[378] Chateau C970 Disc Padlock Picked

[@lfiskgr]

Quite a few of those style locks have a small drain hole in the back that lines up with the keyway. You can insert a tension wrench there and have the front completely open for pick manipulation. Very handy with that tight keyway. I was waiting for a rear view but no luck this time... Very nice pick, thanks!

[@lockpickinglawyer]

This lock has it. I know exactly what hole you're talking about... never thought to tension them from the back. Interesting idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@1ambulator]

That hole is pretty small in diameter. Maybe 1/8". Are you suggesting a round tension bar with the ends smashed to make a flat end? A standard tension bar won't fit. Great info, I'll try it.

[@davidstain1811]

This is the lock I started with, Im still working on it. Still have a lot to learn. Thanks for the videos, I always enjoy!

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

Did you crack it? I've got a 5 pin version of this kind and have yet to have a breakthrough.

[@BackyardRevivals]

@@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017 watch my video its all about brute force, guess ill make a tutorial on how I do it

[@LUVLIGHT541]

I got one of these on my storage unit, it's in a decently protected storage unit, so I wasn't that worried about it, but they sold them at the storage unit. That made me worried, but I'm glad they have good locks! Thank you lpl!

[@Magnymbus]

I've had one of these locks for years and only recently started watching your stuff. When I noticed you picked one of these, I was prepared to hear that it was an absolute disaster of a lock, but I was pleasantly surprised by the result. Do you still stand by your assessment of this lock a few years later though I wonder>

[@NismoXero]

I just picked my first lock. One of these I had lost the key to. Glad to see it gave you a moment's pause. After watching some of your vids it only took a few mins with home made torsion bar and pic made from old wiper blade inserts. Getting faster every time I try. Thank you for the education!

[@dougdrinkwater5843]

My mother owns this lock, and I had made numerous attempts on multiple occasions to pick it. There have been very few (if any to my recollection) locks that I have not, given enough time and attempts, been able to pick. Still; time after time this lock frustrated me. I am proud to say that I felt that familiar rush as the last pin "clicked" and the tension wrench turned in my hand. certainly a good lock that I might have given up on all together had I not been inspired to persevere by this video. They are always a pleasure (at least to those who know that sense of success of picking a lock). Thank you for all of your work..

[@1ambulator]

Could it have been dirty inside?

[@dougdrinkwater5843]

@@1ambulator I did eventually succeed. The lock itself was relatively clean and only light used (indoors). I often use a little bit of graphite powder on those locks that don't yield quickly. I can't recall if I did with this one tho.

[@1ambulator]

@@dougdrinkwater5843 great idea, thanks

[@MurkysVideos]

im completely new to lockpicking and i picked my very first lock today. I have this exact lock and I am struggling hard on it! still not able to open it. Watching your videos helps me stay focused! lol. thank you

[@timothybcoleman]

Imagine my surprise and excitement when I got the KZbin notification that you posted this video less than 24 hours after a coworker gave me two of these locks! He gave them to me to have fun picking and also so I can try my hand at impressioning a key, as keys to both had been lost somewhere on a Boy Scout camp. But when I was able to watch your video (while I was doing "paperwork"), the very first thing that caught my attention was showing that your lock has a reverse Yale keyway. The two I was given have keyways that mirror your lock. I'll try to direct message you a picture of mine. But the mirror keyway seems to pose more of a challenge because a bottom tension lands right on the warding.

[@lockpickinglawyer]

Got your email. I don't know enough about Chateau products to say why/what that means... FWIW, I prefer your keyway if only because I am far more accustomed to it. As for bottom tension, you just need to use a narrower tension wrench (see video 312)

[@borismezhibovskiy7607]

@@lockpickinglawyer I have the C870 with that hole in the back, and I can actually fit my pick in there. Tension from the front, pick from the back?

[@dragonore2009]

Ah man, this is the one on my storage unit.

[@NoNORADon911]

Yep lol

[@NoNORADon911]

Still it took him a minute, that's like 10 min for a novice I would guess lol, if at all, actually not bad for an $8 lock. For a lock that takes him an additional 30 seconds would cost another $35+ It would seem.

[@BackyardRevivals]

@@NoNORADon911 nah it was my first lock and I can do it in 37 seconds

[@BackyardRevivals]

@@NoNORADon911 i have a video of me doing it in 37s

[@dudekazoo]

I think it's like THE lock that storage places sell. I googled it just to see how it fared in his video.

[@blupupher]

I just got one of these locks when cleaning out my dad's shed (along with 5 other Master/Brinks/Unknown locks). I was able to pick all the locks except this one, so came here to see if you had done one. I am only still in the beginning stages of picking, and only have a cheap $10 e-bay pick set, but glad to see it is not just me. I could not tell if it had 5 or 6 pins, and have only picked 4 and 5 pin locks up till now. I started at bottom of key way tension, so looks like I am doing that part right, I also saw the hole in the back and thought about using that for tension to give me a little more room.

[@AlbertLebel]

I have the same lock. Took me almost ten minutes to pick it. But I’m a newbie in this hobby. Well done L.P.L. Always enjoy watching you work the locks. All I have right now is a small Southord pick set. Not many picks to work with. The better sets are a bit pricey for me. Maybe some day.

[@Suiseisexy]

lol I love that there was in fact a one day, I just watched a multipick review by you and bought the set.

[@gabebancroft]

I randomly found this exact lock while clearing out our garage before moving, and I didn't expect to find a video of yours on it.

[@Cameron_J]

I have unfortunately inherited one of these locks due to covid. For the better part of a couple hours I gave it my best, which was a complete failure. I looked up the model on google and ironically your channel had a video on it. I have been watching this channel for several years now, and had already watched this video in particular when it was released. Now that I have watched it again as a refresher, I have become a bit jealous that this video only lasted 4 minutes (3 of those just talking). I can say for certain this lock didn't look that hard sitting in the box I found it in. As this is a hobby, all of my picks are home brewed out of any "springy steel" I find. When you brought out that ultra thin small hook I quickly realized my failures. I will be throwing this demon in a drawer until I can get a better set of picks. Thanks for the great video as always, I just wish it would have taken you longer to open.

[@JessHull]

I forgot about this lock! Its good to see it again. When I was super new to picking this was the lock I chose to learn on, Not the best choice in retrospect, but it was what I laying around before I started buying locks. It took me 3 or 4 days to get it open the first time, using cheap klom picks, LOL, Thanks for showing it and great picking. Now you just need to show the La Gard, but that thing is a pain to gut, really annoying.

[@lockpickinglawyer]

Thanks... LaGard is still up in PA. :-( Sorry.

[@ronnieharp]

A thief does not have the time, skill and convenience to hold the lock as you are. Had storage units for over 30 years. Never had this problem. This is the best video though!

[@12strongmike]

I have just picked a Sterling disc lock.....it was a nightmare and required very heavy tension..... love the vids!

[@lockpickinglawyer]

Thanks... I don't think I've picked a Sterling Disc lock before.

[@TyBraek]

I just attempted my first lock pick today with this lock. Took me a few minutes but I got it! The second try only took me about 30 seconds. So stoked!

[@sheriff9396]

That lock put up a bit of a fight, great walkthrough LPL!

[@lockpickinglawyer]

Thanks.

[@carywilkins4042]

🎉can you close the picked lock with the tension rod

[@GonzoLarry]

I am glad you not my neighbor, and that you use your powers for good not evil! Two of these exact locks guarded all my stuff in storage containers for months. Next time, I'll just hire you, LPL.

[@doggoman05]

This was one of the first locks I picked and I picked it in a couple minutes three times in a row. Haven't been able to pick it since

[@kelrik9968]

So I just got my Covert Instruments FNG kit today, and after picking the practice lock a few times, I decided to try on a random lock I had laying around, figuring it would be pretty easy - it was some cheap made-in-Chna thing I had picked up to lock a storage locker years & years ago. After making no progress at all, I googled to see if you had ever tried it. Mine is a Chateau C99X rather than C970, but the only obvious (to me) difference is a plastic cover over the keyway. Nice to know it wasn't too bad a choice to lock up valuables.

[@CecilDSouza]

You are a real expert in lockpicking. You even show and explain it so clearly. And you have such a pleasant way of speaking. I have watched others but they don't really show and explain it the way you do. My friend lost my storage key which was the same type of lock but C870. I am not there in the country and can I get a locksmith to pick it?. Can a bump key be made?.

[@HmmmmmLemmeThinkNo]

I'm thoroughly surprised my parents managed to get a good lock to use to lock our gate

[@GeneralMetrac]

My friend actually has one of these at his house... I assumed it was fairly cheap since he got it from a public storage locker he rented out. Just bought my first set of picks, being the praxis kit, so kinda excited to give it a go after seeing it picked.

[@lockpickinglawyer]

Congrats on your first pick set... these Chateau locks are probably not beginner locks, so expect this to give you some trouble.

[@chavisrodgers2789]

I was able to get into it very quickly rocking it with a city rake and pulsating tension! Just wanted to share!

[@danielroglich3309]

Great job picking as always brother and thanks for sharing it with us.

[@Potti314]

That's a really nice lock. Great picking as usual :-)

[@lockpickinglawyer]

Thanks.

[@travistibbs1530]

After watching LPL and BosnianBill for long enough, I finally sprung for a beginner set of picks. This was one of the 1st three I tried. Thankfully, I knew from watching these guys that the the MasterLock that I take to the gym would be a great place to start (and it was) and the KwikSet on my back door started to help me transition from brute raking to actually feeling pins. But, this C970 continues to elude me. So, after Googling, I found that LPL had done this video on it a couple of years ago! Excitedly, I loaded the video and was encouraged to hear that this wasn't without its challenges. But, it's nice to know which way I should be turning the tension and apparently I *don't* need to try to be in top of keyway for this one. I'll keep trying! I'll try the short rake, again, too. If LPL can do it in 1.5min or so, I can expect it to take me some time (1.5mos? :) ). Now that I remember what the key looks like for this padlock, I think I'll keep an eye out for the key around the house, too. :) Thanks @LockPickingLawyer for the encouragement, education, and entertainment!!!

[@1ambulator]

Many current Chateau keys are white. 12/22

[@LoserDub]

Chateau seems to be a pretty solid lock maker, good choice

[@evincent38]

I know this is an old video. But can you tension from the hole in the back? I was messing with my C870 with my Genesis set from CI. I feel like it can be turned. I’m very new and I was wondering if maybe I found something. If you have a video already let me know. You’re awesome LPL. You got me into this hobby. Used it at the lake the other day on a master lock where we got locked into a part of the park.

[@Bloo57999]

I've drilled these, bolt cut over a hundred and cut many with a grinder. Bolt cutting is the way to go. Pro tip: if the neck is completely covered, use big bolt cutters to pinch the edge of the body, and pry the body off to reveal the neck and boltcut that, ez

[@robc248]

Working on one of these right now. Pretty tough for the price.

[@BackyardRevivals]

Nah my first lock i picked and now I can do it in like 30 seconds

[@AM-wk9od]

Wow almost a full minute, pretty good

[@kensperspective]

I manage a storage facility with 200 of these. So far I’ve just chopped them off like my predecessor, maybe I’ll buy a pick.

[@lmars5933]

great lock thanks for the video. vary well explained. 😎😎😎😎😎

[@lockpickinglawyer]

Thanks.

[@Silentguy_]

Been trying to work on a friend’s Chateau C 99X for a few days now. I’ve managed to open it maybe 3 times but I’m still fairly new to picking. The worst thing I’ve found is the very restrictive keyway and the seemingly sloppy key pins that fall very deep into the keyway. I don’t have a key to look at but I assume there is some monstrous bitting going on here.

[@chromecast150]

I noticed that when the lock is attached to something it makes it a whole different animal Lolol

[@robc248]

Finally got it open for the first time ever! Took about a minute, wasn't easy. Any tips for someone new?

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

If you did it in a minute you should be the one giving tips. I've spent hours on a five pin version and can't get anywhere.

[@nightterror007]

Came to you for help with this particular lock (at least an hour over the last 2 days working on it) and I was surprised to see you use a tension bar and tool that looked identical to the ones I chose for the job *score*. Then you so easily and confidently maneuvered each pin in such a shore amound of time. I can barely tell which pin I am on when looking through my clear training lock, much less know how hard to tension or pick pressure. Going to keep practicing, and maybe get some thinner picks!

[@metamorphicorder]

ive opened cheteau locks with keys from other locks by jiggling. the key variations seems pretty narrow. nice video. not a difficult lock, 90% of its security comes from the keyway shape. they can be cut prettt easy unless its the newer style with the aluminum internal block.

[@lockpickinglawyer]

Interesting... this one seemed a bit too well made for jiggling attacks to work unless the bitting was total crap. As for cutting, they are not hard to cut... just harder than most locks.

[@metamorphicorder]

that lock might have been a little bit better because it was six pin, i think all the ones ive messed with have been 5. they have prettt good tension that makes them a little annoying to pick. i saw bill attack an abus disc lock with a torch because it had a zinc plug the core was stuck in. the plug melted out of the body, a screwdriver was used to lever the core out and turn the mech. i dont think that would work on this one but its interesting that it did with an abus.

[@billbacardi3262]

Nice job. I never have any luck with those things.

[@lockpickinglawyer]

Thanks.

[@Jeffindsm]

The key is a problem in that the plastic is the top and if that comes loose the key is lost. It's not a full tang key or head or whatever you put you thumb on to turn it. It's just a little jagged wretch of a top of a key that doesn't fasten into your keychain. Just the plastic is holding that key on.

[@wysmolek]

When I'll get more proficient with my kasp disc padlock I'll send it to you. It's all (5) serrated key pins rest is standard (maybe 1 shallow spool), crunchy from some gunk inside the core is still giving me a hard time. But you can rake it open (easiest approach for me or with more success rate). But I think it's the best protected disc padlock with a pin tumbler core. And it's the cheapest (from ABUS, Burg Wächter etc.). In my opinion kasp offers most of the time best bang for buck.

[@lockpickinglawyer]

Interesting... I've been pretty impressed with Kasp products... though the 19070X core is a bit of a joke compared to the lock body.

[@miksquad5048]

Just moved to a new area and have a 12x40 storage unit that I got less than a week ago for many items as well as a rare older vehicle and so they give you this lock as a comp. I come from trucking so no matter what lock I use I always use a numbered trailer style seal as well to inform me if it has been tampered with. Today I went to check on the unit and my seal had been broken I can only assume that the lock was opened as well. Now I am stressing out thinking someone is casing my unit and not sure what to do.

[@donzmilky5961]

Put a better lock on your unit and re seal it.

[@tomareani512]

We sell these locks to customers at Public Storage. We are even told to "advertise" them to our customers as being "pick, drill, and corrosion resistant, with a minimum of 5 security pins and a hardened steel shackle". Good to know I'm not bullshitting my customers. If it takes you longer than 15 seconds to get through a lock, its a good lock, imo.

[@ExquisitecorpsePDX]

The cold snapped my key and I have lost the end on my way home one night. Is there anything I can use at home that will do the job? I already spent a good sum on an 18" bolt cutter that didnt work out so im trying to budget this project

[@bradfordjeff]

I have been fighting one of these for several weeks.

[@SeekAndDestroyTM]

I've picked a few different padlocks (maybe 20?) with no trouble. Nothing takes more than 5 minutes first try. This lock I've tried for over an hour and still no luck.

[@reyes09071962]

Please revisit by tensioning as you did but picking through hole in back.

[@cwhiatt73]

Struggling like hell on this one. I have a Praxis Dangerfield pick set and have tried several hooks and no such luck yet.

[@MrHornedhalo]

My storage facility gives these out . Lock puck lawyer I am an ex Public Storage Employee and I am come from a long line of locksmiths , criminals and tool designers . My grandfather is the tool designer listed On The initial Kwickset Patent . Anyway enough pedigree right ? have you ever picked the chateau red and blue auction locks ? Not the plastic ones but the metal discs???

[@swampfox99]

I’d be interested to see destructive attacks on these locks. I’ve found two in a storage locker facility where I’ve worked, and one had the body cut open with an angle grinder.

[@Bigmonto]

My father in law owns a storage and these are the only locks they sell on site.

[@j.2632]

Nice pick! The hardest thing about these locks is the short core i think. Have you ever tried a disk lock with dimple core?

[@lockpickinglawyer]

Thanks... and see video #154 for a dimple cored abus disc lock.

[@TheRealHatsune]

I forgot how calm and less cocky he sounded back then haha

[@whitechris720]

Storage company sold me this lock. 1st thing I had to do was see if the lock picking lawyer had a video on it. Glad he didn't say it was a piece of junk.

[@Doggieman1111]

Cool story, thanks for sharing

[@mikkomakinen1879]

You have a new lamp

[@frank9240]

not a bad lock for the price I guess...at least it's got 6 pins, that's better than 4 or 5!!

[@Leonslockpad]

nice picking m8 i find them very slippery to hold when picking🔐😊😊👍👍

[@lockpickinglawyer]

Thanks... they can be.

[@dazevers]

Great pick 👍

[@lockpickinglawyer]

Thanks.

[@erschaff97]

So I have this exact model, and I lost my keys. If I bring it to a idk who, can he somehow give it a new pair of keys?

[@bonniewallen8460]

I have this type of lock on a shed in my yard. The shed has old furniture in it so I didn't need to get into it. Well now, I want in the shed but the lock is frozen. I've sprayed WD 40 a few times but nothing moves. HELP!

[@1ambulator]

Balistol is an excellent cleaner.

[@danielhutchinson9976]

I've the 870 , and we just can't get it. A total of 3 dude have failed . All of us have some experience . Tried raking , tried picking , but I've got this other pick called a cutoff disc angle grinder . Hope we don't have to get some C- 4 and blow it off it's getting stupid.

[@1ambulator]

Could the lock be dirty inside? That certainly would inhibit pin movement.

[@nakiankim2012]

@LockPickingLawer hi. How did you tell that the lock was already been picked? Does a line of dent streaking from the keyhole an evidence?

[@UllrT]

ok, i've been working on this kind of lock for a LOT longer than 3 minutes... granted, i'm VERY new... but... damn.

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

You and me both. I've got a 5 pin version and I've got nothing after a few hours messing with it. Not a hint of rotation.

[@reyes09071962]

Could you revisit this lock using Lishi?

[@dei_stroyer]

My communal washing machines have these :> MWUAHAHA

[@tier1solutions28]

I can't pick this. Any advice?

[@arnoldkotlyarevsky383]

I have one of these and the key sticks a bit. Is this an obstacle to picking? I certainly cannot pick it open. Is there anything I can do to fix this?

[@stephenecappssr7651]

good job it took me 6 moths to pick my first one Y6 keway

[@lockpickinglawyer]

Thanks... pick selection is very important for these keyways.

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

What does a pin that "feels set" feel like?

[@jtdlauro81]

I'm learning so my sister gave me an 870 to try. I think I know why I'm still trying to get it open. Lol

[@christopherfoulk9931]

Since this lock requires the key to normally locket if you picked it open would you be able to lock it without the key?

[@OutlawJesseJames]

Oh wait this is the one I need to get off. Ugh I sure hope I can easily pick it

[@VirginiaRodriguez-v5m]

What are the tools need to pick and where to purchase. I have lost my key

[@donzmilky5961]

I have a c99x with super brutal bitting, not sure if ill ever get it open, core has really strong tension spring but after a few degress rotation becomes a dead core. Im a newbie, and so far have only found 1 video of someone opening a c99x and it looks fake because its a grainy video and he rakes it open, and the shackle has been cut, and he doesnt lock it with the key, he uses a tension wrench and i cant hear the click of the shackle.

[@robc248]

Update: can now jiggle this thing open now with the backside of my smallest pick in seconds.

[@jeremiahbering1234]

Would the disk buster work on this particular disk lock

[@DonzLockz]

I think a simple bitting makes a huge difference 👍on these. ✌A great lock for throwing at intruders!👍

[@angelsantiago5943]

i want to know if I need to have no noise in my room to pick a lock

[@lockpickinglawyer]

Is it needed? No. Does it help? Heck yeah. You don't realize how much sound helps until you try picking in a noisy environment.

[@angelsantiago5943]

Thank you fam 👍

[@Truckin69]

Where can you get replacements keys?

[@kordwanner1023]

the lock wont be positioned upside down in the real world. So you should pick it top of the key way, that is how the lock is placed.

[@jacobwarthen4436]

How much more difficult is the 970 compared to the 870?

[@ClovisMint]

I opened one of these with a Dremel

[@lockpickinglawyer]

Did you see my video #170? :-D

[@L3X1en]

So is it rakeable, and what do you think of its anti-drill protection, if it has any? Thanks

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

Can someone explain what he meant at the end with regard to binding order and how it affected the pick? I'm currently working on a similar style lock but with 5 pins and I can't even get a false set or rotation of any kind. I've tried heavy & light tension, raking, individual picking, etc. and I can't get any meaningful feedback or counterrotation. I do get the odd click and the pins do hide with light tension, but no setting/rotation. I'm a newb, but any guidance would be great.

[@1ambulator]

Is there a possibility the lock is dirty inside inhibiting the pin movement?

[@tunafish3216]

I picked a abus like this in about 10 minutes, but I can't can't do it again.

[@lockpickinglawyer]

I have a few videos of abus disc locks... 150, 154, and 179. Maybe others, but I don't remember.

[@tunafish3216]

LockPickingLawyer ABUS BUFFO 28/70

[@graysons3079]

Had to pay $100 to have one of these cut off of our pod for moving today. Didn't last 20 seconds to an angle grinder

[@TeaWithTheAuthor]

LOL storage units say that insurance companies swear by these and everyone uses them. Guess this is why these things aren’t foolproof especially for someone who knows what they are doing like the lockpickinglawyer.

[@OperatorB]

I still can't open it! 😭

[@daxmchaffey2540]

I have the exact same lock except mine is a 870 chateau

[@tspoonhunter]

Lost all my treasured belongings from my late wife using this lock on my storage unit. Cleaned me out.

[@malinachavezhitesman7999]

I almost have the same lock, but its modle # C870, so would it basically be the same? I haven't had the key for years.... why I still have it, who Knows? I guess cause I know there's other ways of opening it... lol

[@naimmazmi]

That would be hard to hold if it's locked to something isn't it

[@lockpickinglawyer]

I guess that depends what it is locks to. You can increase the pick resistance of any lock by mounting it in a way that restricts access.

[@Elizetabeth]

LockPickingLawyer, what would be the best way to mount it? I'm guessing you mean to put it on the storage unit so the key slot is facing the door? (Instead of facing you when you're standing in front of the unit?) Thanks for the video!

[@companionsytoriginal873]

I HAVE one of these. It's in my hand RIGHT NOW!

[@nicksherman8443]

What key fits this lock?

[@Dravenscrypt]

Luckily there is a new c970 that is anti pick 😉

[@travisvalentine8252]

I have the same lock How can I buy a key ?

[@mosmini3035]

How do I get this pick lock set?

[@AtypicalPaul]

What's a spool ?