sublime progie wrote:...I have decided that i am done playing around in the dark...
Don't discount this method of learning....I'll get back to this in a minute...
Shrub's advice on the clear practice lock.....hmm....I too have never used one, but then again, I work with my hands and am used to manipulating tools out of sight. There are plenty of very good descriptions of how lower pins are manipulated, and the resulting actions upon the upper pins. The MIT guide explains this pretty well, but visual cues are sometimes needed by some people, in order for the pick/wrench/pin movement to be fully understood. The clear practice lock will show the process, but could lead you to become dependant upon sight as an aid. When the sight part is no longer available whilst picking a normal lock, you'll likely be back at square one.
Do a search for "security pins" and click 'search all terms'. The first page of results will probably contain most of what you need to know about the actual process.
Now for the dark part....
When I first started picking, sometimes, I'd just lay on the bed with the lights off and feel around in the lock (any lock) without applying tension.
Start by inserting the pick (try a half diamond, or hook) into the back of the lock, then slowly withdraw until the last pin is felt. Continue to withdraw the pick across the pins, but try not to move them up in the chambers...feel the pick rise and fall as it moves past the pins. Count the pins as the pick is withdrawn.
Next, again without tension, locate and gently lift each pin in turn. Feel the resistance from the pin springs.
Insert the tension wrench into the keyway (can be hard in the dark...a flashlight may help at first. Again, don't rely on a flashlight, as you are trying to develop your sense of feel) and apply very light tension...and hold steady. Insert the pick again, testing each pin in turn...if the tension is sufficient, one (or more) of the pins should offer a
slightly increased resistance to that felt without the tension. If you are struggling to get the pin to move, reduce the tension slightly...if none of the pins offer resistance, increase the tension
slightly.
Continue to apply the same constant tension and slowly push up the pin...as the divide between the upper & lower pins meet the shear line,
feel the very slight movement upon the tension wrench, which is caused by the plug rotation, since the upper pin is no longer 'blocking' the shear line.
Release tension...you will hear a click as the pins reset. (you are not trying to open the lock at this point, you are trying to develop your sense of feel)
Repeat the setting of one pin, until you can pretty much predict when the plug will rotate, before it happens.
This process helped me. Other methods, such as the one offered by a working locksmith, which suggested using hand lotion and
feeling everyday objects which you normally take for granted, may also work. You just have to try all the avenues until you find something that works for
you.
When the time comes, you'll know it. I'm sure you'll let us know too.
Good luck, sub,
HTH,
Mick.
, that is why.
I just kind of hit a funk in my progression and i thought it may help if i could see what i am freeling if that makes sense.
No worries, i thought it was strange,
If it ain't broke.....pull it down and see how it works anyway!
)
