Lockpicking Technique

[wave_of_mutilation]

Hey guys,

While I have had some success in lockpicking prior to joining this forum, my progression in skill is constantly hampered by my inability to grasp 'the proper hold' concept... that is, at least, when attempting mounted locks. I am fine with the proper hold of padlocks (which is what I tend to practice on most of the time).

Since I am right-handed, I find myself better able to feel/apply tension with my left hand and pick with my right. However, whenever I try picking mounted locks, I find myself in an awkward position trying to pick the same as I would a padlock. So I tend to use my right hand to apply tension and my left to pick.
The thing is, when I do this I can't properly feel what is going on inside the lock, which often results in me jiggling my pick around and hoping for the best (which is usually to no avail )

Woould anyone be able to offer any advice on this problem?

Thanks a bunch

[LocksmithArmy]

Im not sure what hold you ae talking about... proper?

but if you know you are going to be picking with your non dominant hand... practice with it, so when you must use it you will know how tofeel with it better...

I hold my picks with my thumb and middle finger, and my fore finger is on the shaft touching the lock face... for feedback.
the pick comes back like a pencil

hope this helps

[something_clever]

Being a lefty and the fact that everything is designed backwards (to me) had made me pretty good at doing things that seem awkward at first. The way I would do it if I were you would be to make sure that the picking hand is as comfortable as possible and then reaching under that hand or over the lock (I think under would be better, but you'll have to experiment) to apply torsion. You could also try variations on torsion from the top of the keyway, picking backwards and using a plug-spinner, etc. until you find what works for you.

If you can't seem to get comfortable doing that (give it some time) try LocksmithArmy's idea and learn to be an ambidextrous picker. That will be much harder though, at least for most people. If you do decide to go this route try doing everything that takes dexterity with your left hand. Eating, writing, etc. The more stuff that you do with it the easier learning to pick with it will be. Try rigging up a sling or something and pretending you broke your arm for a few hours at a time... You'll get more results this way instead of the frustration of trying to learn one thing.

One more idea... A weighted torsion wrench for one-handed picking.

[wave_of_mutilation]

Thanks a lot guys

[raimundo]

about reaching under to apply tension, if this is a common occurance, I would recommend that you design a tensor that has a lever that bends around and meets your hand at least halfway, it won't fit flat in a leather case, but if your a working locksmith, it can be in the toolbox. There is no reason that the tensor must have a straight handle if you are doing contortions to use it.

if your bend is sharp and near the blade, this will not affect the tension much at all, but if the bend is a long loopy thing, part of the tension will go into bowing it. That will reduce feel that you get through the tensor.

[something_clever]

I wondered about something similar to that after I posted, but I thought there would be too much flex... Now I kind of want one even though I haven't ran into this situation yet. Thanks Raimundo.