Lockpickers Only

[lucid]

I'm having a locking problem seldom mentioned when people talk about lockpicking. Let's see if I can explain myself clearly here. This problem doesn't happen with all locks, but it seems to happen to a fair few. Most people seem to start from the back of the lock and work their way forward. Don't know if it's the right way or not but it's always seemed to make sense to me so that's what I've always tried.

I'll try and use an example of a semi-recent experience.

I was picking my cutaway lock, and I was going for the only pin left; the pin in the back. As I would try to push the pin up, I noticed that the 'arm' of the pick was pushing the middle pins up too high and was pushing the key pins past the sheer line. Simple as that. On this particular lock, I was able to use a more pointed pick to remedy the solution. However, on a different lock(not cutaway) that didn't work. The pick was too pointed and it wouldn't even fit underneath the pin. I also find it hard to believe that it's just a matter of the pick. This is a problem I seem to be encountering particularly often and I find it frustrating that such a common problem is largely not spoken of AFAIK.

So, do any seasoned lockpicks here know how to fix this? It must have something to do with tension but I can't figure out how exactly.

P.S. Please tell me if my problem is unclear. Thanks.

[Stackprotector]

Did you look into the existence of security pins?

[lucid]

I have, but I'm almost positivie that's not necessarily the case here considering most of these locks are just practice locks, and that looks a little too tricky for beginner locks. But I'll consider it further.

I just need to know that other people have had this problem just like me, because at least in the case of my cutaway lock, I'm absolutely sure that the arm or shaft of the pick is pushing up the pins in front of the pin I'm actually trying to push up.

EDIT: Also, I can see what the pins look like in some of these locks so I can tell they aren't using security pins.

[lucid]

No lockpickers on EZ huh?

[proxx]

No lockpickers on EZ huh?

Its all about the tension, everything falls and stands there.

[lucid]

I had a feeling. You did understand the problem I'm having yes? Or did I explain it poorly?

[proxx]

I had a feeling. You did understand the problem I'm having yes? Or did I explain it poorly?

Its a harmony between pick and tensionwrench.
If it doest walk in straight away wiggle it and gently release tension and reapply.
At some point you feel a slight movement in the pin , you can even hear it clicking.
And yes I understand the issue you are having, smallest picks are the best ime.

It is funny how you can apply all the science you like but its a feeling, cant really explain.

[lucid]

Hmmm, ok. I just need to be more nimble I guess? With the cutaway lock in particular though it seems downright impossible to do it without using a more pointed pick, which is not always a viable option for all locks. What kind of pick do you prefer? I mostly use just the standard most basic pick. Do you use many different picks?

[Bareknuckle]

I've had the same problem (or at least it felt like it, I don't have any cut-away locks.) Here's my poorly thought out yet efficient strategy: Try different picks until I find one that fits better or until I get frustrated, then try to rake angrily until it pops open or I get more frustrated. If I fail with the picks I break out the bump keys or if it's a padlock I break out the shims. High success rate but not exactly skillful or elegant.

[proxx]

Hmmm, ok. I just need to be more nimble I guess? With the cutaway lock in particular though it seems downright impossible to do it without using a more pointed pick, which is not always a viable option for all locks. What kind of pick do you prefer? I mostly use just the standard most basic pick. Do you use many different picks?

Basically the diamond is all you ever need.
Its nice to have it in different sizes.
A rake and and a small diamond are what I used to use 90% of the time.
And yes, treat it like a women.

[lucid]

So I'll update here just for the hell of it. I seem to have fixed my problem--at least with the current lock, which is not a cutaway--by changing the direction of the tension. Instead of pushing the torque wrench downward going clockwise, I flipped it upside down and pushed it up on the other side clockwise. Not exactly sure how, but it seems to make it easier. I've successfully picked the lock about 7 times in the past ten minutes just by changing this little bit.

The cutaway lock though, it seems impossible to do it without using a special extra pointy pick still..

[proxx]

Whatever floats your boat really.
Depends entirely on the lock.
All I know is that tension is by far the most important.

[RedBullAddicted]

Lol.. due to this thread I ordered my first lockpicking set yesterday lets see how this works out. I have a very, very old cash box out of massive steel and I lost the key for it many, many, years ago There is still something inside and I can't remember what it is. Maybe I can open it soon.. lol

[Matriplex]

Hm. I suppose I will have to order one now as well. *Looks up prices*

Edit:
Any cheap sets that you guys could suggest? >$30 for a lock pick set seems a bit much...
And then there's the cutaway locks of which I couldn't find any cheaper than $30.

I found this but I'm not sure if it's any good.

http://www.southord.com/Lock-Picking-Tools/Lock-Pick-Set-5-Piece-PXS-05L.html

[lucid]

Check out Bump My Lock.