How long before trying a different pick?

[Mudman]

Hello all,

Relatively new to picking here, hoping for some advice. Something I've just realized, and wondered what others do.

How long do you normally spend with a certain pick/tension wrench setup, before trying something different?

I've got my usual go to picks, and always had troubles with some easy locks. It wasn't until a few frustrating attempts, that I switched to top of the keyway tension and a different pick that I got in right away.

Is there a certain amount of time you guys normally spend, before switching to something different? Or is it something I'd have to just get a feel for?

[FriendlyFellow]

I'm still new myself, but I'd say the tool choice can be different for every lock, and sometimes different for different pins within a lock. You want to choose the turning tool that doesn't jam against the lock body/hull, while still leaving you the best room to access the pins. You want the pick that can best set the pins. But the best turning tool and pick to set the first pin may be different from the best combination of tools to set the last pin. For example, when I have my TOK turning tool in, I can't set a short pin 1 without a rather deep hook, which I don't have yet, and even then I would be more likely to knock my turning tool out when the pin sets, than if I just switch to BOK tension to set that pin.
Another example would be hard to reach pins in the back. You might find high pin hiding behind a low pin and you want a tall hook to set it, but don't need or want the tall hook for the rest of the pins.
You may have a combination of tools you prefer, but don't be afraid to mix it up at the drop of a hat, especially when encountering a new keyway.

[GWiens2001]

Depends on what the lock is telling me. I may start with a Bogota, then finish it off with a hook.

Gordon

[G-lock]

I will normally use the same hooks & tension wrench to start but if i dont get good feed back i will keep switching my setup until i get the feed back im looking for. TOK tension seems to work better for me on most locks. Ive only been picking for a little while also & maybe its just my style but im finding that i like to have alot of different hooks, without them some locks give me a terrible time.

[Mudman]

For example, when I have my TOK turning tool in, I can't set a short pin 1 without a rather deep hook, which I don't have yet, and even then I would be more likely to knock my turning tool out when the pin sets, than if I just switch to BOK tension to set that pin.
Another example would be hard to reach pins in the back. You might find high pin hiding behind a low pin and you want a tall hook to set it, but don't need or want the tall hook for the rest of the pins.
You may have a combination of tools you prefer, but don't be afraid to mix it up at the drop of a hat, especially when encountering a new keyway.

I've done the exact thing with TOK too many times to count. Along with it simply just slipping from my finger.

I haven't tried using multiple picks for the same lock yet, but that makes sense as well.

My first wafer padlock came today (American L50) that I am trying to find the right pick for. Thanks for the tips and tricks.

Depends on what the lock is telling me. I may start with a Bogota, then finish it off with a hook.

Gordon

So it sounds like feel as well. I suppose more practice is in order.

I will normally use the same hooks & tension wrench to start but if i dont get good feed back i will keep switching my setup until i get the feed back im looking for. TOK tension seems to work better for me on most locks. Ive only been picking for a little while also & maybe its just my style but im finding that i like to have alot of different hooks, without them some locks give me a terrible time.

I was doing 90% BOT until just recently, I remembered having a TOK tension wrench. Right about then I noticed my picking improved on most locks. There were a few that I had picked without realizing, my bottom tension wrench would bind on the warding and cylinder. Quick wiggle and she popped open.

I've been seeing your posts in the other thread, you've been opening some pretty nice locks!