5 Pin tumblers - will turn, wont open

[Xile]

Ive just picked up lock picking and have been practicing insanely. While i was picking a 5 pin tumbler lock i raked it, the wrench turned, it turned nearly the whole way, then it just stopped, no amount of raking could get it to turn further, so i just turned it back and tried again. Why wont it open?

[vector40]

Did it stop at 180 degrees -- that is, it rotated one-half of a full circle?

[Xile]

nah, it stopped just before 45 degrees. the lock usually opens at 45 degrees when i use the actual key.

[Chucklz]

You probably need to use something stronger than a tension tool to retract the bolt, a small screwdriver or such. And a word to the wise, DON'T pick locks you actually rely on. Those will be the only locks you ever stuff by picking, and you will be sorry.

[vector40]

Yes, that's probably it. You turned until you engaged the actual locking mechanism, which added a bunch of resistance, making it much harder to rotate, especially with the flexible tension wrench.

Someone should make a problem-solution flowchart for this sort of thing. "Can't pick. --> Can you rotate the plug? - Yes --> How far? - More than a few degrees but less than 180 --> Use a stronger tool and more force, you've got a sticky mechanism" Most of the common problems we hear would probably fit into there...

[jordyh]

Someone should make a problem-solution flowchart for this sort of thing. "Can't pick. --> Can you rotate the plug? - Yes --> How far? - More than a few degrees but less than 180 --> Use a stronger tool and more force, you've got a sticky mechanism" Most of the common problems we hear would probably fit into there...

Good one, I might actually come to draw it, with enough time.
Ok, big chance i might never get to it.

Still, might solve a lot of problems, might actually make it as a stickie.