Starter tips

[bassicperson]

Hey,
I had always thought lock picking would be a cool thing to try out, so I made myself a small hook pick and a tension wrench. I only have two padlocks to work with, due to ... erm, financial constraints.
Anyways, after reading some tutorials and whatnot, I tried my hand at it. I can sometimes get it after a minute or two or just screwing around, but I'm finding it hard to find the pin that is actually binding - I don't know if it's just be being daft, or if most beginners have this problem.
Actually, I guess my three biggest problems are
1) Knowing where the pins are,
2) Knowing which one is binding, and
3) Knowing how far to push up the pin.

Any insight you can give is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
bp

[bumber]

This should help if u have not seen it yet.
http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?t=10677

[Marco]

If you have the key for the locks then read this guide http://locksport.com/LSIGuide/lsiguide.pdf. It has an excercise in there that you can to do help you know when your pick is underneath a pin. Actually you should read it even if you don't have the key. It's quite informative and easy to understand.

[freakparade3]

Take a file and make a very shallow V in the end of a hook pick. This will engage the pin when it slides under. It will help you better to feel when your pick is properly placed.

[bassicperson]

Ok, thanks for the tips =)
I'll see if I can get my hands on a deadbolt, but my "form" is getting a little better with this padlock.

[Wolfe]

Ive yet to see anyone just pick this up the first time and get it perfect no matter what amount of material is read or studied. Its really a hands on practice issue. practice, practice, practice.
In the begginning it takes weeks of sticking picks into locks to get that feel your looking for.
This part of learning how to pick is by far the hardests. Once you get though this its all cakey after.
I hope this helps
W.

[bumber]

WELL the way i started was by pickin up my kwikset i kicked off my door and thought " Man there must be an easier way " so I got a pick from my buddy picked the lock by pin, than raked it. Been doin it for years since

[bassicperson]

Score.
I was able to get my hands on a deadbolt, so I'll try out the links you guys sent me.
Thanks.

[hecklerSL81]

I didnt start picking not that long ago and i found the same problems. but its not the biggest thing is explaining it gives you an understanding how to do it but it actually doesnt help you do it. playing around might get you somewhere or no where, the best thing and this is how i learned is look into how a look works it you havent and then try it again, but when you go to pick the lock dont try just to open it or find the binding pin, try to visualize what you have learned and what you are doing in and about the lock. All i can say is take your time, and i mean take it slow eventually it will get easier, also try a number of different locks even if it is hard to get a hand on them it will help you. i didnt this and in a little while i could pick pad locks. then american locks, and even shlages.. its all about trying your hardest, yet taking your time and making sure what you are doing feels comfertable.. go with a gut feeling some time.. you will see, everyone has there own unique way of picking.. try and find yours..

[Chucklz]

There is only one tip that leaps out at me.

Whatever tension you are using, use less. (Until it opens of course, then see how low you can take it). I've never taught a newb who didn't use too much tension, regardless of how I tried to explain it. However, once shown, they get it.