Kwikset Deadbolt > Key wont work anymore!

[jackhonnig]

Ok... Just recieved my first pick set, never done this before. This site has been a BIG help so far. I decided to rake the lock a little, not even hard, but it didn't work so instead I used a diamond tool and it worked well. I was able to unlock the door 2 times (while the door was open though).

I had a problem getting it back to the upright position, I couldnt just stick the key in and turn it back to the beginning. I donno what happened, i think i forced it. So then when I stuck the key in lock it from the outside, it would only go in 4/5 of the way. After screwing with it some more now it only goes in 2/5 of the way and is sideways, not up/down.

What did i do wrong? How do I fix this?
Thanks, -Jack

{edited by Varjeal: Please avoid the use of inappropriate language. Thanks.}

[jackhonnig]

Also it works from the inside if I trist the nob I can unlock and lock it. Problem is, we only have the deadbolt so theres no way I can keep it locked while i'm not home.

[Grudge]

First, you need to take things slowly and easy. Force will not solve this problem.

When you rotate a cylinder after picking it, a key generally will not go into the lock until you get it back to the upright position. This is because some of the pins need to move up and out of the way temporarily to allow taller parts of the key to pass as it is inserted. Once you turn the cylinder, the pins are pressing against the wall of the cylinder case and can't move up and out of the way anymore.

Just use your tension tool to turn the cylinder to its normal upright position. They try to insert the key.

[jackhonnig]

Ok i got it to click back in place with the tension tool... but the key still wont go in all the way. I'm thinking about just switching it with the balcony door because it doesn't need to be locked, unless it's fixable?

BTW what pick tool do you guys recommend for this type of lock?

[CitySpider]

Ok i got it to click back in place with the tension tool... but the key still wont go in all the way. I'm thinking about just switching it with the balcony door because it doesn't need to be locked, unless it's fixable?

BTW what pick tool do you guys recommend for this type of lock?

Rule #1: Never force anything. I'm sure you've realized that by now. I'd suggest you switch your balcony lock to your front door (assuming your balcony is more secure) and work on the busted one at your leisure. Probably my suggestion would be taking it apart and putting it back together, see if you see anything obviously busted.

Oh, and as for what pick tool for a Kwikset deadbolt -- I've picked one with two paper clips. Seriously, just about anything would work. They're easy to rake, easy to pin-pick using either a hook or a diamond, etc etc etc. Perfect place to learn the basics.

[Chucklz]

Or, why not just put a deadbolt on your door that actually would help to prevent entry, forced or otherwise into your house. See here http://www.thenationallocksmith.com/Nat ... /index.cfm

[jackhonnig]

i'm on the 3rd floor of an apartment, so i'm not that worried about someone getting on the balcony, i'm also not worried about people stealing my stuff cus my room is bare.

i'm able to pick the kwikset on other doors on my floor (empty of course) and i can get it to turn halfway with the tension tool, then it gets hard and starts to bend the tool. is that because its a freaken deadbolt and theyre heavy or whats going on?

i was able to remove everything except the cylinder (the part where the key goes into and its the smallest circle on the front side). i donno why but it wont slide out like ive seen on a lockpicking demo with the same lock.

thanks guys, i realize i gotta be more delicate now.

[Chucklz]

If you can turn the lock halfway, then it stops, the bottom pins may be entering the bottom of the keyway. Push up on them with a pick, etc. this will allow you to turn the cylinder completely. Genreally, after a lock is picked, I use a small screwdriver to do the actual opening to save wear on my tools.