Why does releasing tension sometimes open the lock?

[0oArabo0]

Right now I'm working on a 5-pin schlage lock. Sometimes it'll feel like all the pins are set, but one of them false sets. Usually I'll just release a little tension, the false set pin will fall, then I'll bind it and the lock opens. However, sometimes when I do the first step to release a little tension the lock just opens. Why does this happen?

[deception]

Sounds like your over lifting the pins, and that why you hear a click when you release tension you hear the pin drop, and then open.

[raimundo]

what deception said, you had a top pin binding high because of heavy tension, so lighten up.

[0oArabo0]

Oh alright that makes sense. Thanks guys.

[camelgd]

Actually, deliberately over lifting tumblers on certain various locks (which I can't mention because they are auto locks) is a technique that will help you if you learn to let the tumblers back off one at a time. This works to bypass the false gates in wafer locks, but it can help with mushroom pin locks also. It is a technique that has to be practiced much to be effective at it. Use your pick to lift all tumblers at once and heavy tension to hold most in place. Generally, one or two will drop to the shearline. Then very , very gently, back the tension off and with good touch the bottom pins will drop into position at the shear line. One may slip below the shearline in the process, just find it and pick it back up to the shearline. I have used this with good success for many years on Corbin-Russwin. I hope this is understandable, as always, it is easier to do and show rather than explain.
camelgd

[0oArabo0]

Actually, deliberately over lifting tumblers on certain various locks (which I can't mention because they are auto locks) is a technique that will help you if you learn to let the tumblers back off one at a time. This works to bypass the false gates in wafer locks, but it can help with mushroom pin locks also. It is a technique that has to be practiced much to be effective at it. Use your pick to lift all tumblers at once and heavy tension to hold most in place. Generally, one or two will drop to the shearline. Then very , very gently, back the tension off and with good touch the bottom pins will drop into position at the shear line. One may slip below the shearline in the process, just find it and pick it back up to the shearline. I have used this with good success for many years on Corbin-Russwin. I hope this is understandable, as always, it is easier to do and show rather than explain.
camelgd

Wow, you explained it perfectly. That is awesome. I've read so much and have never came across this technique. Thank you so much for letting me know. I'm gonna go try it out on some of my locks that I know I can pick.

[jailersmith]

The technique described by camelgd is commonly known as reverse picking.

[camelgd]

I should add that this type of picking, reverse picking, is not for the inexperienced or the faint of heart. Because you are coming to the shearline from the top instead of the bottom, the springs are putting more force on the top pins , which means that it takes very slow and deliberate backing off of the tension. If you have not really gotten the "touch" yet of picking in standard fashion, this is not for you. Better to develop your primary skills first, and leave this rather esoteric method to later times.
camelgd

[0oArabo0]

Haha yeah this technique is hard to do considering I just learned how to lock pick.