question about setting the pin

[YouLuckyFox]

I haven't ran into many Euro locks (though, I'll give them a shot eventually) but the only locks I've run into that couldn't have a retainer ring removed without standard tools are the snap rings ( ). I disclaim that I am not experienced with Euro locks, but could I ask for a video or picture of the ring at the back of the lock? For my own curiosity if not to help you out, Hugokhf!

[GWiens2001]

Just to be sure I am understanding you and being understood...

Sounds like you are viewing/picking the lock European style - that is with the pins at the bottom of the keyway, pressing them down to try picking them. I will proceed with my questions and answers with the lock/pins like that.

You want to set the pins, not over set them. When you set them, you find the binding pin and press it down until the driver pin and key pin reach the shear line, where you should hear and/or feel a click. Do not press the key pin any further down, or the key pin will bind in the shear line. Then you find the next binding pin and repeat.

When you are pressing the pin down, if the plug tries to turn backwards against the tension wrench, then you are probably dealing with spool pins. 'Detail Overkill' covers dealing with them. But a quick summary of what to do is keep pushing that pin down until it sets again. Some of the other pins may snap back up again as the spool pin moves to be set. After the spool pin is set, go back and reset the other pins.

Good luck,

Gordon

[fgarci03]

As always, great advice from Gordon!

@Hugokhf,
I think I know what you mean. You are oversetting the first pin. Reduce the tension a little and it won't probably happen anymore.
Anyway, from what you describe, the 4th pin seems to be the binding pin. SO you can forget the 1st one for now. Push the 4th down untill you feel the click. It means it is set (unless it has security pins, which you should continue from here with what Gordon said!).

After that, look for the next binding pin. It will be the one that is a little stiffer than the others. Push it untill it clicks too. Keep doing that untill the lock pops open!


Man, I want to see a picture of it picked! Don't forget to share with us that moment

[Hugokhf]

the ring I was planning to remove is not the euro one, but eh cylinder one.

not sure how to illustrate that
http://postimg.org/image/ydz5zfb1r/
http://postimg.org/image/8t6guwdf7/

and thank you very much fgarci and gordon,
I am trying it again!

hope there's no spool pin, as I haven't been able to even pick a 'non-security pin' one!
finger-crossed!
going to tr again now

[GWiens2001]

For identification purposes, that is a rim cylinder, not a euro cylinder. The clip you are indicating in the picture is removed by pressing the two ends of the clip apart enough to either slide off or enough to peel one side up and off. The first way does not bend the retaining ring as much, but both ways will bend the ring. Normally, I just bend it back.

If you get that ring off, then use a shim (I use the ones for security tags from DVDs) to open the lock from the back. Try pressing the shim lightly into the shear line while using a pick to lift and lower the pins slowly until the shim fits inbetween the driver pins and the key pins.

Once the plug starts to move out, turn it 45 degrees to keep the pins in the plug and the bible (the top part of the lock where the springs and driver pins are located) from lining up. This is an important habit to get into, both for disassembly and reassembly!

Gordon

[Hugokhf]

For identification purposes, that is a rim cylinder, not a euro cylinder. The clip you are indicating in the picture is removed by pressing the two ends of the clip apart enough to either slide off or enough to peel one side up and off. The first way does not bend the retaining ring as much, but both ways will bend the ring. Normally, I just bend it back.

If you get that ring off, then use a shim (I use the ones for security tags from DVDs) to open the lock from the back. Try pressing the shim lightly into the shear line while using a pick to lift and lower the pins slowly until the shim fits inbetween the driver pins and the key pins.

Once the plug starts to move out, turn it 45 degrees to keep the pins in the plug and the bible (the top part of the lock where the springs and driver pins are located) from lining up. This is an important habit to get into, both for disassembly and reassembly!

Gordon

oh, the euro cylinder I was talking about is another lock I found, not the one in the picture.

I tried pushing the clip by using various method, but it is very thick and stiff. tried screw driver etc.
and I read there's a special thing which can pull it apart, bu couldn't find it in the hardware store nearby my place

also, as I have 2 lock, (1 euro, 1 rim) which one should I start with?
I have not been able to pick either yet, which one should be easier?
(provided that I couldn't re-pin the lock with the tools avaliable to me right now)

[phrygianradar]

It's hard to say which lock would be easiest for you to pick, I'm not really sure where you are in location, but the first lock I learned how to pick was an inexpensive four pin Master padlock. Master padlocks usually don't have spool pins in them and are pretty easy to pick. I would look for a Master #3 or #5 that has a pretty even pinned cylinder. You can tell by what the key looks like. There wont be a lot of high and lows on the key, the teeth will be kind of in the middle like a little saw. Just my two cents...

[Luissen]

I remember when I first approached lockpicking, and thought I just needed to push harder... First post on this site immediately identified my problem, pushing too hard, be it torque or pick pressure. Of course, trying to move the immobile (I broke a hook in my stupidity trying to lever a ward.... ) doesn't work either. Glad to hear the various opinions and solutions our resourceful members came up with

[Hugokhf]

cheers, I tried every pressure I can imagine, light, super ight medium, and everything in between.

I think I will rest for a few days and come back and try again fresh in a few days!
hope I will be able to conquer the lock by then!