Why cant i open any lock

[minecrafter115]

especially padlocks, i know how to pick a lock and what to do, and i know what's inside a lock, but for some reason it just doesn't work.
i spend more then 30 minutes trying to pick a 3 pin padlock and it wont open, i tried it on many different locks of different sizes but they just wont open, what am i doing wrong.
im using a pick set i got online for 10 bucks if that helps.

[cuttinedge1]

The problem is not the picks. Try lightening you tension to almost nothing and then try zipping the pins. This is where you pu you pick to the back and pull it out quickly. Also try spraying wd40 is the lock.

[EmrysCPennent]

This is a very Multifaceted problem so it will be hard to give any kind solid answer. I can tell you when I started picking I did the usual gather every bit of information I could before jumping in, hoping it would help and don't get me wrong it is good to know the inner workings of a lock but knowing and doing are two different things. I started off with way to much tension which is a usual first problem and also rushing in just jumbling about in the key way and getting frustrated when it wouldn't open. So the only solid advice I can give is move slow and stay calm if you start getting too frustrated you are defeating yourself. I don't know the history of your three pin padlock and what shape it's in. If it's used and kind of gunked up(dirt, rust, corrosion) it will make picking harder because it will kill your feedback. So if possible get a lock that can be re-keyed and just start simple with 1 to 2 pins and get the feel for it and then add more pins. I'm no expert and there are plenty of people with more experience but picking is a constant learning process because every lock is different. So stick with it, stay calm and lots of practice.

Best wishes,
Pennent

[minecrafter115]

i already tried raking the lock, the pins all sit down but still wont open, and its not just one lock its all of them

[GWiens2001]

They may all be overset.

Gordon

[minecrafter115]

if so, how can i prevent an overset?

[Squelchtone]

please post a link to the picks you are using... there is a chance the picks are total crap, plus you're a beginner, so it all adds up.

[minecrafter115]

these are the picks im using: http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b55 ... 421869.jpg

I dont think they are bad , cause a got a euro profile lock to open with them when i re-pinned it to 2 key pins, but why wont any padlocks open?

These are the padlocks i try to open: http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b55 ... 26c41c.jpg

and this is the euro profile lock: http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b55 ... 85a7a3.jpg

hope this helps.

[Squelchtone]

Your tri-circle / knock off padlocks have mushroom pins. look up spool pins, and mushroom pins, then practice for a month and you'll be able to open them. They are special pins that make the lock harder to pick, and it seems they're doing their job.

It's just a matter of practice and knowing what you're dealing with. Also that Deal Extreme pick set is not doing you any favors, those hooks are not what I personally would recommend to learn on. a $20 dollar Southord Euro set would be so much better in terms of getting a hook, proper half diamond, S rake, W rake, L rake, etc.

good luck,
Squelchtone

[Mikeh727]

What Squelchtone said about the locks. Find a more basic lock, like a low end Master.

As for the picks, my biggest problem when starting out was too much tension on the wrench, and the wrong pick. This is a controversy, but I have always had better luck with the half-diamond as opposed to the hook. Others swear by the hook. I like the half-diamond because it's easier to rake the pins a bit if needed in my opinion. Having good picks is important, but too much tension will make even the most simple and basic lock seem like a high security lock, even with the best picks.

-Mike

[minecrafter115]

As i said before i was able to open a euro profile lock with these picks, and is it really possible for a 3$ lock to have security pins?
Its been weeks trying to open them but still no progress.
Anyways, can i make a cutaway lock with the big one?
Cause im on a limited budget and i cant buy one.

[cuttinedge1]

cutaway locks do not help you learn to pick. Get all of the pins pushed up. Then lighten your tension (dont let the pins fall) And press up one of the pins hard and see if it sets then try doing it to the rest of the pins.

[minecrafter115]

Huh guess what, i gave up and drilled the big padlock open and found 5 spool pins, no wonder it was impossible to open, anyways thank you everyone for your options and solutions.
Now i will keep the spools when i think im ready for them, but for now i will keep on the regular primer pins.