BEST doorlock, plus beginner questions.

[Boone]

Hey everyone,

Just a quick intro on what's up. I'm new to the whole lock-picking thing. I've been interested for quite a while, ever since I figured out how to make a shim for an old combo lock I found laying around, and when I used to figure out how to defeat privacy locks on bathroom doors [which I figured out at age 7, using a q-tip, heh.]

Since I'm at college, and I now have a little more time to waste [but no money, heh], I've been thinking of getting into this, just as a little hobby to screw around and relax when I want to get away from homework.

Using a bent piece of metal as a pick and a bent fork, I was able to set [i think] 4 pins of my dorms door lock. It's made by BEST, and that's about all I know. By posting a picture of my key and the lock, what can you guys tell me about it that could make picking easier? How many pins? I thought I counted 5, but I could be wrong. From the posision where the key is not turned at all, it takes about 195 degrees of turning to onlock the door with the key. Will this cause any problems when I'm picking? Should I just be able to turn it back into the locked position with the tension wrench, or will I have to pick it again to lock it? I'm also going to wait on getting a set of picks before I start really working at it. What I have now doesn't offer enough grip. [pictures below]





Another question, what is the difference between these two sets? One, which is the suggested beginner's set in the FAQ section, costs $15 more than the other. This may not seem like much, but I'm on a seriously tight budget. I am thinking of going with the cheaper of the two. [links below]

http://www.lockpickshop.com/Merchant2/m ... ry_Code=LS

http://www.lockpickshop.com/Merchant2/m ... ry_Code=LS

Thanks for the help guys. Yes, also, I have searched this and other forums. I've been lurking for a little while, but I've finally registered.. so I'm not totally clueless as to how things work around here.

[Boone]

Why can't I edit my post? Argh.

Well, here are the correct pics. Preview will be my friend from now on.




Thanks.

[Chucklz]

7 pins, Best E keyway. A very difficult lock to begin with. Besides the point that you shouldn't pick locks that don't belong to you.

[Boone]

That's the point of me asking if there is any trouble with me going more than 180* upon picking it. Perhaps I wasn't clear enough. I seem to remember reading that there may be a problem when you need to turn the plug more than 180 degrees. This is the lock to MY dorm. I understand that the property does not belong to me, which is why I am posting here to inquire about the lock. Regardless, I can take responsibility for my own actions.

I understand that lockpicking hobbyists have to worry about people irresponsibly using the knowledge, resources, and tools of this trade and hobby. Coming from loving the sport of paintball, I see exactly where you are coming from. This is why I mentioned that I had been lurking for a couple of weeks [actually a couple of weeks during the summer, then for the past day or so recently.] I understand everything you guys have on the line.

Sorry to be long winded and whatnot, but I'd just like some information which I will put to responsible use. If picking my own door does not fall under 'repsonsible use,' then I'll not do it, but I'd still like the information on door locks that I couldn't seem to find elsewhere.

Thanks.

[Buggs41]

Buy a lock. Something cheap. Then you can practice all you want without fear of breaking the lock to your dorm room. Good luck!

[Boone]

I planned on it. But in the meantime, do you guys think you could help me out with everything else? I'm not so much interested in picking my dorm lock, but learning about it. Why is it such a hard lock for beginners to pick? Besides having seven pins, I don't see why it would be harder than any others [unless it has security pins or something.]

Anyone on the question of the pick sets?

I really appreciate it. Thanks guys.

[32768]

Check out Matt Blaze's photos of a disassembled sfic:
http://www.crypto.com/photos/misc/sfic/

That should show you why these are harder. Basically, they're well made, have seven pins, and there's two shearlines. If you search for `sfic' or `ic core' you'll find a lot more on them.

I'd second (third (n-th?)) the advice to leave the school's locks alone. Besides the chance of messing them up, you really don't want to get known as the student who knows how to break in everywhere.

[Boone]

Based on the pictures in that thread, it looks like that style of lock couldn't be able to be picked because once you turned it past 180*, the driver pins would fall and get stuck in the bottom. This is what I was asking about, mainly.

I guess I don't exactly understand how some locks function, but that's the point of posting, heh.

[Buggs41]

No, SEARCHING is the key.

If you really want to learn anything, you have to read, and research all data. We can't spoon feed you each step of the way.

Read all the *STICKY* posts in the FAQ, and general questions area. There is ALOT of useful info there. If you decide to ignore all the good info already posted, there is no reason why WE can't just ignore YOUR post's.

[Varjeal]

Woah....relax folks....a little less caffeine would help everyone, I think...hehehe...

Boone: If you think about how the key looks and operates, you'll see that the way to get around this is to simply stick your pick into the "top" of the lock at the 180 degree position and lift the top pins up while continuing to apply turning pressure and you'll slip the plug past this position easily.

[Chucklz]

Less caffeine? Ive only had one pot of coffee today!

[Boone]

No, SEARCHING is the key.

If you really want to learn anything, you have to read, and research all data. We can't spoon feed you each step of the way.

Read all the *STICKY* posts in the FAQ, and general questions area. There is ALOT of useful info there. If you decide to ignore all the good info already posted, there is no reason why WE can't just ignore YOUR post's.

Guys, please. I'm not new to this. I did read the stickys. I don't remember anywhere in there that mentioned the difference between the two pick sets. That's mainly what i'm looking for. I'm not lazy and I've been reading for a while, but I can't read every thread hoping to stumble upon the information I need. When you're a new and inexperienced as I am, I don't know that I need to search for "Best e-series" or anything. By the way, I did search for best locks. I didn't get the information I needed.

I've seen too many potentially valuable posters driven away by who jump upon their first posts and insist that they search for their answers. I've searched, so if you are too lazy to contribute, bug off. The internet needs less people like you.

Sorry to come here and come off as a prick, but this bothers me. Thank you for all of the help I've received.

[logosys]

The problem with SFIC's is that they have 2 shearlines, and it takes a good bit of feel to determine which shearline you're setting the pins on. I'd reccommend a Kwikset or a Schlage or a Master #3 to start off on...

[CaptHook]

I've seen too many potentially valuable posters driven away by who jump upon their first posts and insist that they search for their answers. I've searched, so if you are too lazy to contribute, bug off. The internet needs less people like you.

Sorry to come here and come off as a prick, but this bothers me. Thank you for all of the help I've received.

Well, I for one am glad you are thankful. But you need to lose the "help me or screw you" attitude. Best SFIC's have a fair amount of coverage, and your question has been answered in this post.
As far as the picks go, either would be fine. Extra money for a bigger/different set doesnt equal more picking ability per se.
Chuck