Evolution.

[Jahooba]

I am completely new to lock picking. Up until about a week ago I never even thought about it. Then last week I found a Sargent and Greenleaf 8077AD combo lock at work. I asked around and no one knew the combo or even what the lock was supposed to go to, so I decided to do some research to get this thing open. That's how I stumbled across this website and after realizing that opening that lock was well above my head and skill, I started browsing the forums. I got pretty intrigued on the art of lock picking, so i started reading everything I could and watching every YouTube video there was. I became obsessed.

After 2 days of reading and watching videos I decided to buy a lock pick set. After reading reviews to different brands I settled on Peterson. I got a 14 piece set online. I thought it was a good deal, a good brand with a case that was valued about as much as I paid for the set.

I received the pick set today in the mail. It took 4 days to get here. I opened it as soon as I got home and was impressed by the quality of the picks and case. Very well made. I went right to work on a lock I had laying in my drawer. After about 2 hours of trying to open it I took a break. It was harder than I thought it would be. All the reading and videos made it seem like it would be a walk in the park.

After dinner I tried again. I thought I would try raking it open instead of pin by pin this time. Turns out I'm bad at that to. So I went back to pin by pin. 10 minutes later I feel a click, then another click, then one more. The thing still would open so I start releasing the tension, I hear the one pin snap back a little bit, and the cylinder starts to turn. I finally picked the darn thing. Then I did it again and again and again, finally getting it down.

So I thought since I was brand new to this hobby/sport I would keep a running blog about my experiences, what picks I like, what new locks I got and much it is worth it to overcome defeat. This way everyone can see the evolution from a complete beginner. Please feel free to leave feed back, suggestions and tips as all of these will only help.

[femurat]

welcome on the forum, you're starting out the right way. it's not possible to manipulate open the S&G that pushed you here, but I'd keep it for your collection. you don't know it but you're going to start a lock collection!

cheers

[Aldenrenfrid]

Welcome indeed! If you'd PM me with your blog address that'd be great. I hope you enjoy picking over the years and make sure to never throw away a lock. My collection has waxed and waned over time and I always regret tossing a lock. I tend to go through phases, but its a lovely reliable hobby. And there's nothing more satisfying than the "shclick" of a padlock opening for you.

[clearmoon247]

I have to admit, that "shclick" sound is one of the best around

[Jahooba]

Not planing on throwing away any lock. I have a few locks right now, I'm sure with time that will grow.

[raimundo]

I have no clear memory of the first lock I picked, but then that was in the 1960's
However if you pick your first lock and it gives you some kind of strange pleasurable feeling,
then I think you are one of us.
I don't get that feeling very often any more, but I still remember it. I must be jaded.

[Jahooba]

Strangely pleasurable is a good way to put the feeling.

[yono]

Doing things that makes you happy is a good thing. discovering something within one self is sure man's instinct. searching for something new..that's man's challenge..keep it up pal.

[gibson]

one of the best things about working as a lockie is that sometimes you have to stop and think 'i get paid for doing this!'

[Thursday]

I'll admit it, too: I love the sheer variety of problems I get faced with, and since I haven't found an employer who could stand me for more than around two years, I figured I had better hire myself...