Help with Schlage Deadbolt.

[bprzybyl]

Hah! not any more. Decided to start asking for help, but picked the bugger. It's he best schlage deadbolt they had (chase-pitkin, $41.00, then 25% off because they're going out of business). I think it's the same one in the video that Omikron made proving that the bumpkey with a zip-tie worked.

The problem is, right by where the pins rest, the keyway goes off at a 45 degree angle. What I wanted to ask was, is there a better way to pick locks with keyways like this? I'm using a smaller half diamond. Is this type of keyway the reason for those really tall picks? I have 2 Medeco's (1 Cam lock w/key, another Mortise cylinder w/o key), and both have VERY open key ways.

Also, are peterson's good? I've been looking into getting a set, and they seem to have everything I would need at a good price. Any Suggestions. Don't Forget "Peterson Steel"

[Eyes_Only]

Where do you place your tension wrench in the keyway? If you have it inserted at the bottom it can take up space (deopending on how thick the wrench is) and make it harder to manipulate the pick around. If this is the case try moving the wrench to the top of the keyway instead, this always helped me.

[digital_blue]

On a Schlage keyway, I like to put the wrench at the bottom, but tension the lock counter clockwise. It sits nicely there, and leaves a lot of room for the pick. Of course, in real world conditions, if this means you are picking the lock in the wrong direction, you will need a plug spinner.

db

[vector40]

Yeah, I'm a big fan of C keyways (and variants) because of how nicely that works

The biggest "gotcha" of Kwiksets is that trying to tension them the same way often leaves you jamming the plug. Really gotta insert the wrench the other way.

[bprzybyl]

This keyway is a pain! I've gotten much better at picking it lately. I have been twisting counter-clockwise. It's easy to pick it that way, but I've never been able to pick it clockwise. With time, I'm sure I will. Yeah, I also keep the wrench in the bottom of the keyway. I think that's why it's so difficult to pick clockwise. I think I'll try folding over a wiper insert, grind it down to the right thickness, and then put it in the top of the keyway.

Thanks for the help guys.

[Knows-Picker]

I wouldn't even worry about grinding it. Just get a wiper insert from a small blade such as a honda or something like that. they are already the right thickness, and you can bend them great w/ a pair of needle nose pliers. And on a side note, where as I used to buy wiper blades like a dummy, now when I drive past an autoparts store after it has rained, I always stop in and grab the old blades that people toss in the trash. I now have more stock metal than I know what to do with. This ought to save you some money. And BTW. I think this is my 40th post. The advanced forums await!!!!!