"Just what is it that makes the 'click' when a pin sets?

[Dave55347]

I'm new and I'm learning a lot, but I still don't understand all that there is to know.

Regarding a normal run of the mill pin tumbler lock:

what internal parts and what mechanical action involving them actually makes the 'click' when a pin stack sets?

Thanks for the missing insight.....

Dave55347

[billdeserthills]

the pin you see through the keyway is a bottom pin, directly above it is a top pin and a spring

[cheerIO]

Hi Dave55347,

By looking at your posts I see you are quite new to this. May offer you some suggested reading?

Google: The MIT Guide to Lockpicking and Lockpicking Detail Overkill

Those two documents will give you a very good overview of the fundamentals.

As for your question; If you are tensioning the plug and raising the binding pin, as the driver passes the shearline and before the key pin blocks it, it will click past the shearline. Of course you could also have it click into a serration or a hollow of a spool pin. But it's the pins passing the shearline while the plug is under tension.

[Dave55347]

I thought it might be the spring forcing the driver pin back DOWN into the plug after the plug rotates......

[cheerIO]

I thought it might be the spring forcing the driver pin back DOWN into the plug after the plug rotates......

No, the spring is always pushing down. You are pushing up on the stack. When you get a click, you will usually get a little rotation of the core. This will either bring up the next binding set or will be a false set in a security pin.

When you pick more and develop more sensitivity you will feel what's going on. It just takes time to develop the feel, and knowledge of what's going on inside.