When to know to use top of the keyway tension wrench?

[spacejunk]

The topic pretty much says it all. One of the biggest mysteries to me right now is when it is most appropriate to use top of the keyway tension wrenches.

[kwoswalt99-]

Which one fits better/gives better access, and which do you like better. All there is to it.

[billdeserthills]

I always start with a top of keyway tension wrench, I feel that gives me the easiest access to the pins/wafers

[GWiens2001]

I always start with a top of keyway tension wrench, I feel that gives me the easiest access to the pins/wafers

+1

Gordon

[s0u1h4ck3r]

For me it depends on how the keyhole looks, if it is totally straight I wil use TOK only. If the keyhole is zigzagging the prybars mostly don't fit.

[MiPo]

There are pros and cons to both methods. But sometimes you can only use one of both.

Pin-side tensioning has the advantage that no space is occupied in the keyway and your pick has the most space to navigate. This affects the space on top of the pins and at the side when turning the pick to get it positioned above the pins. If the pry bar fits perfectly it allows precise rotatation and counter rotation control. A disadvantage is that pin #1 is hidden (or even bound by the tool) behind the tension tool and so it is sometimes neglected in the picking process. Also keyways exist that have a shape that does not allow the pin-side tension tool to fit or (depending on the rotation direction) it slips away.
Sometimes tensioning at the open side has the advantage to provide a nice platform from which you can pick. But some cons are that you occupy space (which might be needed to use a deep hook) and a possible interference of picking with the tension tool giving a false impression of plug rotation.

Personally I prefer pin side tensioning (because of the free space in the keyway) but, as stated above, sometime if I need a platform for my pick or the keyway has a shape not usable for pin side tensioning, I change the method.

[Davis]

The other posts are very good. Here's a little different take on it. In my work as a locksmith, when doing openings I've sometimes encountered in-swinging doors where a bottom-of-keyway wrench would have to be very short to avoid hitting the door frame. I recently purchased a set of Peterson's Prybars because they are used vertically, therefore giving a bit more working room for your hand in these situations.

Now, I have to learn to be good with the tools I have!

Anyway, just another perspective.