by NickBristol » 21 Oct 2007 4:15
Apart from that you should not be picking locks in use, well done on picking it. What brand was it out of interest? Although I'd guess it was a 'no-name' cylinder with no security pins.
The reason the cam didn't turn but the plug did when you picked it from the outside is down to the design of Euro profile cylinders - the cam sort of 'floats' in the centre of the cylinder and is pushed into the correct position by the tip of the key. To do this when picking, slip a thin wire or pick to the back of the keyway and nudge the cam into position. Alternatively, push the key itself in, then take it out and then pick the lock.
Before you try again go and buy yourself a cheap Euro profile lock from eBay or Screwfix. Locks do occasionally go wrong when being picked and getting a locksmith in to fix it is a whole lot more expensive than a cheap lock. Once you've picked your new lock till you're confident, you can take apart the Euro cylinder and see how it works - then repin it to make a new picking challenge.
