Corbin Russwin Deadbolt Question

[Mackie]

Hey guys,

I've been getting into lock picking a little bit over the past few months and I've been able to solve most of the problems I've run into with a little research. Just recently, however, I was picking a corbin-russwin deadbolt and I can get the pins to set so that the plug rotates just shy of 180 degrees, but then it comes to a dead stop, and the door remains locked. It's a pretty old lock, but the key opens it just fine so I don't think that corrosion in the lock is the issue here, especially given how suddenly the lock comes to a stop. Is it possible that there's some sort of anti-picking mechanism that comes into play at the 180 degree mark? I've tried moving my pick around in there when it comes to a stop, but I haven't been able to find anything that really moves.
Anyway, I'm relatively new to this, so I'm sure some of you veterans could help me out.
Thanks!

[GWiens2001]

Likely the driver (top) pins are keeping the plug from turning further in the direction being turned. Keep applying some tension and use a pick to rake the driver pins.

Big warning - don't pick locks in use!

Gordon

[Squelchtone]

Does the regular key turn more than 180 or is the latch retracted by that point and door able to be swung open? Sometimes a tension wrench will turn the plug freely until the tailpiece or cam engages the inner workings of the lock mechanism, this is where you usually have to turn the key harder, or if picking put a little more force on the wrench.

Are you picking in the same direction as you normally turn the key?

+1 for GWiens2001's good advice about not picking locks that are in use or relied on for security or safety.

Squelchtone

[Mackie]

Thanks for the advice. The key begins to open the latch just past the 180 mark (although sometimes you do have to put a good amount of force into it). Maybe my flimsy tension wrench just isn't enough force. One of the first things I did was make sure I was going the right direction, so I know that's not the problem. I'll try to see if the driver pins are causing the problem.

Also, I'm not too concerned about this particular lock; it’s the door to our school computer science club room (we’ve gotten into lock picking recently). We cleared messing with it with our advisor and we’re prepared to pay for it if we break it.

[Squelchtone]

Also, I'm not too concerned about this particular lock; it’s the door to our school computer science club room (we’ve gotten into lock picking recently). We cleared messing with it with our advisor and we’re prepared to pay for it if we break it.

Im gonna come off preachy, but hear me out.

It isnt your advisors call to give you a green light to pick a school owned lock. It is also probably master keyed and turning the plug 180 or more has a very big chance of dropping a master wafer into the keyway which will make it so neither the door key or the janitor's master key will work.

Please go get a practice deadbolt at walmart or ace hardware for $15 bucks.

The other thing about picking a lock on some old door on some computer lab.. Consider your reputation when someone's TI calculator or iphone goes missing from a locker, or locked classroom, no need to ruin your reputation by being that kid who knows how to pick the computer lab door. It may impress some friends, but the majority of folks do not understand this hobby and will be scared that you have this knowledge.

Trust us, we've been there,
Squelchtone

[KPick]

Also, I'm not too concerned about this particular lock; it’s the door to our school computer science club room (we’ve gotten into lock picking recently). We cleared messing with it with our advisor and we’re prepared to pay for it if we break it.

Im gonna come off preachy, but hear me out.

It isnt your advisors call to give you a green light to pick a school owned lock. It is also probably master keyed and turning the plug 180 or more has a very big chance of dropping a master wafer into the keyway which will make it so neither the door key or the janitor's master key will work.

Please go get a practice deadbolt at walmart or ace hardware for $15 bucks.

The other thing about picking a lock on some old door on some computer lab.. Consider your reputation when someone's TI calculator or iphone goes missing from a locker, or locked classroom, no need to ruin your reputation by being that kid who knows how to pick the computer lab door. It may impress some friends, but the majority of folks do not understand this hobby and will be scared that you have this knowledge.

Trust us, we've been there,
Squelchtone

That is the reason I never tell anyone besides my family about my hobby. I lost a friend for that reason. Some people affiliate the skill with theft, and I one am against that, but there isn't anything I can do about it.