Can't pick!

[Druis2264]

Yeah, I can't pick this lock... Yeah... I am COMPLETELY new to this, but I know I set the pins, because when I release the tension they click back into place... I don't know what I'm doing wrong... I think I'm making horrible picks too.

1) Does anybody have any suggestions on how to make a decent pick? I dont' have hacksaw blades, but I could get some... the real question is... how do I make it RIGHT... I have a grinder and the necessary equip (I searched for this and didn't find anything so please don't yell)

2) I'm trying to pick a master 140, and I don't know if it has security pins or if it is just really old.

[Buggs41]

Druis, Research is the key.

Check out Masterlock.com, and look for the 140 model. The manufacturer has all the info you need on that lock. You will then find out if it has security pins or not.

[E-Mind]

you are probably applying too much turning pressure and probably are pushing to bottom pins too high causing them to be trapped.

A suggestion for you is to see if the bottom pins lose their springiness _and_ are still visibile and not trapped and block the sheerline.

To see if all are visibile, start with the front-most pin, lift it up, and you should see the second, lift that one up and you should see the third - repeat to make sure you see all - if one is missing, you pushed it too high (probably due to putting too much turning pressure and pushing the pins upwards too quickly).

keep practicing and good luck!

[E-Mind]

good point about the security pins
viewtopic.php?t=3073&highlight=

[Keyring]

Check out Masterlock.com, and look for the 140 model. The manufacturer has all the info you need on that lock. You will then find out if it has security pins or not.

It's quite a useful site, but I don't think it tells about security pins...

My #130 (also 4 pins) has 3 security pins, and follows the pattern which seems very common:- the front pin is non-security. I had assumed at one time it had 2 security pins (the middle 2) and it was taking 2-3 minutes to pick. Then I realised it had 3, and it became a lot easier. In the case of my lock, after lifting the front (non-security) pin till it clicks, it is necessary to gently touch the rear pin before the barrel rotates into the 'security pins trapped' position.

[Druis2264]

Well today I was messing around with it and the plug turned significantly, but I lost it and I still haven't gotten the thing open... I prolly shouldn't have even posted about this... Considering of how much of a beginner I am, I shouldn't even be able to take you guys' advice! XD... I started like two days ago... but anyway I went out (from the advice of somebody) to get a Kwikset Deadbolt, but the hardware store only had an EZset Deadbolt and it's made by Schlage, I hope I didn't get a really hard one... I'm trying to find a decent really easy one to open so I can get used to the feel of it.

[Mad Mick]

Well today I was messing around with it and the plug turned significantly...

Congrats, you set the nomal pin/pins, then got up against the spools. In this situation, keep on picking. Look for pins which, when manipulated, attempt to push back upon the tension wrench. Ease off slightly on the wrench and allow the plug to counter-rotate until that pin sets. During this process, other pins may become unset. Your task Grasshopper, is to work out the correct setting order. Trial and error, trial and error.

Follow Keyring's tip, and try setting the front pin first. This will get you onto the spools if there are 3 in there. If less than 3, you'll have to find and set the other normal pins, to find the spools.

If you want to familiarise yourself with a normal lock first, the recommended victim is a Master #3.

[jackstone5291]

the only tip i could give u is to keep ur tension on the lock, just 1 finger not too much and keep workin the pins, i have picked locks with a pair of safety scissors before so its not ur picks, good luck

[Ghost327]

hey jackstone,....just curious,....were the safety scissors on a dare or somethin?

[jackstone5291]

no it was more of something to do, to see if i could do it and its what was lieing around at the time.