Oversetting pins

[Nem2k]

I have a lock which has a long pin, with a short pin behind it

The short pin tends to bind first so I go in and set it. However, the keyway is pretty small so in the process of going after the short pin at the back, i have pushed down on the long one infront of it. At this point I check for the pin with no spring pressure, which happens to be the long one. I end up oversetting it without realising because it was already pushed down from going after the pin behind it

Is there a way to know when you're oversetting and a way to avoid it? When I feel a pin that has no spring pressure, I want to set it because I think its binding, when infact it has been over set and I dont know how to tell

[GWiens2001]

You can try picking it in the other direction, or use a deeper hook/offset reach tool like a deforest pick. Then you may be able to set the short pin without disturbing the longernpin in front.

Good luck,

Gordon

[Josh66]

Sometimes you can very slightly release tension, and the overset pin will pop back down without releasing the set pins. It's a very fine line between just right and too much...

[Nem2k]

as a beginner, what are the signs that this is happening so you know to slightly release tension, or try another pick etc?

[boggif]

If the pins are hanging down, you can feel them even if it is set. You feel perhaps the weight of the lower pin or you can feel the pin when coming from the next pin or you can feel it while very gently lifting or when letting go of the pin you may feel/hear it drop (even with no spring force). If the pin is overset it is stuck and you cannot feel it.

I have so far no idea how you feel it if it is like euro locks with the pins pointing down. In that case you have no moving pin. Sometimes you feel the slight mushines when trying to push the pin before you overset it but I'm unable to feel that with all locks.

In both cases if you feel the springiness you no the pin is not set because the spring is not locked by the set pin.

I'm mostly unable to feel the oversetting of the next pin before the overlifting has been done. If it seems to happen constantly I get a longer hook or deforest pick to try out. Sometimes a pick with a smaller shaft can help as well if you have one.

[In.Xanadu]

As a relative newcomer, I'm also having a lot of trouble with over-setting pins, in fact I didn't even realize that over-set pins were my problem until a friend generally gifted my a cutaway lock. I'm still working my way through them, but high/low combinations cause me a lot more problems than even security pins at this point.

Any particular things to feel for? That can accurately be described through an internet forum? Or is the solution, as always, just practice more?

[boggif]

If the pin feels springy it is not set at all. If you pull the pick away under it you'll hear a definate click when it is thrown down.

If you feel the weight of the pin on the pick it is not overset. You might also feel the very slight dragging of the pin when you lift it which is not present when lifting plain air (ie. pin stuck up by oversetting)

If you can lift the pin on front of it up, you can do that a bit and push the pick straight inword (not lowering it!) The pick should hit the next pin. If you find an empty space there, you'll know the lower pin is held up ie. overset.

One good way to test things is to try a lock that has the first pin binding first (if you have one). You could see the pin stuck up with that (as well as feel).

[daniel22747]

I have not found over setting to be too big an issue. If I am having trouble picking a lock I often will just assume a pin could be overset and let off on the tension just a little. If a pin or two falls back down it's no big deal, just set them again!

[jfw]

Maybe try using a Gem or a DCAP, or long hook pick.