Just how easy are electric picks to use?

[bangbang43]

I'm a rookie when it comes to picking locks and when it comes to manually, i just don't have what it takes. How easy are electric picks to use? Will i be able to pick it up relatively quickly? Any other info about electric picks is more than welcome as well. Thanks

[WhiteHat]

Hi there and welcolme to the board.

if you've never picked a lock before, and have no reason to quickly get past locks (i.e. like a locksmith might) You should really try to use manual picks first before you go onto electric/mechanical picks. You'll find that most people on this board are hobyists and that most of them will say that automatic picks take the fun out of picking and may cause damage to the lock.

all you need is two hands, a pick, a tension wrench and a bit of patience. after that, you just practice for a bit and you will continue to get better!

don't ever let anyone tell you that you "don't have what it takes". you can do anything that you set your mind to!

[WhiteHat]

doh! forgot to preview my post - I've never "welcolmed" anyone anywhere before....

[jason]

It's better to learn to use manual picks first.

If you can't get to grips with manual picking, an electric pick will just mean you end up making the same mistakes a lot faster and probably knackering the lock into the bargain.

Some of the less reputable lockpick retailers will tell you that it'll be a lot easier - it is if you have the experience of using manual picks first though (they often know very little about lockpicking and when you look at the trade prices for some of this kit then see what they sell for you'll soon realise what rip-off merchants they are).

I own and use both picks and manual and electric pickguns and would suggest that proper picks are the best way to learn what is going on (also a lot cheaper) then when you get the experience you may not want to spend money on an electric.

[CitySpider]

How long did you try before you decided that you "just don't have what it takes?" What kind of picks are you using? What kind of lock are you trying to pick?

[Romstar]

Depending on the lock, skill, and knowledge of the user, pick guns can be easy or difficult.

Despite many people being taught to use pick guns, the end result is nothing similar to what you will acheive with a good understanding of the lock mechanism, and the ability to manually manipulate the lock.

I can't say enough about how important it is to develop three skills:
1. Knowledge of the lock.
2. Manual dexterity.
3. Imaginative visualization.

These three skills, more than any others are the keys to any locking scheme, device, or mechanism. Even assuming that you had never seen a certain brand of lock before, you can envision what is going on inside that device based on your experience, and the feelings you get back from the picks in your hand.

In addition, manual and electric lock pick guns do not work well on certain types of locks. If that is all you have, it's all you will try. If on the other hand, you have manual picks, you may discover that the lock is easier than you thought at first.

Remember, when the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem begins to look like a nail.

Please, just keep trying. You will get it. I have severe carpel tunnel syndrome, and I still pick locks manually every day.

Good luck,
Romstar