Learning to SPP on Master Locks?

[TheTranq]

Hey guys, I'm 18 and just started lock picking a couple weeks ago. I have some sparrows picks, and can rake padlocks and other easy locks open with ease. However, I want to start learning to SPP so I can actually take on harder locks. My question is: Is a Masterlock (number 3 for example) a good lock to start practicing single pin picking on? I ask because I know they have bad tolerances and can be hard to single pin pick...or should I actually get a higher end lock to practice on? I've been trying to SPP my Number 3 for a couple days with no result...thanks for the help.
-TheTranq

[Mighty]

That's one of the locks that most people start on, so I would stick with it- you'll get it eventually. Each time you take on a new lock, there can be a period where you can't get it at all. Then you'll get it a little faster, then a little faster and a little faster. Then it will be the easiest thing in the world. If you're really feeling stuck, you can cheat a bit and look at the bitting on the key, and see how high up each pin should be. You can also try another Master no 3 or a Master no 5 if you are feeling disheartened (you'll get a mega-boost when you get it open though).

Can I ask a few questions?

How much tension are you putting on the wrench? (should be gentle, until it gives a lot, then try hard tension to open it all the way)
How hard are you pushing up on each pin? (you want to push juuuuust hard enough to make the pin overcome the friction from your tensioning)
How stiff is the lock to open with a key?
Does the key have a lot of high-low-high-low cuts?

Keep at it! You'll get it!

[mseifert]

Other than getting a training lock that you can remove and install different pin combination .. Masters are the best place to start.. But with either option Practice Practice Practice.. Read and Watch Videos.. Right now you are just trying to get the "feel" of picking .. Moving to a "higher end" lock will only frustrate you and possibly cause you to give up.. Just my 2 cents

This video is a wealth of help to beginners ..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fI7Lx-73lU0

[Squelchtone]

I ask because I know they have bad tolerances and can be hard to single pin pick...

There's something to be said for this. and if you're already aware of this fact, then you might have your answer. Those cylinders can be so loosey goosey that even a $10 dollar Defiant or Mountain Security deadbolt with a KW1 keyway might be better way to go to learn SPP, especially since you can take those apart and remove some pin stacks, where you can't do that with a Master Lock No3 cylinder. As others said you can still learn it on the No 3 but I'd recommend just a slightly better cylinder, for better feedback.

Squelchtone

[TheTranq]

Mighty,
I'm using very light tension on it. As far as how hard I'm pushing up on the pins, I think that might be my problem. I've been kinda just pushing up hard if I feel a stiff pin...will need to start slowing down and feeling for it to actually set...thanks for the responses guys