After Picking lock, lock will not accept Key

by **candersen10** » 6 Oct 2006 14:59

Hey guys,
I have some experience picking locks recreationally. Recently I purchased a lock pick gun for this purpose and I have been picking my door which is fitted with a Yale Lock. To the best of my understanding, picking a lock with this lock pick gun should not do any damage. In general I am able to simply snap the gun two or three times and the lock then opens. However, after doing so, the lock will not turn with the key. Is there any reason for this? I have not been wearing the pins away because I have picked the lock so infrequently. Is there anything else that might be causing the key to not work besides damage because I am pretty sure that I'm not causing any.

Thank you very much.

Charlie

by **zeke79** » 6 Oct 2006 15:03

by **Bud Wiser** » 6 Oct 2006 15:10

Sorry Charlie but your not going to hear what you want. It was probably the pick gun. You should not practice on locks you rely on. Any thing can go wrong. Also pick guns are not really picking.

As for your lock, it may have a pin stuck or broken spring. Perhaps a real lockie can provide you with better details. I'm just a hobbyist. All I do is pick locks. I'm sure you will get more replies and laughter too

Good Luck!

by **candersen10** » 6 Oct 2006 15:21

yeah, well the thing is that the lock can still be easily be picked. Also, from what I understand, the lock pick gun is not supposed to damage the lock. Is it possible that yale locks have some sort of security device to prevent picking?

by **TOWCH** » 6 Oct 2006 15:25

If you can put the key in but it won't turn, jiggle it and see if it goes. Take the lock off and take it apart. You'll be able to see how well the key is working by pulling the plug out and seeing how the bottom pins settle with the key inserted.

by **darrel.h** » 6 Oct 2006 15:43

Search for my tread about pickguns damaging locks. They actually do quite a lot of damage to locks if used excessively.

by **illusion** » 6 Oct 2006 15:57

They damage the pins, a fair bit. You will see a layer of brass dust in the lock likely - this has been worn away from the pins.

What you may have done is worn the pins down so much that they are a different height - you can do the same by excessive raking.

I have only seen this kinda thing happen on crappy locks with soft pins. I wouldn't have expected Yale to do this personaly.

Just how much have you been using the pick gun on it BTW?

by **UWSDWF** » 6 Oct 2006 15:57

Welcome,
For all thoes new to the site and lockpicking, LP101 is a great place to start.
Take a look at the new users section, first and don't be afraid to ask any questions just remember to try a search before posting.

If you're looking for locks to pick, buy some but, DO NOT PICK LOCKS YOU RELY ON
I repeat DO NOT PICK LOCKS YOU RELY ON, they can and will break, then your house/car/safe/chasity belt is vulnerable or unable to be opened (think: emergency situation).

Cheers,
UWSDWF

by **candersen10** » 6 Oct 2006 16:02

I have literally used the lock pick gun on the lock maybe 5 times. There is very little brass dust if any at all. Also, I used the pick at a very low setting.

by **Shrub** » 6 Oct 2006 16:16

Now thats out the way,

I bet you have a yelowy pick blade now dont you,

They DO damage the locks and unpractised playing WILL do this sooner rather than later,

Do as suggested and intert the key and wiggle it, if it stiull wont work youve learnt your first lesson,

Repalce the loick and use the old lock to now practise on and never play with locks in use,

It is likely you have burred the holes over or damaged the pins by either putting a burr on them or bending them if youve used excessive tension,

Take a hook pick and check all the pins are fully down and will lift up and do so against a spring,

by **linty** » 6 Oct 2006 18:33

if it's that new cheap yale that uses kwikset keys i bet it also has a spring cover that can be knocked off.

by **candersen10** » 6 Oct 2006 18:36

What exactly do you mean by a spring cover that can be knocked off?

by **illusion** » 6 Oct 2006 19:40

candersen10 wrote:What exactly do you mean by a spring cover that can be knocked off?

Well, in order to make repinning a lock easier, manufacturers added a slide cover above the pins. The idea being that you simply slide this thin plate of metal away fromthe face of the lock, thus uncvering the pin chambers. It is possible to repin such a lock in mere seconds.

I think this is what is being mentioned.

After Picking lock, lock will not accept Key

After Picking lock, lock will not accept Key

Who is online