Plug Spinner

[alfonzo1955]

I have a lock that just won't succumb to a plug spinner. I have tried different rubber bands, springs, and even a toothbrush, but it always resets. Does anyone have any ideas?

[gibson]

what kind of lock is this? padlock, knobset, etc. also, is it use?

[alfonzo1955]

It is not in use, it is a doorknob. I'm just wondering why plug spinners won't work.

[gibson]

it could be that the return spring for the knob is too strong for the spinner to overcome, or it might be a storeroom function lock that only turns in one direction.

[Solomon]

What technique are you using, ie. which position do you have the plug in when you try to spin it? I've had trouble spinning car locks before because of the heavy return spring and overall stiffness but a knobset should be easy enough, this is gonna be down to either the tool you're using, or the technique. Try spinning it from about 45 degrees so the spring has time to build up speed, when I first started using one I tried to get the plug as close to resetting as possible before I span it but it turns out not to be very reliable that way. Hope this helps

Also, what exactly are you using as a plug spinner? Do you have any pics?

[alfonzo1955]

What technique are you using, ie. which position do you have the plug in when you try to spin it? I've had trouble spinning car locks before because of the heavy return spring and overall stiffness but a knobset should be easy enough, this is gonna be down to either the tool you're using, or the technique. Try spinning it from about 45 degrees so the spring has time to build up speed, when I first started using one I tried to get the plug as close to resetting as possible before I span it but it turns out not to be very reliable that way. Hope this helps

Also, what exactly are you using as a plug spinner? Do you have any pics?

I have it right before it hits the original locked position. I know it can spin both ways though, as I have picked it either way. I've tried rubber bands, springs, and even the toothbrush.

[Solomon]

I have it right before it hits the original locked position. I know it can spin both ways though, as I have picked it either way. I've tried rubber bands, springs, and even the toothbrush.

Yeah, that's what I tried at first and it doesn't really work too well. Try sticking a wrench all the way into the keyway, make sure it won't slip in the warding and hit it as hard as you can with an elastic band. Position the keyway around 45 degrees and do it like in this pic; that's what I always did before I bought an actual spinner and it worked pretty well.