Wrong Tools???

[spaceball1]

Hi,

I spent several hours yesterday and today trying to pick my first lock. I got a Master Lock NO.3. I have had no success. I got a set of Bogota Flat Picks and I am wondering if the issue may be that I am over setting pin 1 or 2 trying to set 3 and 4. The lock has a smaller then standard key and I was wondering if maybe I need a pick with a taller hook. I can also tell you when I release tension on the wrench very slowly I can consistently here tick, tick, tick as 3 of the pins release.

Thanks

[GWiens2001]

Probably the right tools. If it is your first lock, it takes a little practice.

Gordon

[cheerIO]

If you are just learning to pick I would suggest a tension wrench and a short hook.

"picking" with a Bogota is just jiggling a tool in the keyway. Not saying raking isn't a part of picking, it's the first thing I try on any lock. But there is not much to learn there.

When using the rake, be sure to change the angle of your pick as you jiggle. Sometimes be flat front to back. Sometimes angle it so you lift the front pins more. Sometimes angle to get the back ones. Lift it vertically in different places. Vary the durations between your resets. You are just playing a game of statistics.

It is possible that you are oversetting pins. I have about 5 different profiles of Bogotas and sometimes one works when another didn't. But, then again, if the bitting is too extreme from one pin to another, you may not be able to use a rake ever.

You can theoretically open any standard pin tumbler lock with a hook and a wrench.
But in my experience, I can only open about about 2/3rds of cheap padlocks with a rake. I even have a couple Master 3's that won't rake open.

[Tygart]

I agree! The hook is the best one to start out with, and is usually my first choice.

[GWiens2001]

The hook is certainly the best choice for a first pick. Just wanted to mention above that the Bogota is not a 'bad choice' as a go-to pick. A Bogota is typically my first choice when I want to open a lock quickly. If it does not open quickly, I finish it off with a hook or half-diamond.

Gordon

[Hachronn]

The hook is certainly the best choice for a first pick. Just wanted to mention above that the Bogota is not a 'bad choice' as a go-to pick. A Bogota is typically my first choice when I want to open a lock quickly. If it does not open quickly, I finish it off with a hook or half-diamond.

Gordon

+1 to that... What I would also add is that, IMHO, the value of becoming proficient with our friend the hook before moving onto something like a Bogota shouldn't be underestimated. While I've grown to love my Bogota set, there are times when thinking about what is happening inside the lock has proven invaluable to my success with my Bogota.

[Smrtz]

+1 to that... What I would also add is that, IMHO, the value of becoming proficient with our friend the hook before moving onto something like a Bogota shouldn't be underestimated. While I've grown to love my Bogota set, there are times when thinking about what is happening inside the lock has proven invaluable to my success with my Bogota.

Exactly, back when I started picking I was just jamming stuff into the lock and hoping it would open. Watching .gifs of how locks work, and actually dissembling mine has helped exponentially.