Schlages

[Myrdin]

Getting my butt kicked by schlage sc1 keyway deadbolt. I cant seem to SPP it cuz i dont feel the binding pin and its very hard to maneuver picks around the keyway. Problem is doubled when i put it on a board and mount it in a vice, like it would be find normally on a door. The one without spools is harder for me than the one with 4 spool pins!

[LocksmithArmy]

Bitting may make your nonspooled lock harder...

Also how thin are your picks... iI your having trouble manuvering try using thinner picks.

My guess is bitting though since you can pick 1. Try repinning it for an easier pick... When you can pick it with an easier bitting then put it back and see how you do.

As far as feeling the binding pins, how much tension are you using...
I have found that with deadbolts if you turn the cylinder twords the unlock direction befor you try and pick it you have pushed it too far to pick. You must turn it to the lock direction with your tensor before you apply your LIGHT pressure to pick it. This way your pins are aligned better for picking.

Hope this helps.

[poor paperclip picker]

Also try putting your tension wrench in the top of the keyway. This will give you more room with your picks.

[globallockytoo]

definitely sounds like too much tension on the wrench

[Schuyler]

The SC1 keyway is more open than a lot that you might run into. In a few months, when you are tearing through them like nothing, it will seem wide open to you, so don't lose heart.

Top tension was mentioned, which is great in any number of situations, but also just try various tension wrenches, and if you only have a couple of tension options, get some more, they are cheap as dirt, or make some out of street sweeper bristles or windshield wiper inserts. When I pick lock in hand I try to tuck the cylinder such that I can extend my finger as far out on the tension wrench as possible. This makes it easier for me to vary tension. Your bitting is likely nasty (or at least more aggressive than the security pinned one) as LA mentioned.

What you were saying by not having enough room to maneuver in the SC1, though, I feel like you must be using the wrong wrench for the job if that's the case.

[lock2006]

i agree you must be using the wrong wrench, also try using differents tension wrenches and
if you are not feeling the bidding pins try opposite direction
sometimes this work for me it might work for you too hope this helps.

[milkman22]

If it's an old lock, try lubricating it using graphite powder. If you're still having trouble maybe try a ball pick, those really glide under the pins and are useful in some situations.

[rrkss]

Don't feel too bad, I have an old 5 pin schlage that makes all 5 of my medeco locks seem like beginner locks. Only been able to pick it open once by sheer luck.