electric pick help

[jacob.is.right]

Ok so I just got my new electric pick (Electric Li-ion pick gun) and was trying it out. I am an amateur at this so I'm probably making a simple mistake. I'm testing it out on a regular Masterlock #5 (something that I can SPP in seconds). It doesn't seem to work. I'm using light tension because I know that's a common mistake. I'm also making sure the needle is lined up with the pins.

So, my question is what am I doing wrong? Or more generally, what are some other common mistakes that people make when using electric picks? Thanks.

[unlisted]

Your issue is your trying to use a electric pick. They are not really that good, as you are finding out.

Stick to manual. Electric picks only really work well in movies.

[GutterClown]

Electric pick guns are something that are most commonly used by pinning-room apprentices, when doing a large batch of similar style locksets.
It takes a few tries to set the gun's force to open one specific lock, but after that it can be quite quick for locks of the same type\brand.

they've got a place beside shimming for me, I'd only use it for rekeying or deciphering codes.

[zippo]

I've been picking with a small pick set for a while and consider myself decent at picking. I watched a bunch of videos and read a bunch of stuff on using a pick gun, but I can't seem to open even basic locks with security pins. The main one that is really frustrating to me is a master 575. I can open it in about 10 seconds with standard picks, but I can't get it at all with a pick gun. I think my tention is right, I don't think it's too close to the pins, and I know it's not hitting the back of the cylinder. What could be my problem?! By the way I'm using a manual southord pick gun. The most frustrating part is that people in the videos I've watched are opening high security locks easily and quickly, and I can't tell what I would be doing differently.

[lock2006]

Zippo why are you double posting?



viewtopic.php?f=8&t=46898

[unlisted]

Zippo why are you double posting?



viewtopic.php?f=8&t=46898

He/she probably got confused by my "further discussion" statement.

Also, Zippo, this thread already has a really good answer.

[lock2006]

Yes is true really good answer.

[ElbowMacaroni]

Zippo, how far does it shoot the picks? Perhaps you are too far from the lock

[npdaniels]

Play with the adjusting screw which limits your needles travel. As stated in another post, when you find the proper adjustment your lock will fall open in seconds.

Also try a larger lock like a five pin tumbler and see if that helps.