Using a vice to hold your locks vs. handheld?

[Bob Jim Bob]

I've been practicing SPP and have a pile of locks that I have picked while holding the lock. I recently started using a vice to hold them, and it's much harder to pick them.

Is this because I'm new to this? I thought it would be easier having both hands free, but now I wonder if holding the lock helps you sense what is happening inside.

[FarmerFreak]

For me it's the other way around. Much easier to pick them in a vice than in my hands.

I suppose it could be because I learned that way, or maybe because you are new!? But more likely than not it's going to be easier to pick a lock with whichever way you practice more.

[femurat]

I learned while holding the locks in my hands. For me it's much more difficult to pick a lock in a vice. Maybe I can pick it but can't completely "feel" the tension. So I agree with FarmerFreak, it's a preference/habits thing.

Cheers

[Bob Jim Bob]

I'm going to make a set as progressive locks and go back to the beginning. Probably review Practical Lock Picking also.