Schlage I-Core lock

[ChemicalRobot]

I have an interchangeable-core lock by Schlage that I can pick quite easily, but only when I'm turning counter-clockwise. If I try to pick it clockwise, I cannot seem to get more than 1 pin up. Is this something to do with the design or do I just not have the proper feel? I've tried varying degrees of tension but it all results the same.

Perhaps someone has a pointer or two that could help me out?

[Schuyler]

That's how it works:

If locks were perfect, when you applied tension it would apply pretty evenly across all of the pins. Then, when you lifted one pin up, the plug couldn't move and it would drop back down again, no matter which pin you tried, because the plug would always remain in exactly the same place. However, locks aren't perfect, we can pick them because of machining tolerances. One pin might be less deburred than the others, or slightly oblong, or the chambers in either the bible or the plug may be slightly misaligned. We exploit this by applying tension and searching for the first binding pin. In most locks only 1 pin will bind at a time if you are apply good light tension. When you lift that one up to the sheer line the plug will actually turn very slightly, keeping the driver pin of your first pin up and binding a new driver. You search for that, set it, and repeat until the lock is open.

The important takeaway here is that the binding order of every lock is different. AND - it's different tensioning clockwise and counter-clockwise.

That's why they make Plug Spinners. A lot of locks are much easier to pick in one direction than the other, and when you find yourself in a situation that the lock will pick easily into the "locked" position, you can then insert a plug spinner, which is basically just a blade on a big spring, and fire it. The spinner will spin the plug so quickly in the opposite directly that the driver pins don't have a chance to reenter the plug.

[FarmerFreak]

Technically Schuyler is correct. But in practice what I have found to usually cause the described symptoms. Is that in order to set a pin in one direction, you may end up overlifting another pin just to set the one pin. If this happens you can get the sensation of setting the one pin, but detecting the overlifted pin can be tricky. If that was the case, then all the other pins would clearly be springy and not binding, and on occation the originaly set pin may drop back down and be springy because of the other pin being overlifted. Which can then be confused with the pin you just set. Just something to keep in mind.

[FarmerFreak]

Or simply eversetting the pin that you just set to the shear line. For example, if you were lifting the pin too fast and didn't stop lifting the pick until it has been unset and overlifted.

[Schuyler]

I don't think that statement disagrees with my own, FF. I was just providing the answer to why a lock would pick differently when turning one way instead of the other. My description of the actual picking process was extremely simplified

[Bad_Jason]

Thanks for the refresher guys. I have a lock that does the same thing... picks to one side rather easily but nothin' doing when I reverse the tension. I understand binding and over lifting, but sometimes I just get so frustrated with this lock and I'll put it away.

Maybe I'll break it out tonight and pay closer attention to what I am doing wrong. *inspired*

[FarmerFreak]

Maybe I'll break it out tonight and pay closer attention to what I am doing wrong. *inspired*

It's all about practice, and then more practice.

I don't think that statement disagrees with my own, FF. I was just providing the answer to why a lock would pick differently when turning one way instead of the other. My description of the actual picking process was extremely simplified

Your statement is very accurate. I was only pointing out what usually happens to me. And what always happens to a certain co-worker, *cough* regardless of the direction. *cough*

[ChemicalRobot]

Thank you for the thought out answers everyone. Even though I was familiar with most of what Schuyler mentioned, it was a great recap. After paying a bit more attention and modifying how I apply tension, I've been slightly more successful. Still haven't gotten it all of the way, but I've almost gotten it.

[ChemicalRobot]

Just a minor update, I finally got it picked going clockwise! I ended up going with a smaller tension wrench and a medium hook. Great fun. Thanks again for the pointers, everyone.