How to identify security pins

[b540glenn]

Is there a way to identify mushroom, spool or serrated pins without disassembling the lock? I was practicing yesterday and I could not open the lock I was working on consistently. The first time took me about 13 minutes. The second time took about a minute and a half. The last time took about 20 minutes (misc times between #2 and the last). With my other practice locks, after a couple of times I would settle into a small range of time to pick them. Might this "problem" lock have security pins in it?

[Eagerpicker]

The best way, and I think all of my fellow posters will agree, is by gently using your right hand (or left hand if you're a lefty) and taking it to your mouse, then slowly but smoothly direct your mouse pointer to the 'Search' link that is clearly visible at the top of each forum page. In the new frame, enter 'security' and 'pin' or 'spool pin' and so on, then hit Enter.

Good luck!

[b540glenn]

OK, I did that. After scanning through all 218 threads with topics like "Lock Picking Convention in New York", "tubular lock question" and a most informative "Car wheel clamps?", I did manage to find a thread called Security pins. Though, I may be mistaken because my right eye doesn't see too good these days.

After reading the above mentioned thread can I now presume that the one and only way to discern that a lock has mushroom, spool or serrated (or a combination of) pins is "...you notice it turning a wee bit and then stopping dead..."? If so, then I thank you for your assistance in the search feature of this website and my lock picking education.

Also, may I consult you in the future to assist in my choice of search terms?

Thank you for your assistance,

[Eagerpicker]

Only 218?

Okay, I'll grant that the Search function is far from ideal, but it should get you a ways in the right direction.

Some other links: http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?t=227&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=spool
http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?t=512&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=spool
http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?t=713&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=spool
http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?t=361&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=spool&start=15

So you see, the answer to your question is actually pretty much as you got it: note the turning of the plug that makes you think you've picked the lock, but then stops dead. Try the pins one by one and the one that makes the plug turn back when you push down on it (the pin, not the plug), that should be the spool/mushroom driver. Maintain a balanced measure of counter-torque until the pin sets.

Finally, all this is described, of course, in the invaluable MIT guide. You'll find the link, with many other useful links, at http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?t=588.

Good luck and do accept my apologies for my wee bit of sarcasm.

Eagerpicker

[CaptHook]

Basically its going to boil down to feel. And each type of pin has its own feel.
Generally speaking if a spool is false set, pressing on it further will cause your wrench to turn back a little(if you have light enough tension and a good sense of feel)
Mushrooms tend to be a little trickier, you may not feel the backwards movement, but through a little investigation you might find that stack sets in 2 places. One will be the false set, the other at the shearline (this is for non masterkeyed cylinders)
Serrated pins.......Id like to kick whoever invented these things right in the gonads. For me they've always been a little problematic. You will, with light enough tension, feel a "gritty" pin. Its catching on each of those serrations as it goes through the chamber, into the shell.
Hope this sheds a little light...... and if you find the guy who invented serrated pins...... send them over here.....
Chuck

[skold]

mushrooms suck..they get caught and try to trick you into thinking you have just picked the lock turns a mm and decided it hates you

[b540glenn]

...So you see, the answer to your question is actually pretty much as you got it: note the turning of the plug that makes you think you've picked the lock, but then stops dead....Good luck and do accept my apologies for my wee bit of sarcasm. ...

Thanks for a clearer answer. No apology is needed.

I understand the frustration of answering the same question over and over again (I've answered my share on other boards). Unfortunately, with public forums it's going to happen.

So far I've picked all the locks in my house (except 1 which will be the topic of another thread after a few more attempts.) and that is the first time I did not improve with each successive attempt at the same lock. That lead me to belive I was working with spool or mushroom pins. At first I did not notice any extra movement of the plug. Retrying the lock tonight, I did notice a very small change when setting the first pin.

Thanks for all the replies,

[toomush2drink]

Just a tip on the spool pins to start off with try raking the lock first to get the spools false set then you will know exactly what to look for. Then practice setting the spool pins and then when you start to pick it, pin by pin ,you will have a greater understanding and feel of whats going on.