can pick one lock but not another

[grappler9]

i have been practicing on a deadbolt lock i bought from the store and have taken pins out and put back in for practice with picking. I have gotten very good with this deadbolt i bought from the store but when i go try to pick my house deadbolt lock, i cant. why is this.

[WhiteHat]

you can! you just don't know it yet.

there's a whole different feel from when you are holding alock in your
hand to when you are doing it to one that's attached to the door. another
factor is the position your body is in - it reduces your patience when you
have to sort of crouch to get at the lock.

another factor is that perhaps the lock on your door is a different brand
and therefore has different characteristics, or perhaps the keying is more
dificult - for example: I can pick one particular lock that I have with a half
dimond, but another of a very similar brand, I need to use a hook because
the pins are high/low/high etc..

just practice and practice, and don't ever be over-confident or you will get
frustrated easily.

[Chucklz]

No two locks are exactly the same. For example most 4 pin padlocks with the Master lock (m1) keyway are a pushover. I have a clone thats keyed,
High Mid Low High High that often takes much longer than any other Master 4 pin I've ever been up against.

[benzy2]

try using different styles of picks. Not every pick is easy in every lock. I have found on the few that I try that one is easier with a hook and another is easy with a small diamond. It all really just depends on how the lock is setup like stated above me.

[Hojo]

What method of picking are you using? Individual picking or Rakeing? because try the oposite of whatever your doing, also trying turning the tention wrench around (if its a lock that can spin 2 ways) and try picking the other way. Well im off so good luck and keep us updated

[skold]

well WhiteHat is quite right. the most likely thing is that the feel is different and also the sets are most likely different. what i did is put my locks on an old door and practiced with them, to get a good feel of picking, and to find a good way to set my body up to pick. 1 thing you have to remember is that practice makes perfect.

[mbell]

practice makes perfect.

But nobody is perfect so why are we practicing?

[WhiteHat]

practice makes perfect.

But nobody is perfect so why are we practicing?

well... practice makes pretty good at least.

[mupet]

Just remember that there is more to locksmithing than being able to pick locks.
Picking is just one of the skills that go to make up a good locksmith.
The big secret to this trade is the abillaty to be able to think your way around a problem and produce a happy resolve for the custemer.

[zeke79]

but surprisingly the name of this site is "Lock Picking 101" not Locksmithing 101.

[mupet]

Having read the FAQ's you still are unfulfilled and seek more enlightenment, post your locksmithing, lockpicking questions here.

[zeke79]

Gotta raz the new guy a bit.

[Mad Mick]

You said it Zeke: