Schlage Tumbler Deadbolt... Stuck

[StoneKracker]

Having trouble. I have picked quite a few tumbler locks now, but I'm getting stuck on this one. I find this lock requires ALLOT torque before pins even set on the shear line, and even then I can't get plug to rotate. The plug doesn't freely rotate much like most and the pins seem to use very tough springs even with light tension applied. I've tried turning this lock left and right. For picks, I've tried snake, short hook, slim line, and 1/2 diamond. Any help greatly appreciated!

[d_goldsmith]

Are you sure you have figured out which pin is binding the most, and setting it first?

[StoneKracker]

Thanks for the reply. Yes the second pin from the back seems to be the one. I've used the hook on this one just in case the pin needs the extra height.

[Romstar]

I'm going to ask first off if you have the key for this lock. If you do, insert the key and test for normal functioning. If it seems that everything is normal, then you have other problems.

In any case, with or without the key, if you have to use a great deal of tension, there is something wrong. I would suggest you use a good cleaner and lube in the lock just to be sure it isn't full of gunk.

After that, using just light to medium tension, feel again for a setting pin stack. It may not in fact be the one you think it is.

The other posibility here is security pins, such as a spool or mushroom pin. It is very possible that wih heavy tension, you have the plug riding the slope of a mushroom, and then it is false setting. This would make picking any other pins pointless.

See what you come up with, and get back to us.

Good luck,
Romstar

[unbreakable]

In addition to cleaning and lubing like Rom said, make sure the cam isn't on too tight (this is the part that screws onto the plug). If these are on too tight, it will make it very difficult to rotate the plug.



In the picture, the cam is the threaded part attached onto the bottom of the lock...

At least I believe this is called a cam, someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

Unbreakable

[Romstar]

That would be the collar or retainer nut. The cam in such a cylinder would be a tail piece like a short bar that is held in by the retainer nut.

The short bar interacts with the bolt to move it in or out of the door.

In other locks, the cylinder is retained with a snap ring, and the cam is a small metal shope secured to the rear of the cylinder by two small screws.

Typically, cams are seen only on mortice cylinders, and tail pieces or tail cams are seen on rim cylinders.

Unbreakable is right though, be sure the collar or nut isn't too tight.

Romstar

[unbreakable]

That would be the collar or retainer nut. The cam in such a cylinder would be a tail piece like a short bar that is held in by the retainer nut.

The short bar interacts with the bolt to move it in or out of the door.

In other locks, the cylinder is retained with a snap ring, and the cam is a small metal shope secured to the rear of the cylinder by two small screws.

Typically, cams are seen only on mortice cylinders, and tail pieces or tail cams are seen on rim cylinders.

Unbreakable is right though, be sure the collar or nut isn't too tight.

Romstar

Thanks, I'll have to remember that.

[globallockytoo]

sounds to me like you are encountering a mushroom pin...although the rear screw on cap could be too tight.

try bumping the cylinder...if it bumps easily...you will be able to pick it...if not....you may have to resort to another method of entry ...like impressioning....