Re learning frustrations

[Jow]

Hi All,

So 5+ years ago i was doing a lot of picking, since that time i havent really touched my picks. I found them again the other day and started to pick some locks i had with my set. I was VERY rusty but i was doing ok considering.

Then i hit a wall. I found one of the locks i used to be able to pick easily (like i could all my practice locks) and i couldnt open it. Thats where it started. I then started to over annalise my technique which has basically completely put me off my game.

When i was opening the practice locks at first, i was not thinking about tschnique and was doing fine. Now i have started to think about what i am doing i am having problems.

What is doing my head in is this. When using a hook do you rock it off the bottom of the keyway or nearby ward, or do you lift the whole pick in an upwards motion so it doesnt contact the wards or bottom of keyway when lifting pins.

I am at a brick wall here so some help would be great.... PErhaps i just need to relax and start with my really easy locks and work up again.... any way its a bit frustrating.

Anyone else lost their skills after a long break?

Joe.

[MrAnybody]

Hay Joe,

I think your frustrations can also go along way to show the disadvantages of not keeping in practice, and the importance of it. I think that's really useful.

I haven't had the long break you talk about, so I can't offer any direct advice, other than than to try and aim my words at encouragement. In that way, you have an advantage cos you know how much satisfaction can come from a hobby such as ours, and what a kick we get when new locks get in our hands and we pop them open. You know that, and so I hope it keeps you going. You know it's all possible cos you've been there.

I'd say that the only real solution is in your words about relaxing and working up. Perhaps this will make the ol' mojo click into place really quick, and in no time at all the magic will be back.

[fgarci03]

Hey!

I usually rock the pick on the bottom of the keyway in order to stay away from previously setted pins. But I think it really depends on your style, since you do not disturb other pins, whatever works for you is fine!

The advice I can give you is go back and read the books again. I know it may be a pain in the *** but it usually helps. And try to read books with real world experience, not just the ones that explain the bind defect and how to beat a lock theoreticaly...

Good examples of this is the MIT guide (of course!), but also "Deviant Ollam's Physical Penetration Tester's" and "Lockpicking Detail Overkill". This last one was written by Solomon (a member here) and for your situation I think it may be the best one. He really goes to the detail of everyday situations on lockpicking. He covers those moments where we get stuck and explains what to do. Straight forward.

I think it is your best bet (besides from practicing of course )

Good luck, and let us know how it goes!

Be safe!

[Jow]

Thanks guys for the replys..... I think it is just the fact that in my head i am picking at a good level and then in practice i am a beginner again. It is obviously a fine motor skill that needs repitition to keep fresh and working well.

I guess i will head back to basics and work up.

As for the reading, does Lockpicking detail overkill come as a pdf or is it a hard copy book.... i cant find it with google searches....

CHeers,

Joe.

[Jow]

I found a link to the "detail overload" via a youtube video.... so cancel that last request.

Joe.

[fgarci03]

viewtopic.php?f=10&t=56178&p=408612&hilit=solomon+lockpicking+guide#p408612

Link is in this thread. Password is evva3ks.

Keep us posted

Be safe!