An old Russwin with a twist

[ellismw]

I am working on an old Russwin lock. Its one that has a flip catch on it for a sliding glass door. After I pick it clockwise it stops 180 degrees afterwards without unlocking. I checked to see if I needed to pick it again but ALL the pins were still set.

Returning to the neutral position I picked it counter clockwise and it stopped about 130 degrees without throwing the lock. Again, all the pins were still set.

Any ideas whats stopping the plug from rotating all the way?

The lock is still functional.

[Varjeal]

Got me stumped, too. Do you or can you get pics of this lock? Is there a knob or lever to be turned or just a button pressed?

[ellismw]

Its just a normal looking 7 pin tumbler deadbolt. The only part that is different is instead of the backset swinging a bolt across it swings a typical looking slidiing glass door catch (the hook that acts as the locking device on most sliding glass doors)... I am a lil annoyed with this one right now...

[Varjeal]

o.k...that helps a bit..Now, if your looking at the lock is it on the left or right hand side of the door as your facing the cylinder?

[ellismw]

Its on the right side of the door. To unlock the door you pick it counter clockwise (discovered which way to go on an identical lock but is slightly more worn.)
but it catchs at about 130degrees.

[Varjeal]

O.k...you guessed the intent of my question, nice work. Anyways, here's what might help. When you get the cylinder turned that far, put your pick in at the top of the lock once more right against the top. You may have top pins protruding into the plug itself as it comes around. Use the back of your picking tool and press upwards against the top pins and continue turning. Don't know why I didn't think of this before.

Hope that helps.

[ellismw]

can't move those pins. They are still in the same position as when I originally picked it.

Is it possible that there is a side bar or some other obstable that is preventing it from turning?

[Chucklz]

He means the driver pins..... ie the pins that are above the shear line. They may be entering the bottom of the keyway of the lock.