Trying Really Hard

[Pisces1303]

HI there. I just recently got a better set of picks. I am trying to pick a master lock #3 and it is not opening. It's making me go nuts because I already picked a cylinder with pins in it before, but that model was not even in a lock. It just came with a key and was the tube. Ok, I have read information about lock picking and that is how I got the first one opened. I don't really know where to go with this since its causing me trouble and I don't know which parts I am not doing correctly. Thank You!


-Marker227

[digital_blue]

If you're new to this, try setting that lock down and working on something else for a while. Put it in your "Not Picked Yet" pile, and come back to it.

Cheers!

db

[Olcaytug]

Try scrubbing it with snakes;

when they open after scrubbing, it really gives you important ideas about how much torque you need to apply, how much force you need to use on the pick, etc.

Furthermore, and more importantly, it gives you a feeling of self-assurance.. that you will eventually pick the lock using one pin at a time method.

One more suggestion; try shaking the lock after you set the first and/or second pin (if the first and second are binding pins). You will be able to see that they will move freely if you are really setting them.

Then you can rake the remaining pins more easily by scrubbing, and you will have more assurance.

After that you need to continue by one pin at a time method; this time setting three pins... then four... and at last you will be picking without scrubbing at all...

I did it that way and it was quite easy for me...

Hope this helps.. Regards

[Pisces1303]

I was using the smallest hook I had. Heck.... I used all of my tools . It's hard to visualize it when I've never seen the inside of the lock while I'm actually moving the parts. That must be the add lol. I will try your methods first. Any ideas if the lock is too hard for me at this time? I really don't feel like giving up because I just spent like $37 on picks so far.

I do know when the pins are set, but I'm just hoping it didn't get stuck on the sheer line when I give it torque and act as if it were set. (The bottom pin moves freely when I usually think the pin is set) I do understand the concept of picking, but its the part where you have to do is where it gets me

One more thing... How well do the cutaway locks work? Could it really help a beginner? They are sort of expensive, but maybe its the best way.

Furthermore, I will try picking the lock again and come back to the other issues soon.

Thank guys.

[devnill]

i actually found a # 7 the other day, and had some fun with it. the larger master locks are alot easier becasue the 7's size. if yourr smallest pick is too big, either make a smaller pick, or put it aside.

Cutaways are used to see if pins are set or not. I haven't t used them because i am a poor college student, but i hear they are nice.

Also, if you want some locks to pick, i would strongely suggest either donations or ebay. I just bouught 5 schlage locks for about $1.99 USD on ebay, and should have them in under a week.

whaterver you do have fun and treat locks like your nose