After Picking Door Lock key will not go in all the way

[synergy317]

Help, please.
After I picked a door lock the key will not go back in. What is the problem, and what can be done to fix it?

[Solomon]

Not picking locks which are actually in a door would be a good start. Prevention is better than cure... this is why we don't mess with locks unless we have them in our hands or a vise. Unless you know your stuff and are able to fix things if you screw up the lock, you should never mess with the ones you actually rely on - and even then it's a stupid idea.

Now, on to your situation... what type of lock is it and who is it made by? What happened when you picked it, and how far will the key go in? If the lock turned half way and got stuck it's an easy fix, but if that's not what happened then it could be any number of things and chances are you're gonna need to replace the whole thing. Way to go.

[synergy317]

this is a best brand lock. The lock really isnt in use, so it isnt too big of a deal. I picked it and opened it that way. Then tried to open it with key and it only went in half way. i pushed harder and it goes in to the very end. roughly 3 mm it sticks out.

[Solomon]

I'm not too familiar with Best locks, aren't these used for commercial premises? Do you have the control key so you can take it apart?

[FarmerFreak]

Most likely what happened is a master pin fell into the keyway when it was turned at 180 degrees. Then when you tried to put the key into the lock you had to force this pin to the back of the lock.

At this point, even if you manage to pull that master pin back out of the lock. It won't likely work with your key. And if the cylinder is in the lock housing the control key won't pull it out. A locksmith would most likely drill the core out and replace it.

Sorry this happened to you. But at least this lock isn't one that you rely on. This one reason why we don't pick locks in use.

[Legion303]

What is the problem

User error.

-steve