Spool pins.

[DennisK]

I have one of those clear practice locks with all spool pins. My question is,is it common with spool pin locks that two or more pins can be set at the same time? Or do I just have a weird lock? Now I know that your average lock probably won't have all spools,but they will probably have more than one.Are they ever side by side in security locks? TIA

[teamstarlet]

My question is,is it common with spool pin locks that two or more pins can be set at the same time?

It's common for more than one spool pin to false set at a time

Are they ever side by side in security locks? TIA

There's a great thread here that shows the various pins and in different locks.

There's also this thread with info on how many security pins are found in various Master locks.

[krazykat1980]

Now I know that your average lock probably won't have all spools,but they will probably have more than one.Are they ever side by side in security locks? TIA

From my reading, I've seen people talking about 5-pin locks that have 4-5 spools in them - so with that many spools some of them would have to be next to each other. I've also seen people claiming that having them all spools instead of one normal makes them easier to pick - as well as there is a practical reason other than ease of picking why there is usually at least one normal pin in there (I just can't remember what it is at the moment).

Solomon's Lockpicking Detail Overkill has quite a bit of information about security pins. The password is evva3ks.

[YouLuckyFox]

There is nothing wrong with having a spool pin next to a spool pin. There is always one normal or serrated pin to keep the plug from wiggling around too much (correct me if I'm off about the serrated pin, but in my experience it keeps the pin-stacks aligned.) The key wouldn't enter/exit as easily if the plug had a whole lot of movement to it. Also, having a lot of rotational play can weaken the lock when it comes to forced entry.

[GWiens2001]

It is not unusual to have two or more spool pins side by side.

The extra reason for having one normal (or serrated) driver pin instead of all spools is because the lock goes into false set almost without effort. If the key is tipped to either side at all, the lock binds as the key pins are not able to rise any further, trapping the key. This causes faster lock and key wear, more user frustration, and a reduction in the world coffee supply. So don't mess with out coffee! Use a normal driver pin instead of all spools!

TrioVing found a way around this by making spools that tapered to full pin diameter in the middle. In the picture below, the two on the right are both TrioVing spool pins, which are also known as barrel pins or trampoline pins. They are far more challenging than you might think.



Gordon

[KPick]

Interesting book krazykat1980. Detailed and it covered most of the basics. Even though he sounded a bit angry, it was a good read. Thanks for the book. DL'd it and saved to lock picking folder.

[DennisK]

Now I know that your average lock probably won't have all spools,but they will probably have more than one.Are they ever side by side in security locks? TIA

From my reading, I've seen people talking about 5-pin locks that have 4-5 spools in them - so with that many spools some of them would have to be next to each other. I've also seen people claiming that having them all spools instead of one normal makes them easier to pick - as well as there is a practical reason other than ease of picking why there is usually at least one normal pin in there (I just can't remember what it is at the moment).

Solomon's Lockpicking Detail Overkill has quite a bit of information about security pins. The password is evva3ks.

All I get is a blank page at this link.

[GWiens2001]

Give it a minute to load. It is a PDF file.

Gordon

[Josh___]

Agreed. It is common for several spools to false set at the same time.

Thanks for the link krazykat1980.

[Raymond]

The most common reason for not using all spools is the the key can go in and out more smoothly. If a regular pin is inserted in the tip position it causes the cylinder to remain straight in line until the key is fully inserted. Otherwise the person might apply turning pressure before getting the key all the way in which would activate the spool cut out and stop the key from moving.

[s3curity]

I recently bought a Schlage "Light Commercial" deadbolt to play with. It is keyed both sides. It has five mushroom pins in it. I have picked it a number of times using 4 different pick types but can't pick it consistently. Sometimes if you hit it just right it opens itself practically.