I'm new, and have lock pick trouble

[Ryusuke]

So I'm starting with a pin tumbler padlock, grinded alan key (t-wrench), and a thin knife-like object (pick).
I can't get the thing open, I don't know what I'm doing wrong.
This is my procedure, exactly.
I first insert the tension wrench in the larger/bottom opening of the key hole, and I apply tension which I believe is supposed to keep the pins down after they are pressed. Then I insert the pick, I'm pretty sure I get the first few pins down, until I cannot detect anymore standing. That's when I apply pressure on the wrench, still no entry. Then I try pushing the pick down further and try to seen if there are more pins but it doesn't work, and the other pins pounce back down.
Please help?
Thanks
~~

[vitti]

Trying to learn to pick with improvised tools is really not the best way to learn the art. Buy or make yourself a proper pick before you really get into picking. If you make your own, stick with a tried and true design (I'd recommend the short hook or half diamond, I personally prefer the hook). There are tons of tutorials on how to make a pick with easily accessible tools and materials in the Lockpicks - Manual forum. Templates for picks too.

The allen/hex wrench will make a good tension wrench, nothing wrong with that if it fits the keyway well.

Next you really should read one of the lockpicking tutorials. The MIT Guide to Lockpicking was my favorite. A bit of a dry read but tons of great info.
http://www.lysator.liu.se/mit-guide/mit-guide.html

If you arm yourself with proper tools and good info then you'll be able to open that padlock in no time (assuming no security pins, you didn't mention the brand or model)

Have fun and good luck

[Ryusuke]

Thanks for the headstart~

I forgot to mention the lock I am trying is labeled as "BEST" assuming that's the brand, and I only detect 3 pins, and I knock em down with eeeeas.
Also, what are these "security pins" you speak of?

[vrocco]

BEST might not be the "best" lock to start out with. Although the company makes normal cylinders, they are best know for the interchangeable core type of lock. This lock has two separate shear lines and likely has multiple top pins if it is part of a master-keyed system.

Starting out, I would invest $25 in a kwikset or schlage (recommended of the two) deadbolt and follow db's beginner exercise posted as a sticky in the "Pick-Fu" section.

Good Luck!

[yono]

HI RYUSUKE, im a new guy in the block too, i've had an encounter with Best lock sometime and i have notice that if the lock is under a master key, the raking method, and a light application on the tension wrench is quite efeective in opening this kind of lock. use the medium rake type pick tool. i hope this help you if you had not solve your problem. if is there any thing else i could help im glad to do so. regards

[TRDLOCKSMITHS]

its all in the amount of tension you put on the torque wrench....

too much and you lock the pins dead
not enough and they fall back to original position

try to find the happy medium and you'll open the lock

[Trip Doctor]

Starting out, I would invest $25 in a kwikset or schlage (recommended of the two) deadbolt and follow db's beginner exercise posted as a sticky in the "Pick-Fu" section.

Good Luck!

Or I can send you one for $6 .

[gratefuldeadbolt]

Like others suggested you should look at finding another lock to start with... look for one that you feel comfortable completely disassembling and reassembling. A Schlage Mortise lock or deadbolt (key in knob cylinder in the housing) on a popular keyway (C), with a working key (or shim material), a plug follower, some tweezers and a small screwdriver.

This will allow you to start off easy like the Guides will tell you.... start by only putting the spring, top and bottom pin in only one chamber.... pick that first.... then use 2 chambers, then 3, etc, also varying the chambers you pick. You will be amazed how quickly this practice helps you figure out the amount of tension required!

Good luck and happy picking!

[Archive555]

Like others suggested you should look at finding another lock to start with... look for one that you feel comfortable completely disassembling and reassembling. A Schlage Mortise lock or deadbolt (key in knob cylinder in the housing) on a popular keyway (C), with a working key (or shim material), a plug follower, some tweezers and a small screwdriver.

This will allow you to start off easy like the Guides will tell you.... start by only putting the spring, top and bottom pin in only one chamber.... pick that first.... then use 2 chambers, then 3, etc, also varying the chambers you pick. You will be amazed how quickly this practice helps you figure out the amount of tension required!

Good luck and happy picking!

What guides were you referring to? LSI? MIT?

Ryusuke: I'd recommend downloading the LSI Guide to Lockpicking, in my opinion it's a great place to start. It discusses repinning, picking, making tools, and basic theory.

[ToolyMcgee]

Like others suggested you should look at finding another lock to start with... look for one that you feel comfortable completely disassembling and reassembling. A Schlage Mortise lock or deadbolt

I'm not trying to single you out and pick on you for giving a newb some advice, but A Schlage Mortise lock? Really? Standard cylinders and keyways, but these can have security features as they are usually commerical grade locks. Not newb friendly or readily available to the public except occasionally at resale shops.

Definately read whatever you can get your hands on Ryusuke, and get a nice easy lock like a Master #1. Maybe bend a safety pin a bit... not everyone has a bench grinder or dremel, but hand files are cheap, hacksaw blades are cheap, elbow grease is free. Definately loose whatever scissor blade or knife shaped tool you got now. That kinda thing might work on a cheapo file cabinet wafer lock, but you need more control to pick a pin tumbler effectively.

[Brianpojo56]

Even residential Schlage locks sometimes have mushroom or spool pins. Kwikset too, and especially new Master padlocks. If you're a beginner and want something that's easy to start on, find some of that cheesy off brand stuff. Walmart, Ace, Lowes, Homedepot, most places that sell locks (except for a locksmith shop) will have some branch of EZ-Set in stock (it comes as EZ-set, Defiant, Ace brand, and a bunch of other names but what you're really looking for is "made in taiwan", and for padlocks, look for "made in china").

On side note: BEST does not have security but like has already been mentioned does have two sheer lines, control sheer line, and operating sheer line. If you have all but one pin bound at the operating line and the last pin picked at the control sheer line the plug will not turn. They have to all be picked to the same sheer line for anything to happen.

[gratefuldeadbolt]

OK so I should have been more clear...and I think you missed my point. What I was getting at is - find a lock that is EASY to disassemble and reassemble. If you find it has some security or mushroom pins, you have the option of removing those if you want and replace them with regular top pins.

Yes some padlocks can come apart, but not all. AGAIN - Find a lock you feel comfortable taking apart - whatever the brand. Best I/C may not be the ideal beginner lock to tear down for reassembly!

[ToolyMcgee]

I got your point GDB, I was just busting your chops because I caught the word mortice out of the corner of my eye. I don't think this peticular newb is recieving any of your good advice anyway as his last post was in Feb.