To determine how much torque you need to use on a lock. Take the flat end of a pick and push up all the pins. Push very hard to hold all the pins up, and release tension slowly until you hear the first pin drop, that is the MAX tension you will use. To determine the minimum, find the first binding pin and set it, release tension until it falls. Enough tension to keep the pin barely set is the minimum tension you'll use.
Personally I find it hard to pick with very little tension, but I always have better success in the long run if I keep my tension down. You might want to try also varying tension by pushing hard and raking a half-diamond across the pins until you find the binding pin, then releasing tension to set the pin.
Also, if you havn't read it yet the MIT guide is a must!
http://www.gregmiller.net/locks/mitguide/ There's some great excercises in there that help hone your technique.
Your picks look awesome! Only suggestion I'd have is to go out and buy some good wet/dry sanding paper (300 grit, 800 grit and, 2000 grit.) Wet the paper and put a little bit of dish soap on it (just a drop or two.) Start out with the roughest (300 grit) and take off all the 'jaggies' around the end, then move your way up to 2000, and they'll be really smooth and sparkle after.
Good luck!
