I'm new, would you mind giving me some help?

[pickaddic]

I'm working on a 5 pin lock, and for some reason i can only feel 3 pins.
After that it just feels solid like there aren't any pins. i have pick other locks before (all legal), and i have never had this problem.

thanks for veiwing this and thank even more if you put down information on my problem.

[CitySpider]

What kind of lock is it? Details, man, details.

[mlv1991]

I have had this exact same problem with a Master Lock 150 Padlock

[Chucklz]

Hmm, without more details, I can only suggest your using too much tension, so you have false set the last two pins.

[PYRO1234321]

I've seen some old kwickset knobs that were exposed to the elements outside. the pins/plug were so corroded that pushed pins never returned back down (or up, depending on lock orientation). is this lock in good condition? i assume you are not talking about a padlock?

[jubb]

What's your method for feeling the pins?

I like to use a combination of starting in the back with my short hook pick(or the flat side of a diamond) and pushing the pins all the way down and slowly pulling the pick out and counting how many times I can feel a pin shoot up as I slide my pick off of it as well as starting on the outside and pushing the first pin down and then pushing up against the side wall of the next one, and then creeping up on top of the next pin and pulling it down and pushing into the sidewall of the next one until I can't find any more pins to push down.


How do you know it is a 5 pin lock if you can only feel 3 pins?

[salzi684]

You can count the number of pins in a lock by counting the number of cuts in the key. Also some companies put the number of pins on the package for the lock.

[Mad Mick]

This has been posted countless times before, but here goes again:

To count the number of pins in a lock, insert a pick with the flat (bottom) edge contacting the pins. Push all of the pins up, then draw out the pick, counting the number of 'clicks'. The number of 'clicks' indicate the number of pins contained within the lock.

*Note* this works for pin tumblers and single wafers.
Will not work on tubular locks (pretty obvious why), double wafers, warded locks and lever locks.

[technik]

how do you know that there are 5 pins in the lock? I am pressuming that you have counted the horizontal cuts in the key. Some locks do not include all of these pins in the lock to save costs (usually on crappy locks.) I have a wafer lock with 2 wafers, when the key has 4 cuts in it. Alot of high security locks have an empty hole in the housing for another pin stack if neccessary by the user. This maybe your problem.

[SwitchBladeComb]

The amount help and advice for pin tumbler locks on this forum is rediculous. I suggest using the search button and checking out the dozens and dozens of posts regarding pin tumbler locks.

[pickaddic]

Sorry i haven't writen to give you more information, i've been running a fever and had to go to the hospital. But, enough about me;

The fact is i don't know the lock model, i'm only 14 so i still live with my parents, and they don't know so i'm lost about the model or manufacter.

I know its five pins because i counted the dips in the key, and the key goes the whole way in (of course). And I usally just do a few swipes with the raking pick then go to work with a dimond pick going front to back working the pins up until i hear a click and feel a slight release of presure on the tension wrench then i move to the next pin.

Maybe i'm putting to much tension wrench so the others stay down so firm that the pick will not move them?

Anyway sorry i didn't write back until now, thank for any information

[SwitchBladeComb]

It's probably that you are applying too much tension. In addition to causing the problem you described, it can cause false sets (pins moving up and appearing to be set when in fact they have been over raised and are being held up by the excessive tension). Sooooo lighter tension!

[Mad Mick]

then go to work with a dimond pick going front to back

Don't take that method as being 'gospel'. Picking order is not always that easy. You need to find the 'most bound' pin, and set that one first. Correct tension (which can't be stipulated enough) will allow you to easily find the said pin, set it, then find the most bound pin again and progress through the lock.

Reading the MIT guide again (you've read it?), reading the excellent work within Prof. Blaze's description of pin states on www.crypto.com and other works, will help you immensely.

[newbie89]

I'm really new.
I need to pick a SCHLAGE 5-pin lock.
I can't buy any equipment, only standard household items.
What is the simplest way I can do this?

[Chucklz]

newbie... read the MIT guide, this sites FAQ etc. But I must say that Schlage locks are often NOT for beginners. Most are quite difficult to pick, but there is some inherent individual personality to each lock. Search for information about DIY pick making etc.