cyrano138 wrote:I was going for kind of a 'lockpicking noir' thing...
I LOVE it! That's a beautiful photo. Cool lighting/shadows.
cyrano138 wrote:Got these (plus a Medeco that will stay in the box for a while) from someone over at lp101 today. I was really proud of myself for getting all three in about five minutes, total.
Great job on the Americans (one of my favorites). And your killin the ABUS's... nice. I haven't picked (or owned many)
but personally, a few give me some trouble for some reason. Guess that just means I'll have to buy more of them. lol
And don't leave that Medeco all by it lonesome for too long... they're fun! Don't doubt yourself. Watch some of Xeo's
vids, read his write-up, and delve right in
cyrano138 wrote:Of course, the Americans might be the newer, crappier, Master built kind, but maybe not. Does anyone know how to tell?
You should be able to tell from the keyways. From your pics I'm pretty certain your 1100 is the original American with an AM3 keyway.
The YEF means it was made around Feb. of 2009. I can't see the keyway on your
5200, but it's from 2005... could be wrong, but I
don't think Master had started muckin shit up yet at that time.
I'm holding one of MasterLocks newer bumpstop versions of the
5200 that has a production date of 2010. The keyway is completely
different from an American, as is the bow of the key. Not sure, but I'd bet both of yours are the 'older' versions. Otherwise, just
gut em' and you'll find out in a hurry. The bumpstop versions have all standard drivers with one bumpstop driver. But I'm thinking
you'll probably find serrated drivers and and hybrid spools.
Also, take a look into the keyway. It's quite possible you'll be able to see the serrations on the first keypin...
and you'll know right then it's 'oldschool'. Master's not putting ANY serrations on the driver OR keypins.
Keep up the good work, and keep those pictures comin'