Ilco 7185FA

[brooklynpix]

Hey everyone. I'm new to the forum btw. SO i've had a lockpick set since highschool, but never had the patience to learn. Picked it up a few days ago for the first time in a long time. Had a retardedly easy time picking 5-pin Kwikset and a few 4 pin pad locks i picked up from a hard ware store like... i can pop them each in less than 20 seconds. So today i went out and bought a ilco 7185FA Mortise cylinder ...this guy.

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/2-Ilco-Mortise-C ... ~~0_35.JPG

Pretty basic lock (i think) but I'm having trouble picking it I assume it's because it's actually a decent lock. I can't tell what I'm doing wrong. I'm pretty sure i'm "over picking" some of the pins. I don't think it has security pins and i don't want to force off the plate that holds in the springs to check because every time i try it feels like it's gonna break, Also i figure if it had security pins, it'd cost more than $13 and probably not be in my local hardware store. anyway... any tips? I think i'm over-picking because it's a 5 pin lock and every time i think i'm done, after it doesn't open, i slowly release pressure from the tension rod and count the pins as they snap back into place. I count 5. so... I must be binding the key pins in the driver pin holes. Any practice methods for getting better at not doing that/ tricks/tips on this particular model?

[mechanical_nightmare]

Welcome to the site!

Here is a link to fgarci03's guide to avoid oversetting pins:

http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=58200

It explains very thoroughly how not to overset pins.

Obviously, there is no substitute for practice. If you are new you should also practice disassembling and reassembling cylinders in case you haven't done so already. It will help familiarize you with all the components, and plus you can reduce the number of pin stacks if you find a lock too difficult to pick.

You will probably destroy 1 or 2 locks while learning this, so make sure they are cheap ones.

[brooklynpix]

Ok cool will definitely check out that manual. I've opened up my kwikset and a mailbox type lock (was actually a pin and tumbler, not a wafer). and put them back together....I guess i'll open up the ilco soonish....

[globallockytoo]

dont apply too much turning pressure. Those Ilco's are really easy. Very VERY light turning pressure

[brooklynpix]

So i took out pin stacks. i can now pick the rear three stacks nearly every time, and can pick the lock when there are four pin stacks occasionally. and yeah, barely any tension does the trick. i figure if i keep practicing like this i'll have it down pat pretty soon. thanks for the help everyone!

[KPick]

So i took out pin stacks. i can now pick the rear three stacks nearly every time, and can pick the lock when there are four pin stacks occasionally. and yeah, barely any tension does the trick. i figure if i keep practicing like this i'll have it down pat pretty soon. thanks for the help everyone!

Did you see any security pins in your lock?