Master Lock 532

Difficulty Notes

The Master 532 is considered an Orange Belt lock, representing a jump in difficulty from Yellow Belt locks but less than the Blue Belt American 1100. It is described as a 'beast' compared to standard locks but easier than the 1100. Some users note it has a 'jump in difficulty' if coming from easier locks, while others suggest it is a good intermediate step for learning spools.

Sources (r/lockpicking):
- u/Doktor_Weasel (6pts): 'You've got a bit of a jump in difficulty with those locks there... The ABUS 80TI/50 is a beast... rated as a Green Belt... and the American 1100 is a blue'
- u/fastcharliepicker (5pts): '...if your are looking to get something off the Orange Belt list.'
- u/CuriousLockPicker (5pts): 'Both of those are fairly difficult. I'd progress as follows: ... 4. Master 532'
- u/Doktor_Weasel (2pts): 'The 1100 is a really challenging lock... rated at Blue Belt... The 55/40 is an Orange, so two belts lower. So yeah, a bit of a jump.'
[confidence: high]

Bitting Variance

The Master 532 is widely available in US retail stores (Walmart, Ace Hardware) and often features security pins (spools). It is noted as one of the few Master Lock models with decent cores alongside the 410, 911, and Pro Series. Some users mention it may be an exact spring-tensioned core version of the ML 575. There are manufacturing variations; one user notes the No. 5 (DLF) has been redesigned and is easier than expected, while the 532 is consistently cited as having spools. It is recommended for learning to handle spools before moving to higher security locks like the Abus 55/40 or American 1100.

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