Pin setup question

[cracksman]

I've been working with 2 Schlage deadbolts over the last 2 or so weeks, 1 set a medium, 1 set a high grade 2, I have been re-keying one keeping the other standard for each. I can finally pick them both, the higher security just seems to have tighter specs but the same pin configuration. They both contain 4 spools, and one normal, which now I understand keeps the plug aligned. My first question is, all of them have the 1 pin as the normal pin, the rest are spools, is this the a standard thing, is the 1 pin always a normal pin?


My most succesful atempts, say 5-15 seconds, have me set the 1 pin last, otherwise, I have to go back and it's a bit like the "Wack-a-mole" game, I keep knocking down those that pop up. So, is a really succesful quick pick the ability to feel a spool set incorrectly by a slight rotation (with the normal pin still unset), instead of the big turn you get when your normal pin(s) has already set and you are feeling the full rotation of hitting the middle of the spool? Sorry- I hope I'm making some sense.

[Shrub]

I see what you are saying, i think,

I dont think there is a differance that can be sensed normally, the dimensions of a spool pin and chamber alignment mean that the hitting of the spool middle with all the pins set or the hitting of the spool middle with only that set is going to be much differant from lock to lock not just brand to brand, so you wouldnt be able to reliy on it,

If you set the spool in the middle when you come to set the other pins the plug may be turned to far to allow any to set properly and throw the lock back to drop any pins that may have been set,

[cracksman]

Wow, someone finally answered this post! thanks Shrub I re-read my question and was a little confused myself
I agree with your answer (now that I understand more about security pins). Do you know if the 1 pin is kept non-security for alignment as a general rule?

[Shrub]

From the top of my head yes i think it is, also it would make any one method not work, ie a menthod to open a lock with all spool pins wont work on a lock with one plain pin, its not that simple but im sure you know what i mean,

I overlift spool pins and drop them back down to the line, if a lot of spools or mushrooms are in a lock i will overlift them all without even trying a normal picking method.

[yippeegollies]

When I pin a lock with mushrooms, I usually leave the LAST chamber as a regular top pin.(not the first) That way the plug stays aligned as the key goes in until it hits the last chamber..

A lot of the off-shore stuff up here has spools in all the chambers. If I have to pick one and it's giving me attitude, I'll pull out the pick gun. Takes all the skill out of it, but when it's 20 below zero I don't have too much time before the ol' fingers start to freeze up.

Yip