causing the core to rotate 180 degrees counter clockwise. At that point you can no longer insert the key and turn the core to its proper position, which makes someone who has not experienced that before believe that the lock is broken, or even bricked. However, you can at that point simply use a tensioner to rotate the core 90 degrees clockwise to bring it back to working order.
Yep good point - appreciate that observation 🙌
Cheers buddy! 🍻
And very good point!
Did that on my first rim cylinder. I knew from all the great videos here that the solution was probably simple. But I'll admit it had me just a little bit worried.
I hope your students know how lucky they are having you as a teacher. Amazing video as always.
Cheers Ray - I think a lot of kids come to appreciate teachers’ efforts later down the line but I appreciate your support and kind comment 🙏
You are a good guy! Who is creditable, honest and a good mentor too.
Cheers John - really appreciate that 🙌
This video has changed my picking I watch and rewatch thank you
Ah that’s great to hear - you’re most welcome 🙌
Very relevant to my current locksport journey. Well-timed! Thank you. Excellent video
My pleasure - hope it helps 🙌
You have no idea how grateful I am for your video. I lost hope and stopped picking. After probably close to a year, I watched your video…today…. and I’m finally opening these locks. In less than a minute as well. Thank you very much.
Wow! Amazing progress, and very happy to hear you are getting back into it :D
Thanks for the walkthrough on this learning process you used.
I wish I could like this more than once. I’m nowhere near picking an 1100 yet, but I love the methodical approach and realizing that it’s okay to take things apart first when you’re learning.
What a great explanation. Thank you!
After watching your video I’ve had great success opening the series 1100 locks, best advice so far… thanks again
Great news - congratulations 👏
Right where I’ve been having difficulty. Just got my first open following your instructions! Didn’t go all the way to progressively pinning but using the bitting of the key to make sharpie marks on my pick made a huge difference in confidently knowing exactly where I was so I could focus more on the feedback. Going to keep opening and drilling this lock and other 1100s I have for a while like that until I can really get the feel and try without the marks
Great stuff - glad it helped
Lock Noob directed me here. I am fairly new to picking and purchased my first American 1100 last week. I am looking forward to using your lesson as my guide to learning this lock.
It’s a great lock model Trent -hope the tutorial helps. Let me know how you get on 🙌
Rewatched your video , really really helpful , very slow & clear instructions , I look forward to opening my first Am 1100 , I'm 70 yr.s old , thank you so much for making this video , thanks , moe
Another excellent and informative video!
Thanks so much 🙏
When you're having trouble with a problem take a break. Practice without insight just leads to frustration. I've opened my 1100 three times but didn't feel like I grasped why. This helped me understand it. Great video!
Great mentor!!!! Wonderful process!!!
Glad you were victorious 😃!!!!!!
Stay safe my friend
🐾🐈🐈⬛🐾😷🇬🇧👏👏👏👏
Couldn’t be better Chris - had my first vaccine - one week’s teaching and then I get a couple of weeks to recover. Hope all is well with you 🙌🙏🐟
@@fishpicks4531 all good here😃
Working on a DYI 2in 1 Chubb Cruiser pick tool.
Plus about 6 others things😂
🐾🐈🐈⬛🐾😷🇬🇧👍👍👍
Brilliant video from top to bottom mate
Well done
Thanks for sharing
Stay well
Cheers buddy - have a great weekend 🙌
Just found your channel. Good stuff, thanks.
My pleasure Ben - thanks for checking the content out 🙌
As a relatively new picker. I have a few of these locks and never have been able to open them. This video was a great help and I'm looking forward to putting some of these lessons to use. Thank you!
Great video as always. I solved the 1100 in much the same way, by progressive pinning and practice. They are such a great locks and taught me so much, including gutting as you discuss in your video
Cheers - good to know. Really enjoying your channel btw 🙌🏻
SUCH A GOOD VIDEO. So much useful information with impeccable clarity.
Wow!! Very well done. Thank you for the great video!
My pleasure - thanks for checking it out 🙏
This is great Fish, thanks so much for sharing your process on beating this lock! I still struggle just to know which pin I’m on, on easier locks than the 1100 🤣
Cheers - well, if you have a key, the pick mark up might really help 😉🙌
Best video I've seen on a systematic approach to learning. Or maybe it came at a time that I was ready to hear it, after hours of frustration.
I can breathe on my masterlocks and they open. I can't pick anything else. I am looking forward to applying the lessons from this video on my locks.
Thank you!
I’m brand new to lock sport and thanks to this video I was able to pick my American 1100! Took a couple days working up to five pins but getting to know the lock pin by pin helped so much. I feel so accomplished having the 1100 as one of the first locks I ever picked. Thank you. Shoutout to @IsaacHashman
Way to go!!!
This is just the video I've been hoping for.
I bought four 1100's about six months ago but have been stymied by each one. I can even open my 410 Lockout (6 pins) but just cannot move forward on the 1100's. I now have a plan to work to. Thank you.
Excellent and very educational
Cheers buddy 😉🙌
Thanks - really value the support and feedback 🙌
Excellent (as usual).
Cheers mate - means a lot 🙌
Great tips! Thanks for sharing!
Excellent video,very well made and some great information. Progressive pinning really helped me learn the 1100, I struggled with it for a long time before I decided to progressive pin it.
It definitely seems like a sound approach
One of the best videos I have seen for lock picking. Shortened the learning curve dramatically. "Thanks Fish".....
My pleasure - glad it was useful 🙌
Wish I could have been in the classroom with you. That was really fantastic of Issac to spend that much time with you. Obviously the end result was great.
Feel free to reach out to me any time buddy :)
And thanks for the kind words
@@IsaacHashman I will keep that in mind. Thanks.
It was a real education in the truest sense 🙏
Great video and tips. Very useful. Thanks to Issac for his patience too. 🤓👍🇦🇺
Yeah Isaac was an absolute star - glad you liked it 🙌
Thanks for the kind words ❤
I just had the privilege of meeting Issac Hashman today. Sat down for like 3hrs and picked some locks together.
Hes a very intelligent guy.
Hurray for Isaac!
Absolutely - he rocks!
Hurray for you! :p
Good to see you here buddy :)
Absolutely 🙌
Excellent video, many thanks.
My please Daryl - glad you liked it 🙌
Managed to get my 1100 picked this morning using a deeper hook.
@@darylmarsh2093 awesome news - congratulations 🎉
I have the same lock, and have struggled as you did, for months with no success. You put forth some superb tips that I feel confident will help me to open this 1100. I too have the feeling of no feedback from most of the pins, no good clicks, the pins bind really hard with the slightest tension, but your process will help me, I’m sure. Thank You.
What a great video. The way you set up your videos is great. Very informative. Thank you for passing on the lessons learned! Keep it up man. Great work.
My pleasure - glad you enjoyed it and I appreciate the encouragement. 🙏
My pleasure mate - I appreciate your support 🙌
Great video , very impressed with both of you working together , thanks ,moe
Great advice and perspective. I picked up a couple of pointers from you. Thanks.
My pleasure - glad you found it useful 🙏
bro thank you sooo much for this video!!! i was stuck on the A1100 for two months, watched your video a couple days ago, and was able to pick this lock 5 times yesterday!!! thanks again!
This is the best video I’ve seen on lock picking !
Truly a must watch for beginners and all !
Thank you Mr Fish Picks !
This is really helpful, man. I've been working my way through half a dozen 1100's I picked up on ebay, and at first I was rotating through them like you were. Getting discouraged with one, switching to another, before I decided to just concentrate on one until I conquered it. Glad to hear I'm not the only one! When I bought these I had NO IDEA there would be serrations and spools on literally every pin, hahaha. Oh man. It's been a journey. Anyway, thank you for what you do!
great tips! thanks mate! I'm currently struggling with the 1100 and will take what you have here to heart
I just picked my brand new 1100 in two days of trying here and there. This is by far the most challenging lock for newbies (like me). Top tip if ever there was one is when you think you have all the pins set, give the tool some turning force. I probably had that lock picked a half dozen times and never knew it because I was relying on tensioning pressure to turn the cylinder, which it won't do due to the significant turning force required.
lovely video again mate.👍 The problems I'm sure that hold me back are
1. My many years metalworking and welding have given me thick skinned hands and fingers.
2. That same occupation + army+ age have depleted my hearing slightly over the years.
3. I suffer from Tinnitus in the left ear.
The Tinnitus I've recently been given some very weird exercises for, and they are helping.
The slight loss of hearing... Well that's life.
The hands ? Well just need to do more washing up and always use Fairy Liquid....... Simples (remember the old advert 😁)
Oh yeah.. one more exercise I need to do more..... PRACTICE.
Now therein lies a locksport challenge.......
Pick a lock wearing gardening gloves and headphones playing ACDC at a moderate level . 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂
@@jeffyates2295 for those about to rake, we salute you!
@@fishpicks4531 😂🤣😂🤣
Congratulations, Andy! Excellent video again as well.
Now that you have a grasp of it, try picking it in hand rather than in a vice. Once you've accomplished that, try doing it upside down. These are things that I do to simulate "in the wild" situations where we don't have control over orientation. It adds a dimension that I feel will enhance your overall ability.
Cheers!
I was once a trapeze artist so upside down should be doable!
Congratulations again on vanquishing your nemesis 🥳 this video has inspired me to put a bit more time into my ERA IP-38 (essentially a clone of the 1100, although it has 6 pins and two of the springs are much stronger than the others), and a re-pinning kit has moved to the very top of my shopping list. If I ever get it open I'll send it your way, I've not been able to get hold of an 1100 yet and I'd be interested to see how you rate it in comparison.
As always, an excellent and informative video, thanks for sharing your experience and I look forward to seeing what you come up with next 👍
Sounds terrifying! Good luck! 🤙
@@fishpicks4531 I've put about 30 hours into it so far 🤣 I'll be throwing a party when I pop it
Fish, growing up as a child in Northern Virginia. I spent many of nights watching national geographic content on the television into the wee hours of the morning. Trying to keep my heavy lids cracked enough for a slight visual until it became only an audio of interest. It's been a while since I've been this intrigued by the content and it's narration. You sir are the David Attenborough of lock picking and have brought yet another valuable perspective to the table. Thank you.
Haha high praise indeed. Thanks so much for such a lovely comment and I will endeavour to continue to pique your interest 🙌
Excellent video thank You for sharing.
My pleasure Charles 🙏
Thanks for the lessons! I have recently been able to get an open on a couple of locks that have been my nemesis or months! Unless you're a picker, nobody understands the rush of adrenaline you get when you hear that click of the shackle popping. I have recently introduced a friend to the sport. The look of excitement on her face when the lock pops open is priceless! Keep up the great work my friend!
Thanks Warren - yes it’s such a buzz when you get an open, right? 😉 Appreciate the support 🙌
Thank you so much for passing your knowledge along. I can get mine open but not consistent enough for even a video. Sometimes I can get a quick open but when I try again then I struggle. Thank you again for the awesome tips
My pleasure - just passing along what Isaac and others have shared with me - keep the energy flowing 😉
Hope they help - you’ll get there. Consistency is the last piece of the puzzle to fall into place 😉
Well done. Only wish l had one to pick. Having no funds to buy new locks I've picked the few I've got.
I know that feeling very well. Hopefully one will come your way soon - maybe arrange a like for like exchange with a picker who lives nearby so you are only dealing with postage?
Great video dude great info for people new to picking 1100s
Cheers mate - now if only I could figure out how to open your CL!
@@fishpicks4531 you'll get there dude I honestly didn't mean eto make it so difficult I think it's the bitting combined with the mixture of tensions that will be catching you out.
@@smlocks4907 yeah I gutted it to see what I am dealing with and the double spring in the 4th chamber is probably part of the issue but even knowing this, the keyway is really kicking my butt and I can’t seem to get any positive feedback. I’ll stick at it 😉
@@fishpicks4531 I'd recommend maybe a bit heavier tension so you can get a positive click when you set any thing. Maybe worth progressive pinning the CL for the feel of the differing springs. Keep me updated man.
Hey thank you for this video! I picked a couple American padlocks earlier this week but have been stumped on this new pair for a customer, the pick tricks helped a lot! After fixing my pick and marking like your video I was able to open it relatively fast. Thank you!!!!
Well spoken Fish! This teacher appreciates your clarity. =)
Thanks - I am always telling my students that the essence of good writing, and by extension, good presentation, is concision and precision - I hope I go some way to reflecting that in my content 😉
Wow great info here. Received and picked my first 1100 series today. What an amazing lock!! Gonna order a couple more for sure. Liked and subbed.
Thanks for this. I just got my first American lock 1100 and I'm working on it now
Again a wonderful teaching video. I always learn and enjoy the information you present. please keep it up, thanks.
Will do - thanks for your encouragement 🙏
thank you - lovely collaboration here - and thank you for breaking it down. and that making the practice so meaningful and specific and doable - TIME is great - but this isn't just hours - it's hours with progressive with attention on a skill. And, go Canada! on Issac's generosity.
Another really well-done video, Fish. And Isaac is also posting some impressive stuff on the Facebook groups. Great collaboration, both of you..!
Thanks - another collab with Isaac will follow soon 😉
Thank you brother! :)
Wonderful fish, I can relate to your picking journey, you show your success and failures, I get excited for you :)
Haha well great to have you sharing the journey with me 🙌
Thanks very much for this video. Being new to locksport I especially appreciate tip number 4. I had heard of this approach to pin point picking, but until I saw it done with visual reference I wasn't certain how to do the marking of the pick. Thanks again.
Thank you for this! Solid information. I’m going to try it today. Really great video tutorial on training.
Excellent video as always Fish! I’ve only been able to open one American 1100 so far. It’s a key retaining brass military lock. I used a hybrid technique on it. I raked it into a false set then picked 2 pins to unlock it. I’ve yet to be able to do a straight SPP on it. I’ll give your method a try and see how it works out. Thanks! Also, good for Isaac for being patient and helping to walk you through the process.
My me know how you get on - sounds like you are more than half way there 😉
Haha @Fish_Picks is a cool guy and the time went by so fast, it was past 1am before I knew it!
Thanks for the kind words, and I'm happy to share what I learned :)
@@IsaacHashman I think it speaks a lot about your character that you would spend so much time helping out a new-ish picker. You’re a good fellow for that. I also appreciate that Fish gave you the praise you deserve. Best I can do from here is give you a verbal “attaboy” and a thumbs up. You’re a righteous dude. 👍🏼
@@FriedPi-mc5yt haha you rock man ❤ ty 😀
Thank you for this video. I used all your advice and got my first open the same day.
Way to go!
The skeptical shot at 2:18 is the best part 😂
I am a beginner and have chosen this American 1100 as my project to learn. I have 6 of these locks and I appreciate the insight you give with grace and humility
Love this video, great job
Cheers mate - put a lot of time into this one 😉
A solid 5 hour lesson mate... nice one... learnt a lot from this.
Ah thanks mate - I’m proud of this one - put a lot of hard work into the content and editing 🙌
Glad it is useful mate 🙌
Awesome video with some excellent advice! Thank you for sharing what you’ve learned. 🙏
My pleasure Andrew - really appreciate you supporting the channel so consistently 🙌
I have an additional help. If you find the lock stiff to open, even with the key, you can remove the actuater, spring, ball bearings and shackle so that you remove the stiffness they provide so you can more consistently know that you have picked the lock. The one I was working was so stiff that rotating the core was basically impossible with the tension tool at pressures you would be using to pick the lock so there was no feedback that I had, in fact, picked it. When I pulled the shackle parts it removed that part of the equation. It also puts the lock in a position that if you mess something up while fumbling around that the core can be easily removed since the retaining screw is accessible.
Great video keep up good work. . Pay attention to tension.
Will do my best!
I am eternally grateful to your approach, and your dedication. I've learned a valuable lesson.
Yes! Yes! Yes! Good video. 👍 Cheers Andy. Take care. Cheers Isaac.
Cheers Derrick - Isaac was a superstar 🙌
Cheers! 🍻
Thanks buddy 🙌
Really enjoyed that, but so much good info- I'm going to need to watch that again...several times!!😁
Isaac helped me out with an oddity lock, a little while ago- top guy.
Thanks very much- have a great weekend.👍
Thanks Pete - put a lot of time into this episode so if it stands up to multiple views, then I’m delighted - have a great weekend. 🙌
That is a very cool lock you have, let's make sure to stay in touch with your progress learning about it (and also picking it down the road!) 😀
@@IsaacHashman - for sure, thanks for your help!
Getting my gut/repin set soon and we'll see what resides within.
Plus I still have the seller details- I'll look into the provenance of "The Dreaded Schlage"- he may even comment here.....😁
@@petew9087 haha! My pleasure :D
Where are you Ebay seller? Are you here?
I'm having success with an Abus 55/60. I cant gut it but I know 100% that it has at least one spool and one scirrated driver as well as scirrated first key pin. I think I'm ready to order an American 1100, thanks to this great video!!!
Additionally, this is a highly underrated video and I intend to share it in all future reference to other pickers.
Just wonderful.
Eyyyyy congrats on the new milestone Fish great opens and tips.
I’ve been struggling with my 1100s for so long it seems. I never thought to remove pins and progressively learn the lock. Such a good idea! You have helped me so much! Really enjoy the videos. Keep em coming.
You've done a nice job of turning the picking of one lock into a class on how to SPP all locks. Nicely done. Also, I love the locksport community's generosity. Five hours with Isaac on discord? Epic.
Thanks -yes he was incredibly generous - there is no way I would have achieved this without his guidance. Glad you liked the tutorial 😉
It was indeed epic mate 😉
Wow this is really great advice, thanks!
This is a big help Fish.Iv been struggling with my 1100 I got a few days ago.Iv opened 7 times in the first 2 days but nothing yesterday or today.I will try this technique though👍🏻
Great video! Thank you.
Interesting video. I too, got a first open on my 1100. TBH, I got more experience with by picking my Master 911. You get the true sensation of an over set and how to get out of it. The 1100 requires much more finesse but I could feel the oversets and counter rotation more readily. I too found that a longer hook definitely helped. I ended up gutting it and to my surprise, not only are there serrated key pins but the spools are serrated as well! It truly was a steak dinner after eating fast food for quite some time. Now, I'm on to the Paclock 90a Pro. It's a 7 pin beastie.
Just saw your pic on the Facebook forum - really interesting. I’ll definitely keep an eye out for those serrated spools.
Always look forward to your videos. Great to see you overcome this challenge and tnx for sharing the tips. I am stuck on a Lockwood 120/50. Cannot remove the core unfortunately, but like the idea of checking the pick on the key. I guess have to put in some more hours.Will look for an 1100 here in Oz. They look beautiful.💪
I have come to love them - I’m sure you’ll find other pockets there who can lend you an 1100
Well you might know how to put together a well presented video but it's nice to see you're human like the rest of us! lol Knowledge & practice can take you a long way! Some really good tips both for beginners and as reminders to the "pro's". The end of you're video shows people clapping with encouragement and that gives me an idea. I think I will download a video of yelling, clapping people and play it every time I get an open. This will be MUCH better than tell my wife and having her say "Oh, that's nice..."
Haha that sounds like a great plan. And my wife will attest that I am very, very human!
And nicely done Fish! Ready for the next one? Medeco? 😛
My next is a Mul-T-Lock interactive so just got the picks and will start modifying them over the weekend 😉
@@fishpicks4531 oh very nice! Good luck!
Haha I think it will be a while before that is within my reach but a man can but dream 😉
I've been having the same problem with an older Am Lock, even going through the same steps of trial and error. I was able to open it with the lishi tool, but only once. I don't have an original key so I've got to pick it again in order to take out pins to practice.
Andy, nice job on raising several picking sensations to a consciousness level. The non effect spool driver is never going to do anything other than act as a standard pin, it’s a common floor that is not understood by manufacturers when assembling locks. Big question now, is it a good idea to explain things at this depth level, it could come back to bite us all in the arse !
I think my opinion on sharing information on the channel still holds Martin - most criminal elements won’t take the time or effort required to employ non-destructive methods to gain entry - a crow bar and a pair of bolt cutters is faster and simpler - but you will know better than me whether this is the case in reality. I also maintain that manufacturers will only be obliged to provide better security options when we as a public see through the illusion of low grade ‘solutions’ and vote with our wallets.
@@fishpicks4531 More about making manufacturers aware Andy, at the moment they don’t realise that a spool with a long pin has no effect. If they do,, they can easily stop it happening, making locks harder to pick. Selfishly thinking about my former job !
Thank you!
number 3 tip is soooo clutch, never though of doing that
I can pick security pins and such, but my problem is with heavy Master Locks. M1, M5, #15, etc. I can't get it. And it gets so frustrating when all the advice you get is HEAVY TENSION. Or,TOK, or BOK. I have bent tension tools from the pressure. I have even gutted a few (RIP) They all have the same core as ML#3. I saw some tips in this video I can use. But I can't subtract pins. Anyway, I'll get it figured out. And the celebration will be that much sweeter.
From what I understand the low tolerances on the Master Lock range makes SPP a real challenge at times - it might just be that you are fighting against poor manufacturing. Good luck with it 🙌
that's awesome sir! congratulations on getting passed your hurdle. i have many locks like that and they are euro cores without keys so i am unable to do the sharpie approach. i had thought about doing it before with locks i have the key for, but i didnt consciously about doing my 1100 series as a progressive lock, which makes perfect sense and will have to be something for me to try one day in the near future with the 1100 i have. i have to get some of these euros out of my naughty bucket before i go on that journey. i would like to say thanks you isaac and yourself for this video. keep up the great work fish!
Will do and good luck with those euros - they can be very naughty little locks!
It's my pleasure! Truly happy to help share the knowledge :)
@@IsaacHashman the sharpie approach I have been thinking of to help me defeat one of my 2 master lock#19's for the past month and a half, they are beasts! Have you had a chance to pick and open one of those?
@@j.gabriel8573 unfortunately not, but they look really cool/tricky! Would love to give one a shot when I get a chance!
@@IsaacHashman your wish is granted. You have an email attached to your channel?
Thank you.
I’ll try that on my ASSA RUKO 2.
Let me know how you get on 🙌😉
Good luck - let me know how you get on 🙌
Great video
First of all hats of to Issac for his help and support. Then congratulations to you for your dedication and achieving this open in a relatively short time (it took me two years to get mine open)!
One point I'd like to explore is the pulsing at 10:38 to tell the state of the pins. I can't say I've heard of this technique before, could you elaborate on this here or possibly in another video?
Thanks - appreciate the feedback. So my understanding is that my pulsing the tension wrench - that is applying light to heavy and back to light again in a series of pulses, you can release a spool that might be stuck or just create some play in the core if feedback seems to have disappeared. Isaac will no doubt be able to give a far better explanation.