first lock picked

[shararm]

I just got my picks in the mail and mangaed to rake a first watch 5ive pin cylinder with a half ball pick, but i still can't get it pin by pin with a hook. Any advice would be helpful.

[f0ku5]

Looking at your post count I guess it doesn't make too much sense to suggest you reading digital_blue beginners picking exercise oder the MIT-guide?

If you know these basics i think it comes all down to... practise, practise, practise. And patience. It will train your fingers muscle-memory and you will feel those pins better and better. The lock *will* pop open.

[5thcorps]

f0ku5 is absolutely right. Raking and spp are apples and oranges. For a beginner raking is a lot of luck. SPP takes the "feel" which is only acquired through repetitive practice and trial and error. digital_blue's beginners exercise is the best place to start.
If you wanna run, you've got to walk first. Even on the simplest locks (Kwikset for example) it can take a beginner hours or even days to pick it for the first time. But this is completely necessary to really break you in.
Good luck,