How do you hold your locks?

[Stryypgya]

I tried searching for this, but I couldn't find a good search term.

How do you hold your locks while you're working on them? Currently I'm just holding the lock in my left hand, using my index finger to put torsion on the wrench. It's working fine, but it is uncomfortable after I've been practicing for 10 minutes. Thinking of working a lock for 15-20 minutes as I get into higher security makes my hand hurt just thinking about it.

I seem to remember reading about people attaching their practice locks to a door, or using a vise, or setting the lock into a piece of wood... Maybe using epoxy to stick it to the arm of the sofa?

So, I'm interested to find out. How do you hold your locks?

[mh]

in a Bernstein Spannfix
http://www.bernstein-werkzeuge.de/Spanngeraete.htm

They are the best

Cheers,
mh

[cryptocat]

One of two ways:

1) Install it in a stand built to hold the core in an approximately real-world orientation. The core fits in fairly snugly already, but I added a set-screw to hold it firmly.
2) Palm towards my face, pinch the upper half of the core with my thumb and forefinger. pinky finger resting lightly on the wrench. Since I'm looking at the keyway, I can kind of peek inside the lock

[Stryypgya]

in a Bernstein Spannfix
http://www.bernstein-werkzeuge.de/Spanngeraete.htm

They are the best

Cheers,
mh

Want.

I'm going to have to try to hunt down a US dealer for that now...

I also like the idea of a stand, cryptocat. Did you build it yourself?

Thanks for the input!

[l0ckp1cker]

Best way to show you is by showing my videos of me picking:

http://www.youtube.com/user/L0ckP1cker

I'm left handed, so this might or might not work for you.

Otherwise, take a look at all the other youtube videos of people picking locks, plenty of examples there

[Stryypgya]

Best way to show you is by showing my videos of me picking:

http://www.youtube.com/user/L0ckP1cker

I'm left handed, so this might or might not work for you.

Otherwise, take a look at all the other youtube videos of people picking locks, plenty of examples there

Okay. It looks like you're holding your locks the way that I'm holding mine. I haven't done any padlocks yet, but I have a feeling that will be easier on my hands. The only problem is that the rough sides of a cylinder bug the crap out of the soft flesh between my thumb and forefinger after a few minutes. (It may just be that I need to develop some callus there.) I think I may try the pinching hold that cryptocat talked about for plain cylinders.

[ToolyMcgee]

A bench vice with plastic covers for the jaws, a small table vise, spring clamps, c clamps, and padlocks. Sometimes I drop cylinders into the largest padlock they will fit in, but be wary if you do not have a key. I have locked myself out a few times that way. I have seen hobbiest's table vises that swivel and pivot modestly priced in your average home improvement store. My guess is they would work alright for light picking like cores, cylinders, and small/light padlocks, but leave the bigger stuff for a larger vice or in hand. Developing callus where the lock is rubbing your hand raw... think pianist, painter or other artist. Take good care of your hands. Remember Tom Berringer in the movie Sniper took sand paper to his hand to make his trigger finger more sensitive? That's only a good idea in the movies.

-Tooly

[hydruh]

in a Bernstein Spannfix
http://www.bernstein-werkzeuge.de/Spanngeraete.htm

Please someone tell me that site isn't in English so I don't have to throw out this beer.

S

[Stryypgya]

in a Bernstein Spannfix
http://www.bernstein-werkzeuge.de/Spanngeraete.htm

Please someone tell me that site isn't in English so I don't have to throw out this beer.

S

Depends on the beer... For a good stout, I'd take reading things in gibberish.

[freakparade3]

I like to hold them gently, offer them a little wine, and see where things go....... Wait, what forum am I on?.......... Crap, I got mixed up again.

[cryptocat]

I also like the idea of a stand, cryptocat. Did you build it yourself?

Yep. Took a 5/8" drill to a bit of scrap wood and bored a hole for the cylinder, and carved a slot for the tab housing the springs. I could probably make something similar out of meccano, but wood was what I had handy. I made a pins-up and a pins-down version.

[Stryypgya]

So. I got my first Masterlock padlock. Took all of 15 seconds to open... I'm suddenly unsure of using one of these on my locker when I go to the pool.

I tried using the pinching grip on the kwickset cylinder, and it helped immensely. The padlock works great using the "handlebar" type grip. I think I'm going to get one of those table mounted vises, and I may well build myself a stand, too... More toys = more better, right?

Thank you all for your input. I have been on other forums (on other topics) where people are just plain jerks, I had forgotten what it was like to share information with people who are actually helpful!

[Stryypgya]

Oh, I forgot to mention... It's a Masterlock #3 padlock, and I also picked my wife's #140 that she uses on the locker at the pool.

[l0ckp1cker]

Nice work on the picking!

[Slick Pick]

I use the PanaVise http://www.panavise.com/index.html?page ... kudatarq=6
It works great on every lock I have from mortise cylinders to big padlocks.
I bought a piece of 12” x 8” tile from Home Depot. The suction base sticks really well on there and works like a little “work bench” to lay your tools on.
I just sit it on my lay while watching television and pick away.
I got mine off eBay for a little cheaper then the list price.