anatomy of a deadbolt

[Bl1ndE Esk1mo]

I was dissecting an old deadbolt that had been removed and replaced. I noticed that on the locking side there was a tail that spun freely, when placed in the lock and the whole lock housing was assembled acted as the pivot rod to activate the actual deadbolt. similar to this one in the picture:

http://cdn6.bigcommerce.com/s-lr1skhw/p ... 80.jpg?c=2

I can rake the lock core open, however, when i have the core separated from the rest of the lock the tail doesn't spin like it should to activate the locking mechanism. What i am wondering is if when the whole lock is assembled, the opposing pressure from the door causes tension on the tail, making it so as the key is inserted and the lock turned the taught tail has to turn activating or deactivating the bolt portion of the lock. Am I on the right track? Any other random information about deadbolts in general, spping or raking, or overall information would be greatly appreciated in general. Thanks in advance.

[cledry]

No

[GWiens2001]

You really should simplify your answers, Cledry. Far too many words. TLDR.

There is a possibility you have the tailpiece out of proper phase with the bolt.

Gordon

[RumballSolutions]

You really should simplify your answers, Cledry. Far too many words. TLDR.

There is a possibility you have the tailpiece out of proper phase with the bolt.

Gordon

Hilarious!

[Squelchtone]

however, when i have the core separated from the rest of the lock the tail doesn't spin like it should to activate the locking mechanism.

please upload and share with us a photo of your actual cylinder's tail piece.. you probably have a lazy-tailpiece which can turn 180 degrees one way and 180 back, as Gordon suggested, you're inserting the cylinder back into the deadbolt housing with the tail piece 180 degrees out of phase, so when you pick it, nothing happens because it has already reached the end of it's travels and the tailpiece wont turn any further.

Squelchtone

[jimu57]

The tailpiece prevents going 180 deg. You can lose master wafers that way.

[cledry]

The tailpiece prevents going 180 deg. You can lose master wafers that way.

You aren't a locksmith.