Lock stuck between 90 degrees and about 175 degrees

[Bendanger]

To clarify my question about turning locks past 180 degrees I meant after you pick it and are rotating it with the tension wrench. For example the lock on the front door has a bolt that slides into the door frame and the key needs to be turned more than 180 degrees. How can you prevent a lock from sticking and do all locks stick at 180 dehrees

[GWiens2001]

Not all locks do this. Only locks on which the outer edge of the keyway are wider than the pins have this happen.

Sometimes when a keyway is very close to the width of the pins, the plug may get stuck in one direction, but will turn the other way. The same effect can occur with a keyway that ramps outwards on one side.

Gordon

[Bendanger]

To clarify my question about locks sticking at 180 degrees I meant after you picked it and are turning it with the tension wrench. Some locks for example my front door need to rotate more than 180 degrees. How can you stop it from sticking at 180 degrees and do all locks stick at 180 degrees.

[Bendanger]

Oops I posted the same thing twice ignore that. So as a precaution should I do anything or just fix it if it happens by pushing those pins that stuck in the bottom back in and rotating it back?

[Robotnik]

Oops I posted the same thing twice ignore that. So as a precaution should I do anything or just fix it if it happens by pushing those pins that stuck in the bottom back in and rotating it back?

Generally easy enough to fix in the manner you describe - use a wiper insert or back of a half diamond to push up the trapped driver pins while turning the plug.

There can be issues with master keyed locks wherein a short wafer drops out of the bible into the keyway, however. At best, it renders at least one key unusable, at worst jams up the lock altogether.

[Bendanger]

OK so maybe while turning the cylinder I could stick the pick in the bottom to prevent things from falling out. It would be a bit harder because I use a hairpin.