I have an old bronze padlock along with the deadbolt on the back door of my house (which faces the elements and I rarely open from the outside) I can't seem to open either. The problem for both is it feels like the pin's springs have like disintegrated. I mean, I can push up the pins like nothing and they often have trouble falling back down on their own.
Another problem is the cylinder seems to also lack any kick-back. I put light tension on it, attempt to pick the lock, have all the pins get stuck way too high, and then when I release the tension wrench the cylinder stays how it is--slightly twisted with the pins not falling back down. I have to physically reverse the wrench and twist it the other way for the lock cylinder to reset itself.
Now, I'm assuming this is a problem that lube can help with (at least slightly). I have read about graphite powders; am I just supposed to grind a pencil over the same small piece of paper for a minute and then blow the dust into the lock?
