Explain Lock picking

[lil_hacker]

when u pick the pins and the top pins get stuck at the sheer line, is it gravity that pulls down the lower pins? if so, would it be impossible to pick doors that have the pins on the bottom?

[Chucklz]

when u pick the pins and the top pins get stuck at the sheer line, is it gravity that pulls down the lower pins?

Yes. If the lock was upsidedown, the "bottom" pins would no longer be under the influence of the spring, so would remain "down" at the sheer line. Some find it easier to pick this way.

[i_want_to_pick]

if so, would it be impossible to pick doors that have the pins on the bottom?

No.

You don't push the "lower" pins past the shear line. The spring above the "upper" pin, pushes the it right to the shear line so the lower pin wouldn't cross it.

If you do push the lower pin past the shear line the spring will either push it back past the shear line or you have to release torque and restart picking, thats the same if the lock is "pins up" or "pins down".
Matt

[Chucklz]

Matt and I have the same answer, just approached from different angles.

[plot]

hell, i prefer picking a lock where the pins are at the bottom when possible. keeps the set ones out of the way...