Did I break my lock? Please help!

[euphoricism]

My very first attempt at picking was on an in-use door. I know, that was stupid.

Anyway, the lock is a standard cheapy kwikset deadbolt. The problem is that I can no longer get a valid key inside the keyway. It seems like something is stuck inside it -- but I can get a tension wrench all the way down inside, so the path is definitely clear. What the hell is going on?

The lock still turns via the other side -- and I can still get it to turn via picking. But I cant get a key in past about the second pin. Wtf is going on, and how do I fix it? I have heard that if you unlock a deadbolt via lockpick that when you rotate the plug 180 degrees the pins can lock up - and that's the most likely culprit - but I can't seem to fix it. The lock still picks, but the sdfgjsdklfgj key wont go in the hole!

Please advise!

[datagram]

If the lock is rotated 180 and it cannot move it is because the top pins have fallen into the bottom of the keyway. Use a pick to push them all up at the same time and rotate the plug back to normal.

dg

[euphoricism]

The plug doesn't get stuck in the 180 degree position - it rotates freely as long as its been picked open. But I still cant get a key inside it

[freakparade3]

Is this lock on an apartment building? Or any other situation where it may be masterkeyed? Sounds like a masterkey wafer has fallen out and is stuck in the keyway. The fact that you are able to insert a tension wrench all the way means nothing. A key fills the entire keyway, a tension wrench does not. Sounds to me like you need to suck it up and call a locksmith. It it's an apartment building you need to call your landlord. One final thought. Don't pick locks in use. You don't know what you are doing and will break them.

[euphoricism]

No, it's not an apartment - shouldn't be masterkeyed.

[freakparade3]

If it's not a masterkey about your only option is to take the lock apart and look at it. I DO NOT recommend you do that. I doubt you have the proper tools and it's not as easy as it may seem. You can get a new kwikset at Wal-Mart for about $16. That is much cheaper than a locksmith will be. Your call.

[Squelchtone]

Take a well focused close up pic of your lock, so we can see what state it is in, and if you can manage to illuminate the keyway, maybe we can see what's wrong. Do not post a pic of your key, the would give away your key cuts and we don't want to compromise your security.

One final thought. you said it doesnt get stuck at 180, but are you inserting the key while the plug is in the correct position? perhaps you keep trying to insert the key while the plug is 180 degrees out of sync. Pick it and turn it 180 degrees and try inserting the key again.

Squelchtone

[freakparade3]

the would give away your key cuts and we don't want to compromise your security.


Squelchtone

I think having a kwikset on the door has already done that. Sorry Squelch, couldent resist......

[Squelchtone]

the would give away your key cuts and we don't want to compromise your security.


Squelchtone

I think having a kwikset on the door has already done that. Sorry Squelch, couldent resist......

haha.. I missed that minor detail.

[euphoricism]

It uh.. started working.

I have no idea why.

[freakparade3]

It uh.. started working.

I have no idea why.

The lord works in mysterious ways..........

[tballard]

The "metal" (and I use that word generously) in the Kwikset core is very soft, and quite easy to deform. My guess is that you scored the inside of the keyway enough to make the key not fit. You never said where the key stopped. I'd guess that a sharp pick or wrench end raised a little burr which you eventually knocked off.

(I won't harp on you about picking locks in use, but you should sand/polish your tools if you haven't already)