Plug stops turning?

[cutter1400]

I hope I am not repeating a question.

So a pick a lock and the plug rotates. Then it will just stop as if it has reached the end of rotational range. I figure I have gone the wrong way and since I don't have a plug spinner just start over going the other direction. Once I get the right pin combination the plug will turn but then stops again. Neither time does the lock open. What is happening? Am I doing something wrong?

[treboR]

More info would be useful.
What type of lock is it?
How far does it turn?

[SFGOON]

Some locks the plug is independant of the latch mechanism - the key itself turns the latch and the locking mechanism serves a as barrier to turning, (my uderstanding is this is generally the case with european pin tumblers.) You can use a striaght, flat piece of metal to utnr the bolt once you have freed the plug, or you can use a "T" shaped piece of wire to bypass the mechanism completely.

[cutter1400]

The lock is a Corbin/Russwin tumbler lock. I think it is pretty standard with about 5 pins. As to how far it rotates. It will turn 130-160 degrees before it stops. I believe this happens most often wiht deadbolt locks. Anyway it has me baffled. The one I am doing right now I was able to unlock but I can't relock it.

cutter

[cutter1400]

I solved it. Thank you so much for your advice and help.

Afer making my first post and hearing your comments I tried the lock again and this is what happened. Appearently the lock was binding up on itself internally. I was able to free the tumbler and adjust the tensions on the lock and door and it popped open. Thanks again.

cutter