Picking locks both directions

[bitq]

Hi I'm new to lockpicking and I'm having trouble with a lock. I can LOCK it using a pick fairly easily. Takes me a few minutes usually. However, I can't seem to UNLOCK it. When I put tension in the unlocking direction, none of the pins will set. Its a 4-pin tumbler. I end up having to unlock it with the key which is lame : [.

Does anyone know why it would be so much easier in one direction than the other?

[dougfarre]

Good question!

I say that it has a lot to do with how the shape of the key way controls the type and amount of tension that is applied to the plug. Depending one whether you are turning the lock clockwise, or counterclockwise, the type of tension wrench, the and the dimensions of the key way all regulate how the pins will be receiving binding tension from the lock plug + lock body.

If you are having trouble picking a lock in a certain direction, mess around with the tension a bit and continue to try.

One thing that you mentioned, is that you had to "unlock it with the key..."
I have to admit, that is lame, I am sorry to hear that! Keep practicing.

Also, there could be other things going on inside this lock, could you please post a picture or describe the make/model so we could get a clearer picture of the style of lock you are referring too.

[JK_the_CJer]

I think doug hit the nail on the head (ouch). Try moving the tension wrench to the top of the keyway, etc... Sometimes when you think you are applying proper tension, the force is actually being redirected (for example, pressing the plug horizontally, etc..).

[bumber]

well the only thing that I can say that has not been said is maby try a tension wrench that is a little wider, so it bites in more of the keyway...maby you are slipping a bit and its grabbing on the lock body and not the keyway.

[maxxed]

You mention having to use a key to unlock the unit. If the lock is one that is in use we do not recomend picking locks that you rely on.

[FFVison]

It's possible that the pins bind in a way that's tricky when picking it to unlock it. For example, to lock it, the pins might bind from back to front, which means that if you have a high fourth pin and a low third pin, this is fine. The third pin doesn't get trapped until the fourth one is picked. With the fourth one set, you can work on the third one without worrying that the fourth is going to be accidentally pushed with the pick. Now, when the pins bind the opposite way, this becomes a problem because that short fourth pin is binding after you push up the long third pin which means that you run the risk of pushing up that third pin with the shaft of the pick while trying to push up the fourth to the shear line. If this is something that you encounter as an aspiring locksmith, you may wish to invest in a plug spinner.

A plug spinner basically allows you to pick the lock in the wrong direction (assuming this is easier, which in this case, it is) then apply tension to a spring, then stick the tension wrench type tool on the plug spinner into the keyway, press the button on the spinner and the tension on the spring spins the wrench type tool rapidly the other way, spinning the plug so rapidly that the driver pins don't fall back into the plug.

[paul9940]

it may sound kinda lame but use a plug spinner.