Where to start-SPP

[22Delta22]

So I'm a newb to lockpicking. I've got a basic lockpick set, 2 picks, 2 rakes, and some tension wrenches. I also have some practice locks, with 2, 3, 4, and 5 pin locks. I've can open up to the 4 pin in less than 10 seconds by raking. But when it comes to actual picking, I'm lost. I attempted SPP on the the pin, but it just opens like like it's being raked. Excellent if I want to open it, not so much so to learn actual picking. I have a cut away lock on order, but I'm looking looking for advice how to get going. I understand how locks work, just can't seem to put that into practice.

[jbrint]

If you bought the same ebay set I did then you probably have schlage keyways. I just had to slow down and try some different picks until I got it. Top of keyway or bottom of keyway tension worked for me and a short curved hook allowed me to set all pins through the stack. They are really easy to rake open as the pins are all pretty much the same height.

[22Delta22]

Just to add, my products are from Lockpickcanada.com which is Sparrows. Excellent service by the way. The locks are from http://www.lockpickcanada.com/product_p/l1.htm I believe they are schlage, but I'm still a newb so I could just as easily be wrong.

[jbrint]

I am pretty sure those are Schlage keys and if I am wrong I am certain someone more knowledgable will correct me and they look like the same ones I have. At least for me this pick worked wonders:



There isn't a single one in the set I haven't been able to feel out and pick with this pick from Sparrows. Just keep at it and you will have that aha moment.

[Korver15]

A great post by digital_blue explaining how to train yourself for SPP.
Beginner's Lockpicking Exercise

[knowspicker537]

If you pick a lock and don't know how you did it you haven't learned anything at all. If you know exactly how you did it regardless of time then you can decompose most locks and the techniques you need to employ to pick them. one thing I've always did in life was to learn things the right way everytime I want to learn something so you don't pick up bad habits that are hard to unlearn.

Knowspicker537

[davesnothere11]

A great post by digital_blue explaining how to train yourself for SPP.
Beginner's Lockpicking Exercise

Great advise! Do this over and over untill you can see in the lock through your sense of touch with the pick.

[VancouverSpecial71]

A great post by digital_blue explaining how to train yourself for SPP.
Beginner's Lockpicking Exercise

Hi 22Delta22,

Welcome to LP101
I agree with Korver15 - digital_blue's exercises are excellent SPP training.

Another great resource when you're getting started is the Locksport International 'Guide To Lockpicking - A Locksport Primer'. All kinds of great info in there. For example, I found the 'Pencil Trick' helpful in locating individual pins when I first started SPP. Also understanding the 'Pin States' section is a crucial step in learning to SPP. Here's the link:

http://locksport.com/files/5012/6964/4049/liguide.pdf

Another great resource for learning to pick are youtube videos by Bosnianbill and Schuyler Towne, among others, here are a couple links:

Bosnianbill's beginner lockpicking playlist:
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTSWkYxuSlkXiSBwk3Hvbvx71sg-MH61s

Schuyler Towne's 'Locks: Basic operation and manipulation' - A full course with 24 videos
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL66CD42F86F3A1F85

Of course you don't need to watch all the videos - however, they are a great resource to develop nascent SPP skills.

Kind regards,
Sean

[caminero]

Since there is no specified order to pick the pins in a lock.You apply tension on the core of the pins"binds",that is the one asking for your attention,sometimes it is the last pin,but most often the pins bind up in some random order,After you pick the binding pin,another will bind you pick that one and so forth until the lock opens.In the real world,sometimes pins will drop or bind at the same time,so some playing around is usually to pick to open your lock.Hope this will help somebody out there.Thanks!

[Papa Gleb]

Lots of great advise and lots of great reads. There really isnt much that can be said however there is lots that can be done, done by you. The key is practice. Keep picking and with time you will pick up the feels and sounds and movements. I would suggest to pick different locks, pick one lock for a few days or a week then switch to another for the same time frame then go back to the first lock. This gap help you realize what you have forgotten in turn what you have learned from that lock and from picking.

If you understand the workings of the lock internals, you really dont need a cut away because it wont teach you feel which is the most important part of picking.

As for picks, just keep picking with the different picks you have and you will soon notice that there is one pick that you are always reaching for which will become your go-to. The pick picture above a Sparrows replica to Peterson's Gem which personally is my go-to. I hardly ever use my standard hook unless working on something with extreme warding.

[FuzzyChopz]

My first practice lock was a clear cylinder pin and tumbler from Amazon. It helped me understand the workings and how the pins work. They are fairly cheap and helped me a lot. Maybe you could try looking into purchasing one also.