Kwikset deadbolt problems

[hornetdt]

Just so i don't catch a bunch of grief, i searched a bunch of strings and couldn't find a thread that related properly to my problem

Anywho, i've been picking for about a year, mostly as a hobby. A couple of times though i have done favors for friends who locked themselves out. Before i learned to carefully pick the cheapo kwikset 5pin deadbolts that apts around here use i ended up 1/2 way destroying the cylinder. The end result would be that i could still pick the lock open, but the key would no longer work. This confuses me. I was thinking that i may have over applied tension and bent a pin or something along those lines.

It would be very helpful if someone could point out what i did so that i do not repeat my mistake. Thanks in advance.

[Einzee]

The only possible explanation that I could think of is the locks were set up for two different keys. While the building was under construction, all of the workers used the "Contractors" key. Upon completion, the owner would use a second key that would also work the lock and by design, would render the "Contractor" key useless. I am suggesting that maybe nobody ever went around and reset the locks to the "Owner" key. So you may actually be picking the lock and unknowingly resetting it at the same time.

Can someone else articulate this better? I am having difficulty in explaining this properly.

[keysman]

hmm good answer.. and possible, but every apartment would have the same key if that were the case.

My guess and only a guess is: you jammed a 'master pin" ( very thin pin) side ways in the upper chamber causing the bottom pin not to be able to move enough for the tip of key to get by.

Solution?
1. Take the lock to your local locksmith, have him / her check the lock and repair as necessary. ( may cost as much as a new lock)
or
2 . Buy a new lock have it keyed to your existing key
or
3. Take the lock apart yourself . Define and solve the problem. Be prepared to go to Plan "B" ( option 2) before attempting this.
or
4. Again have plan "B" available. Take the lock out of the door ,place it upside down ( top pins down). Use some light lube like WD-40, be generous and hose the cylinder down real well.
Put the key in as far as it will go , TAP the key in with your small hammer, this MAY free up the the stuck pin.


good luck and be sure to tell us how it woked out

[p1ckf1sh]

The only possible explanation that I could think of is the locks were set up for two different keys. While the building was under construction, all of the workers used the "Contractors" key. Upon completion, the owner would use a second key that would also work the lock and by design, would render the "Contractor" key useless. I am suggesting that maybe nobody ever went around and reset the locks to the "Owner" key. So you may actually be picking the lock and unknowingly resetting it at the same time.

Can someone else articulate this better? I am having difficulty in explaining this properly.

Yes please, someone explain this to me. I am aware how pin stack configurations can be set up to allow multiple keys to open a lock (like in apartment houses etc.) but I have trouble imagining how such a "reset" function could work, that would render one key obsolete while maintaining function of the other key - by just slipping that mystery key into the lock.

It would actually require to merge the multiple pins in one stack together. Or completely disabling one pin stack forever. Can't figure out some other option...

[zeke79]

You are referring to construction keying. This method utilizes 4-5 "dimples" that are located approximately 30 degrees offset from the standard pin chambers on the plug. These dimples are smaller in diameter than standard pins so they will not allow standard pins to enter them. While construciton keying one uses small ball bearings that are smaller in diameter than the standard pins to change the bitting of the lock to the construction key code.

During the construction or work phase of the home, the only keys used are the construction keys. When the work is complete, the owner key is inserted into the lock and turned which drops the small ball bearings into the dimples which renders the construction key useless. This cannot be reversed without disassembling the lock.

Quick description, but it should clear some things up for you.

[Chucklz]

I wrote a bit in this thread on construction keying.
viewtopic.php?t=11904&start=0

[hornetdt]

hey everyone, thanks for the responses, definitely gives me something to think on. I'm thinking i'm gonna run out and pick up a KS deadbolt just to dink around on. should be a nice break from this darn brinks R70 that i've been trying to perfect (when i get really pissed i just pick up my master #5, then i feel better).

So thanks again!