Did I unlock this lock - or no? What happened?

[TickTockMyLock]

I see guys unlocking a lock and they can spin the cylinder 360 degrees. What if I can spin it 90 to 180 degrees but it doesn't go full circle? Does that mean it's unlocked? If not is this a prevention mechanism? I did this with a kwikset lock.

[datagram]

It means the top pins are falling into the bottom of the keyway. You should be able to push them up with a pick, but be careful to do this on some locks because you can have master pins fall out of the upper chambers into the keyway.

dg

[TickTockMyLock]

It means the top pins are falling into the bottom of the keyway. You should be able to push them up with a pick, but be careful to do this on some locks because you can have master pins fall out of the upper chambers into the keyway.

dg

What do you mean top pins falling into the bottom of the keyway and master pins fall out of the chamber.

So these pins that i'm knocking up fall out totally? if so shouldn't it open all the way?

[TickTockMyLock]

HOLY SHIT! WOO

Well, I couldn't get it to turn 360 degrees. However, I turned it the OTHER WAY (counter clockwise) and it unlocked the lock after 90 degrees!

[thelockpickkid]

hmm, I don't quite understand, did you by chance pick the lock in the wrong direction?

[nothumbs]

Since this is a lock you own, perhaps have a key for, you might put the key in and determine the correct rotation (clockwise or counter) for unlocking the lock. This will let you know if perhaps you picked the lock in the wrong direction the first time.

[thedominator7a]

Using a plug spinner may help instead of pushing the pins up again.

[Scott_93]

Or you could file a key right the way down, right past where the pins would normally touch and simply place that into the cylinder when you have picked it and rotate the cylinder using it, this should stop the top pins jumping into the keyway.

Scott.