do you like it dirty?

[jeremy]

Locks are often easier to pick when they are clean. I see little merit in the idea that it's better to practice on dirty locks just because that's what you'll see in the field. Cleaning the inside of a filthy lock you encounter in the field is, after all, an option.

Particularly dirty locks may not work even with the key.

[chrisjc33]

I think a clean lock is a lot better for picking with a gun
when i go to a lockout i give it a buzz with the gun, most of the time it won't open then a spray with WD40 and 3 seconds later it's open

[Shrub]

Yes if useing a gun a spray of WD works wonders.

[vector40]

Same situation for bumping.

(Said it before and I'll say it again -- if you're trying both methods, bump first... vibrating pick guns can and will wear the tips of the pins down until they lack enough of a point to be properly bumped.)

[Jason13]

My Yale euro cylinder Has a Dirty end on it im guessing this is the end which points outside,

I've never picked this much but always pick the clean side,

As you say its the outside end so its the dirty end but i would clean it before picking it.

[What]

for me i usually like a nice clean lock for practice, but i have picked some pretty dirty locks that were easier before i cleaned them out(wd-40 spray/emersion in lighter fluid)

i personally believe it depends on the lock and the situation.

[Treeson]

I agree with all the above posts, a Lockie may want to practice on a dirty lock and a hobbie picker will definetly in most cases rather a clean lock.

I have a Magnum lock that I have been attemting to pick for some time now very unsuccesfully. It came from the boathouse where I sail and it is fairly corroded plus all the other good stuff that comes along with destrucitive salt air. Anways, its rather dirty and very difficult to move any pins without the slightest bit of tension. I guess I'll five it a few more days until I finnally succumb to the inevitable of me lubing 'er up.