Newbie struggling... Would you like to be my "mentor&qu

by **geonap** » 2 Mar 2006 3:56

I have read all the common PDF's and text files... I have read what seems like a TON of postsn from this site, yet I am still having troubles.

I have a "new" pick set and I have some "practice" locks (see-through plastic), yet I am still challenged. I have actually managed to pick this 5 pin lock probably ten times (granted I have been toying with it for HOURS)... but not with any consistency. I have gained an appreciation for the "light" tension and "feeling" the pins, but I'm not sure I have to be hones... I don't feel like I am "getting it."

I hate to say it, but I feel like such a newbie... I have picked a few padlocks, carded a few doors, and defeated a few simple locks before (which peaked my interest), but I have to admit I am definitely feeling challenged. Lockpicking is something I am REALLY interested in... is there anyone out there who would like to be my mentor? If so, you won't regeret it ... I am a fast learner and an attentive student.

At this point I really feel like I really need a mentor... I have a few books on the way, but I would really like a "warm body" to talk with (at least email) and ask questions to. If this sounds interesting to you, please PM me or send a response here. I am also open to any newbie tips, links, etc.

Thank you all in advance!

by **TOWCH** » 2 Mar 2006 4:52

What's with all the new people from Oregon? What area are you in? I'm Corvallis area.

Anyway, what exactly is your problem with it? Starting with a fully pinned lock is a bit of a hard way to go about it. It's better to get a lock like a kwikset that you can easily repin, start with 1 pin stack, and add from there. The clear lock is good for understanding, but it might be part of your problem. It's like trying to learn to swim with flippers on.

by **geonap** » 2 Mar 2006 5:27

TOWCH wrote:What's with all the new people from Oregon? What area are you in? I'm Corvallis area.

Anyway, what exactly is your problem with it? Starting with a fully pinned lock is a bit of a hard way to go about it. It's better to get a lock like a kwikset that you can easily repin, start with 1 pin stack, and add from there. The clear lock is good for understanding, but it might be part of your problem. It's like trying to learn to swim with flippers on.

Swimming with flippers on... I wish it was that easy!

I'm a scuba diver, so I think I would do ok. :-)

Anyhow, I underatand what you are saying. I am in the Portland metro area... As far as the kwikset comment... I have a kwikest "rekeying kit' that I purchased, so maybe I should purchase a kwikset lock to (remove some pins from) and practice with?

Either way... let me know... I am eager to "remove the training wheels" from this bike I am riding.

by **TOWCH** » 2 Mar 2006 13:11

Definately get the kwikset and start with one or two pin stacks.

by **Chucklz** » 2 Mar 2006 18:49

If you will fly me out and support my espresso habit at Stumptown's I'll teach you everything I possibly can. :wink:

But seriously, get yourself a Kwikset, take out all but one set of pins. Pick that a hundred times or more, just to get the feeling of the pins. Then move up to two. Still spend a hundred times just picking it.

by **geonap** » 2 Mar 2006 21:43

Awesome... thank you for the tips. I'm going to give the Kwikset rout a try.

by **Tinkerer** » 2 Mar 2006 22:45

What helped me most was too actually close my eyes and Visualize working the bottom pins up. Another thing I've learned is that alot of locks actually pick easier when picked counter clockwise. I've found that alot of deadbolt locks pick easier to the lock position. Then I just use a "spinner" to spin it the other direction. The trick is to find the way that best works for you. I pick different than my Boss who's been a locksmith for many years and actually prefers an Electric pick, which I'll sometimes use on Weiser locks.

by **geonap** » 2 Mar 2006 22:52

Chucklz wrote:If you will fly me out and support my espresso habit at Stumptown's I'll teach you everything I possibly can.

But seriously, get yourself a Kwikset, take out all but one set of pins. Pick that a hundred times or more, just to get the feeling of the pins. Then move up to two. Still spend a hundred times just picking it.

Espresso it is!

Where should I send the ticket? First class I assume?

Heh... heh...

by **geonap** » 2 Mar 2006 22:54

Tinkerer wrote:What helped me most was too actually close my eyes and Visualize working the bottom pins up. Another thing I've learned is that alot of locks actually pick easier when picked counter clockwise. I've found that alot of deadbolt locks pick easier to the lock position. Then I just use a "spinner" to spin it the other direction. The trick is to find the way that best works for you. I pick different than my Boss who's been a locksmith for many years and actually prefers an Electric pick, which I'll sometimes use on Weiser locks.

I will give that a shot... I have tried "visualizing" a little bit, but so far I am still struggling. I think it's just "too many" pins to deal with has a new "lockpicker." I can actually "feel" the binding and the pin resistance now (I think) so I'm pretty sure I am on the right track.

The "see through" locks have really helped me visualize how the pins are working... and to "feel" what it should be like when I push the pins into place.

by **Octillion** » 2 Mar 2006 23:17

geonap wrote:
Chucklz wrote:If you will fly me out and support my espresso habit at Stumptown's I'll teach you everything I possibly can.

But seriously, get yourself a Kwikset, take out all but one set of pins. Pick that a hundred times or more, just to get the feeling of the pins. Then move up to two. Still spend a hundred times just picking it.

Espresso it is! Where should I send the ticket? First class I assume?

Heh... heh...

I should warn you that within a few days the cost Chucklzâ€™s coffee addiction will quickly exceed that of the first class ticketâ€¦

by **geonap** » 2 Mar 2006 23:39

Woo hoo! I know this is probably lame... but I just managed to pick my Sentry "Fire Safe" lockbox about a dozen times.

I think it is a three pin lock... it's the first "real" lock I have picked since I got my picks.

Anyway... just thought I'd tell you I'm learning. Slowy... yet steady! I have to admit it felt pretty dang rewarding when that thing popped open.

by **Chucklz** » 2 Mar 2006 23:44

I dont care if its a Cessna across the country.

My coffee addiction? I just needa minimum of a good double shot a day to "maintain".

by **geonap** » 2 Mar 2006 23:46

Chucklz wrote:I dont care if its a Cessna across the country.

My coffee addiction? I just needa minimum of a good double shot a day to "maintain".

I'll just set you up with a "Espresso IV" into your arm. :shock:

But... all that caffeine shaking may challenge your picking skills. Then again, maybe that "caffeine shaking" would turn you into a human "electric" lockpick! Heh heh!

by **Chucklz** » 2 Mar 2006 23:52

The sentry safe is usually a wafer lock, but still congrats on your pick. A word of caution though, the tension required for a wafer lock can sometimes be a great deal more than for a pin tumbler lock.

The "too much coffee" shaking is a very good technique to use with the Bogota style rakes.

by **geonap** » 2 Mar 2006 23:58

Chucklz wrote:The sentry safe is usually a wafer lock, but still congrats on your pick. A word of caution though, the tension required for a wafer lock can sometimes be a great deal more than for a pin tumbler lock.

The "too much coffee" shaking is a very good technique to use with the Bogota style rakes.

Cool... thanks for the tips. I have managed to pick my clear "see through" plastic five pin locks about a dozen times, so I have at least a "little" sense of the tension needed... it seemed about the same (as on the Sentry).

*geonap drinks coffee and works on his shaking / raking technique*

Newbie struggling... Would you like to be my "mentor&qu

Newbie struggling... Would you like to be my "mentor&qu

Swimming with flippers on...

Thank you!

Woo hoo!

Coffee IV

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