Island Locks - Locksmith Courses - Lock Picking - Lock Opening - Locksmith Tools

Hi all, been to pick a lock for a friend! picked the lock after a while but could not get the cam to line up so it could be taken out! went all the way around and back to line the cam untill it reset so picked it again and same problem but made sure i went the opposite way until it reset! am i doing something ??? the lock is in a pvc door but no name to identify it...!!!  Also got a new pick gun off jay arrived last saturday and had 3 or 4 attemps with it to no avail at all!  can anyone give me a few pointers on how to pick with a manual (dino downward pick) gun?as to how to do it???  ps need to come see jay sooner than i thought

                                                     Regards Andy.

This may sound like a daft question, but you have removed the cylinder securing screw from the edge of the door, haven't you?

So, what I mean is, once picked and the door is open - ajar with the plug still in the picked position, the screw has been removed, then aligning the cam from there to remove the cylinder.

With regard to the pick gun, it's just another option you have though it's not going to work on all cylinders. Some respond well to PG's, and some to Picks? Between the two one will work.

Thanks for the reply jay,  yes i did remove the screw! and thats how i did it as you explained but this may sound daft but i think the lock has been forced in and just too tight has you can see some slight damage on the outside lock where it could have been tapped in...!!!!!  going tomorrow to pick it again and try tapping the lock at both 1+11oclock ish!!!  and let you after i complete it!:)   will after be a bit more patience regarding gun but enjoy tryin to hand pick as it gives me more understanding of what is happening and why.    Andy.

I can`t open a bloody thing with the downward pick gun i use the upward pick gun upside down, first thing to do is remove the handles and you will see if the cylinder is tight in the opening. Not all cylinders line up at 1 or 11 o`clock some old cylinders have to be lined up at 12 o`clock ie just pulled straight out. I got caught out with a C R Smith aluminium door with a scope euro line it up to 1 o`clock it would not come out, after 5 min of pulling and tugging went to the van for a screw driver to remove the handles,back to the house the customer was standing with the cylinder in his hand ,asked him how he got it out said it just pulled out ,then it just dawned on me the scope cylinders pull straight out

@Andy: Thought you would have removed the screw, but had to check as you'll be surprised the little things that can be forgotten the harder you think about it. We all do it?

Scotty Dog's right in that a lot of cylinders simply pull straight out as the cam doesn't sit off-set. It could also be a tight fit like you say and the cylinder can sometimes 'snag' the opening in the lock case. Worst comes to the worst, just remove the handles and snap it off.

Thanks for the coments jay and scotty dog, spoke to the friend with the problem lock and he thinks same as me that it is just too tight! took the handle off and it does look tight so much so that i cannot even get the end of the tention wire down the side of the lock to try and feel the cam (is that normal)? also thought about drilling just to save a bit of time picking and not have the problem of resetting anx i did try pulling lock out in every position from -1 throu to +11 oclock. Regarding snapping never tryed doing it so any coments would be helpful! is there any danger of damage to door? also if i did decide to drill what is the procedure? am i wanting to remove the springs or pins? how far down the lock would i drill approx?. i will try to update you tonite on the outcome!

Drill as you would any cylinder, going for the 'sheer' line. If you want to snap simply use a snapper tool or a good pair of mole grips on the cylinder. I can't really put details on here on exactly how to snap though.

If you have tried all above and still no joy, snap the cylinder, but as jay says cant really put details on here as to do this, Jay have you personal messaged AndyB as to how to do this. / is it ok if messgae him on how to do this.

I can give him my number if thats ok, or does he have your number to call.

No Probs Kirk to PM Brian.

Thanks guys,  im going to have a go at snappin and drilling one of my practice locks and if i get it wrong do other side untill i get it right.

Not going to do lock tonite as he is busy and im going away in morn so it will be next week but will keep you updated as to what the outcome is!

i no it may be a little different with lock in door as to in a vice but wouldnt think it was too dissimilar!  snapped lock no problem, then drilled and after 1 or 2 trims here and there bingo plug spins!!! i would be happy to perform it at friends house! but not going to as i will hand pick/pick gun first for the practice and if we are pushed for time drill as lock is no good as he has lost keys so will be one for my collection for picking

Jay, hello - i have messaged him so if he wants to he can call me any time, always glad to help any one as i know you are.

With reguards to practice, put an old cylinder in a door of your choice and have a go that way, doing this with a vice wont give the same feel.

I will message you today with the technique for this.

If you cannot pick the lock and have to use your snap tool like one of these, you may need this key also,

Good luck next week, it'll be ok.

Jay,

Hope its ok to post pictures on here.

Nice 1 Kirk:)

Also, don't forget to insert a blank steel key (with the top side of the bow removed, to fit) into the lock before snapping. I'm not going to say why on an open forum, but think about it LOL.;)