My lock-cherry has been popped!

[subver]

So I made my first pick today, just a short hook - out of a hacksaw blade.
I kind of rushed it, but got it nice and smooth with some sanding.
Then I gave a master lock a shot (not sure what model) and on the first/second try I got it (SPP)!
So I got way excited, and this new hobby is now set in stone!
Oh boy did it feel good when that lock went *pop!*

So anyway, excuse the crappy photo (camera phone) - but here is my homemade pick, and the lock I picked:


Oh, and for a tension wrench I used a ground down Allen wrench. I didn't like it much, though.. I'm gonna get a wiper insert tomorrow and make a quality one out of that.

I'm so excited! Woop!
Now, I'm off to order some feeler gauge stock and set out some "real" quality picks that I can be proud of, this one was kinda rushed and whipped up quick so I could give this a shot. Also, should I go for stainless steel, or carbon steel for the feeler gauge?

Anyway, awesome forums.. I'm off to practice on this lock now!
P.S. if someone can tell me what kind of lock I have and some info on it I would be very appreciative.
Thanks everyone!

[Olson Burry]

Woop woop! That's a fine looking pick for a first attempt well done.

You have a master lock there

Feeler gauge stock is usually carbon steel anyway I think and is good stuff for pick making. 0.025" is what you'll be looking for I'd imagine. Mind you, I've had good results from hacksaw blades and sometimes it is worth trying a few different types, even if it is a pain grinding all the teeth and the rest of it down.

Good stuff buddy

[subver]

Thanks! Heh, I know it's a Master Lock. I was just wondering what model, and what kind of security, if any, it had.
Also, I've been trying to pick it again and am having trouble, haha. I think it was a little bit beginners luck!
I feel as though this bulky, stiffy Allen/Tension wrench it not giving me good feedback.. it just feels out of place. I can't wait to try a wiper insert.
Thanks for the comment on my pick - I just used a Dremel with a cutoff wheel and grinder.. all freehand, comparing to a print out of a Romstar template.
It was a lot of fun to make, but is too short, I'll need to put a handle on it. I just quickly wrapped 2 rubber bands around it so it doesn't dig into my finger so much, but I'll have to extend it a bit.
This will be my practice pick, my next set will be made from the feeler gauges, along with the windshield wiper tension wrench. I promise they will be 5x as nice as this one

Dunno how I got it so fast the first time! I wasn't even raking! Now I'm having trouble... total beginners luck! Ha! Man, this is so much fun.
I needed a new hobby, especially because I've been quitting cigarettes (haven't had one in a week) and need to take my mind off it. I have a feeling this hobby will stick with me for a long time.

Ok, back to practicing

[subver]

Oh, by the way, it's a "No. 3" Master Lock - not exactly sure what that means, though.

[hydruh]

It is a Master #3 - undeniably the best starter padlock for a beginner. Low tolerance but decent craftsmanship, enough that you will actually get some feel from it.

4 pins, all of them straight.

If you got that quickly, I recomment that you get a Master #140 (4 pins, two spools) and a Kwikset deadbolt from a local ReStore or flea market, and try your hand at that.

Nice job on the hook! I really need to make some tools here soon.

S

[Olson Burry]

Relax the tension and concentrate. Often it's more important to think about picking the lock than concentrating on getting it open, if that makes any sense.

If you try too hard you will over tension and not feel the pins sliding against the plug and setting. It's a very zen thing to be doing and you really need your minds eye to open and see what is going on inside.

I sort of documented my making some hacksaw picks here if you fancied a look.

Keep it up!

[subver]

Thanks, Hydruh - I will get those locks next.
OB: Great advice! I was being too hard on the tension. I just picked it 3 times in a row with just having ever-so-light tension on it.
It's such a nice feeling when you finally open the lock.
Woo!
Time for new locks!

[raimundo]

Theres people who were newbies a year or two ago who are now experts, it looks like this guy is on that fast learning curve. Excellent first pick. Yes the trick is lighten up, and in a year or two, I'll whisper the magic words to ya. Thats the real secret

[subver]

there are "magic words"?!

Anyway, I think the reason I had a head start is because I spent a full weekend, all day and night, just reading about locks, researching types of securities, reading how-to's on picking locks, watching videos, etc.
When I started picking the lock I felt like I already knew the lock inside and out, I just didn't have a feel for it, but I picked it up pretty fast.
I've always been pretty "MacGuyvery", and I think I'm good at recreating the inside of a lock in my head, perhaps because I am, by nature, an artist maybe? (I Illustrate, Animate and Design for a living)
I felt like lock picking was just "calling me" to start, haha

Really, though, I don't think I'll ever stop this hobby, I feel like I'm addicted already! I foresee myself having a vast array of locks in my near future.
These forums helped me a whole lot, too.. during the weekend when I was researching all of this stuff, these forums provided me with a lot of information, so thanks everyone!

P.S. I can't wait to hear these "magic words"

[l0ckp1cker]

there are "magic words"?!

Anyway, I think the reason I had a head start is because I spent a full weekend, all day and night, just reading about locks, researching types of securities, reading how-to's on picking locks, watching videos, etc.
When I started picking the lock I felt like I already knew the lock inside and out, I just didn't have a feel for it, but I picked it up pretty fast.
I've always been pretty "MacGuyvery", and I think I'm good at recreating the inside of a lock in my head, perhaps because I am, by nature, an artist maybe? (I Illustrate, Animate and Design for a living)
I felt like lock picking was just "calling me" to start, haha

Really, though, I don't think I'll ever stop this hobby, I feel like I'm addicted already! I foresee myself having a vast array of locks in my near future.
These forums helped me a whole lot, too.. during the weekend when I was researching all of this stuff, these forums provided me with a lot of information, so thanks everyone!

P.S. I can't wait to hear these "magic words"

practice, practice, practice....

[fox326]

sweet pick! SPP is my favorite method. you can also make some okay tension wrenches from those cheap screwdrivers that yo can get for free sometimes. you know, the ones that are used to open watches and unlock certain bathroom door knob locks. just put a blow torch to it for a few seconds then bend it to your liking and quench it in some water so you don't ruin the temperament.
O.o
O.O
o.O

[Craneman]

Congrat's
Its a nice little buzz when you pick your first lock, I'm quite new to it and have picked a few padlocks and an euro cylinder myself, Also just stripped down my first lock which I will post shortly. Yale X5.
Well done and Welcome.