Just got a new set of picks!

[Rift]

Well so far I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Iv taken the normal pin from the other cylinder and put it in the one I'm currently practicing with and added one spool pin for a total of 3 pins 2 normal 1 spool. I thought this would be a good place to start and so far its been great. Iv almost got the feeling of the spool pin false set down, a little bit more and ill probably switch out one of the normal pins and put in a second spool. Also still getting used to the key way iv been having to angle my pick to get it in place properly, something I haven't been used to yet.

One thing I will do is make a mount for it to simulate it at least being in the normal position a lock would be in rather then holding it in my hand.

With a repin kit the possibilities with this level of lock are quit versatile so I'm definitely glad I went with a lock that has more real world tolerances and is designed for actual use, rather then a practice lock.


Rift

[Rift]

Figured id do a little update that I'm now able to pretty easily (still get a pin slip sometimes) pick the lock with all 4 spools inside. Still perfecting my tension on the spools but overall its been progressing great!

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[Rift]

I was hoping someone might be able to shed some light on two things for me. Iv got one particular problem with the lock and one is just more of a where do I find something.

I'm sorry in advanced for the long post.

The first thing I'm curious about is getting different security pins that work in Schlage locks. I checked to the best of my ability online for a kit that might contain some different kind of security pins but the only types of kits I have found are regular bottom and top pins. With the different numbed pins to create pin combination's. Is there some place that a kit or individual packs can be purchased? Id like to use this lock to practice on other types of security pins.

The second thing is really puzzling me and I just can't seem to come up with a logical answer to it. I have managed to pick this lock several times now with all 5 pins in it. I have practiced on it quit a lot at each stage starting off with one security pin and working my way up. I completely (or rather think I completely understand) how spool pins work. The problem I'm currently having with the lock is that lately I'm having a lot of pins resetting other pins. What I mean by this is that first of all I can't seem to set any of the spool pins first and Iv tried a heck of a lot. So basically I'm forced to false set. Now this generally isn't a problem as I release tension on the tension wrench and slowly begin to lift the spools one by one. I eventually get to a point where lifting one pin resets another and I go back and forth between several pins lifting a few and then getting more resets. So far the order doesn't seem to matter a whole lot unless I'm missing something.

Is this just a normal characteristic of spool pins or am I doing something wrong? I feel like the times that I do get the lock open there is some level of luck involved.

Again sorry for the story! Just looking to understand my problem. Thanks in advanced!

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[LocksmithArmy]

i dont know how many spool pins your putting in there but if your are talking about 5 spool pins than yes i have had this problem many of times. and i feel with this many options for false sets it is luck that you get it... well luck has alot to do with it. but i usually can over come this with extreamly light tension(like not even the weight of your finger) and is seems to pick like it has no spool pins at all. it that does not work than i just work at it till that bit of luck pops in...

[Rift]

Hrrm I see. Well currently my lock has 4 spool pins and 1 regular. This was the way it came after I purchased it.

[Rift]

Well I think I can chalk this one up to just needing some more practice and a small part luck. After messing around with it further I can now pick it on a consistent basis with out problems.

Time to get some new pins!

Rift