Rim cylinder pins jammed

[whitelever]

I have an unmarked rim cylinder that I managed to pick easily enough, but when it was turned 180% the pins jammed solid. Upon taking it apart to find out why, it has a slot cutout opposite where the key goes enabling the pins to drop into it locking it solid. Has anyone else come across this problem? (yes i did try a plug spinner but it still jammed)

[Chucklz]

This occurs when the bottom of a keyway is wide. Just push the pins back with the back of your pick.

[whitelever]

You can't push the pins back because there is no acess to them inside the keyway, this is a rim cylinder not a eurolock. once the pins & springs have dropped from the top into slot there is no way I can see of getting them back in?

[Chucklz]

I can push the TOP pins back into their housing in all the cylinders I've come across. What brand cylinder is giving you trouble?

[whitelever]

This is my problem is has no brand name on it or the keys. I can only assume this is not a common problem?

[Chrispy]

From what you're describing, Chucklz is right, it's the driver (top) pins coming into the keyway once the plug has been turned 180 degrees. Try putting the length of your pick into the bottom of the keyway once it's turned about 90 degrees or so and turning the rest of the way with the pick in the bottom of the keyway. That should stop the pins coming down and getting stuck.

[keysman]

Your problem is very common,
If the key were in the lock ,the BOTTOM of the key would prevent the top pins from dropping into the key way.

Since you are picking the lock and have no key in the keyway the spring loaded top pins want to jump out.

Solutions:

Don't turn the plug past 170 degrees, that way the pins will NEVER have anywhere to go and they will stay in the top chambers ( or bible).

Use the back of your pick, the flat part to hold the top pins up when you turn past 180 degrees. Think of it as making the pick play the part of the the bottom of the key.

[whitelever]

Thanks Guys - Problem sorted