Learning to pick

[glens_1999]

Just want to take a minute to thank those on this website. I have learned a lot so far. I can pick my cheap Chinese padlocks, and have modified a Schlage lock to try 2,3,4 and 5 pins. 2 is no problem, but 3 together is tricky. Keep over setting the 3rd pin. Trying to use my short hook and half diamond and have been spending less time with rakes ( they work but I don't learn as much).

I also bought a 5 pin see-through with all having spool pins. Big mistake! I can't hardly pick it even looking at the pins!

Thanks
Glen

[easy-e]

Welcome! Just keep working on it. I didn't go the progressive pinning path. You might find skipping to 4 or 5 pins easier than trying to stay on 3 pins.

Repin the see-through lock to only have 1 spool pin. As you get better add in more.

[glens_1999]

Thanks. The practice lock doesn't seem to have removable pins. The plug in each chamber is smooth steel rather than Allen heads (Brockhage). Any ideas how to remove these plugs. Any advice?

Appreciate the encouragement.

Glen

[easy-e]

Do you have a link to the one you bought?

Normally you can pick, shim, or use the key to rotate the cylinder 90 degrees or so. Then you take off the back plate or retaining clip and you can slide the core out. You want to use a plug follower or a curved shim to hold the pins in the top. This can be made out of wood, metal, plastic, etc...as long as it's strong enough to counter act the pressure from the springs. Then you slowly move the plug follower out and grab each pin one by one. When re-installing pins you push the spring and top pin in, slide the plug follower in to trap it, and then move onto the next pin. After you get them all in, you slide the core back in, re-attach the back plate or retaining clip, and you are good to go.

[glens_1999]

Right, that makes sense. I should've thought of that. I'm getting better all the time.

[glens_1999]

I followed your advice and dropped it down to 2 spool pins. Getting fairly proficient so now I'll go to 3.