Heh, now there is a question alright.
How about we look at a common Kwikset KIK (Key in Knob) and a Kwikset deadbolt.
The Kwikset KIK commonly uses a plastic cylinder, and as such can really make a mess for trying to feel anything with a pin by pin method. However, because the tolerances are so crappy when you use plastic, you can often rake them in no time.
The deadbolts on the other hand are brass, and despite their terrible tolerances they provide much more feedback.
On the other hand, if you were to look at Schlage products, you would find the KIK and deadbolts are very similar due in part to their better construction, and tighter tolerences.
Then, we get to SFIC, or
Small
Format
Interchangable
Core.
With these types of locks, the core same style core is used in both the knobset, and the the deadbolt. Brands include, Best, Falcon, Schlage and others. They are easily identifiable by their unique shape. The keyway will appear to be in a figure "8" construction. These locks are much more difficult to pick because of their use of both a normal key, and a control key. Further, because they are commonly used in large installations such as schools, hospitals, office buildings and other such instances they are almost always masterkeyed.
You would think that all the extra shear lines would aide in picking these locks, but you would be wrong. Because the control key turns one way, and the normal keys turn the other way, the extra shearlines can get mixed up, and prevent you picking them.
All in all, you may find that Knobsets are often times just as difficult as a deadbolt. All of this depends on the make, and quality of the lockset in question.
Happy picking,
Romstar
. None of them are plastic but theyr fairly old). Im thinking about high power aersol cleaners being sprayed into the locks, it would be a mess.