FAQ: LP101 Frequently Asked Questions

[greenman]

nice thread great for helping people out when they first start.

[Incronaut]

I have a question, and i didnt want to make a new thread for this, but how do you know which direction to apply tension for the tension wrench?

I know it's pretty obvious when it comes to doors and deadbolts because you just turn it the direction you would turn a key... but when it comes to padlocks (and other such locks) i dont think there is a set direction to turn the key to unlock... so is there some sort of method to determine the direction to apply tension?

Thanks a lot!

[Varjeal]

If you don't feel like guessing, try clockwise.

[wa1ker00]

[quote="Incronaut"]I have a question, and i didnt want to make a new thread for this, but how do you know which direction to apply tension for the tension wrench?

I know it's pretty obvious when it comes to doors and deadbolts because you just turn it the direction you would turn a key... but when it comes to padlocks (and other such locks) i dont think there is a set direction to turn the key to unlock... so is there some sort of method to determine the direction to apply tension?

Thanks a lot![/quote]
I tend to start in whichever direction has more "give" when you apply a light bit of tension. I've noticed on some occasions it seems as if absolutely nothing will set when rotating one direction and had the lock open almost instantly when trying the opposite direction of tension. There was a good post that I came across in regards to "order of chambers" when SPP that details why manufacturer imperfections combined with normal wear and tear cause cylinders to be more prone picking in one direction than another. I'll see if i can dig up a link when I remember where it was.

[Squelchtone]

A lot of new members ask us how to include or upload a photo or picture in their post. I have made a thread with instructions for this which can be found here:

http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=60483

Squelchtone