How do you deal with sideways/upside down locks?

[Bahrg]

Well I can think of one reason to mount a lock with the pins upward where possible. If u live in a cold region... like us up here in Canada, water can run in and freeze the pins. Royal pain in the butt, unless u happen to have some deicer handy

As far as picking the locks goes, I havent noticed a big difference, as I usually pick padlocks for practice and thats in any old position I happen to be holding it as I watch tv. However I havent had a lot of luck with the schlage on the front of my house which is mounted sideways. Altho I imagine its more due to some security features.. and the funny looks my neighbors have given me as I sit in front of my door for 20 min plus tryin to pick it.

[eric343]

I find locks to be easier to pick upside-down. You have much better tool control.

[clayton1123]

These side wayz and upside down locks seem to me to be easier to pick. I'm not sure why but the pins seem to catch easier at the shear line, making it easier to pick. I find this true in padlocks but since I live in the U.S. I dont deal with upside down locks. When I pick an upside down padlocks I just put my wrench and picks in upside down and get to work.(Also I can see the first pin when it "catches" because it goes down a small amount because gravity is pulling it backwards.

[Gundanium]

You can actually use the pins being upside down as a plus, when you pick the pin they will fall down and stay down, so you can visibly see your progess as well. The pins will also stay down if you went to far, but it works well anyhow.

[CPLP]

I agree with Gundanium but the problem is that I can't control my pick as well as I control it with an Euro style lock.

[zeke79]

I have solved upside down keyways with one very simple task.. I simply stand on my head while picking the lock. Straightforward solution to a simple problem! I guess you could also try practicing on locks mounted sideways and upside down, but what sense would that make.

[pizarro]

I have solved upside down keyways with one very simple task.. I simply stand on my head while picking the lock. Straightforward solution to a simple problem! I guess you could also try practicing on locks mounted sideways and upside down, but what sense would that make.

For those that can't do head stands, just rip the door off its hinges and trun it round.

[illusion]

None of your nancy-boy head stands... I just rearrange the universe so that the lock sits the other way round... I really don't know why you guys make it so hard on yourselves

[jordyh]

None of your nancy-boy head stands... I just rearrange the universe so that the lock sits the other way round... I really don't know why you guys make it so hard on yourselves

Where is the improvement of skills, when all the obstacles are gone?

[Lock Jockey]

Where is the improvement of skills, when all the obstacles are gone?

I don't know about you but I think picking while standing on your head proves to be a big obstacle!

[jordyh]

Where is the improvement of skills, when all the obstacles are gone?

I don't know about you but I think picking while standing on your head proves to be a big obstacle!

Your upside down is my "correct" way, as locks are positioned here.
Oh, and i was talking about Illusions way, i fully agree that some acrobatics would make it a bit harder for the picker.

[pizarro]

Where is the improvement of skills, when all the obstacles are gone?

I don't know about you but I think picking while standing on your head proves to be a big obstacle!

I agree with you, for one thing you would need very long arms to reach the lock. either that or a very big head