Just got my first set..noob questions

[Grizr]

So I ordered the HPC novice set and got it today so I picked up a couple locks from the hardware store.
I wanted the kwikset but couldnt find it so I opted for a master padlock, a gate house deadbolt and a weiser(smart key) deadbolt.
I managed to get the master padlock picked but with little understanding of what I was doing...how do I know when the pin is set? Im kind of just applying tension and sticking my pick in and pushing up and down :/

I also got the gatehouse deadbolt open again not quite knowing how,

Last thing, I found a master padlock 930(big stainless steel one) at home but I couldnt get that one open

What should I be doing to get the hang of what it feels like to get the pin set?

Thanks

[youngpicker99]

You will find most and probably all of the info you need by using the search function of the forum. Also the weiser smart key lock you bought is not going to be a good lock to practice picking with.

[fgarci03]

I don't know those specific locks, but by the looks of it, they probably don't have security pins.

So here ya go:
- Apply a small amount of tension
- Insert the pick and start lifting just a little pin by pin
- You will feel one of them who is a bit harder to lift than the others (the harder the tension, the harder it is to lift. If too much tension you can't set it properly. It's a fine line between too much and too little tension, so you'll have to work it out ). That is the binding pin.
- Lift up a little more untill you feel a faint click a very small rotation of the plug. That is a pin setting!
(depending on locks, the click may be louder or quieter, and the rotation can be more or less pronounced. But what you need to look at it a very small click and feel a slight rotation, as it won't be enough for you to see).
- Do the same for other pins

But as youngpicker99 said, you should use the search function.
Search for the MIT lockpicking guide. It's very thorough and will help you to start off.

Post your developments as you manage to feel that and pick more and more locks

[Squelchtone]

Follow what the others have told you and read this PDF as well:

The Locksport International Guide to Lockpicking
http://lockpickguide.com/support-files/lsiguide.pdf


Youtube is also a good resource so you can see how people hold locks, picks, and how much pressure they're using.

Squelchtone

[Grizr]

thanks guys I know I should do more searches I just like to know specific answers to what I need directed at me lol sorry I will use it more.

Also, the deadbolt I have I have been abler to get it a couple times but I feel like I may be over setting the pins but not quite sure if I am. I am doing what I tihnk is right and when I think I have all the pins set it wont open, so I release tension and I can hear the clicks of 5 pins coming back down making me think I did have them set..

Any idea how to work on that?

Thanks

[fgarci03]

I just like to know specific answers to what I need directed at me lol sorry I will use it more.

Yes use the search function as you will find most of your quesions answered, but please don't let that stop you from asking questions. We are here to help and we're glad to do so!

As for the deadbolt. It can be one of two things. Or you have 1 (or more) oversetted pin, or "undersetted". Or a combination of both.
Overset is when the key pin passes over the sheer line and stays there (blocking the plug), underset (I don't really know if this is correct term) is when you haven't lifted it enough, but the driver pin is still trapped in the sheer line.
You need to lift the pins very slowly with a steady hand and stop right after you feel the click. And then be carefull not to disturb that setted pin (you will feel it's a bit harder to lift it from this point, but it's still easy to do so).

Another book I recomend is Lockpicking Detail Overkill. Written by our own Solomon, a member here!
It goes to a great detail on picking, and situations that you may encounter. I must say I learned a lot (and when I say lot is A LOT!) on those 30 pages!

Link is here: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/jacqueline ... erkill.pdf
Password is evva3ks

[daniel22747]

Also the right amount of tension varies from lock to lock, but it should always be as little as possible

[Legion303]

The amount of tension you need is about as much tension as it takes to turn the key.

-steve

[cledry]

Let me know when you get the Weiser picked.

[daniel22747]

Another book I recomend is Lockpicking Detail Overkill. Written by our own Solomon, a member here!
It goes to a great detail on picking, and situations that you may encounter. I must say I learned a lot (and when I say lot is A LOT!) on those 30 pages!

I have been reading through this. This is the best inrto to lock picking book I have ever read. Not only is this a really good introdution for people new to lock pickng, but it is also a good review for intermediate pickers as well. Solomon explains things far better than any other book I have read. He has not forgotten what it is like to be a new picker and the issues a new picker faces. He does a great job at keeping the new picker away from forming bad habbits that would have to be unlearned latter on.