Plug Spinner

[Luke]

Hello guys, I just got my new plug spinner and im gonna write a short review on it.

OK first impressions. When i removed it from the envelope i noticed it was quiet alot larger than i imagined it measures 12 cm in length. Any way how it works. Wind the spinner up once in the direction you want to spin it in set the lever to stop it unspinning. Place it in the lock pull the lever away from the wings and the spinner does it magic. Easy - Actually not as easy as i thought.
I was all excited about the spinner so straight away i picked my frnt door the wrong way. I wound the spinner - set it and placed it in the lock i the released the trigger and away it went - the pins setting again. I was pretty disapointed but i kept working. I figgured out after a day or so u need to push it up against the top of the cylinder and release. Ive gotto go - but i will write a more in depth review later. Anyway ill just say this quickly You need to learn how to use - im still learning.

[invaderzim]

What is a plug spinner used for?

[jason]

I use mine when I'm working on locks which have been double locked. I pick the lock once then use the spinner to spin the lock round again so that I don't have to pick it twice.

Saves me quite a bit of time with the better end of the locked out customers

[marso]

Jason, you know of any sites or brands of locks that are double locked? Many thanks in advance.

[Grudge]

Also a lot of locks will pick much more easily in the 'wrong' direction to actually retract the bolt and open the door. So yo pick it in the wrong direction, insert the plug spinner, whip it around to the 'right' side and open the door.

[Red]

"So, what IS a plug spinner anyway? What do I need it for?"
We get lots of email asking these questions.

A Plug Spinner is used when you pick a lock in the wrong direction and need to move the plug to the other side of the shear line without picking it again.

[jason]

Sorry for not replying sooner - Yale make a rim lock operated by a normal cylinder (P89), ERA also make a similar type of lock. This works like a normal pull to close, but if the owner wants a higher level of security they turn the key once more after closing the door and the live bolt then locks. This stops someone from breaking the glass and opening the lock by reaching in or using a letterbox kit.

Most of the multipoint locking UPVC doors need the key turned twice before the handle can be pulled down to retract shoot bolts. I found one used by a disabled client which needed three turns as he had one hand and couldn't operate the handle at the same time as turning the key. The third turn drew back the bolt.

You can fit any brand of cylinder to these as the dead/double locking is part of the bolt housing/case - but it make sense to fit a better brand of cylinder if the client wants that level of security.

[Luke]

Yes a plug spinner, is a good tool for locks that have been "double locked" as i have found out. Now i recomend the A1 plug spinner to anyone who wants to risk having the chance of a miss spin. I dont know if the HPC Flip it somtimes doesnt spin the lock fast enough, but every now and again the A1 does.
Just FYI/.
Cheers,
Luke

[bhysteria]

Hi guys,

Hey, when I tried to use my pocket plug spinner, it just locked up. Am I supposed to push it up against the pins to keep them in place before pushing the button or how is it supposed to work? I haven't gotten it to work yet.

Also, do I turn the lock to the closest point before the pins reset or just keep them against the other side?

[bhysteria]

Hi guys,

Hey, when I tried to use my pocket plug spinner, it just locked up. Am I supposed to push it up against the pins to keep them in place before pushing the button or how is it supposed to work? I haven't gotten it to work yet.

Also, do I turn the lock to the closest point before the pins reset or just keep them against the other side?

[p1ckf1sh]

Hey, when I tried to use my pocket plug spinner, it just locked up. Am I supposed to push it up against the pins to keep them in place before pushing the button or how is it supposed to work? I haven't gotten it to work yet.

Also, do I turn the lock to the closest point before the pins reset or just keep them against the other side?

1. The theory is to rotate the plug so fast that the springs can't push the pins back into the chamber. You don't have to push on any pins with the tip of the spinner. I don't know how that should be possible, the spinners I have seen and used just use a short tip that would not even reach all those pins. Insert the spinner somewhere around the middle of the plug, and not too far in. My DIY spinner does not even touch the first pin I think.

2. Do not turn it to the closest point. That will almost certainly lock up. Check your spinner, how many degrees does it rotate? 180 (half rotation)? That is just fine. Depending on which direction you rotate, rotate the plug to 9 or 10 / 2 or 3 clock. If the spinner does 180 degrees it will rotate well over the critical location. If you place the plug close to reset position, you have the problem that maybe the spinner will not have accelerated enough to flip over the spring force.

[bhysteria]

Thanks! I appreciate the advice. I'll try it out tonight.