simple yale cylinder but not so simple for me!

[zanazzi]

First I’m going to say hello to everyone as I’ve just joined.

After reading some of the threads here on LP101 for the past couple of weeks I’ve gone out and bought my first set of picks and a replacement Yale 5 pin cylinder.

Now i know most of you are going to tell me to dismantle the thing and practice on 2/3 pins first but i fancy a challenge and a steep learning curve!

I’ve been trying to pick the thing for a day now and managed to set 4 of the pins (at leased I think they are set. The pins require very little pressure applied and just disappeared in to the hull!)

the problem is by looking at the key the 4th pin, and last to set (following MIT guide, by setting the pin binding most technique) sets very low and I just can’t lift it.

Does any one have any advise on these cylinders, i.e. do the pins false set?

[Keyring]

Hi, and welcome. First of all fill in your location. This will help people give you the best advice. I don't know if the following is helpful as I don't know where you are.

If you are talking about the Yale cylinder which is really common in the uk, then it usually has 2 spool pins which usually sit in positions 2 and 4. All the Yales I have taken apart over many years have been made this way. This coupled with a slightly awkward keyway (if you use normal sized picks) makes it less than friendly as a first lock to pick.

I never found this an easy pick, and only occasionally used to manage it.

Recently quicklocks made a video showing how he picks them, and ever since watching it, I can pick 2 out of 3 of them in seconds. You can find the video near the top of the pickfu section.

[kodierer]

Don't apply a whole bunch of torque to the cylinder mind you, but try varying amounts while picking. Also lift each pin easy as you can. With some practice you'll get it. It sounds like you've done all the proper reading you just need to practice. You'll get it eventually, and it will only get easier from there.
Like you mentioned you can pull pins out, and put them back in as you go, or you can try some other locks. Personally if you can get something with a larger keyway, and bigger pins you'll find your learning experience easier.

[zanazzi]

hi guys i`m in the uk.

i got a set of slim line picks as i though they would fit in narrow key ways and wide ones so as not to limit the type of lock i could pick!

Keyring, what exactly is a spool pin?

[zanazzi]

kodierer could you recomend any locks that may be easier.

The reason i choose the yale is; good quality, someone said some where that poorly made locks can be harder to pick than a decent brand!

[toomush2drink]

Be very specific about this cylinder as yale now have the new x5 type out on the market and they are a nasty pick. An easy way to spot an x5 is to look at the top of the keyway, does it "lean" to the left or right ? If its to the right its a normal yale but if its the other way you are in for a challenge.The x5 has 4 spools and allsorts of anti drill protection.

[zanazzi]

Be very specific about this cylinder as yale now have the new x5 type out on the market and they are a nasty pick. An easy way to spot an x5 is to look at the top of the keyway, does it "lean" to the left or right ? If its to the right its a normal yale but if its the other way you are in for a challenge.The x5 has 4 spools and allsorts of anti drill protection.

I`ve lost the packing but it had a number something like PM1109

I think the key way goes staight up at the top after a bend right! but hten i`m not too sure what you mean by keway! i`ll assume it`s 'cut' for the key

[Keyring]

toomush: you're right about the X5 of course, but he did say it had 5 pins, and the X5 has 6.

Easy to spot if you have the lock in your hand, as it has either 5 or 6 dots underneath! The X5 also has a silver coloured anti-drill clip over the top.