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I need some advice on spp'ing a series 50. I have managed to get these locks to a false setting, but never been able to pick them. My dad gave me this lock and I was able to bypass it, but I would like to rekey it. Problem is when I try to shim it the serrated pins catch on the shim. I know that you have to use light tension on these locks, is there anything I can do after it sets false, other than reset the plug?

just use a short hook and spp it.
the false set is wanted when spping.

Yea, thats what I am using. What I don't understand is the procedure used after you get a false set. Thanks for the quick reply .

Klown man, i truly feel for you. I have an american 20 Series that i completed stumped with. The serrated pins just kill me.

Glad to hear I am not alone. I feel like a novice when it comes to these security pins. They really hurt my pride.

Yeah, serrated pins just stop me in my tracks everytime. I have overcome them one time is an american A1100. But otherwise i cannot pick them to save my life.

spp slowly and pay attention to the way your tension wrench feels when you pass a serration. then when you get used to that once you actually hit the gap between the driver & key pin you will notice the difference in feel. just remember to go slow...

I'll give a shot!

let us know how it goes.

Will do!

Just an update on this. I never was able to pick this lock and after I got it shimmed I know why. This thing had three serrated bottom pins and two spools. It also had two serrated top pins. Another interesting thing I forgot to mention was that the rivet (that is normally held on by a screw to secure the bottom plate) was held in place by a flared post. This was a first for me. I guess the customer that bought the lock requested this be done as a feable attempt to keep someone from re-pinning or re-keying the lock. A small punch was all that was required to get around this. Oh well, I am now attempting to rekey the lock. Maybe a seasoned locksmith can give me some advice. How do I calculate what the key cuts should be? Can I mic the pins and be able to use that to calculate my cuts? Of course I don't have the original key (which has the cuts stamped on the bow). Thanks in advance.

glad to hear you got it shimmed.

are you cutting the key yourself?
or do you have one precut?

I am cutting it myself. I bought a fb 200 a couple months back from Vrocco.

ohh yeah i remember that...
well do you want to pin it for use or for a practice lock for picking?

I am going to re-key it for practical use.