Picking schlage locks

[lukebrougher591]

I have a couple locks around my house I'm trying to pick for practice, and they are schlage locks. I think they have spool pins in them but I'm unsure. any suggestions on how to successfully pick them?

[catsoup]

There are many variations of Schlage locks, you will not be able to tell by looking at them if they have security pins.
However, higher security variations such as everest and primus are usually labelled, either saying primus, or showing a triangle.


You have to identify spool pins by feel. Primus and Everest locks have other security features require a particular picking method.

[catsoup]

You also may find this thread useful, viewtopic.php?f=9&t=17879

[Buzo]

And may we also reiterate that we do not recommend picking locks that are in-use.

Most of the less expensive schage locks you can get from your hardware store do not contain spool pins. Outside of that there's no way to tell from the outside of the lock.

[Squelchtone]

I have a couple locks around my house I'm trying to pick for practice, and they are schlage locks. I think they have spool pins in them but I'm unsure. any suggestions on how to successfully pick them?

first things first.. what other locks have you picked before, and what are you using for lock picks?

If this is first time ever and you're just practicing lock picking on your front and back door using paper clips (yes, I know I'm assuming here) then you wont have much success. As others have said, dont practice on your own locks, only bad things can happen (parts can fall out, the lock can get stuck, etc) if you're just starting out. May I recommend getting a practice lock from Walmart or Home Depot for < $15 and you can pick it and take it apart and learn all about it.

If Schlage is the first thing you've ever picked, and you even have a real pick set, it may be too much lock for a beginner... so you have two options, take one of those Schlage locks apart and dump out all the pin stacks and springs except the 1st and 2nd one and practice with just 2 pins until you get good enough to install the 3rd pin stack and spring, then get good at that and add 4th pin stack and so on until you can pick a 5 pin or 6 pin Schlage easily. The other option if you cannot take these locks apart because your parents/landlord/roommate would be mad if you did, is to start off with a Kwikset for $10 from Home Depot or a Brinks deadbolt from Walmart. Take those apart and pin them up 1 pin, 2 pins, etc.etc. the Brinks will have security spool pins inside, and you'll get to learn what they look like and how to feel for them.

good luck,
Squelchtone

[clearmoon247]

I have to admit, i love the fact that such an inexpensive lock, brinks, can easily be found with security pins. For those wishing to venture towards something more challenging than a simple kwikset/defiant or schlage, brinks is always a good next step.

[Emrys]

+1 ^^^

[cledry]

Look to see if perhaps there is a little + mark next to the keyway. That will also confound you.