The lock only turns half way.

[shadowski]

Ok basicly i have a tumbler lock. It is two-phased lock. It means when you turn the key 180 Degree, the first phase is being completed,(you cannot take out the keys in this phase)and when you turn the lock another 180 degrees, the lock opens(you can take out the keys).

Now the problem comes when picking the lock. I managed to pull up the pins correctly so that i can rotate cylinder, but it only turns 180 degrees(completes only the first phase) and the lock doesnt allow to rotate the cilinder further. The pins don't reset when turned 180 degrees, but cylinder somehow rotates byck by 10 degrees, like somekind of springs are pulling it back. I also here a slight clicking sound when cylinder is turned 180 degrees.

Any idea what kind of security feature it is, and how to bypass it?

[calvinism]

what type of lock is this? can you maby post a picture?

[mcsteve]

There should be a FAQ post on this somewhere, but I can't seem to find it at the moment.

Probably what is happening is that when you rotate the plug 180 degrees without a key inserted, there is nothing blocking the open the bottom of the keyway, so the driver pins are catching on the bottom of the plug. It is common for beginners to get a lock stuck like this, with the driver pins in the keyway blocking the plug from being turned in either direction. Use a bright light and maybe a magnifier to look into open bottom of the keyway as you approach 180 degrees. You can generally use a straight tool like the handle of a tension wrench or the back side of a pick to push the pins out of the way.

You should always be aware of this potential problem, because with master-keyed locks it is possible for thin driver pins to fall completely out of the lock, which will then prevent the correct keys from opening the lock anymore.

[Solomon]

Mcsteve got it. I fail to see how people can't figure this out... it's a very simple thing, the drivers fell into the bottom of the keyway (which is now up top). If you just looked at it for 2 seconds and thought about the thing instead of poking and prodding aimlessly you woulda just gone "oh yeah" and sorted it.

You need to stay calm and think about the problem analytically when things like this happen, just take a look at the lock and think. Even if you didn't have a eureka moment and get to the bottom of it on your own, do a search... it's been asked a ridiculous amount of times before.

I'm still in favour of the big red sticky so people stop asking about this. Or maybe when people are signing up there should be a disclaimer saying "if you're signing up just to ask why your lock is stuck 180 or you want help picking one specific lock because you lost your keys (etc etc) then save yourself some time and just read the FAQ". I'd love that.

[shadowski]

thanks for answers, but it is hard to understand without pictures of somekind. maybe someone could draw the schematics? Btw my lock us european version(upside down)

[calvinism]

The pins inside the lock are spring loaded. That u get rite? Ok so if those spring loaded pins get a hole or sumthing to push out into they will. The pins in the hull of the lock are hooking the cylinder. Thats why it wont turn. Just add a little thought to it. Its not that dificult. U should read abit aswell. Its in a number of guides