Picked my first Schlage, but was it too easy?

by **firsties** » 14 Jun 2010 1:00

This might be a little long, since I'm trying to include details which may be unnecessary, so I put my question in bold.

Today I got locked out of my house. Since I'm cocky about my growing skills, I carry around a little pick set, so even though I'm really new to lockpicking, I decided to try to get in through a door that has a somewhat old (mid-late 1990s maybe?) Schlage deadbolt and knob. We're going to have to replace the locks soon anyway, like we have with two other doors that I found too easy to pick for my peace of mind (just checking our security), though I didn't try this one because, hey, it's a Schlage. I've tried Schlage locks before (well, just a couple new ones that I bought to practice on) but they're too hard for me at this point. Cheaper locks, like First Watch and Kwikset and others, never last more than ten or fifteen minutes before I open them.

So, even though I didn't think I could do it, I was able to get through the deadbolt and the knob in about 45 minutes, which made me wonder if Schlage locks from the mid to late 1990s have security pins. Don't chastise me on this, but afterward I tried picking my new Schlage front door lock, which advertised on the packaging that it has security pins, and could not pick it for anything. Does anyone know when lock companies started commonly using security pins? Do you think this lock had security pins? I'm not sure I can detect security pins just yet.

If you're wondering, I used a hook pick and a somewhat rounded half-diamond pick, both of which I made from hacksaw blades. For the deadbolt, I tried raking and SPP separately for a while, but when I finally picked it I used both--there was one pin at the back that seemed to set significantly lower than the other pins, so when I was raking the lock I would accidentally false set it high. I raked shallowly with the half-diamond to set three pins in the middle that set early and high, then, using the hook pick, carefully proceeded with single-pin picking. Right before I was about to give up and drive 40 miles to get my keys, the lock opened. The knob, which is keyed the same as the bolt, was really easy and took about 3 minutes with raking alone.

by **UtahRootBeer** » 14 Jun 2010 2:56

Sorry, we cannot help you with info on how to pick that lock, since the lock is in use.

If we tell you how and then someone trying to steal money from their work's office petty cash box googles this forum, we will have inadvertently given them the steps needed in committing a crime.

We pick locks for fun and for the challenge of it, but unfortunately many people in the general public see anything to do with lock picking as a criminal act, and we are trying to shed that image by not picking locks that are in use on soda machines, cash boxes, utility meters, cable company pedestals at apartment buildings, etc, etc, basically any lock that the lock picker doesn't own or doesn't have permission to pick, we don't pick, based on sound moral judgment.

Also, it is possible to damage a lock by picking it. Could drop a pin into the keyway, crush the springs, break the pick in the lock, or any number of other unforseen ways. When picked and rotated, small master pins can fall into the keyway which will result in possibly your key no longer working. It can also result in neither your key, the master key nor the control key working which will result in a visit from the locksmith who set the system up. In this case, the locksmith will notice master pins missing from the system and will know the lock has been tampered with and will know it was likely due to picking since even the person who has access to a control key does not posses the required tools to disassemble the lock.

You could also run the risk of being blamed for things gone missing if it becomes known that you pick locks in use.
People that see it happen might not feel so safe and when they can't find that diamond earring or misplaced power tool you could be the first thing that pops into their heads.
If something goes missing it is you that is going to get blamed whether you did it or not.

If you need this lock opened, please visit a local locksmith, they will be glad to pick it or drill it for you, for a small fee.

If you just need this one lock opened, this site is probably not for you, for you see we are not a technical support line for those times when someone is locked out of something.

But if you feel that you would enjoy lock picking as fun hobby, then we encourage all new comers to purchase or make some lock picks, find some locks in the junk drawer at your house, or purchase some at the local hardware store and read lots and lots of the posts here to learn the basics that you can then use to become a more competent picker.

As stated, do not pick locks that you do not own. This will save you future headaches and possibly save you some money (damages and rekey charges).

by **firsties** » 14 Jun 2010 3:21

Thanks for replying. I'm committed to the rules you presented. Sorry if you construed my post as one soliciting advice on how to pick a lock I don't own. I only pick locks I own, except for one time when I had explicit permission from the owner since she locked herself out. I cannot say enough that I am not involved in any criminal activity and do not and will never use lockpicking for criminal or otherwise negative purposes. As a responsible, civic-minded citizen, as well as an unofficial representative of the lockpicking community. Also, I understand it is irresponsible to pick locks that are in use and, though I have on occasion neglected this rule, I have also accepted the possibility of negative consequences of picking locks I rely on.

I completely understand your reluctance to reply to my post. We can't have this forum become a criminal how-to guide--I'm still learning this hobby and really enjoy this resource! I'll re-read the rules of the forum to avoid violating them in the future.

To be clear, though, I can't find any information on when Schlage started using security pins. If anyone has any information on this, please let me know. Even though I was able to get it open and will replace my lock soon, I will feel more competent if I know it does have security pins and also more comfortable with the safety of my home, making the difference between putting a new lock on my credit card (oh no!) and waiting until pay-day.

by **Squelchtone** » 14 Jun 2010 8:08

Heh, I think Utah's reply is a canned post we all cobbled together from other posts; I see some of my writing in there and femurat's as well.

You seem level headed enough to understand the consequences, so hey, if they're your locks, go at it, but as the lock picking bug bites you harder, you'll soon discover an addiction for buying locks at the store, online, ebay, and from people on here. Just try to not let the addiction steer you towards picking every lock you walk by. I carried a pick set with me the first year or two I was into this, it's like getting a license to carry a concealed gun, there's a certain power that one feels walking around knowing you have something powerful like that on your person that nobody else knows about. I only carry a set of Bogota rakes these days, in my wallet, and the gun, sometimes, depending on where I'm going (for work.)

Have a good one,
Squelchtone

by **Legion303** » 14 Jun 2010 8:12

I wasn't aware Schlage had started using security pins at all. Even my two Primus cylinders don't come pinned with any. Locksmiths can install them as an afterthought, but I've never seen any come from the factory that way.

-steve

by **femurat** » 14 Jun 2010 9:34

squelchtone wrote:Heh, I think Utah's reply is a canned post we all cobbled together from other posts; I see some of my writing in there and femurat's as well.

You're right, it was the standard reply for noobs asking about locks in use... an old but still useful project.
IMHO the reply should be quoted to clearly show its purpose to the OP.

Cheers

by **foxhunter** » 23 Jun 2010 13:37

where is the best place to buy practice locks?

by **Squelchtone** » 23 Jun 2010 13:50

foxhunter wrote:where is the best place to buy practice locks?

Please search around the forum just a little. This is a question asked every week and we have a dozen threads running side by side with answers from many many people.

and the answer is ebay.
Squelchtone

by **Urbex** » 24 Jun 2010 20:48

I grabbed a Schlage deadbolt from Home Depot a few months back, had three spools and no key. No wonder I had such a hard time picking the thing. When I finally took apart the cylinder, it was like what is all this crap.

I doubt it came from Schlage that way, probably returned. No other Schlage I've purchased ever came with spools.

by **UtahRootBeer** » 27 Jun 2010 10:53

yeah sorry i should have highligted the section that applied, that was a standard reply for not picking locks in use/ ones you dont own. the habitat for humanity restore is wonderful for locks i picked up 2 schlage locks brand new for 4 bucks. you can get used ones too but im prissy and didnt want to dirty my picks.

by **femurat** » 28 Jun 2010 2:42

UtahRootBeer wrote:you can get used ones too but im prissy and didnt want to dirty my picks.

ROTFL

Picked my first Schlage, but was it too easy?

Picked my first Schlage, but was it too easy?

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Re: Picked my first Schlage, but was it too easy?

Re: Picked my first Schlage, but was it too easy?

Re: Picked my first Schlage, but was it too easy?

Re: Picked my first Schlage, but was it too easy?

Re: Picked my first Schlage, but was it too easy?

Re: Picked my first Schlage, but was it too easy?

Re: Picked my first Schlage, but was it too easy?

Re: Picked my first Schlage, but was it too easy?

Re: Picked my first Schlage, but was it too easy?

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