by cowboypicker » 2 Aug 2013 9:27
Just wanted to share some things I've learned and see if anyone thinks I'm on the right track.
1. Tension. When i started out, I really had a hard time understanding what the correct tension should be. I'd mostly just crank really hard and scrub like crazy until I heard the satisfying "chink" of the hasp opening.
Proper tension is usually WAY lighter than I thought it would be. The point is to BIND the pin wher it kinda "rubs a little, not JAM it to the point of galling.
2. Dirty lock make for terrible practice. Take the time to clean em up a bit of get a new one. You will only be frustrated.
3. Smooth up your picks! Rough picks are hard to move around in the lock and and don't let you "feel" as well. I try to sand mine with some 400 grit then attack them with a paper buffing wheel and some white compound. This may not be the best way but its what I do.
Any better suggestions?
4. Make sure your tension wrench is the right size. I use to just have one. It always seemed I was either binding up the core, tearing up the plug from one that was small or not giving myself enough room in the keyway.
5. Take the time to learn how the lock works. This is self explainitory. You can't beat it if you don't know what you need to do.
6. The elusive spool pins. Watch for counter rotation and ease tension and you gently raise the pin in place. At first I would use my pick as a prybar and force them in. It took way longer that it should have to find out that was wrong. I'd almost always over set the pin by doing this. It's better to let another pin drop when you ease off the tension than to force the pin up. Its not that big of a deal to reset the dropped pin but it really stinks to loose your whole false set because you over set the pin and have to start over.
I hope this is helpful and if anyone can add to it, please do!
Thanks,
Matt
