Sargent Knob Locks

[Spiffytexan]

This is but my 4th or 5th post on this forum (I'm a transfer from e*z*picking*.com), so forgive my newness. My previous topic was regarding the vending machine lock with 8 exposed pins.

Just this evening I graduated from the bobby-pin and allen wrench world into the world of snap guns. I started working on the lock to my dorm 1.5 hours ago, and I still lack an open. From what I understand, my dorm lock (Sargent interchangeable core knob lock) is a rather high-security lock. I have found that, when snapping, one pin in the middle stays in the down position, and the frontmost pin fails to set, but insists upon floating freely. This tells me that I need only get that middle pin to set, and then the front will follow suit. Here is a terrible photo of my dorm key. I did not feel like hauling out my Pentax K10D for this photo, so I fired up my webcam for the first time.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=6 ... =720645314

I'm done trying for the night, but what might I be doing wrongly? I welcome all suggestions. I've tried 14,467 different tensions and gun settings, to no avail. For reference, the pins in this lock have rather strong springs behind them, and this lock has probably been in use for >10 years. I also filled the lock with oil before starting.

Regards,
Logan W.

[lunchb0x]

So your picking the lock on your dorm room door? you do know that you can easily damage locks with pick guns if you don't know what your doing, I'm sure you might of seen it said here once or twice, but you shouldn't be picking locks that are in use, especially ones that arn't yours, what are you going to do if/ when the lock breaks and you can't use it?

Also look up pick gun, and snap gun in the search function, should be a bit of info on using them there.

[Spiffytexan]

I do know how to use the gun, and of course started with the gun on low, and increased power by 1/4 turn each few tries/resets. I am being exceedingly careful with the lock, as the pins are 2/3rds covered by a "ward" in the lock, and I did not want to shear my needle off. (I use "ward" for my lack of the correct term.) I realize that most amateurs set the gun too high, and break off pins, or the needle of the gun. Thank you for the reminder, though. Do you have any more suggestions?

Regards,
Logan W.

[Spiffytexan]

Still looking for some help, guys. Are these locks too secure to be easily mech picked? I get my manual pick set in 12 days, and will SPP my lock and update when I have further information. This is bothering me like an awful, time consuming puzzle, when I should be studying, I'll jump up and give a few clicks to the lock using some new technique. Darn you, Sargent!

[Squelchtone]

Still looking for some help, guys. Are these locks too secure to be easily mech picked? I get my manual pick set in 12 days, and will SPP my lock and update when I have further information. This is bothering me like an awful, time consuming puzzle, when I should be studying, I'll jump up and give a few clicks to the lock using some new technique. Darn you, Sargent!

You're not getting any further help in f'ing up your school's door lock. Just because you were issued a key to it doesn't mean you have free reign to pick it, bump it, or snap gun it. Go to Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Walmart, Lowe's or the Restore and spend $10 on some locks.

One of the main things we teach new pickers is not to pick their own locks because the new found power of being able to pick a lock is often difficult to control and you'll end up walking down the hallway picking all the other locks, next thing you know you'll break one by accident, or campus security or the physical plant dept is gonna catch you in the act and that's when all the fun stops. As you have found it's a great hobby, a every fun puzzle to solve, and very addicting. We work hard to change the public's general view that lock pickers are just punks and thieves. There's lots of fun to be had and picking has great hack appeal, so pick at your desk, pick a padlock in your hand while sitting at a cafe or pub, but leave locks mounted to doors alone.

With great power comes great responsibility.

Squelchtone

[n2oah]

Yet another testament to the greatness of ez and their members.

[tballard]

Not to pile on, but please reconsider what you are attempting. Institutional locks are a lot easier to screw up than residential locks, and messing with them can easily land you in a world of hurt, even if it is "your" door.

You're not going to learn for this lock, just open it, and you've already got a key, so why bother?

[Spiffytexan]

You're not getting any further help in f'ing up your school's door lock. Just because you were issued a key to it doesn't mean you have free reign to pick it, bump it, or snap gun it. Go to Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Walmart, Lowe's or the Restore and spend $10 on some locks.

One of the main things we teach new pickers is not to pick their own locks because the new found power of being able to pick a lock is often difficult to control and you'll end up walking down the hallway picking all the other locks, next thing you know you'll break one by accident, or campus security or the physical plant dept is gonna catch you in the act and that's when all the fun stops. As you have found it's a great hobby, a every fun puzzle to solve, and very addicting. We work hard to change the public's general view that lock pickers are just punks and thieves. There's lots of fun to be had and picking has great hack appeal, so pick at your desk, pick a padlock in your hand while sitting at a cafe or pub, but leave locks mounted to doors alone.

With great power comes great responsibility.

Squelchtone

Excellent point. Point has been taken. I gathered a few unused locks from my dorm mates, without telling them why, but promising to replace them if I broke them, and had all locks open in a matter of minutes. This gun takes all the fun out of picking, I do presume. With great effort, I put my knob lock out of my mind.

Again, many thanks for the ethical reminder. I had checked with UPD, (I know most of them) and they were okay with my picking, but neither they nor I thought about my damaging a lock. Were I to do so, I would no doubt pay for it, but the hassle would be unnecessary. I appreciate the spirit and wording of your exhortation.