spool pins

[nols]

what make spool pins fo hard to pick?

[Varjeal]

The basic premise behind the working of pins in a lock is that they must be able to seperate at the shear line in order for the plug to turn. In order for the plug to turn, there must be tension placed on the plug in the direction it needs to turn.

Mushroom/spool pins are designed so that when a pick is lifting the pin, while at the same time tension is being applied to the plug, the mushroom or spool pin will "tip" across the shear line and prevent the plug from turning.

It takes a light and sensitive touch to be able to have the right amount of tension so as to keep these pins from tipping and blocking the shear line.

Becfause the proper key lifts ALL the pins up to the right height at the same time without the use of tension, mushroom/spool pins do not affect the operation of the proper key.

[Eagerpicker]

I am still conducting fierce negotiations with my 5 pin tumbler lock - four of which are spool pins. Even set up with only three (the front three) pins (all spool), I cannot get the hang of lifting them to the shear line the right way. I have got the feather weight or spring tension tool, but I cannot for the world utilize it the way it is meant to be, it seems. The spring idea appears to be very clever, but in reality it is very very hard to get any information about how much tension you are actually applying.

Any suggestions?

[Mini-Blue]

I am still conducting fierce negotiations with my 5 pin tumbler lock

HAHAHAHAHA!!!

Well said. Someone less genteel would be FIGHTING with it. You're still negotiating. Very funny stuff!

I realize you posted this some time ago, but if you're still "negotiating" here's my advice.

Get rid of the springy thingy turning tool and get yourself a good stiff wrench.

Get the biggest turning tool you can fit in the keyway and THEN apply your own feather light pressure to it.

The stouter tool will allow you MUCH more feedback on what's happening inside the lock and you'll find that you just generally feel more action in there.

Next, realize that when you feel the plug make a BIG jump, but it doesn't unlock, understand that you've just got a "false set" off of a mushroom or spool pin. Keep track of that pin, lighten up the pressure on your turning tool, and attack that same pin again. You're trying to push it past the false set and into a true shear position WITHOUT letting the pins that you've already picked slip back to their rest position.

Sounds complicated doesn't it?

This is why picking the hardest binding pinstack first is so important.

Remember,
Heavy wrench, light touch...
Big movement in the plug = False Set

Let us know how the negotiations work out!

[riva]

Next, realize that when you feel the plug make a BIG jump, but it doesn't unlock, understand that you've just got a "false set" off of a mushroom or spool pin. Keep track of that pin, lighten up the pressure on your turning tool, and attack that same pin again. You're trying to push it past the false set and into a true shear position WITHOUT letting the pins that you've already picked slip back to their rest position.

Sounds complicated doesn't it?

you make it sound a lot more complicated than it actually is. another way to pick spool pins is to purposely false set them high (ie. the key pin binds), then gradually release the tension until it snaps back. although this isn't always possible: you have more chance of disturbing a correctly set pin this way, especially if the pick your using has a small tip.

[Mini-Blue]

Hmmm, actually I think I made it sound exactly as complicated as it is.

As in, not really very complicated at all. Just intimidating to someone doing it for the first time.

What you're talking about is a variation of "Reverse Picking" and that's not a skill that a beginner needs to try right off the bat. It requires a very refined touch and a certain amount of talent. Some people just can't do it no matter how hard they try.

Personally, I think the standard "two stage" approach is probably the best bet for the new picker.

If Reverse Picking works for you, that's VERY cool but it won't work for everyone.

[Eagerpicker]

I have tried reverse picking and got well, not very far. Then I tried heavy wrench with light tension and heavy pressure and voilà... mmmagic. On one lock with 4 spool pins. No luck with other locks yet. I'll get there, though. I am one tough diplomat.