Key in knob - Why can't I pick?????

[exd3686]

I'm a newbie to lock picking. Been doing quite of bit lurking and studying the art from other sources as well. I have a SouthOrd set and can usually and easily pick desk locks (wafer and pinned) file cabinets, padlocks, and deadbolts. Mainly I use a rake and scrub but have had some success with single pin picking. For the life of me, I cannot pick just a standard key in knob lock like used on a garage man door. Is there a trick with the tension or needing to turn or not turn the knob while picking? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
exd3686

[GWiens2001]

What specific kind of lock is it?

[Darkness1569]

not every lock can be opened by raking and scrubbing.

[nomenclate]

If your applying clockwise torsion, try switching to counter-clockwise

That tripped me up the first time I tried a Key in knob. Everything I picked up to that point opened clockwise; so that was what I tried simply out of habit. Thing all but opened itself the moment I switched to counter clockwise.

[exd3686]

Not sure on brand or model of key in knob locks. I've tried three or four different ones over time. Some with the key available to know what direction to apply tension. I've tried a half diamond pick to single pin pick with no luck. I think what most throws me off is when I apply tension the entire knob starts to turn. Should only the cylinder turn with tension? Should I let the knob turn? Should I hold the knob from turning? Maybe I just need a lot more practice.

[Josh66]

If the whole knob is turning, it sounds to me like you're probably using way too much tension...

[Altashot]

The knob is turning?
It seems that it might be unlocked and that the latch is disconnected or broken?

M.

[cledry]

Hold the knob with the same hand that applies tension and try it.

[exd3686]

Thanks for all the input.

My KIK that I'm mainly working on is old and as soon as you apply tension to the cylinder the knob begins to turn. I'll need to do some more practice and I like the idea of trying to hold the knob from turning using the same hand that applies tension.

Thanks again.....back to picking for me.

exd3686