WarrenC wrote:So, I began my journey into lockpicking about 3 weeks ago with moderate success. I've managed to open the 5 padlocks I own (mostly Masterlock #3's), and about the same number of deadbolts/door locksets numerous times, using SPP. I even have a Sparrows Revolver (regular pins) that I can open relatively consistently. However, and this is what puzzles me, why can't I pick them all consistently and regularly. Sometimes I can get it open in seconds, and then if I try again right after, I can spend hours on it with no go. The pins sometimes feel different to me. When I think I've nailed down the binding order, they seem to change and/or feel different. So my question is what am doing wrong? Thanks
3 whole weeks and you aren't consistent yet? I think you answered your own question. 3 weeks is nothing. The first year I did this in 2005/2006, I practiced 2 hours a day for a year. 15 years later, I'm a decent picker, but there are plenty other pickers more skilled than I am.
In 3 weeks you have not yet defined the muscle memory, the touch to feel how much or how little tension to put on the turning tool, the ability to close your eyes and draw a mental map of what is going on inside the lock as you insert a pick and move under the pins and lift each one.
Take your time, and keep practicing. Right now you are opening locks with luck and some skill. It will take a while to just do it with skill.
Squelchtone
