Lockpicking

[JoR]

Hey, I'm from Northern Ireland and I'm interested in lockpicking.
A few months ago I lost the keys for a No.3 Masterlock I have, and so got a paperclip and started poking about in it. Unsurprisingly, nothing happened. However, my interest was sparked so I bought the five piece lock pick set from Southern Ordance. I still was pretty feckless and kept randomnly poking about. I read the MIT guide and wasn't helped by it either, but then I found a file on Totse that someone had scanned from a book. It really helped me and I was able to pick the Masterlock using the diamond hook, first in about 8 or 10 minutes but then down to about 4.

This was a while ago and then I stopped picking but restarted again. I can now open the Masterlock via raking in about 3 seconds but picking the individual pins takes considerably longer, and this is what I would like to become more skilled at. While picking I found mistakes I was making, and learned through trial and error.

My common mistakes -

1) At first I was putting too much pressure on the tension wrench, which is a common mistake I read. Therefore I practise a more gentle and yet firmer touch.
2) Insufficient force while using the rake - I wasn't holding it high enough while I scrubbed, but quickly learned to use more force. It was tricky at first to maintain a lighter touch on the tension wrench and yet a harder one on the rake without the two interfering but it became easier with practise.
3) Patience. I am a kind of impatient guy, but quickly learned you cannot be in lockpicking, you must take your time.

I have now pretty much mastered the Masterlock, and would like to move on to a different type of padlock. I have the old fashioned keyhole type locks on my door but tomorrow I am plannig to practise on my neighbours house. (With his permission of course). I would also like to but some more padlocks, but should I purchase more expensive type locks than Masterlock or cheaper ones?

I realise that the vast majority of this board will think my experiences and mistakes obvious but I jsut wanted to share them.
If anyone can answer my question I'd me thankful.
Cheers.
JoR.

[hzatorsk]

JoR,

Your story is similar to a lot of people that get into this hobby. We all seem to start out with too much tension, poor technique and generally have good initial success with raking/scrubbing techniques.

To improve your skill (and build your confidence)... you've identified the key point: Practice with a variety of locks.

The short answer is 'both'. The more variety you have, the more experience you'll gain. Don't overlook regular door cylinders that you can get at hardware stores, or perhaps in the For Sale section.

And when you are ready for a challenge... keep your eye open for brands of locks discussed here that have pick resistant features such as spools or serrated pins. (You can search for these topics!) These types of pin tumbler locks each have their own characteristics that will be quite discouraging at first.

[JoR]

Okay, thanks. At some point I also want to disassemble a pin and tumbler to see its inner workings.

[gi cannonfodder]

viewtopic.php?p=34380#34380

good cutaway of a pin tumbler

[quicklocks]

well done you are learning all the time just like the rest of us
all i can add is to read the boards and try and take it all in but if your a bit like me then its like trying to pour 2 gallons of sh*t into a pint glass somtimes

[Hojo]

Hey there, just one thing, you will get used to locks, go and try another master lock.... it will take a while as you will get used to locks....eg I have a 6 pin with 2 mushrooms, EASY.....(well it is now after days of practise) I changed the pin configuration....eeek took me ages....hehehehe well thats it, later and good luck

[Hak]

I have now pretty much mastered the Masterlock, and would like to move on to a different type of padlock.
JoR.

Heh, i hate to break it to ya pal (and i mean no disrespect).. but there are hundreds of models of padlocks by the brand 'Masterlock'. You really havent mastered anything but the master no.3 that you have. If you go to a store and purchase a new master no.3, chances are you'll have a fun time with it

Just to let you in on a little secret... 'Masterlock' isnt really a high-security/high quality brand. A few of their models may present a challenge if its the first time you've ever encountered them..but once you've been picking locks for a while, your experience and knowledge is just too good for any 'Master'. Overall 'Masterlock' is junk (IMO). For a better challenge, try an ABUS..or Abloy, or Yale. Those are some of my fav's to pick.

[JoR]

"You really havent mastered anything but the master no.3 that you have"

That's what I meant, sorry for any unclarity.

Anyway a mate gave me a padlock today called "Land". I haven't heard of them, they're probably some cheapo brand. I use the half diamond pick/rake and it can open it in about 10 - 20 seconds.
It's a different type of padlock though, the clasp (unsure of correct name) comes completely detached from the rest, then clicks back in again.
Tomorrow I'm going to try the Union lock on my mate's front door. Had a quick go at it today, it must have about 6 pins because I heard 5 drop. Couldn't pick it though. Also, he has one of those upside down locks on his PVC double doors. My mate held the handle up while I picked it, took me about a minute. The make is K-F-I-X, again, maybe another no name, I'm not sure. However, the lock only turned about 100 degrees, and the door wouldn't open, I assume this is because of the key on the other side? Anyway to bypass this?
Cheers.

[Tomash_PL]

I'm already lerning of lockpicking, i don't have anyone who can tell me am i doing it right so I placed a video on what i'm picking the lock from deadbolt. Have You all got any sugestions for me?
P.S. I used a half-diamond lockpick. I like it so much.
My movie is on:
www.tomasz.phoenix.webpark.pl/open.avi
if movie doesn't works, mail me please.
Movie is in a ugly quality but it is with good sound.
THX to all

[Helmeester]

I'm already lerning of lockpicking, i don't have anyone who can tell me am i doing it right so I placed a video on what i'm picking the lock from deadbolt. Have You all got any sugestions for me?
P.S. I used a half-diamond lockpick. I like it so much.
My movie is on:
www.tomasz.phoenix.webpark.pl/open.avi
if movie doesn't works, mail me please.
Movie is in a ugly quality but it is with good sound.
THX to all

hehe very nice too bad for the bad quality, but the clicking is pretty neat to hear

[tastyfish]

Overall 'Masterlock' is junk (IMO). For a better challenge, try an ABUS..or Abloy, or Yale. Those are some of my fav's to pick.

well its probly just me but i havent been able to pick a master lock yet but i madged to pick a ABUS 83 in about 30 secons the first time i tryed... but still cant pick a master grrr

[JoR]

I bought a few padlocks yesterday -

A Tri-Circle 266
An Abus 50/60
An Abus 45/50
And a Draper.

Haven't tried the Tri Circle yet, but I can pick the 50/60 and the Draper. The 45/50 gives me some problems.

[tastyfish]

i think iv tryed a 45/50 before... but i dont keep logs on what i pick... but anyways i had problems with it to, spent half an hour trying to pick it and all i managed to do was brake my fav snake rake on the scurity pins(dont no if it was mushroom or spool) but yea good challange tho

[Helmeester]

I bought a few padlocks yesterday -

A Tri-Circle 266
An Abus 50/60
An Abus 45/50
And a Draper.

Haven't tried the Tri Circle yet, but I can pick the 50/60 and the Draper. The 45/50 gives me some problems.

i hate tricircle got three of them, still can't pick any of them (263, 264 and 265) im busy with my practice lock now, trying to get a better feel

[JoR]

So as the numbers get higher do the locks get more difficult to pick?