Spring wear and tear

[theyjakeyboi]

Tried searching this topic but no luck.

Do springs in pin tumblers wear out after picking a lock several times?

I bought several new padlocks (abus, master lock) and I've noticed I get less feedback/audible clicks when setting the pins after picking the locks 20+ times. I can also feel that there is less "lift" needed to set the pins and accidently oversetting becomes gradually easier.

My guess is this is down to spring wear as they are receiving more tension (pressure?) when picking as opposed to normal key insertion - although I'm not that heavy handed.

I would appreciate any advice/feedback on this subject.

Cheers!

[billdeserthills]

Springs definately wear and as you describe less lift is needed because the springs become compressed

[theyjakeyboi]

Thanks Bill.

I presume there's no way to decompress them without taking the lock apart, unless you have magical powers.

Shame really as I quite like having "go to" locks to warm up, etc.

[Squelchtone]

Thanks Bill.

I presume there's no way to decompress them without taking the lock apart, unless you have magical powers.

Shame really as I quite like having "go to" locks to warm up, etc.

hmmm... just how hard are you jamming the pins up into the area where the springs live? I've had locks for 10 years that still feel as springy as the first day I picked them.

What abus and master locks exactly are doing this for you?

this isn't usual. sure springs wear over time (months/years of every day use), but most of us don't wear locks out after picking them 20 times.

[Joshua904]

It could all just be in your head. You're used to the locks, know where to push and how much force it takes. Instead feeling for feedback, you're just settings pins like its muscle memory?