Security pin question

[zekeo]

I've been doing some work with security pins, and I'm making progress, but I have a question: why do lock manufacturers put 1 or 2 spools in a lock--why not all 5 or 6? On one hand it makes sense because the picker doesn't know which are which, but on the other hand it seems like spools are pretty good at un-setting other pins. It seems like it would also be cheaper and easier in manufacturing to use all spools.

So, is a lock with all spool pins easier or more difficult than a lock with 2?

[master in training]

i've never picked a lock with all spools, but i would assume all spools would be harder to pick than 1 or 2. as for why they make them with only one or two, the only reason i can see them doing this is that it would be cheaper, but as you said, logic would mean the opposite would be cheaper, less materials used etc, but who knows...

[zeke79]

The reason they do not use all spools is due to the fact that it would make inserting and removing the key difficult due to the fact that the plug could turn a few degrees due to the spool pins casusing the spool pins to catch in the shell just as they do while picking. This would cause you to have to wiggle the key back and forth in and clockwise and counter clockwise direction to get the key inserted or removed. I hope this makes some sense as I am in a hurry at the moment and do not have time to be more descriptive in my post.

[digital_blue]

I agree with zeke79, and Marc Tobias makes a mention to this effect in LSS. However, having said that it is not unheard of. I have a LSDA padlock which initially gave me a heck of a time. After getting to a point where I was proficient with it and had little more to learn from that lock, I performed an autopsy to discover 5 spool pins, so it can happen. This lock was in fact very difficult to pick at first, but that was a combination of the 5 spools, a very tight keyway, and the fact that it was pretty old and the plug didn't turn very well.

Anyway, just my experiences.... happy picking!

db

[zekeo]

Thanks for the info! That makes sense...

[Kayvon]

Actually, I had always wondered that myself. I though, "It doesn't seem that much more expensive to use spools than normal cylinders." But, then again, a half-cent over 3 million locks and you've got a little extra dough.

[omelet]

i don't think the price will be significantly different, if at all. If it is, the security pins would be more due to added machining.

[zekeo]

I'm pretty sure that any cost savings due to less machining would be offset by the extra effort of using two varieties of top pins. Although Kayvon is correct that pennies add up, if they were truly more pick resistant while remaining effective I'm sure it would be worth it.

[Dent]

I've been playing around with a schlage and a bunch of spool pins and I found generally 5 spool pins were just as easy as 2-4, in fact easier because with no regular pins, it is must easier to feel the plug turning and you have more leway with the spool unsetting.

[raimundo]

Security pins also might be weaker and more susceptible to some form of force causeing them to bend. but just one or two regular pins at the front of the lock should keep the malfunctioning key problem down. Much of the design of locks is to make locks that operate trouble free, so more tolerance in the machining and such,

[Elijah]

Imagine you are a criminal who's method of entry is picking locks. You are proficient enough to open locks with 2 spool pins. What is to say that you can't just as easily open one with 5? Also, knowing that all 5 were spool pins would set me at ease because I wouldn't have to go checking every single pin when the lock wouldn't open, risking a major unsettling inside the lock and being forced to start over.