Advice on Picking a No. 7 Master Padlock w/ Homemade pick

[jgiammona]

I have already picked this lock [url]http://www.masterlock.com/apps/catalog/product.jsp?subId=D7&target=commercial|general[/url]

I used a paperclip for the tension wrench and a bobby pin for the pick.

Unfortunately I can only do it about every 10 times I try. I was wondering
if anyone had tips for troubleshooting, like how much tension to use.

Thank you for your help.
I will get pictures up soon.

[Tygart]

First get better tools.. There are a lot of great articals on here to make your own!! SEARCH!!

You only really need light tention, about the same to turn a kay.

[WDPaladin]

Tools tools tools. The only things I have ever picked open with a bobbypin, and I understand some people may be skilled at this I suppose, were an old masterlock and a broken cabinet lock. Make or buy some picks and things will change 10 times over.

[Kaotik]

To get better results from using paperclips and bobby pins for tension wrenches and picks, it helps to know the lock your working with aswell as what to feel for. Otherwise, it is a guessing game based on luck.

The best advise you will prolly get which has been mentioned, is to invest in some hacksaw blades, dremel tool or files and make some descent picks or purchase an inexspensive set to get started and get familiar with locks and feedback.

Click the tab labeled Shop at the top of the page and it will direct you to Lockpickshop you will find everything you need their. Or, search around in the Lockpick-Manual for templates and pictures of other members tools to help in making a set of your own.

[bonez]

there's a gem of a video in the faq section.

pyro 1234321's pick making video.

[jgiammona]

Thank you all very much for the help

[recre8ion]

I've got this No. 3 Master padlock I've been practicing on. I found the best results come from using a very light tension while gently raking the first few pins, then using more tension on the last pin. When I start I use just enough tension to hold the tension tool in the keyway. I can pick 8-9 times out of 10 this way on this particular lock. When I say raking, I mean gently feeling over the pins. I've seen some guys jerk the rake violently over the pins. Not my style.

I bought the 17 piece pick set from Southord about 3 years ago. It's awesome. Haven't done much picking again until this week.

Also I picked my deadbolt in about 10 seconds this way on the first try! However, I still cannot successfully pick the knob! Go figure, same key and everything.

Hope this helps too in addition to the great info above.

Recre8ion

[Eyes_Only]

A paper clip tension wrench probably bend and warp and wont give you enough feed back you need to know if you have properly set the pin stacks.

[katahdin]

A couple of large safety pins can also be fashioned into a tension wrench and a pick. The safety pins are made from a stiffer material than either the paper clip or bobby pin and you will probably have more success with them. Of course, this is only a temporary fix until you can either craft or buy quality tools.