Stuck at 90 Degree Turn

[rcc147]

I was trying to pick a regular cylinder lock. With a key, it turns clockwise and has to go a full rotation to open the deadbolt. When picking, it turns 90 degrees then hits a hard stop. I can hear a click at 45 degrees on the way to 90 degrees, so am wondering if there is a security measure inside the lock that I don't understand. I used a screwdriver to try and force past the 90 degrees, but that broker the lock (maybe bent a pin?) and I had to replace the lock with a different brand.

The new brand is exactly the same as the old one, it stops at 90 degrees when picking.

I have seen countless videos on picking this type of lock and have never seen anyone else have this problem, but I've had it with two locks now.

Can someone give me guidance on what is causing this and how to get past it?

Thank you.

[manueltrabajo]

What brand/model is the lock?

[GWiens2001]

We need to see pictures of the lock and the key.

I suspect this is a dimple lock, and that the driver pins are dropping into the outer edge of the keyway, but have no way of knowing until I see the pictures. There can also be trap pins, but again, pictures will tell us far more information.

Gordon

[jimu57]

My guess is that drivers are getting stuck in the bottom of the keyway when you turn the plug to the 90 degree position with no key in it. When that happens, normally you can just turn a pick over and use it to lift the drivers while you turn the plug. You can also lose master wafers by turning the plug 90 degrees eith no key in it.

Jimu57

[GWiens2001]

My guess is that drivers are getting stuck in the bottom of the keyway when you turn the plug to the 90 degree position with no key in it. When that happens, normally you can just turn a pick over and use it to lift the drivers while you turn the plug. You can also lose master wafers by turning the plug 90 degrees eith no key in it.

Jimu57

That is my suspicion if it is a dimple lock. If it is a standard pin tumbler, then it would happen at 180 degrees.

Gordon

[jimu57]

Well duh. I meant 180. With me degreed in engineering I would be a good one working on a mission to the moon. The guys would end up on mars. No, turn 90 degrees.

[rcc147]

I appreciate the quick responses. Images attached. Silver is the old one that I broker, no brand name. The Gold one is the new lock, it is a Maxtech.

[RedE]

I appreciate the quick responses. Images attached. Silver is the old one that I broker, no brand name. The Gold one is the new lock, it is a Maxtech.

That's really peculiar. Two unrelated brands that are doing the same thing.

It looks to me like it's not even jammed at 90 degrees but more like 70 degrees or so. Considering that it looks like you have a copy of a Segal rim cylinder (very typical non high security cylinder), there should not be any obscure/intentional locking elements causing it to bind like that.

Is the cylinder connected to a lock of some sorts? That could be your problem. But if they aren't and if you feel confident, you could remove the spring cover(s) on top of the cylinder and try gutting the top pins to see if it would free it up.

[jimu57]

Question. Was it getting stuck at 90 degrees (1/4) turn or 180 degrees (1/2 turn)?

[RedE]

Question. Was it getting stuck at 90 degrees (1/4) turn or 180 degrees (1/2 turn)?

Based on what the OP said and the accompanying pictures, it looks like the problems are occurring around 90 degrees.

[jimu57]

I was thinking maybe he turned it further with the screwdriver and turned it back where it seized up in the pic.

Jim

[rcc147]

It stops at a quarter turn (90 degrees). After picking the lock, what could the clicking noise be at 45 degrees?

[jimu57]

Freaky.

[mseifert]

I looked up the brand pretty generic big box brand.. Mostly residential use.. My guess is it a security feature.. Lock looks to be installed on a door or something .. I hope you didn't lock yourself out of your apartment .

[Squelchtone]

OP, where are you located, and what happens when you pick the lock amd turn it in the other direction?