Corbin Russwin

[SilverIce85]

Hey all, newbie here. I've been practicing picking for about two weeks now and I've come across something that confuses me. Wondering if I could get some advice. I've tried to pick a Corbin Russwin lock that requires that the key be turned a full 180 degrees. I can pick the lock open but can only rotate it halfway, causing the pins to fall to the bottom and not moving the deadbolt at all. Anyone come across this and have any advice, I'd appreciate it.

SilverIce85

[SilverIce85]

sorry, just a quick correction, i meant 360 degrees

[Omikron]

For starters, how about keeping questions to one thread...hmmm?

Anyway, what you need to do is take the flat of your pick, and hold it against the bottom of the keyway as it rotates, allowing you to turn past 180 degrees. It may take some practice, but it's not too hard.

[SilverIce85]

i tired that, not quite sure if i'm doing it right or if that just doesnt work

[SilverIce85]

it seems that the pins drop and stop the lock from continuing to turn the whole way around, please help, this lock is mocking me

[Aqua]

You could try to find some info on making a plug spinner. I never used one, but as far as i know it would solve your problem.

Though the simplest method is the one mentioned by Omikron...
Unless it is some fancy high-security lock (which i doubt, as i believe it to be a simple pin-tumbler cylinder lock like this one http://www.new-york-locksmith.com/Items ... drical.jpg ), the pins should be very easy to set, when pushed up all pins at the same time with a long and flat piece of metal, while applying tension to the lock.

Anyway, if this lock has a standard key, with cuts on one side and a flat surface on the other - i don't see any reason why it shouldn't work.
But i have been fooled before once, when i was a kid.

Aye!®

[Olcaytug]

he he he

I understand your problem.. I think after turning 180 degrees, the driver pins are pushed a bit upward and blocks the opening at the top of the keyway, while the key pins are at the bottom. Otherwise there is no possiblity of the key pins to hinder turning at 180 degrees. try to push these driver pins, not the key pins.

Regards...

[SilverIce85]

so if i push the pins that are on the top of the key entry after i've turned it 180 degrees, it should open?

[vector40]

Ought to. They're the only thing blocking it, and not really even "blocking" it much, probably -- they're just slipping in slightly, probably no more than the depth of their bevel.

[SilverIce85]

Here are some pics of the lock. I can't find any pins on the top please help!

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b298/erasingthedisguise/S4020054.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b298/erasingthedisguise/S4020052.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b298/erasingthedisguise/S4020051.jpg

[url]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b298/erasingthedisguise/3ca7fe77.jpg[/img][/url]

[spQQky]

Here are some pics of the lock. I can't find any pins on the top please help!

Maybe if you could provide a close up photo as large as is possible? 56k modem here...not.

[vector40]

Um... how about a picture with the plug actually turned until it jammed?

[skold]

May i ask if you own that lock?

That certainly is not on a house door.

[SilverIce85]

its the door to my dorm room, just practicing cause i tend to lose and/or forget my keys

[illusion]

::prepare for a sacred-cow speach::

here on this site we encourage people to pick their own locks, and not ones fixed to doors for two reasons:

1. you may break your lock and look like a right knob when you have to explain that you broke it by messing about with it.

2. If you pick a lock which does not belong to you in order to gain access this will not make anybody your friend if you get caught... the one on your dorm room belongs to your school and they would get pissed off if they caught you picking it.

Sorry to preach this stuff, but it is improtant that we understand this... if you keep loosing your keys I would suggest you find a better way to organise yourself so this doesn't happen... picking the lock just to gain access when you could do it with a key faster seems like shooting yourself in the foot to be honest.

but that's just my opinion of course.