Paper clip tools?

[J-SC]

First, I figure I should make it clear that I'm only just starting out with this sport. I'm having a lot of trouble with these paper clip tools I'm trying out. I have this old master combination lock from a while back, and I'm trying to practice picking these, since I only recently discover they could be picked in the first place. I've been trying again and again using these 2 tutorials,one that shows me how to make them and one that shows me how to pick combination locks. Neither of them are the greatest, but they did give me some pretty good basics. I've made the tension wrench, and I've experimented with rakes made of both small and large paper clips. It takes me an obnoxiously long time (of course that might just be a beginner thing), but I did manage to actually turn the keyhole all the way yesterday and today. The problem is, though, that the thing still won't open. I used a small light to look inside the hole, there doesn't seem to be anymore pins I have to rake, and it looks like I turned the hole enough to match the one in the demonstrative video, so why is this not working? I decided to take some pictures, in case it helps.

[J-SC]

Okay, for some reason, it doesn't feel like letting me post the pictures, so forget about that for now, unfortunately.

[Legion303]

why is this not working?

Because you're using paper clips.

Get a Dremel and some wiper blade inserts, and make some tools that won't bend if you sneeze on them.

-steve

[J-SC]

Because you're using paper clips.

I don't know, man, they seemed to have alright results.

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/1271/masterlock1.jpg
http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/9691/masterlock2.jpg

[Squelchtone]

Because you're using paper clips.

I don't know, man, they seemed to have alright results.

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/1271/masterlock1.jpg
http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/9691/masterlock2.jpg

or you could listen to us since we have like 6 years experience doing this.. or you can stick to paper clips and wonder why they don't work 'that awesome'. Leave the paper clips to the movies, get some real lock picks, not improvised 'i hope this works once in a while' picks. Also, your master padlock key over ride cylinder has 3 or 4 pins.. most real locks have 5 to 7. try picking a BEST padlock with a paperclip.

just sayin

Squelchtone

PS. I will offer some sage advice if you really want to start out with office supplies.. serisouly, put down the paperclips, there's something far far better and more sturdy. A safety pin! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safety_pin the kind that you un hook and then there's a pointy sharp needle side and the other side has a spring loaded loop. get some pliers and make a pick out of that. as for a turning tool or tension wrench, get a windshield wiper insert from the bin outside Auto Zone and cut off 6 inches, and bend a 3/4 bend at one end and boom, a professional tension wrench for free like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovCy4e3tLec. <-- normally I charge for this advice, today it's free.

[J-SC]

Because you're using paper clips.

I don't know, man, they seemed to have alright results.

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/1271/masterlock1.jpg
http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/9691/masterlock2.jpg

or you could listen to us since we have like 6 years experience doing this.. or you can stick to paper clips and wonder why they don't work 'that awesome'. Leave the paper clips to the movies, get some real lock picks, not improvised 'i hope this works once in a while' picks. Also, your master padlock key over ride cylinder has 3 or 4 pins.. most real locks have 5 to 7. try picking a BEST padlock with a paperclip.

just sayin

Squelchtone

PS. I will offer some sage advice if you really want to start out with office supplies.. serisouly, put down the paperclips, there's something far far better and more sturdy. A safety pin! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safety_pin the kind that you un hook and then there's a pointy sharp needle side and the other side has a spring loaded loop. get some pliers and make a pick out of that. as for a turning tool or tension wrench, get a windshield wiper insert from the bin outside Auto Zone and cut off 6 inches, and bend a 3/4 bend at one end and boom, a professional tension wrench for free like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovCy4e3tLec. <-- normally I charge for this advice, today it's free.

Uh, okay, thanks, I think.

[Daggers]

Uh, okay, thanks, I think.

Yes, you should be thankful for his advice. I started out with paperclips and got told the same advice. Use windshield wipers. So i got some old ones and grinded them down using templates as a guide and boom! my first lockpicks that opened my first lock! Several months later, and i'm picking medecos! If you want to get started in learning something you don't have a lot of knowledge in, swallowing your pride and individual ability to think, and learn from the proven experience of the ones who have walked the same path you are on is a great start. Then, after you know how locks work, and how to pick, then using your own ingenuity comes in handy. Not trying to be mean, just instructional

[J-SC]

Uh, okay, thanks, I think.

Yes, you should be thankful for his advice. I started out with paperclips and got told the same advice. Use windshield wipers. So i got some old ones and grinded them down using templates as a guide and boom! my first lockpicks that opened my first lock! Several months later, and i'm picking medecos! If you want to get started in learning something you don't have a lot of knowledge in, swallowing your pride and individual ability to think, and learn from the proven experience of the ones who have walked the same path you are on is a great start. Then, after you know how locks work, and how to pick, then using your own ingenuity comes in handy. Not trying to be mean, just instructional

Yes, I see your point, and thanks for taking the subtle approach. To me it just seems like there's a difference between having too much pride and feeling genuinely insulted. There's no doubt you guys are great at this, with years worth of experience, I'm just here to try and learn a bit from the best.

[Squelchtone]

To me it just seems like there's a difference between having too much pride and feeling genuinely insulted.

oh man, please don't be yet another one of those newbies who cant take any sort of criticism and expects hugs and constant hand holding.. this is the internet, you gotta grow a thicker skin if you're offended because I told you to put the paper clips down... cmon..

I'm not known for giving out hugs, but I do dish out lots of tried and true practical advice and instruction. I also teach a lockpicking class once a month, so I have to be doing something right, especially when everyone in the classes has picked a lock or two by the end of the session. We all started somewhere and that's fine, but I'll tell you, when I was dicking around with paperclips and scratching my head as to why it didnt work as well as in the movies, I didn't have lp101 forums or people with experience to steer me in the right direction and help me avoid common pitfalls. If anything we're just trying to save you a few months of frustration so you can get more enjoyment out of the hobby. So dont feel "jumped on" because I know that tends to happen here, but we only do it to help new members not make mistakes.

peace out
Squelchtone

[J-SC]

To me it just seems like there's a difference between having too much pride and feeling genuinely insulted.

oh man, please don't be yet another one of those newbies who cant take any sort of criticism and expects hugs and constant hand holding.. this is the internet, you gotta grow a thicker skin if you're offended because I told you to put the paper clips down... cmon..

I'm not known for giving out hugs, but I do dish out lots of tried and true practical advice and instruction. I also teach a lockpicking class once a month, so I have to be doing something right, especially when everyone in the classes has picked a lock or two by the end of the session. We all started somewhere and that's fine, but I'll tell you, when I was dicking around with paperclips and scratching my head as to why it didnt work as well as in the movies, I didn't have lp101 forums or people with experience to steer me in the right direction and help me avoid common pitfalls. If anything we're just trying to save you a few months of frustration so you can get more enjoyment out of the hobby. So dont feel "jumped on" because I know that tends to happen here, but we only do it to help new members not make mistakes.

peace out
Squelchtone

In no way was I asking you to hold my hand, and if you were just telling me to put down the paper clips that part of the post might've been a lot less elaborate than "or you could listen to us since we have like 6 years experience doing this.. or you can stick to paper clips and wonder why they don't work 'that awesome'.". Of course I can take your criticism, when you're doing just that and telling me what I'm doing wrong and where I should improve, not doing that and also adding a mocking tone to it.

Still though, you're obviously ten times more skilled than me, so I won't complain anymore, hopefully we can just leave it at this. I appreciate the advice you've already given me. Hopefully I'll be able to get my hands on some wipers soon enough. I'm not necessarily aiming to become the best at this, but I'd at least like to know enough for convenience.

[unjust]

whew, cause it's awfully hard to feel pin feedback if someone's holding your hand.

many folks who like to self learn new things do not necessarily take well to being told by folks who have a notion of how to accomplish them that they're doing it wrong. that can be admirable if it results in innovations, but most often rudimentary comprehension is necessary before that can happen.

you don't need to spend $$$ on this hobby. there are myriad thin metal pieces from street sweeper bristles to wpier inserts to old hack saw blades that are free which are very servicable. likewise a dremmel is nice, but you can make outstanding picks with a $2 chainsaw file and a $6 mill file, or splurge on a $10 set of mixed fine files in the store brand of crap at your local big box. (the normal sized, not the minis) a mixed pack of 200-800 wet sandpaper will last you years if used carefully.

i've made improv and intentional picks out of a myriad of things including paper clips, safety pins, bobby pins, and pen clips, and my daily carry set is street sweeper bristles and wiper inserts. the improve stuff is frankly too much of a pita that's ok for a one off in a pinch, but not really useful. if it was, i promise you we'd have buckets of how-to threads on here featuring those movie materials.

[Haddo]

You can get a starter set of picks for less that $30
Save you money and get a set of pick. You wont regret it.
The Southord XPS-14 is like $27. Pretty cheap hobby compared to some of my other hobbies.

[Arsenul]

Yea I saw this and tried it myself. It doesn't work.