Lock stuck at 180 after picking - help a noob out.

[Hexlockpick]

Hello there!

In my apartment I have a spare room that I some how managed to lock myself out of, there is nothing of important in there so I decided to set myself the challenge of not using the key and ONLY lockpicking my way in there - just for fun ya know.

I picked the lock itself quite easily after 30 mins or (I am quite a new lockpicker) although once the lock was picked I rotated it clockwise to open the lock and it gets stuck at 180 degrees! I can 'unlock' the lock from this position by pushing the pins back up and turning back anti-clockwise to it's original position.

How do I remedy this and get the lock to turn the full 360 degrees to unlock the door? Thanks very much!

(I have a picture of the specific lock in case that is needed - just let me know).

[pemlock]

First of all: NEVER pick a lock that's in use! The reason should be obvious now. (You can end up ruining it, and having to call a locksmith to get it drilled.)

Regarding the technical problem, I'm guessing that the opposite side from the pins of the core has an open slot that the pins fall down in when you turn it 180 degrees. As you say, you just push the pins back, but then why can't you just continue to turn in the same direction to open it?

You say you managed to lock yourself out; but when you turn it back anti-clockwise, isn't it operational again? Sounds like it should be to me... if so, just use the key.

[Kenneth_V]

My assumption is that you got locked out of the room because you locked your key inside the room and you now have the key.

First question is now that you got into the room, how does the lock function with using the key? does it turn fully with the key inserted?

[Hexlockpick]

First of all: NEVER pick a lock that's in use! The reason should be obvious now. (You can end up ruining it, and having to call a locksmith to get it drilled.)

Regarding the technical problem, I'm guessing that the opposite side from the pins of the core has an open slot that the pins fall down in when you turn it 180 degrees. As you say, you just push the pins back, but then why can't you just continue to turn in the same direction to open it?

You say you managed to lock yourself out; but when you turn it back anti-clockwise, isn't it operational again? Sounds like it should be to me... if so, just use the key.

I have no concern regarding me buggering up the lock, I have picked it many many times it's just this problem irritating me.
Regarding me just continuing to turn the lock clockwise after pushing the pins back up - I am pretty sure I tried that but I can't remember if it worked or not, since if it did I would of done it ya know.
I should not of mentioned it, I am doing this for fun - I don't want to use the key, this is a great opportunity to practice my lockpicking skills!

[Hexlockpick]

My assumption is that you got locked out of the room because you locked your key inside the room and you now have the key.

First question is now that you got into the room, how does the lock function with using the key? does it turn fully with the key inserted?

I locked the room with a master key with another key inside the room itself assumedly since I can't find the other key.
The lock works completely fine with the key.

Like I said, I am just doing this for fun.

I don't 100% mind buggering up my lock as I can replace it myself if needed.

[Hexlockpick]

A lil update - I found that when the lock is stuck at 180 and I pick it again and keep turning it open it just goes back to how it was before I picked it once it becomes up right again.

[Squelchtone]

A lil update - I found that when the lock is stuck at 180 and I pick it again and keep turning it open it just goes back to how it was before I picked it once it becomes up right again.

I'm having a hard time following what you're actually asking us.

Are you asking why plugs get stuck at 180 when the driver pins enter the keyway?

or are you asking why the plug wont turn all the way around 360 degrees?

is this a deadbolt or a knob with a spring loaded latch? what brand is it? Dexter, Schlage, Defiant, Kwikset?

[Squelchtone]

oh sure.... post the same thing on Keypicking and post pictures there but not here..

[GWiens2001]

Also, do you OWN the apartment, or are you a renter? If you don't OWN the apartment, then there is certainly a clause in the rental contract prohibiting the renter from modifying/replacing the locks. That is because the owner needs to be able to access the apartment for maintenance and fire code inspections.

Also, the owner of the apartment (if it is not you) will NOT want you taking apart the lock for security/liability reasons.

Gordon