easier to pick it to lock it

[doppleganger]

I have a lock that I have been practicing with and it's frustrating. I can pick the lock to lock it, but I cannot pick the darn thing to unlock it.

Has anyone ran into this situation? Is picking a lock to lock it normally easier than picking it to unlock it?

Thanks for the answers,
Dopp

[BraveHeart.]

i have ran into this on a cheapo lock on a filing cabinet

i got it on the lock but not the unlock

this might sound stupid but look at the key and compare it to your picks and use the one that is most alike

[MacGyver101]

Is picking a lock to lock it normally easier than picking it to unlock it?

Due to small misalignments and tolerance differences between one lock and the next, some will be easier to pick in one direction that the other. Search around the site for "plug spinners": it's the tool a locksmith would typically use if they need to unlock a cylinder that's a pain to pick in the "unlocked" direction, but can easily be picked to the "locked" direction. There are some good designs on the site for homebrew ones that are fairly effective (and it can be as simple as a tension wrench and a rubber band.)

[Eyes_Only]

I always carry a plug spinner with me at work when I go out on lockout calls. Even the cheapest looking lock can give you trouble sometimes and you can only turn it to the lock position but not unlock.

I think for a hobbyist it won't matter much cos then you get to have a challenge and learn to be a better picker (good times).

[doppleganger]

Thanks guys for all the info. I have been looking at building a plug spinner. The concept is rather elementary, so I'll probably get around to it later. For now I'm working on building a pick set.

dopp

[raimundo]

there may be a sticky on Tshocks mousetrap spinner, look in the stickies.

[Eyes_Only]

If you do end up buying a plug spinner I recommend the Dino Gun Plug Spinner. That is the best spinner I've ever used. Blows away the competition completely. You'll never have to buy another one again.