Why Cant I Open This Lock?!?

[good_guy]

ok well I've been attempting to open this deadbolt made by mountain securtiy (walmartbrand), and I cant seem to open it... well I opened it once, but that was luck since I was watching tv while trying. I cant open it for some reason. It has 3 standerd pins, and 2 spool pins. I used a small hook, rakes, small diamonds, big diamonds, big hooks, but I cant seem to open it. Any techinques that I should be aware off when dealin with spools? thanks, any help would be great.

[Mad Mick]

Do a search for 'security pins', and click the 'search all terms' function. Your answers are contained within the first search results page.

You've been a member for a while, so the search function should be pretty familiar.

One tip is, relax...(which you did when watching TV )...trying too hard usually results in excessive tension.

[Grudge]

Spools can be really tricky. You can usually tell when you have a spool caught half-way because when you lift that pin, the cylinder wants to turn backwards and tension wrench tries to lift upwards. You may need to lighten up on your tension to feel this.

If you get this indication, lighten up as much as you can without loosing the pins and push the pin up (letting the wrench go up). Once the edge of the spool clears the cylinder (reaches the shear line) the tension wrench should go down again. The trick is not to overdrive the pin/spool combo into the housing (over setting it) BUT putting enough pressure on to overcome that bottom ridge of the spool which will lightly catch at the shear line (remember, light tension, or it will lock up instead).

P.S. I would be surprised if the Mountain has spools (it is so cheap), have you removed the pins to check?

[Grudge]

One tip is, relax...(which you did when watching TV )...trying too hard usually results in excessive tension.

Cookie for Mick:!: That is a good tip, sometimes you can be your own worse enemy when it comes to picking.

[cracksman]

First of all, use a pick in which you can comfortably press each one of the pins down with little or no disturbance to the others, small hook should be fine. As for spools, use very light tension.

oh, and most importantly, practice, practice, practice....Keep that up and in two weeks you'll be amazed that the lock ever gave you any problems

[good_guy]

thanks for the tip guys. sorry that i didnt use the search, its been quite a while since I've been here and I totally forgot about the search. But thanks again.