Strange issue with tension

[alexwaldron]

I'm picking a masterlock no.3 and a no.5 and i can pick them no problem when i'm using a good amount of tension (the tension wrench is slightly bent under this pressure) but when I loosen up the tension i overset the pins. Any reason for this? Is my hand just not sensitive enough yet to feel a pin set at a lighter tension?

[r0005]

Some picks give you better feedback. What are you using?

[Dpruente]

you're pressuring the pins too hard. You started picking using too much tension, and that's why you've adapted your picking profile that way. You need to essentially start over, retrain your brain and hands to use lighter tension and pressure, and you'll get it eventually. I started the same way you did, and you just have to remember that a light amount of pressure goes a LONG way when you're working with thousandths of inches

[alexwaldron]

you're pressuring the pins too hard. You started picking using too much tension, and that's why you've adapted your picking profile that way. You need to essentially start over, retrain your brain and hands to use lighter tension and pressure, and you'll get it eventually. I started the same way you did, and you just have to remember that a light amount of pressure goes a LONG way when you're working with thousandths of inches

I do believe you're right. Since this post I have been using lighter tension and have been able to feel the pins better. Oh and I'm using a couple of home made picks (ground from some hack saw blades) some majestic picks, and some slim line picks. I like the ones that I made and the slim line ones best. They seem more responsive than the majestic ones.

[Dpruente]

I've never purchased a pick in my life. I only use homemade ones, as I can custom tailor them to my needs. As a word of caution, I've picked locks that required heavy tension to avoid oversetting pins. these locks are far and few between, but they do come along. Just make sure you dress your picks well with increasing grits of sandpaper until they're very smooth, and learn to use a very weak hand and you'll do great. Happy Picking