First pin asks for explanation

[Key]

Hey there,

I think this question is pretty basic, but I just wondered if anyone can give me a satisfying answer.

When I try to pick a simple four pin lock (which I got open several times now) I find that the pins are resetting to the locked position from the back to the front when I decrease the torque after all the pins are set properly. Nothing strange so far. However, I did expect that the first pin (pin 1) at the front would therefore also be set as the first one. This isn't the case! The first pin is set only after the second or the third one (don't know exactly) are set. What could be the reason? Is it because the first one is too small and gets into the hull if the torque is too low? Can there be another reason?

Regards,

Key.

[CaptHook]

The pin chambers are drilled off center, this is what makes picking possible. Now..... alot of folks suggest picking front to back or back to front, assuming that is the way the pins set (the order in distance away from the centerline of the plug). Truth of the matter is, the chambers are gang drilled, they can be off center in any setting order, hence the pins setting/dropping out of linear order.
This is the main reason you should learn to pick the pins in order of the sets, not in order from front to back etc.
Chuck

[stick]

Picking from back to front is the general rule, as with normal usage of a lock, the first pin takes the most wear and tear. It's only a general rule, though. Set the binding pin, whether or not it's in a certain order.

[Key]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the response. I can see that pins could be out of linear order. But isn't it strange that a pin that releases as the last one can't be set as the first one?

Kind regards,

Key.

[Wolf2486]

Pins that are not binding do not have anything pressing against them. Hence, there is no way of keeping it at the sheer line. That is why one pin must be picked before the other. Now in some locks two even three pins may bind at the same time, however, one of them will still need to be picked first. This is because, though the cylinder is putting pressure on the pin, the cylinder could not move ever-so-slightly. Just because two pins bind at the same time does not mean they are perfectly lined up. Metal is sorta springy at .001 of an inch.

[Key]

Thanks for your reactions. That little deviation could explain a lot indeed. By the way, cool forum! Wondeful that everyone is so
willing to help. Lots of puzzles to go though

Regards,

Key.