Trying to pick an old deadbolt

[dev070]

The other day I decided to try and pick the deadbolt lock on my back door. I was having difficulty because the lock sits recessed in the door frame about 3 inches. It was an issue because the keyhole is only a half-inch from the side of the door frame, making it impossible for me to get my tension wrench in there. Usually when I pick, I put downward force on the tension wrench. But because of the door frame, I was forced to put the wrench in the other way and apply upward force. This seemed to make the lock much more difficult to pick. Is there an easier way to do this? Do they make wrenchs with smaller stems? How would a smaller stem affect my picking?

[ToolyMcgee]

Flat wrench. I hear the peterson's are good. The pry bar's look especially useful. You can cut a really nice flat wrench from good knife steel, or check out Kaotik's tension wrench HOW TO http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=17220&start=0

A smaller stem would be similar to choking up on the wrench you are using now. Not very comfortable. You can always bend a wrench to work, but in doing so you will change the feedback you get from it. Any way you toss it though you should learn how to use a different wrench, or another tensioning method so you aren't as tripped up by the locks position when it's less than ideal for your prefered style.

You've been a member for almost 3 months... DON'T pick your door locks. Picking practice is hard enough on brand new locks. Years of service plus picking can finish a lock off very quickly. It sounds like you might be locking yourself outside to pick if the door frame is in the way. Also unwise for many reasons. Anyway maybe you find a piece of my post is helpful.

-Tooly

[dev070]

Thanks for the tips Tooly. Just for the record, the deadbolt in question is no longer in use. I take the "don't pick in-use locks" very seriously. Someone had busted the door in several years ago (long story!) and I couldn't lock the door with it if i tried.