plug direction

[having a blast]

When approaching an unknown keyed entry lock is there any way of determining the rotation of the plug? I am specifically looking for information about the feel of the plug when biding occurs. Is there a telltale sign of what to look for that will allow me to pick the lock in the correct direction?

I'm afraid I'm one of " those " newbies who worked on a lock in use at home and picked in the wrong direction.

[ltdbjd]

It will bind either direction you turn it, though it won't usually bind in the same order.

Only a general rule as to which way they turn. Typically deadbolts unlock by turning towards the hinge side. Knobs generally turn away from the hinges. But this can vary by manufacturer.

I've found that if I have an issue picking, picking in the opposite direction frequently helps. If you pick in the wrong direction, a plug spinner will rotate the plug past the shearline to the opposite direction.

[cledry]

I have over the years noticed that wafer locks especially but pin tumblers to a lesser extent will move a slight bit more with a tension wrench in the direction they pick. I put a tension wrench in and turn both ways, whichever gives a little more or more freely is my first choice on direction to pick.

[ltdbjd]

Interesting, guess I've never paid that much attention. I'll have to mess around with that.

[billdeserthills]

When approaching an unknown keyed entry lock is there any way of determining the rotation of the plug? I am specifically looking for information about the feel of the plug when biding occurs. Is there a telltale sign of what to look for that will allow me to pick the lock in the correct direction?

I'm afraid I'm one of " those " newbies who worked on a lock in use at home and picked in the wrong direction.

Kwikset knob's and levers are counter clockwise, most other knobs & levers are clockwise, you can always step up and buy that lock cylinder spinner too,
sometimes a lock will only pick easily to the wrong direction

[ltdbjd]

You referenced making the newbie mistake of "picking a LOCK IN USE AT HOME the wrong direction." The biggest mistake is picking a lock in use. Don't practice by picking a lock in use. This forum is filled with people asking for help because they did that, and now their lock doesn't work.

[having a blast]

It's just so tempting when you have a lock in the comfort of your home lol. Leason learned however but old locks are hard to come by .

[ltdbjd]

You can buy a bunch on eBay, the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, or buy a Mr Wizard pinnable lock.

Might get a good deal if you check with NothingIsSecure under the Medeco Locks thread. He recently came into possession of some used cylinders.

[having a blast]

Okay. Thanks for the suggestions. Maybe I will even invest in a plug spinner as well.

[tpark]

Okay. Thanks for the suggestions. Maybe I will even invest in a plug spinner as well.

If you're picking locks as a hobby, a spinner is a lower priority item. Sometimes dollar stores have pin locks for cheap. A desktop vise is a worthwhile investment.

[Wizer]

Okay. Thanks for the suggestions. Maybe I will even invest in a plug spinner as well.

If you're picking locks as a hobby, a spinner is a lower priority item. Sometimes dollar stores have pin locks for cheap. A desktop vise is a worthwhile investment.

I concur to all tpark wrote.
Alltho I find it fun to experiment with rubberband and tensioner, or hitting the tensioner with something to make the plug spin.
Not very good success rate.

[WillAnderson]

Does anyone have a list of directions by manufacture they can post. this would be very helpful. Thanks for your help.

Will Anderson

[ltdbjd]

That might be difficult to come up with, because depending on the lock, it might be different depending on the door handing or how it was installed. I don't know for sure, but it may even vary between different models from the same manufacturer. It also makes a difference when the ding-dongs install it with the knob upside-down.

I think the bottom line is for sport picking, it really doesn't matter. You gain experience either way. If you pick as part of your job, it doesn't really make a lot of difference because you can use a plug spinner. As a side note, keep in mind that the odds of the spinner not working goes up proportionately based upon how difficult and how much time it took to pick in the first place. If you open the lock with two passes of a rake, the spinner always works. If it takes you 40 minutes to pick, the plug spinner might work half the time. If the customer has been hovering over you watching over your shoulder, it's almost a guarantee it won't work.

[Eazy123]

When approaching an unknown keyed entry lock is there any way of determining the rotation of the plug? I am specifically looking for information about the feel of the plug when biding occurs. Is there a telltale sign of what to look for that will allow me to pick the lock in the correct direction?

I'm afraid I'm one of " those " newbies who worked on a lock in use at home and picked in the wrong direction.

Kwikset knob's and levers are counter clockwise,

Is this for sure? I've had two Kwiksets that I pick clockwise just fine. The one in my door (I know, I know - don't pick a lock in use) is counter clockwise. I always thought that you're supposed to pick so the top of the keyway turns away from the jamb.

[billdeserthills]

When approaching an unknown keyed entry lock is there any way of determining the rotation of the plug? I am specifically looking for information about the feel of the plug when biding occurs. Is there a telltale sign of what to look for that will allow me to pick the lock in the correct direction?

I'm afraid I'm one of " those " newbies who worked on a lock in use at home and picked in the wrong direction.

Kwikset knob's and levers are counter clockwise,

Is this for sure? I've had two Kwiksets that I pick clockwise just fine. The one in my door (I know, I know - don't pick a lock in use) is counter clockwise. I always thought that you're supposed to pick so the top of the keyway turns away from the jamb.

If your kwikset is a deadbolt, the direction the key turns to unlock is dependent upon the door handing,
but the knob and levers pick to the left to open