Hello everyone, I have recently started lockpicking and I am curious about the last pin in a 4 pin tumbler. I have gotten the first 3 pins to correctly fall in place but the fourth (the one farthest back) does not have enough pressure to keep it down. I have reason to believe that the device i am using to put pressure on the pins does not put pressure on the last pin. does anyone know a better system to get the last pin to have pressure put on it? If you can let me know that would be great
What pick are you useing?
Are you 100% sure you have CORRECTLY set the first 3 pins?
What lock is it you are picking?
What are you useing for tensioning and how much tension are you putting on?
If it s a home made pick try and show a picture of it with the lock so we can better advise you.
I am using a home made pick, its just a long straight pick.
I am 100% sure that i have the pins correctly set.
I am not sure what the type of lock is, it is a "normal" door lock on my kitchen door that i am practicing on.
I am using another homemade piece of metal to put tenshion on the lock. It is basically in the shape of an "L" and i use the short leg of the L in the lock and pull on the long leg to create tenshion.
I take it your US based?
Does the key or lock faces say anything on the them?
It should actually be a 5 pin lock in which case you may find a farther back pin needs setting before the one you cant set, they dont set in order (or at least rarely do)
If your useing a straight pick you will get better luck if you make a hook pick or a dimound pick, a straight pick doesnt really have any merit in the scheme of things as reard cylinder locks i think thats why your struggleing.
Hmm... tensioning on either the top or the bottom of the keyway will make all the pins bind - I reckon your pick might be letting you down, as Shrub said.
Ok, ill try the hook at the end and see how that works out. Ive never really had to use a hooked peice befoore, i hope it all works out right. Thank you for your help.