Kwikset lock picking question

[pdenton20]

Okay so I want to get a job as a locksmith so I bought a lock pick set and have been practicing on two locks at my house. One is a Kwikset and the problem I am having is that when I put my tension wrench in and put just a little bit of tension on it, then I use my pick to try to push the pins up but with tension on it, the pins won't move. When I release the tension they move fine, but with tension they won't budge. I was under the impression that Kwiksets were some of the cheapest (worst) locks available. It appears to be very old but it may just look weathered because it's on the outside. Also, the other lock inside my apartment (I don't remember the brand but I bought it from Walmart for $10 just to practice) I can pick it in less than 5 seconds so I got bored and started opposite-picking it. By that I mean I was leaving it unlocked and locking it with my pick set and then it got stuck with the deadbolt out and I can't move it anymore. Even the knob won't turn. Both of these locks are deadbolts, btw. Can anyone help me with one or both of these problems?

[GWiens2001]

Are you trying to pick a Kwikset Smartkey? (Identifiable by the small rectangle cut in the plug near the keyway).

If so, those are an entirely different animal.

Gordon

[pdenton20]

I'm not entirely sure. It was on the door when I moved in but give me a few minutes and I will post a picture. Thanks for the reply.

[Robotnik]

Okay so I want to get a job as a locksmith so I bought a lock pick set and have been practicing on two locks at my house. One is a Kwikset and the problem I am having is that when I put my tension wrench in and put just a little bit of tension on it, then I use my pick to try to push the pins up but with tension on it, the pins won't move. When I release the tension they move fine, but with tension they won't budge. I was under the impression that Kwiksets were some of the cheapest (worst) locks available. It appears to be very old but it may just look weathered because it's on the outside. Also, the other lock inside my apartment (I don't remember the brand but I bought it from Walmart for $10 just to practice) I can pick it in less than 5 seconds so I got bored and started opposite-picking it. By that I mean I was leaving it unlocked and locking it with my pick set and then it got stuck with the deadbolt out and I can't move it anymore. Even the knob won't turn. Both of these locks are deadbolts, btw. Can anyone help me with one or both of these problems?

On the deadbolt that's stuck with the bolt thrown, is the plug turned 180 degrees and stuck? If that's the case, try inserting a tension tool at the bottom (current top) of the keyway, pressing lightly up, and attempting to turn the plug. If a picked lock is turned 180, the driver pins can descend into the bottom of the keyway and trap the plug.

[pdenton20]

Ok well I can't figure out how to post a picture on here but yes it is turned 180 so I will try that. Thanks

[pdenton20]

GWiens2001 Yes you were right. It does have a small rectangular cut out on the plug, near the keyway. How did you know? lol

[Robotnik]

The SmartKey is not a traditional pin-tumbler, so for someone just starting out they're not the best choice as a learning tool. There are several threads on this forum regarding these, including a great teardown by GWiens2001. Picking is a challenge for even experienced folks, and the lock may not survive a pick attempt; they're quite delicate.

[pdenton20]

Robotnik ok thanks for that. I guess I should probably wait until I get a little more experience before I try that one. My landlord probably wouldn't be too happy if I broke their lock lol. After he told me what kind of lock it was I did a little research and appartently they're a little notorious for that. I always though Kwikset was just some cheap crappy Walmart lock.