Doorknob locks and why they're so bloody irritating

[SwitchBladeComb]

I've got all schlage locks on my doors. This includes the deadbolts and doorknob locks. One of the deadbolts is hopelessly gummed up and barely works with the key, so I don't even bother with it. One of the other deadbolts is completely unused and I pick that every so often.

However, I am still mystified by the doorknob locks. Doorknob locks in general, both schlage and other brands, only seem to pick into the locking direction. I don't have a plug spinner so this isn't a terribly effective way of picking them. Given my parents would shoot me, I haven't exactly gotten around to dismantling the doorknobs and figuring out exactly why they don't pick in the unlocking direction. Does anyone have any idea? And if so, is there some special way of going about pikcing doorknob locks or am I gonna have to go out and invest in a plug spinner?

[CitySpider]

Some locks, it's easier to pick them into the locked direction, but it's never only possible to pick them locked. If that was true, you couldn't unlock 'em with the key, either.

Just keep trying to pick it to the open position. It'll work. I'd make sure you've managed to pop a couple easier locks before you start working on Schlages, though.

[SwitchBladeComb]

Hmmm yea. I'll go out and by a Quikset doorknob or something.

[CitySpider]

Kwikset. But yeah, that's what I'd do. Practice on that until you're incredibly bored and you hate the thing, and then try the Schlage again.

[Mad Mick]

If you know the pin setting order for picking in one direction, reversing the order will help you immensely when picking in the opposite direction.

[HeadHunterCEO]

They will spin in both directions but you can only get the door knob off the door if it is turned 90 degrees from the locked position.

need a pokey tool also

[HeadHunterCEO]

also and this is for all

do not get caught up in brND NAME LOCKS AND THE "DIFFICULTLY" LEVEL OF EACH.

I find priceier locks easier to pick because of the tight tolerances they are machined to when compared to the crap produced in china.

When i approach a lockout and see some cheap piece of garbage kwickset knockoff manufactured in china thats when i begin to shake.

[CitySpider]

That seems a bit counterintuitive to me. I've always found things to be completely the opposite.

Usually I won't argue with a locksmith, but in this case, figured it can't hurt to present an alternate opinion.

[HeadHunterCEO]

That seems a bit counterintuitive to me. I've always found things to be completely the opposite.

Usually I won't argue with a locksmith, but in this case, figured it can't hurt to present an alternate opinion.

i think it is the bitter experiences i have with malfuctioning locks of a lower gradfe. driver firmly stuck in the lock because of bad maching and such that took me in that direction.

i havce never taken apart a schlage and seen ugly burrs on the plug cutting up the pins

[SwitchBladeComb]

Hmmm...some one oughtta compile a book of lockout stories . . .

[Exodus5000]

Hmmm...some one oughtta compile a book of lockout stories . . .

Someone should compile a list of locks and their general behavior. Prefers to be picked in which direction...etc. Unless the individual personality of each lock - even if it is the same model - is what determines that.

[Chucklz]

Individual personality determines much, not to mention that for many door locks, turning direction depends in some cases on the handedness of the door, and the skill of whomever ordered the lock to match said handedness correctly.

[SwitchBladeComb]

Yea, making a book of "lock profiles" would be tough cause each lock is different. Lockout stories would still be fun though. Or maybe a comic book with a lock picking super hero . . . Errrr focus! *stays on topic*

[technik]

I used to find door knob locks tricky also, and I figured out this was because I was used to picking rep. cylinders that had not turning mechanism at the back. I used very little tension on these, and i had to increase it to 'go against' the spring of the lock. Try this nd tell me how it goes, it worked for me