I could really use some help getting started

[MrCarmichael]

Ive already got my picks and i bought a new Master lock to get started, but the problem is, i dont really know how to pick it. I Start from the back, apply the tension and work my way foward, but it never seems to open, and i dont really know what im doing wrong :/

Any tips?

[Paleo123]

Ive already got my picks and i bought a new Master lock to get started, but the problem is, i dont really know how to pick it. I Start from the back, apply the tension and work my way foward, but it never seems to open, and i dont really know what im doing wrong :/

Any tips?

Ok so first off what kind of master lock are you picking? I would suggest spending a couple of hours on youtube watching some videos on how the mechanics of a lock function and basic picking strategy there are tons. Deviant Ollam and Shuyler Towne have some awesome presentations you can watch.

Now about your technique- yes, many locks will have a binding order back to front but that is not a universal truth it is a good strategy to start at the back because of wear patterns in locks but you need to find the binding pin not just push up on pins from back to front.

[Divinorum]

What kind of master lock is it? This way we know what you are dealing with. You need to find the binding pins and set them one by one until it opens. I suggest reading the following. It will explain the picking process in detail. Also as Paleo said, youtube is a fantastic source of picking information.

The MIT Guide to Lock Picking
http://www.lysator.liu.se/mit-guide/MITLockGuide.pdf

Lock Picking: Detail Overkill
https://www.dropbox.com/s/x68fcstt8k6mi ... 3ks%5D.pdf
Password: evva3ks

Locksport International Guide to Lock Picking
http://locksport.com/files/5012/6964/4049/liguide.pdf

[zeke79]

What kind of master lock is it? This way we know what you are dealing with. You need to find the binding pins and set them one by one until it opens. I suggest reading the following. It will explain the picking process in detail. Also as Paleo said, youtube is a fantastic source of picking information.

The MIT Guide to Lock Picking
http://www.lysator.liu.se/mit-guide/MITLockGuide.pdf

Lock Picking: Detail Overkill
https://www.dropbox.com/s/x68fcstt8k6mi ... 3ks%5D.pdf
Password: evva3ks

Locksport International Guide to Lock Picking
http://locksport.com/files/5012/6964/4049/liguide.pdf

This post has all the info you need. If you read these and still have questions then post them here. You might be better off with a kwikset deadbolt so you can remove some pin stacks.

[billdeserthills]

Picking open a padlock is a bit different from picking open a house lock. First off there is the spring tension of the shackle to overcome, which will likely leave you wishing you have three hands. Next is Master padlocks aren't that easy to pick open. They have a small keyway and some very tiny pins. To begin you might like to spray some light lubricant in the keyway and if you can, screw the padlock into a small vise so the shackle is held down. Those two things should help make a difference and I hope nobody feels that is advanced knowledge.

[KPick]

Great post Divinorium. I was just about to post some links to the MIT book.

[zeke79]

Picking open a padlock is a bit different from picking open a house lock. First off there is the spring tension of the shackle to overcome, which will likely leave you wishing you have three hands. Next is Master padlocks aren't that easy to pick open. They have a small keyway and some very tiny pins. To begin you might like to spray some light lubricant in the keyway and if you can, screw the padlock into a small vise so the shackle is held down. Those two things should help make a difference and I hope nobody feels that is advanced knowledge.

I beg to differ..... A new master padlock should stump not one locksmith. However, a master #3 that has years of service in dusty dirty conditions can make the best of us their bbiatch on occasion.

Securing the lock in a vice is good advice though.

[billdeserthills]

Picking open a padlock is a bit different from picking open a house lock. First off there is the spring tension of the shackle to overcome, which will likely leave you wishing you have three hands. Next is Master padlocks aren't that easy to pick open. They have a small keyway and some very tiny pins. To begin you might like to spray some light lubricant in the keyway and if you can, screw the padlock into a small vise so the shackle is held down. Those two things should help make a difference and I hope nobody feels that is advanced knowledge.

I beg to differ..... A new master padlock should stump not one locksmith. However, a master #3 that has years of service in dusty dirty conditions can make the best of us their bbiatch on occasion.

Securing the lock in a vice is good advice though.

I agree, just get yourself a $20 bolt cutter
down at Harbour Freight & Stump Over

Funny thing is to impression a key to one I charge $35
To cut it off with the bolt cutter only costs $3
Most clients pay me the $3