Simple Question (But my seem stupid)!

[Shiftty]

Hi

Basically i have looked through hours of footage, lots ofpictures and lots of information, all that helped me understand the theory and basics behind the lock workings and actually defeating the machanics of th lock.
But basically i cannot find the answer to this following question, so i hope someone could enlighten me, no matter how easy/stupid it may seem to some of you.
The question being:
I have several locks at home and around my friend's/family/relative's houses, all on those new fancy doors.
I have had a quick look and poke around inside the lock and it seems as though there are no top pins, only bottom one's?? i can feel them, and by vision it looks as though they are Mushroom pins.
But no matter how hard i try i cannot find top pins.
My suspicions were later verified as the key has the notches cut on the bottom of the key instead of the top.
So Has this type of lock got a name, or is it just simply a standardlock that is fitted upside down?
Also If trying to pick this do i insert the tension wrench at the top of the lock instead of the bottom?
Sorry for the un-necassary introduction, and sorry if this seems a very stupid question, but as always any help is deeply appreciated.
As you may tell i am a comptete newcomer to lockpicking but i feel i have, on the whole, a very good understanding of the theory side of things.
And the practical side will hopefully get better when i recieve my first set of picks!
I hope you can understand what i am trying to say and ask here, but i understand there is alot of info that is un-needed and may complicate things!
So i will try and explain better if needed!
Thanks alot!

[freakparade3]

Can you post some pictures? It seems to me the the key cuts on the top or bottom of the key simply depends on how you are holding the key. Also, you are beginner. Do not attempt to pick locks you or anyone else rely on. You can and will damage them.

[Shiftty]

I am not attempting topick them really, just curious about the inside ofit, and im using it toincrease my feel for the pins and such. Bu not actually picking it.
As for pictures i havn't any at the moment but will try and get some.
And the key will not fit in the slot if i attempt to insert it upside down i.e. with the notches on the upside!

Thanks for the quick response!

[globallockytoo]

I suspect you might be looking at a wafer tumbler cylinder. No top pins as they are wafers (discs).

Light but constant turning pressure and raking would probably pick it.

There are wafer tumbler euro cylinders like Austral cylinders or even other brands

[MacGyver101]

Hrm. You indicate that you are from the UK... just double-check: are you perhaps comparing European-style pin tumbler locks (which are typically mounted with the pins on the bottom of the keyway) to US-style pin tumber locks (which are typically mounted with the pins on the top of the keyway)? If so, the same picking strategies apply: the tumblers are simply mounted "upside-down" from one another.

[Shiftty]

Yes i think you are right mate, i am from the UK i was thinking it through earlier, that maybe its just the Euro style locks that are like this.

[lockpick1968]

Any chances of posting some pics, would be nice to take a peek anyway?

[Kaotik]

As for pictures i havn't any at the moment but will try and get some.

[Oliwerko]

Well, I haven't seen any other locks than a standard 5-pin euro cylinders in our country. It may be simplier than it looks - that the lock is just upside down like MacGyver101 said. American ones has pins at the top, european has them on the bottom - so in Europe you put the key with the cuts pointed to the ground.

I don't know why I'm writing this, when one simple picture ilustrates the euro pin placement (I hope that Shrub doesn't kill me for using his pic ):

I will kill you, do not use my pics!! Picture removed.

[Shiftty]

Yes i think this is the case, the lock picture posted is very simlar to the ones im talking about.
Thanks for the responses, its greatly appreciated!
If it helps save the forum with cloggin up with junk, by all means delete this thread now!
Once again, thanks!

[jimb]

or is it just simply a standardlock that is fitted upside down?

Sorry, but I find it very entertaining that someone in the UK admits that the locks there are upside down.

[Trip Doctor]

or is it just simply a standardlock that is fitted upside down?

Sorry, but I find it very entertaining that someone in the UK admits that the locks there are upside down.

Lol. Well, to settle this. Were pin tumbler locks used back in 1700-1800's in Europe? If they were, were they mounted with the pins in the bottom? If so, then I think we can clearly say that it's here in the US that the locks are "upside down", since America was only founded like 200 years ago (and I don't believe Native Americans used pin tumblers) .

[globallockytoo]

or is it just simply a standardlock that is fitted upside down?

Sorry, but I find it very entertaining that someone in the UK admits that the locks there are upside down.

Lol. Well, to settle this. Were pin tumbler locks used back in 1700-1800's in Europe? If they were, were they mounted with the pins in the bottom? If so, then I think we can clearly say that it's here in the US that the locks are "upside down", since America was only founded like 200 years ago (and I don't believe Native Americans used pin tumblers) .

The pin tumbler lock...originally invented by the ancient Egyptians (closer to Europe than America) had the original pin tumbler keys with the pins coming down. This was because they used gravity instead of springs. So your argument about Euoropeans not knowing about pin tumblers is hollow IMHO.

But....it is true that prior to the 1800's the greater majority of locks out there used mortise keyholes...this is true.

[Trip Doctor]

Ah, well in that case, I stand (well I sit) corrected.

[Shrub]

(I hope that Shrub doesn't kill me for using his pic ):

With respect i know you perhaps do not know me enough to realise what you did there but i will just make a polite and meaningful comment on that,

Do not make assumptions, ask bfore you post if your not sure on somthing,

My pictures on this site are put where they are put, i forbid ANYONE to copy them and post elsewhere,

You also hotlinked MY image which is against the sites rules,

Thankyou,