American Lock 5200

Difficulty Notes

Far tighter tolerances than Master LOTO; requires a very delicate touch; formidable for new pickers (green belt); varies wildly from easy to super hard depending on the specific lock instance.

Sources (r/lockpicking):
- u/lockpickingmagician (11pts): 'manufacturing tolerances are so sloppy it's just a game of chance'
- u/loupgarou21 (8pts): 'At first the American locks will probably be more difficult for you because of the far tighter tolerances'
- u/vinsanity0 (6pts): 'American 5200 is a formidable lock for a new picker (green belt)'
- u/miller74md (10pts): 'They can vary wildly from easy to super hard'
[confidence: HIGH]

Picking Notes

Jiggle testing pins to determine if they are set before picking; set each pin one click at a time.

Sources (r/lockpicking):
- u/vinsanity0 (6pts): 'I had to be proficient in jiggle testing pins to determine if they were set or not, before picking'
- u/stab_in_the_eye (4pts): 'I always recommend... set each pin one click at a time and then come back'
[confidence: MEDIUM]

Tension Tips

Requires very light tension (just more than needed to keep a TOK tension tool in place); use a TOK prybar for feedback.

Sources (r/lockpicking):
- u/vinsanity0 (6pts): 'you'll need to have a very delicate touch with light tension'
- u/Sir_Picks-A-Lot (5pts): 'American locks need *very* light tension, as in just more than needed to keep a TOK tension tool in place. I recommend using a TOK prybar'
[confidence: MEDIUM]

Bitting Variance

There are multiple versions: The standard A5200 uses an APTC12 core with 5 serrated pins; the US Military version (A5200GLN) uses a shorter APTC15 core; the 'US stamped' version is a bump-stop model with a different core/keyway and is significantly easier; newer styles have cores resembling the Master 6835.

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