Too much tension?

[logosys]

I've been practicing on a few locks, and I'm not altogether sure, but how can you tell when your putting too much torque on your lock? I have a strange feeling that I'm doing just that.

How do you know when you're putting just the right amount?

[zeke79]

here is a good test to see how much tension is required to pick a specific lock. insert your turning tool and then rake the lock a couple of times. Release tension and listen for top pins falling back into the core. Continue doing this with less and less tension until you cannot hear the top pins falling back into the core. This is the minimum amount of tension you need to pick the lock. what type of lock are you picking or is this a question in general?

[Chucklz]

You are almost certainly applyign too much tension. When to know what the right amount is.... well experience unfortunately.

[logosys]

You are almost certainly applyign too much tension. When to know what the right amount is.... well experience unfortunately.

No doubt I need more experience, working on it as we speak/type. It's just a question in general. Based on the fact that I can pick a lock with relative ease if I hold it one way and cannot for the life of me pick it another way, I'm guessing my problem is the torque that I'm applying...

[Houdini Locksmiths]

A spring loaded tension tool is a good way to find out how much pressure your appying to a lock:-



It is tool with dial, it allows greater control when turning the plug of a lock.

Harry

[Chucklz]

The circular tension tool is not a tool I would recommend for every day use. You know how much tension you are applying, but you get very poor feedback.

When you say you cant pick a lock "another way" do you mean in the opposite turning direction, or with a different pick etc?

[Mad Mick]

Feel is a skill that has to be learned, then honed. Using a spring loaded tension tool does the 'feel' thing for you and compensates if you are heavy handed.

Try inserting a half diamond to the back of the keyway, apply the lightest tension you think you may need, then draw the half diamond out from the keyway making sure you move the pins, but not up to the top of the stacks. Gradually release tension and listen for any clicks. Just before the last click is heard is the best amount of tension for that lock. Some locks have stronger springs than others, so the amount of tension required will vary. Generally, the lighter the better, especially when dealing with spools etc.

This is my opinion and does not necessarily reflect the views of others. Try it, it may work for you.

[logosys]

The circular tension tool is not a tool I would recommend for every day use. You know how much tension you are applying, but you get very poor feedback.

When you say you cant pick a lock "another way" do you mean in the opposite turning direction, or with a different pick etc?

In an opposite direction. I hold the wrench a different way (with my index finger rather than my thumb) and have trouble figuring out how much tension I shoudl be applying.

[Chucklz]

I dont use my thumb on the tension wrench
I hold the lock Im picking with my left hand, thumb at the bottom and index finger on the tension wrench.