Cheap $10 "EZ Set" from K-Mart - What am I doing w

[stever2002]

Okay, I got a pick set and a cheap $10 "EZ Set" (thats what its called) from K-Mart. This appears to be a typical 5-pin locking hand set that came with 3 keys. I've read many of the posts and the MIT guide as well.

I torque the plug in the direction as the key would to unlock the set. I believe I can feel the driver pins set as I push on the key pins. I get to the point that all the key pins fall (with gravity) - I'm holding so the key pins push up from the bottom. However I can't get the darn thing to open. When I relax the tourque wrench slowly, I can even count the 5 pins springing back. So what am I doing wrong?

I've read the recomendation where I should remove all but one set of the pins, and I guess I'll have to go down that path if I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong.

I'll post pictures if that will help.

Any tips welcome.

...steve...

[Jaakko]

Picture would be very nice but I have a hunch that there might be some sort of security pin(s) in there that gives you false shear line. I'm not 100% sure because I don't have a clue what an "EZ Set" is

[freakparade3]

The recomendation about removing all but one set of pins is a very good one. It will teach you how to recognise the binding pin, and tension. Even if you get your lock open with all 5 pins, it's worth taking the time to do the exercise. It does seem like your lock has security pins, after you have the lock where you think all the pins are set, ease up on the tension a little and go back and single pin pick it again. the looser tension helps get past security pins.

[jimmysmith]

you could be over setting the pins. You will still hear the click of each pin falling down but one could be over set. Sone thing that i like to do is but the tension wrench at the top of the keyway, Makes for a lot more room. or maybe... not sure what you have pick wise but the slim line sets are nice.

[RodVT]

I have an EZ Set also. It uses a Kwikset blank. I have a hard time with mine too, but that's because the biting is extreme. Tell us about the shape of your key.

[Spike666]

EZ set is like franklin defiant cheeper ilco they are junk.
Some are hard to shim and pick, they use atandard pinning for kw. they sometimes have floating bibles and plastic housings or plugs if you can believe.
EASY they are probably so sloppy that you have false sets or over set your pins. over torquing your tension will make it harder to open it. I have better luck with quality locks some cheep ones are a !

if you have to break it down and go to 3 pins or repin it all together?
it could have security drivers or some tapered drivers built into the springs they are weird.
let us know if you figure out your problem with this one.

[Knows-Picker]

I have an EZ Set and just to let you know, There are no security pins in it. I actually have 5 sets of them and re-pin them regularly. They are a very easy look to pick, you are probably over setting your pins. when you get to the point where you think that it should open and it is not then use a short hook and lightly scrub the pins like you would with a rake while you slowly let off on the tension. That should pop it open for you. Keep practicing first and formost, and in a few weeks you will pick up the EZ SET and laugh. just keep trying.

[stever2002]

Thanks for all the tips, gang. You were all right - No security pins - just my learning curve. I pulled the plug out of the handset and went throught the drills of picking it with only one pin set, then adding the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. I can now almost pick this thing with my eyes closed.

Onto bigger and better: I have a (20+) year old Master #5 that I'm playing around with. I don't have a key for this one, though. Also, the pins stick a bit (even with no tension on the plug). What should I lubricate this with? Graphite? 3-in-1? WD-40?

Thanks in advanced,

...steve...

[Pic_monkey]

Hi Stever... I Have a ez-set also I agree its a pain to open the tolernces are closer that normal...all also mine opened the opitset of a lockset know it simple to open ,,,when all the pins apear to be picked get out the small hook and go hunting

[Pic_monkey]

sorry... for the bad typing I didn't look