Begginning Lockpicker, need help/advice

[ACrypticSmile]

Hey, I just got into lockpicking, go a pretty nice set with 10 picks, 2 extractors, and 4 tension wrenches. I have done some research, "borrowed" a huge padlock from a construction site and 2 practice doorknobs, I have a couple questions:
1.) I have read that a good way to teach yourself is to take apart a lock and reassemble it with only one pin, but I'm not sure how to do that, if anyone knows how to do that, that'd be alot of help.
2.) I know this a stupid question, but which way would you twist the tension wrench to unlock padlocks, door locks etc
3.) What are extractors used for
and any other thing you could tell a begginner would be a ton of help, thanks alot

[Varjeal]

Welcome to LP101, and I am your instructor. My name is Professor....oh, wait a minute...I'm not...oh well...

Anyways, here's some tips that will help you out:

1.) Read through these forums thoroughly. Many of the questions you have asked have been discussed in-depth.j

2.) Go to this link and read the guide thoroughly:

http://www.everything2.com/index.pl?nod ... ockpicking

3.) I'll need to know exactly what kind of lock it is that you intend on tearing part for practice in order to tell you how to disassemble it.

4.) Extractors are used to remove keys (and other miscellaneous objects) from the the plug of the lock. As lock as the piece inside of the lock isn't jammed in there too hard, an extractor will get it out without damaging the lock.

5.) My tips to beginners:

a.) Read
b.) Learn
c.) Practice
d.) Practice
e.)ask questions
f.) goto step a. and repeat.

If possible, be specific with your questions, as this makes it easier for good advice and tips to be given. If all else fails remember that pictures are your friends.

Thanks for joining LP101.

[G33k]

Excellent reply Varjeal!

But i must add something, dont be deceaved by "Huge" padlocks, i have a Yale padlock which is massive, but i thought i would give it a go, picked it in under 30 seconds, so thats my tip!

Enjoy

[Varjeal]

G33k: Good tip, and don't be fooled by small ones either...might be Medeco or Abloy high security....

[Bitter Man]

Are there any Medeco cylanders that don't use their super duper sidebar thingy?

[Varjeal]

Bitter Man: The sidebar in Medeco is a new thing. Their claim to fame has been the rotating and offset pins. Now to that they've added a sidebar with a Schlage Everest type groove side-milled on the blank...sheesh them guys are making it tough...

btw....you probably noticed, but there's now a NEW forum that's a better place for lock construction questions.

[Bitter Man]

Yea, at some point ill need to find a really detailed and labeled diagram of one of the higher security Medeco locks. Its just that since my lock picking addtiction, I've started to look at every single lock I can see. I was at the hospital today and saw some medeco locks built into an elevator control board and I thought theres no way an elevator needs that much security.

[Varjeal]

Bitter Man: They're probably using the Medeco locks in elevators more for key control than for pick resistance. Lots places tend to go overboard with that sort of stuff.

[mr.91]

hey i got somethin 2 add 2. don't be discuraged if u can't pick the lock this happend to me. i stoped picking 4 a month beacuse that and i locked my picks in a box and forgot were i hid the key

[Murph]

I just joined LP101.I'm into lockpicking as a hobby because I found it intriguing and challenging. I just made myself some picks: rake, short hook, long hook, full round, large and medium half diamonds. I have a Master Combination gym lock with the keyhole in the back. I sure could use some advice on how to get started.
Thanks!

[Romstar]

A blast from the past.

Sometimes it really is best to leave old posts alone.


Romstar

[jamesphilhulk2]

@ACrypticSmile: nine times out of ten the plug on padlocks turn to the right--->

[digital_blue]

@ACrypticSmile: nine times out of ten the plug on padlocks turn to the right--->

Um... I don't think ACrypticSmile is around here anymore. He made 2 posts sometime in October of 2003.



db

[Chrispy]

Baaaacckk from the deeeeaaadd..... *X-Files theme...*

[stick]

Twice revived... Someone remember to bring this back up a year from now!