Ho do you know which way to turn the lock?

[ENGR]

This has to have been answered somewhere before but I wasn't able to find anything with the search function.

So, when you first look at a lock (any lock) how do you know in which direction to apply tension? (padlocks, doorknobs, etc.)

Thanks

[MacGyver101]

It depends a lot on the type of lock. This is just based on my random experience, but:

• Some padlocks with open when the key is turned either way, but most open with a clockwise turn;
  
• Deadbolts and lever locks generally open when the key is turned away from the door frame;
  
• Many mortise locks turn clockwise to unlock;
  
• I'm not sure that there's really a standard for Key-In-Knob cylinders (i.e., a doorknob with an integrated lock): I've seen some that turn clockwise to open and some that turn counter-clockwise to open.

[pjzstones]

when you put your tension wrench in and apply tension one way and then the other it's usually the direction that gives you more play and seems less rigid. not every time but it can help you guess if you're unsure.

[nostromo]

In this case, manufacturers tend to go with the usual function of the usual human being. In this case, most locks are residential and vehicle and most users of these locks are right-handed. The stronger and more usual way that people open objects is to turn the hand clockwise.

For a right-handed person, the motion of grasping a key or grabbing a knob is that of closing the fist. Continuing on to 'twist' the key or knob is to continue that grasping motion, which is clockwise.

In the cases where you pick the lock open the other direction, usually because the lock picks open easier than the more typical direction, you can use a plug spinner. search this forum or youtube for directions on how to make and use one.

[lock2006]

Well onether way to tell is,just look where you lock the door on Deadbolts
what way it goes when you lock it so, turning away from the door frame
going the opposite direction that's where to apply tension
hope this helps
if not just practice, other locks will be differents.

[Rickthepick]

You will find none of the pins will bind if its not manufactured to go that direction.

99% of the time for padlocks its clockwise

A lot oflocks will open either way but generally on (uk) doors i go for 'away from the frame' it makes sense but a plug spinner is handy for those that are picked the wrong way

[raimundo]

Try clockwise first unless there is some reason to indicate differently

northamerican deadbolts installed on a door with the lock on the right hand side would typically turn counter clock wise, because the pawl on the deadbolt that drops behind the bolt and 'dead's it, is usually operated from below so a ccw turn will pull the bolt to the left out of the strike plate to the right.

[ENGR]

I think raimundo summs it up pretty well.

Thanks for that - clockwise it is, and if not, then duh, the other way

[HeadHunterCEO]

knob/lever trick

Should you pick it the wrong way don't forget to simply pull the knob off by depressing the knob retainer . after the knob is in your hand simply insert whatever to unlock the door. If you have to rekey said lock then remove the plug from the knob and you don't have to shim it to get your follower in because it is already picked.

[Evan]

knob/lever trick

Should you pick it the wrong way don't forget to simply pull the knob off by depressing the knob retainer . after the knob is in your hand simply insert whatever to unlock the door. If you have to rekey said lock then remove the plug from the knob and you don't have to shim it to get your follower in because it is already picked.

If you pick a door knob or lever in the wrong direction and it is still LOCKED, you will not be able to remove the knob or lever... The lock must be unlocked and the cylinder turned 90º in the unlock direction to be able to remove the knob and or lever...

~~ Evan

[FarmerFreak]

knob/lever trick

Should you pick it the wrong way don't forget to simply pull the knob off by depressing the knob retainer . after the knob is in your hand simply insert whatever to unlock the door. If you have to rekey said lock then remove the plug from the knob and you don't have to shim it to get your follower in because it is already picked.

If you pick a door knob or lever in the wrong direction and it is still LOCKED, you will not be able to remove the knob or lever... The lock must be unlocked and the cylinder turned 90º in the unlock direction to be able to remove the knob and or lever...

~~ Evan

Corbin locks aside. Typically you can take a knob/lever apart by turning the key 90º either direction, locked or unlocked.

[HeadHunterCEO]

knob/lever trick

Should you pick it the wrong way don't forget to simply pull the knob off by depressing the knob retainer . after the knob is in your hand simply insert whatever to unlock the door. If you have to rekey said lock then remove the plug from the knob and you don't have to shim it to get your follower in because it is already picked.

If you pick a door knob or lever in the wrong direction and it is still LOCKED, you will not be able to remove the knob or lever... The lock must be unlocked and the cylinder turned 90º in the unlock direction to be able to remove the knob and or lever...

~~ Evan

you know sometimes you wish that you could edit your posts right?

[HeadHunterCEO]

knob/lever trick

Should you pick it the wrong way don't forget to simply pull the knob off by depressing the knob retainer . after the knob is in your hand simply insert whatever to unlock the door. If you have to rekey said lock then remove the plug from the knob and you don't have to shim it to get your follower in because it is already picked.

If you pick a door knob or lever in the wrong direction and it is still LOCKED, you will not be able to remove the knob or lever... The lock must be unlocked and the cylinder turned 90º in the unlock direction to be able to remove the knob and or lever...

~~ Evan

Corbin locks aside. Typically you can take a knob/lever apart by turning the key 90º either direction, locked or unlocked.

or any of the kwikset knock offs.

[Evan]

Corbin locks aside. Typically you can take a knob/lever apart by turning the key 90º either direction, locked or unlocked.

Corbin has nothing to do with this -- Arrow cylindrical locks need to be unlocked before you can remove the outer knob or lever as the knobs have to be rotated to expose the retainer you depress to release the knob...

Schlage cylindrical locks also have to be unlocked with the key turned 90º in the unlock direction or the tailpiece on the cylinder will block the retainer from moving when you press it...


~~ Evan

[globallockytoo]

Corbin locks aside. Typically you can take a knob/lever apart by turning the key 90º either direction, locked or unlocked.

Corbin has nothing to do with this -- Arrow cylindrical locks need to be unlocked before you can remove the outer knob or lever as the knobs have to be rotated to expose the retainer you depress to release the knob...

Schlage cylindrical locks also have to be unlocked with the key turned 90º in the unlock direction or the tailpiece on the cylinder will block the retainer from moving when you press it...


~~ Evan

Unless you have the tool to bash down the retainer. Certainly picking or having the key is easier, but it is not impossible to remove the knob. This is why there are tools to remove the knob without a key.