Having trouble with my Petersons... Please help

[tatt006.0]

Hey guys im new to the sport and am having a blast practicing. I started out with the SO 3010 slim kit and did ok with my practice locks, then i spent some time polishing them and did even better. After that i decided that id like to try a more quality pick so i ordered the Peterson Just Picks kit and the difference in quality is very noticeable. The feed back is amazing and the feel of the pick in general is just way nicer feeling to me. One issue im having is that the height of the Peterson pick is taller(3.6mm) than the SO pick(2.5mm). Im having a little bit of trouble picking with the Petersons so far and was wondering if anybody has any advice they could offer up to a noob. Thanks in advance for any help.

[Squelchtone]

The trouble is not with the Petersons.

Try using TOK (top of keyway) tensioning if you're having trouble getting them in the keyway.

[tatt006.0]

Ok. Thats what i was looking for. I just ordered the 20 piece set from Petersons and it has the prybars and their other tension tools that should help me to do the TOK method. I spent a lot more time practicing with the Petersons yesterday and am definitely getting the hang of them better. On a side note the guys at Petersons are beyond helpful and great to deal with. Also just scored 7 Dexter deadbolts off of Craigslist for 14$, those should keep me busy for the next few days. This hobby is really addicting.

[DonR]

Also, don't forget that along with the top 12 O'clock position with the turning tool - don't contact the first pin.

[tatt006.0]

Im still having trouble getting the hang of these pics, if other people can pick with them then so can I. Im just being impatient. Oh well it never hurts to ask for help from some pros.

[mech]

are you picking euros? some euro locks i pick have a to smaller keyway to use a peterson gem as you said.. to tall.. if not then like said above, use different tension spot to free up some space.

[tatt006.0]

Im getting a little better with them but its like learning to pick all over again. Now im having an issue with a schlage lock, i cant feel the cylinder move when i bind the pins. I have three of these locks and two of them i can SPP no problem but this last one is really giving me trouble. Any recommendations on what i might try to beat this thing?

[tatt006.0]

Allright heres the update, id been having a real hard time since i got the Petersons and finally figured out the problem. The Petersons standard tension wrenches were causing me problems. I got really fed up so i started experimenting with picks, i pretty much tried every single pick i had on the same lock until i got it open but still was more luck and less "feel". After all of that i decided id try the Peterson pry bar..... BAM i got it open and i felt it. Tried it on my other locks that i was having problems with before and the same thing, i picked them with ease. It was the wrench the whole time! I hope this somehow helps someone else down the road.