Lock Damage?

[integral]

Hey, I am new to the lockpicking world, and have been learning as much as I can from this awesome site. I have read in the FAQ that it is possible to damage your lock after you pick if you apply too much torque and such. I was wondering, I have picked this lock about 3 times (a 5-pin) and each time after that it has become increasingly easier. I am not using alot of torque, but when I cannot feel a pin bind, I add a tad more. When I push down a pin, it gives a small clean click nothing hardcore scraping inside. I was wondering if I had damaged the lock in anyway, because I can pick it in less than 30 seconds and I am by no means that skilled.

[cjames73]

it sounds like your just getting used to that particular lock.
if your still picking the five pins then there's nothing wrong with the lock.

[Afisch]

This happened with me and my yale padlock, i presumed it now opened so quickly i must have jammed a pin or two above the shear line but i checked it out and i'd simply got to know the pin hights and tension. Your lock is most likely fine, probably worth taking pins out, checking them and repinning in a new order for a fresh chalenge.

[raimundo]

sand the sharp edges off your picks, that will limit damage that may come from rough tools.

[integral]

My pick is actually quite pointed...I'm using a hook pick I made from a hacksaw blade, and I made the tip into a point. Should the pick be more rounded to prevent damage?

[jordyh]

Shape it however you find it usefull.
However, if you want to lessen the wear on the locks you practice on, sand the rough edges of your picks.

Even picks as prominent as Falles need sanding, sharp and rough edges are the real killers.

[Raccoon]

My pick is actually quite pointed...I'm using a hook pick I made from a hacksaw blade, and I made the tip into a point. Should the pick be more rounded to prevent damage?

While having a pointed pick is strictly up to your taste, and in no way reflects on the tool's effectiveness, it's all in the way you use the pick.

As mentioned above; if you press a pick up into the pin chambers, forcing the pins deeper than a key-blank would raise them, then you will over compress and weaken the springs in those chambers. This will result in sluggish "jiggling" movement of the pins, because they are not pushed down with as much force as originally designed and may get stuck on their way down.

A very pointy pick will allow this to happen than a blunt point pick, but that shouldn't discourage you from using the tool. Rather, be more careful with how far you push the pins up, remembering that they should never go higher than a key-blank would push them. In fact, a pointy pick may give you better feedback as to the location of the pins, because you can feel the edges and tips of the pins more easily. Just don't push too high.

[futurelocksmith90]

i think that it seems to go smoother for me when i use a more rounded pick but it is all up to you