key operation question

[Squelchtone]

What happens when you unlock a lock with a key but, before you turn the lock back in the starting position, you pull the key out of the lock. Will that cause any problems???

[Zenophryk]

you're average pin tumbler lock will not allow the key to come out of the lock unless the lock has multiple positions.
what kind of lock are you working with? any pictures?

-Zenophryk

[Squelchtone]

Is this question related to your other post with that safe you are having trouble picking the lock in the other direction after picking it open?

Thanks,
Squelchtone

[Berget]

In most cases, you cant. A pin tumbler will not allow the key to be withdrawn unless it's where it should be. A key cut progressively higher may be withdrawn, especially if it's worn. That's why you don't normally see this 'pullout keys'.

If you rotate the plug without a key, the top pins may shoot down into the plug from the 'bottom', jamming it. Same thing if you were to withdraw the key partially, and they rotate the plug. The key will then no longer hold the shear line open, jamming it.

[billdeserthills]

Sometimes a key for a pin tumbler lock, or even a wafer lock will become soo worn that it will indeed pull out in any position. If this happens with your house lock, it wouldn't be a big deal, as long as someone turning the plug back (in an attempt to unlock the door can't pass the bible, or pin stack). Were this to begin happening in your car, you could have some big trouble ahead, if the switch also shuts off. It does happen to a small percent of the worlds population and for the most part only ever causes a brief annoyance. The problem can be fixed with some new bottom pins and a new key cut by code