Why can I rake but can't pick?

[jonaf]

First post here, hello to everyone. I've always been interested in the techniques of the art of bypassing, so recently I've become so interested in lock picking. I used to always think of it as something the CIA would use; however, the more I research, the more I find out how much normal people practice it, and that is pretty inspiring.

I recently bought a padlock as my first puzzle. It is the exact same one as the one in this thread. I've tried picking it for about half an hour without any success. Then I remember reading a hint somewhere that padlocks need more torque because the cylinder is spring-loaded so that after it is unlocked, it returns to the original position. So I tried a lot more torque, and I got it within 20 seconds! This was with individual pin-picking.

I was so happy that I went to home depot and bought some cheap locks to practice on (total came out to about $30).

The problem is that now, I have not been able to pick any of these locks (including the first) at all using individual pin-picking. However, utilizing raking, I have successfully gotten through all the locks in less than 10 seconds (each). With raking I feel the only thing I'm practicing is the amount of torque I apply to it after pins aren't getting set.

Raking seems too easy and is not that much of a challenge to me....which is what I want: a challenge.

What am I missing with individual pin-picking? What is the number one error most noobies make when they first start? Granted I've only had less than 3 days experience and this post is probably premature, but after that first lock I got through, I'm hooked!

I am currently going through all the threads trying to 'pick' out the wealth of information contained on the site.

[jonaf]

Also, I failed to mention that the picking set I'm using is this one:

http://defensedevices.com/jacknife-pick ... eight.html

The newest in our line of lock picks, is our fiberglass/polymer handle Jackknife Lock Pick Set. The JPS-6F features four picks, a broken key extractor, and tension tool, all housed within a compact pocket/keyring handle. Actual size 3 1/2" long and 1/4" thick. Very lightweight weighing less than an ounce. Instructions are included.

[Jason13]

I seem to get success with 50/50 Raking and pin picking.

[Wolfman]

jonaf, raking is more about luck then feel of the lock. I've read that the pick set you bought isent too good for trasmiting the small vibrations from the lock.

If you are realy looking for a chalenge, pick a regular lock. Start off with a kwikset or something cheap. They are harder than cheap padlocks.

Have fun

[jonaf]

I actually wanted to purchase a regular lock (as in a typical door lock, correct?), however all of them came with all the extra baggage to attach it to a real door & were like $25+.

But if a padlock is cheap & easier than a regular lock, I should have no problem, correct? Thing is, I'm having problems

About the set I have, not sure what you mean by 'transmitting small vibrations from the lock'...obviously it's a bad thing, but what exactly does it mean? I originally bought it because it looked small & I could throw it on my keychain. I really don't know what makes a set good or bad.

[mh]

What you want to feel is when a pin has set; you push it, and a a certain level it will stop a little bit, and at the same time, the tension wrench will move a little bit.
Now this is all just a very -little bit-, and that's why you want tools that transmit this feedback to your hand. If believe that if you fasten the screw on your jacknife tool, it will actually do that.

However - feeling when pins set, is something that really requires lots of practice and hence patience. I'm in a similar situation like you - raking often works, but picking pin-by-pin - rather seldom.
I suggest removing some pins from a practice lock, as described in quite a few threads here, just try searching for "practice"...

Cheers,
mh

[Wolfman]

I actually wanted to purchase a regular lock (as in a typical door lock, correct?), however all of them came with all the extra baggage to attach it to a real door & were like $25+.

Yes Jonaf, I was refering to a typical door lock. You might be able to buy one off of someone here relatively cheap.

But if a padlock is cheap & easier than a regular lock, I should have no problem, correct?

Like you said, they are cheap. Like all cheap things, it is hard to do presision work with it, therefore, it is hard to pin by pin pick.

In general, padlocks are made to a lower standard and have a different feel than door locks. That is why I was saying you should get a door lock.
In time you shall be able to pin by pin pick cheap padlocks, but A Door lock would be better for you to practice pin by pin picking on untill you get a good feel for it. Another reason to buy the regular door lock is because you can remove the pin stacks, like "mh" Mentioned

Thing is, I'm having problems

About the set I have, not sure what you mean by 'transmitting small vibrations from the lock'...obviously it's a bad thing, but what exactly does it mean?

Ok, When one picks a lock, one can feel each pin reach the shear line, or if it is a spool, and gain other information of that nature. It causes a distinct vibration to travel through ones pick and into ones hand, allowing one to "feel" whats happinging in the lock. I have read The jackknife set you bought dosent carry the vibrations as well as a set of regular picks. (you want it too carry the little vibrations)

This could make it a bit harder to learn, but I'm sure you'll figure somethin out, If not, I'll buy the set from ya.

I originally bought it because it looked small & I could throw it on my keychain.

This is alot like a swiss army knife. You're stuck somewhere and need a screw driver so you get out the swiss army knife and use it. Doesent work quite as easily as a regular screw driver, but you get the job done.

Get what I'm sayin'?

I really don't know what makes a set good or bad.

You should have come here, BEFORE you bought the picks and asked us, or used your search-fu skills. But dont worry, whats done is done.

[Bahrg]

I just have to recommend this

viewtopic.php?t=10677&highlight=guide

[solidforce]

I am in the same situation as you.

I have only been picking for about a month now, and can rake a ton of locks. Raking is fast and easy but I want to learn how to single pin pick. I think I am learning some bad habits by self teaching myself and need some direction. I have read so much on this site, have watched all the hack the planet videos and the Ollam video (my favorite).

I am going to make a new thread (hopefully i dont get too many do a search you n00bsicle bastard! replies) about pictures on how to hold the pick and tension.

-SF