My first lock. Yesterday.

by **freakshow** » 13 Mar 2005 20:35

Well, I'm new here, and yesterday, after making my tension wrench and just a basic pic, after like 10 min. I pick a padlock of mine. It was a 44mm laminated lock with a yellow band on it that says GUARD in big black letters. After ten minutes, hearing it click open was such a rush. After a day and a bit of practicing with it, I can open it fairly fast.

by **kodierer** » 13 Mar 2005 20:37

Congrats. It is an accomplished feeling I agree. Keep up the good work

by **freakshow** » 13 Mar 2005 20:39

Thanks. I'm gonna scrap up some money and buy some more padlocks.

by **digital_blue** » 13 Mar 2005 21:58

freakshow: You might do a little searching here. There are a ton of ways to get your hands on practice locks for free. Congrats on your first victory! I agree, it is a wonderful feeling!

Happy picking!

db

by **Kayvon** » 13 Mar 2005 22:01

FS, try expanding into some simple deadbolts, also. I'd recommend a cheap Kwikset lock--they're very simple locks. Great starts and an excellent confidence booster!

by **vector40** » 13 Mar 2005 22:33

Personally, I'd like to know who named them "Kwikset." Locks that are particularly easy to pick... quick to set, you might say.

by **Guesss** » 13 Mar 2005 23:24

like D_B has said on here before talk to a gym or fitness center. they often cut locks from lockers and would be willing to give them for FREE. Also i have accomplished free locks by going to a smith and asking for throw aways. and when all else falis "Dumpster Dive" you will always find free stuff there just be carfule of the squishy bags. Happy hunting

by **kodierer** » 14 Mar 2005 0:02

Put an ad in the paper asking for any locks people have, and no longer have the key to. Also you can get car locks at the junk yard. Also go to the furniture stores in town, they often have filing cabinets, and other items with real simple wafers, or locks with only 2 pins put on display.
If you can make friends with other lockpickers in your area you can also exchange locks.

by **The Wanderer** » 14 Mar 2005 11:23

The garage sales are going to be starting in a month or so. (At least where I am...it's still too cold right now). I've put off buying anything so I can take advantage of this most wonderful time of the year. If your patient and get out there early you may find a few treasures that folks will sell you for a buck or so.

by **Guesss** » 14 Mar 2005 18:24

Another place is swap meets or open air markets. stuff is dirt cheep and sometimes you find quality stuff there and even if it is half quality it is good for practic.

by **master in training** » 14 Mar 2005 19:22

there are quite a few places to get free stuff, depending on where you live, i seem to be quite unlucky in terms of free things, the leisure centre has locks built into the lockers, the local lockies are useless and i cant find any sort of window fitters. we dont have garage sales in the UK either.

take advantage of whatever you see lying around, you have to think on your feet :wink:

by **mikash52** » 15 Mar 2005 9:35

i figured instead of starting a new post i would just add to this one because the title fits. i too just picked my first lock yesterday (although my yesterday is a little later). it was a kwikset that just happened to say pick-resistant on the cover so i had to give it a try. by the end of the night i was able to pick this pick-resistant lock in under 1 minute, of course the first time took me awhile longer (2 days). i had read the MIT guide and the article on howstuffworks.com but it wasnt until i read post here and had a lock in hand that the reality set in and i discovered it realy isnt that difficult. so although i may be a little long winded the short version is that i succeded and plan to succed even more. thank you all for your help and now mabye i will be able to contribute in another week or two instead of take.

by **pyrodude145** » 15 Mar 2005 13:54

Hey guys, I congratulate you on your picking. I've been picking for a couple years and its loads of fun. There are some harder picks, but the first thing (that most pickers) will tell you, as u;ve seen, is buy a good set. Profession picks are the ebest to start with and then if u want downgarde to your homemade ones. If you have any questions give me a buzz, but basically work hard and have patience. Good work on those locks.
Pyro Out

by **freakshow** » 15 Mar 2005 16:24

Thanks for all your tips. I convincerd a few people to give me locks that they lost keys to, and I'm still trying to convince my mom to let me try the front door. I don't know if i'm ready for the front door, but hopefuly it will provide a challenge. Thanks for the positive input.

by **master in training** » 15 Mar 2005 16:41

personally i would advise against picking any lock you rely on for security, it is not common, but certainly not unheard of for driver pins to spring up through the bottom of a lock, getting it stuck 180degrees rom where it should be, leaving people unable to turn the lock or anything, so your house would be unprotected if this happened. you may also break a pick, or damage some of the internal parts of the lock. what im basically saying is, resist the temptation to pick a lock you rely on, only pick ones you've bought.

My first lock. Yesterday.

My first lock. Yesterday.

Almost free today.....

good job

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