I can't open this China Padlock

[elite]

Hello guys... I'm new here, it's my first post. I began lockpicking a week ago with one padlock I just purchased, and a beginner lockpick set. The problem is I'm not able to unlock the padlock with nothing - I tried hooks, diamonds, I've tried using shims... nothing worked. It's a padlock with 4 pins, one of the cheapest I could find, but still I can't figure out how to open it. Can you give me some ideas on this lock? Is it easy enough for beginner?

This is the padlock:





So tell me your ideas... i've read everything. Tried to find the binding pins, and I think it's either number two, or three. But I can't open it.

[Robotnik]

Sometimes the substandard materials and tolerances in cheap locks can make them a difficult pick. Additionally, since you're relatively new to lockpicking, your sense of how much force to use with your tension tool, how much force to use or not use on a binding pinstack, etc., may not be fully developed. Most new pickers employ much more force than is needed.

May be a good idea to invest when you can in a lock you can remove pinstacks from; start with one, move on up to two, etc. this is by far the best way to develop the feel for lockpicking. Barring that, a reasonable quality cheap padlock (Master no. 5 is a favorite of mine) with 4 pins, no security pins and an all metal cylinder is a good way to go.

Good luck and keep at it; let us know how it goes.

[Squelchtone]

Ironically, some Made in China "cheap crap" padlocks are anything but. They actually incorporate anti-picking security pins called mushroom pins (because of their shape) and make picking much much harder than a regular Master padlock or a home deadbolt such as a Kwikset or Schlage.

Robotnik is right in that the slop in these locks doesnt help matters are you arent really sure what you're feeling with everything moving around inside so freely.

What kind of picks are you using and which pick shapes?

Welcome to the forum!
Squelchtone

[UnlockingBoredom]

Do you live here in the states? I have some easy master 3 and 5 that I could send you. I don't have much money so postage outside the US is too much right now.

Let me know...

[elite]

Thank you UnlockingBoredoum, but I'm outside of the US, I'm in Europe. I will try to find those Masters here though. I can't be sure that I'm doing everything corectly.

I try to apply everything the youtube videos and the books say, but no success for now. The pick set is called Secure Pro, one of the cheapest too, but I don't know if the problem is with the set or with me (probably the second one ). I used all the available hooks in the set, and a half diamond, but it didn't work out. I'm thinking the tension wrench is standing in my way, and it makes it hard to operate with the hook, I'm not sure if this is the case, because I don't have enough experience.

Offtopic: If I take a locksmith course and license, can I make a nice living with that as a profession? I'm asking because I think I'm starting to like this thing, even though I can't open the d*mn lock.