bad luck locks

[Alucard_00]

I just recently bought 2 locks, one's a brinks 3-pin padlock, and the other is a masterlock 3-pin.

the good/bad news is, they both have virtually the same configuration.

the bad/bad news is, I can't quite pick them.

the worst part is that it's because I can't reach the last pin.

They are set up with the 1st pin needing to be depressed mid-length, the second not very far at all, and the last on needs to be set extremely deep. any advice as to what picks to use is appreciated.

I have tried 2 hooks and a half-diamond (all homemade and the hooks are at different angles)

oh yeah, anyone else ever have such horrendous luck like this?

just a side question.

[CaptHook]

Hook pick. Since you are using homemade tools, maybe you didnt make your hook quite long enough, you can remedy this by putting a bit more arc in the bend with a pair of needle nose pliers (just be careful to not twist it).
Generally speaking there should be 4 pins in most of the "regular" padlocks you will find.
Keep working with your hook, you may find you need partially overset a pin, and the release it with some careful wrench work.
Chuck

[TOWCH]

Try binding the front two pins by using more tension while inserting a shallow hook. Once the hook is past the front two pins you can go back to normal tension and resume picking.