first post! couple of questions on my first locks!

[Pitman]

Okay so I just built my own picks and got straight to work on pickin a couple padlocks. I have read for several hours on picking and I no the basics (I'm only 17 years old) and I was wanting to know a few things. First off I got a cheap chinese junk padlock and it upens with only setting the 1 and 4 key pins. You don't have to touch 2 and 3. Why is this?? Second off, I've got a master lock number 1 that I can't even get one pin to set. I've tried everythinf I've learned to no avail. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance


Pitman

[darklighterz7611]

First off I got a cheap chinese junk padlock and it upens with only setting the 1 and 4 key pins. You don't have to touch 2 and 3. Why is this?

You are most probably knocking pins 2 & 3 with the pick while picking pin 4. However check the key, as its cheap it may be made like that. (you need to look for really low grooves on the key where the 2nd & 3rd pins will be.)

I've got a master lock number 1 that I can't even get one pin to set. I've tried everythinf I've learned to no avail. Any suggestions?

Almost definately a tension problem. If you can use a rake/diamond etc to scrub the pins while slightly increasing then releasing the tension, eventually you will hear pins start to set. Then use this minimum amount of tension needed when picking.

Also if the lock has been used outside it may be full of crap and this is hindering you.

OR

you are setting the pins just not noticing it, then getting impatient and ruining your picking attempt. Keep calm and try to really feel everything thats going on in the lock.

If this is your problem you may have to buy a cheaper lock to refine your sensitivity a bit.

[Pitman]

This was an outdoor lock and it really old. Its been layin in the shop for years. I sprayed it with some wd-40 but its still real stiff

[Pitman]

Edit: just got it unlocked with raking...so I've moved on to a door knob lock just took it outta the package brand new. I've raked for about half an hour to open it to no avail. Are they especially hard for beginners?

[Schuyler]

Stop rakin'

The more you pick single pin with a hook, the better you will get. And quickly. In fact, the better you are picking single pin, the better you'll be raking, too. So, for now, put your rakes away, grab your hooks & diamonds, and get to work.

[Josh K]

Stop rakin'

The more you pick single pin with a hook, the better you will get. And quickly. In fact, the better you are picking single pin, the better you'll be raking, too. So, for now, put your rakes away, grab your hooks & diamonds, and get to work.

+1.

You'll find that raking works on some but not all locks. If you start with it you are going to have trouble later one.

It is, however, extremely effective on cheap locks.

[darklighterz7611]

Agree with the above comments, use raking (if you must) to set a few pins (or get a lock into false set if it has security pins) then spp ftw.

If you're lucky or have a really cheap/badly manufactured lock raking will probably be enough. but in my opinion is a waste of time if you want to get good at picking.