Spring loaded pin tumbler locks

[The Dude]

Ya know the pin tumbler locks that people would have on their front doors. Basically the key turns 90 degrees in either direction to open the lock. If you let go of the key while it is turned it springs back to the straight position. Apart from knocking all the pins into the right position to open the lock, is there something else that has to be done to over come the spring action within the lock? I'm pretty sure i've alined all the pins in the lock but it still wont turn.

[rayman452]

What lock is it? If its a basic one, you dont have to worry about the springs, they just are there to keep pressure on the pins. What may be the problem is that your using too much tension, so your binding at the pins, and not the shear line. But post what lock it is first, since if your picking a Medeco, your not going to have too much luck...

[vector40]

Make sure you're turning it the right way

[CaptHook]

Chances are you are not using enough tension to overcome the spring pressure on the plug. Think master padlocks. If you are still not getting results, you probably are missing a pin set somewhere (overset, underset etc).
Chuck

[toomush2drink]

If its a euro lock you may need to push a pick right to the back of the lock to engage the cam then it should open if its picked.

[WhiteHat]

I've never had the chance to pick an actual door knob like this, but some padlocks that I've picked have spring force applied to the plug PRIOR to the shackle opening and some have it AFTER.

if you are used to picking standard deadbolts which have no spring force, then changing to something that has it will be different - not necessarily harder, just different. you need to push a bit more until the pins bind and hold that pressure which will be a whole heap more than you need for a non-spring loaded lock. practicing on these types may give you a sore tension hand or fingers because you have to hold the spring slightly compressed for the entire time that you're picking, while making minute adjustments as required without allowing the spring to reset the pins by turning it back too far.

if this is your first lock, I'd recommend starting on something different.

[The Dude]

Thanks guys. I think i have confused a few people here though. By spring loaded i am not referring to the driver pin springs. I am referring to a pin tumbler lock with a cam system and spring operated door latch. The key can activate the latch by turning it 90 degrees either clockwise or counter clockwise. When the key is turned and released it automatically returns to the vertical position by force of the spring. Example http://home.howstuffworks.com/lock-picking4.htm

[CaptHook]

What Lebowski is referring to is a storeroom style lockset. Where the outside is always locked. When you turn the key, it turns the plug and knob in tandum. The spring pressure is from the latch spring.
Chuck