In checking pictures of Pillard locks including the ones posted here, I have noticed that several have had the wheel gate openings filed wider to account for wear. This type of wear results in a misalignment of the gates at the fence and the lock becomes difficult to open. Generally it is the last wheel number that gets the abuse, but it is the first number dialed that shows the most misalignment due to the additive wear of all the wheels. Dealing with this problem is usually solved by slightly passing the number or numbers given.