Pick Guns

[FarmerFreak]

Then there are those of us that are working locksmiths but like to pick as a hobby too. It is the best job in the world for me.

Anyway, I can't remember when exactly I pulled out my pickgun last. It has probably been about six months or so since the last time I actually used it. It just isn't the funnest way to open a lock. Also, I currently don't own a rake. With lots of practice single pin picking can be a fast way to open a lock. Yes, a pickgun always has the potential to open the lock faster. But the difference between 5 sec. or 10-30sec. isn't enough to worry about.

[lockpro]

Hey first post ... ! Been a locksmith for years and years and will tell you that I'd be lost without a gun! When I'm called out on a lockout the first thing I do is break out my gun, if it's a cheap Weiser or something it's usually open within 5 seconds >>> I usually keep clicking even though it's open, I spend a little time 'faking it' by grabing a hand pick and poking around in the keyway ... that way the customer doesn't feel ripped off. I even carry a backup pick gun.

Using a pick gun requires technique and timing. Theoretically, you should be able to open a lock on a single click. Picking manually feels good ... picking a lock on a click or two feels just as good.

My technique isn't about clicking like a madman, I would say a click a second. I always use a rigid tension wrench too with mid tension on the spring. In all the years of using a gun, I've only destroyed one cylinder that I can remember. (cap blew off top of cylinder into F series Schlage knob ... lol)

LoKpRo

[Thisguy]

Lockaid has the lifetime warranty and is very well built in comparison to the 4 other brands I've had a chance to use.
I would say its a must for a lockie, can't say for a hobbyist, I guess it depends on the individual. They don't offer much of challenge on locks they work on, and they don't always work. I carry an electric gun also.

I always start with picks, but for work its about time on the job, so if I'm not getting anywhere I'll move to the pick guns then the drill if its still putting up a fight, and have no other alternatives for entry.

The pick guns vary and you should practice on something before using them in someones lock, like its been said you can destroy a lock or even your gun if you just bang away it.

[thelockpickkid]

I do some lockouts in my local area, I have an ilco pick gun, it works really well for me, I don't even pull it out very often though, but when I do it seems to do the job, but picking looks to be more professional and works the best for me.

[DrexenDelsangre]

Another first time poster here. I routinely go to the gun first, I tend to work in mass quantity on a time schedule, and am yet to destroy a cylinder. I use the Majestic/Lockaid pick gun, ive gone through 3 and never had any trouble getting them replaced.