Schlage and CW verse CCW torquing ??

[new2theskill]

Hello,

I'm new I've picked up a basic pick set and started practicing on the locks in my house. I've already run into an issue that has me scratching my head and hoped someone could help. I'll explain the best I can.

I'm working on your basic hardware store bought Schlage bedroom door knobs locks. Key entry on the outside, verticle to horizontal center knob on the inside for locking.

So the book I'm studying from tells you that you need to torque the lock in the direction that you would normaly turn it to open it with a key. I tested with the key and it is CW. HOWEVER, when trying to torque CW it does not bind/catch the pins at all so there is no catching going on. They just come back down as soon as I pull the pick back.

If I torque CCW then the pics will bind/catch and I can pick the lock to get it to turn. But this does me no good since as soon as I get it right and the lock turns a little I'm on the wrong side. If I try to go back to turn CW to open the door the pins drop again and it's re-locked.

So you know my question: How do I get around this fishy behavior? Is this something built into schlage locks to prevent picking? Can it be beat by a novice?

Any and all help much appreciated

thanks

M

[Dent]

Here is a novice anwer:

Get a plug spinner.... they rotate the plug extremely fast so that the pins can't catch it... you can pick CCW and rotate to CW to open.

Like 15-30 bucks.


Also, I would re-examine the CW force.... it *has* to bind unless there is some mechanism stopping it from catching the pins... The only thing stopping the plug from turning is the pins, so perhaps you just aren't using enough torque or aren't feeling the correct pin...

[TOWCH]

I've had this same problem before, it has to do with how you tension wrench is interacting with the keyway. Try using a tension wrench with a wider or more narrow tip and see how that works.

[new2theskill]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I'll look into a plug spinner, but I really want to discover the hands on solution.

I understand it *has* to bind if the cylinder would turn but I just can't seem to get it to, which is what is so frustrating The lock simply won't accept any force CW from what I've tried so far.

It's like this sweet but sour victory to pick my first lock in my first 10 minutes of trying ever, but only in the wrong direction! LOL

I'll try all kinds of torque wrenches as TOWCH suggested and see if anything gets it to move. I'm thinking that the key is also depressing some mechanism in there which frees the lock to turn CW and I'm not getting to it with the torque wrench. Does this sound right to anyone?

Thanks again!

M

[digital_blue]

Could it be that when you put the key in the lock and turn it CW that the whole knob turns with it? If that is the case, is it possible that you are holding the knob while you pick? I'm only halfas*ed experienced with knobsets, but it seems to make sense in my head.

db

[Dent]

You should get the specs on whatever cynlinder you have...

However most of the pick restistant would be equally resistant either direction, right?

I'd just get the plug spinner, its a useful tool to have.

[D_Shane]

I would guess you might be placing the wrench in the bottom of the keyway. Or the side oppoiste the pins. If so, trying tensioning from the top of the keyway.



Your tension wrench my be binding against the housing at the bottom of the keyway.

[toomush2drink]

The above answers all worth considering but i myself favour the plug spinner, if funds are tight try using a tension wrench and rubber band. You put the rubber band over the tension wrench and whilst holding the tension wrench in the picked lock stretch the rubber band back in the direction you want to spin it then let go and hope it jumps the shear line again.
For some reason certain locks are an easy pick in the "wrong" direction but impossible in the "right" direction but if it gets picked who cares when you can use a plug spinner ?

[CaptHook]

And just an FYI, I have noticed alot of schlage residential locks DO pick easier in the locking direction (usually ccw)
Chuck

[jeremy]

An important feature of Schlage knobsets* has been overlooked here. The knob can be removed by depressing the knob retainer (on the side of the knob stem closest to the edge of the door) when the plug is rotated 90 degrees in *either* direction. Picking the lock counter-clockwise won't unlock the lock, but it will allow the knob to be removed. With the knob removed, a screwdriver can be inserted in the lock to do the job of the lock cylinder tailpiece.

* This applies to all Schlage cylindrical knobsets and tubular knobsets with pin-tumbler lock cylinders.

[vector40]

A good point.

I agree that you may be jamming your wrench when you tension clockwise.