technique...

[Jow]

im fairly new to picking compared to others on this forum, ive been fooling around with the few locks i own and am wondering if im developing bad technique. ive noticed that when i pick i tend to use the pick as a lever pivoting off the front edge of the keyway in order to raise the keypins to the shear line. is this bad technique? should i be using the pick on its own to raise the pins or doesnt it really matter, is it just a case of what ever works for you type thing?

cheers in advance

joe

[Quin]

I'd say whatever works for you. I don't think there is a right or wrong way. If one method gives you better success than another method who am I to say it's wrong

The only thing that is universal is how light the tension wrench needs to be for the majority of locks.

[Quin]

I ment to say how light the tension should be, not the actual weight of the wrench.

[grimner]

I'm also new to this and use the same technique. I find that I have more control using the pick as a lever rather than lifting the pins with the pick. I'm curious to hear the opinions of more experience people. Is this good, bad, or does it matter?

[frollard]

for me that works best (levering the pins up) however sometimes when the keyway is a little restricted, the tension wrench can REALLY be annoying down there, when theres no wards to rest the pick on.

[David_Parker]

No, your technique is fine. We all do it. But, by using your pick and the ward as a pivot point, too much pressure will cause you pick blade to bend. Instead of having a nice straight line, eventually, you will get a somewhat curved end. Its okay, you can bend it back, or buy a new one.


-Dave.

[poisoned]

eventually, you will get a somewhat curved end

The nice thing with Southord picks is that u can always bend them back.. (if I would only have a digital camera..)

[Uisgdlyast]

i didnt want to start a new thread when i could just revive one.

Anyways i like using a lever but i tried a difficult pin postion with the shortest(very short) in the back and the longest(very long) infront and then another variation after.
Anyways, would the levering be getting in the way because i always set the long pin?