Tensioner Position.

[Edgyman]

Hi I am sorry if this has been covered, but was unable to find it anywhere else. I recently got myself some lockpicks and clear practise locks from lockpicks.com.
I have found that when I put my tensioner at the bottom of the lock it tends to bind making it not possible to turn the lock even though it is clear all pins are set properly.
I have used the tensioner in the top of the lock with success. but prefer the tensioner at the bottom for comfort and easier picking. Has anyone else had this problem? and is it due to the the lock being plastic? or what can I do to avoid it binding in the bottom of the lock?

[Major Boothroyd]

Insert the wrench in a way that it doesn't bind? I mean it doesn't have to flush against the plug, or am I just not understanding you're problem?

[Edgyman]

No. you understand it properly. It just seems that that i where the tensioner always ends up slipping to.

[apb]

This may have to do with the width of the wrench you are using. If it is not wide enough is can slip down lower on the keyway and put a "brake" ,so to speak, on the plug. This may prevent it from turning or binding any more pins.

Personally though, I prefer top keyway tension because it give you more room to work in the keyway and puts equal force all the way around the plug and does not favor one side, sort of like a spinning tire. You can avoid the very problem you are having.

Anyway, maybe use a wider tension wrench.

My two cents.

[Pyrhhus]

This may have to do with the width of the wrench you are using. If it is not wide enough is can slip down lower on the keyway and put a "brake" ,so to speak, on the plug. This may prevent it from turning or binding any more pins.

I have seen used and have used myself two tension wrenches to solve this problem. You put a very thin one horizontally at the bottom on the keyway, and this prevents the "operational" wrench from sliding lower.

Illustrated below:

[Pyrhhus]

, I tried to resize the image so it wouldn't be so grossly huge, but it appears I failed.
How do I make the image so it does not destroy the forum?

[hydruh]

How do I make the image so it does not destroy the forum?

You actually have to resize the image. With an image tool, like gimp.

In answer to OP, you end up carrying a number of tension wrenches. If they slip, you have a few that are roughed up on the sides. Remember, the keyways are designed to PREVENT picking, for a reason. We think of them as puzzles, but the manufacturers think of them as tool to protect things.

S

[Edgyman]

Thanks a lot. that gives me a few ways around the problem. or just getting used to using the tensioner in top of the keyway.