Problem setting levers.

[skold]

I have a problem setting levers in one of my 3-lever locks.

The problem is, if i try to pick it, in any order the levers just will not set.

I have opened the lock casing to check out my theory and it appears i was
correct in thinking that the levers are not setting.

Is this normal in some lever locks or is my lock just special.

[oldlock]

It's probably a Lanes 3 lever, and should not pose any problems .. I doubt it's special in any way .

Paul

[Dimmy Locks]

I have a problem setting levers in one of my 3-lever locks.

The problem is, if i try to pick it, in any order the levers just will not set.

I have opened the lock casing to check out my theory and it appears i was
correct in thinking that the levers are not setting.

Is this normal in some lever locks or is my lock just special.

A photo of the inside of the lock with the bolt under tension would be helpful.

due to machine intolerances, it is VERY rare to have 3 levers all having the same contact point in a lock. I think the fault here may be the amount of tension being applied.
When picking lever locks, it might be worth noting that, just because you have lifted the biding lever a little, does not mean it remains the binding lever. the trick is to only work on the lever thats binding at the time. Obvioulsy levers with anti pick notches present additional fun.

As an idea,with the cover plate off and all the levers resting on the bolt stump, slowly move the bolt towards the locked position (out). What you are looking for is the exact order each lever drops off the stump. They will fall in the reverse order to be picked.
Now that you know which order to pick try picking again, and vary the tension on the bolt.
Once again, the *3 P's* golden rule applies. Practice practice practice.

[skold]

I can tell you one thing..

It's not a lane.

AND

It's not the tension as i have tried picking while pushing the bolt inwards.

[oldlock]

What make ? got a picture ?

Paul

[skold]

I really have no idea..ill take a photo.

[skold]

See what you can make out of all that.

[skold]

[Shrub]

Is it a new lock or one youve tried tensioning by pressing the bolt in quite a lot?

I only ask this as you may have slightly worn the cheap metal of the levers so that they are all biting the same.

Due to it being the bolt stump being not 100% perpendicular to the bolt is why you can pick them a lever at a time, if the above has happened you should be able to swap the levers around and then pick it normally as the levers will have been seated to the bolt stump in their original positions.

If that makes any sence.

[oldlock]

Make is " Superior Brass "

Low grade crap, made in China or India .

Trying applying tension, then lift all the levers together a couple of MM, them pick each in turn. Should not pose any problems.

Paul

[skold]

Yeah..superior brass does sound like cheap crap.

Your advice seems to have worked..i think i will stick to my ERA's as they are better quality.

cheers.

[oldlock]

You probably have brown case Era Viscount 5 lever's - they are'nt that good either ......

Paul

[skold]

Yes...brown case.. .. .. stop guessing my locks . I have found it quite hard to find decent lever locks anywhere in Adelaide.

[oldlock]

Come on don't be like that I do know a little bit more about lever locks than you, or many locksmiths in Australia would know ......

There are good quality locks available, but they are going to set you back a lot of $$

Paul

[skold]

What are jacksons like? or maybe you could tell me which and where to buy?

Well i guess (guess is the key word) you did a lot of locksmithing in the uk to know so much about lever locks?