Picking lever handles?

[emt1581]

These can be very hard to pick, they have the schlage 'F' series knob cylinder with the collapsible spring-loaded bible(top cover)
and are loaded with schlage's 'T' top pins, not to mention the orientation is sideways. I keep replacement cylinders and sometimes just
destroy the cylinder to get in

Oh ok. I have no clue what brand it is. Ill take a look when I get a chance.

Not sure what a collapsible spring-loaded top cover is though or T-pins. But this is confirming my experience that its not something I could quickly rake or even SPP. And yes, picking sideways, while seeming simple enough, was more challenging.

Thanks!

-Emt1581

[GWiens2001]

T Pins are intended to help resist bumping, though they also make it a bit tougher to pick. The collapsible spring loaded bible - the top of the bible is sort of clipped on top. Don't want to try removing the cover until you know more.

You can use the key to unlock it, then use a small tool to poke in the hole near the base of the lever, and remove the lever from the door. The KIK cylinder should fall out at this point. You can put another KIK cylinder in the lock (for which you have a working key), then practice picking the KIK from the lever without having to fight any springs from the door itself.

A small hobby vise is a good idea for picking those (or just about any) locks. Be sure to hold the lock in the vise by the bible, not the cylinder walls, or you could collapse the shell (cylinder walls) and pinch the plug so it can't turn. Have had to fix more than one of those, both by my mistake, and by others who hoped I could get their lock going again.

Good luck, and glad you are asking questions.

Gordon

[cledry]

On the collapsible bible Schlage I think the t-pins aren't specifically for security but to enable a pin and spring combination that will work reliably in a collapsible bible. I am surprised they work at all without one solid pin, but I think the spring wrapped around the neck of the pin becomes part of the pin itself.

[GWiens2001]

Cool. Learn something new everyday.

Gordon

[cledry]

Cool. Learn something new everyday.

Gordon

I'm speculating a bit, but it makes sense. If they used a regular pin the spring would crush when the bible was collapsed.