My first time to pick a lock! (yeah!) and a few questions...

[keith_aquino]

Hi! I just picked my first lock! It was a filing cabinet. I was probably a wafer type. Right now, I'm trying to pick my door knob. I find it really hard to pick it. The brand name's "HAFELE"; have you heard of that? Since I can't find any lock pick here, I had to improvise. Right now, I'm using a paper clip and a small screw driver. The screw driver only worked for the filing cabinet; because, I couldn't open the door even when it was unlocked if I use the screw driver. I am using a small scissor as a pressure wrench for the door knob. I've managed to push some pins. The pins are at the lower side in the lock instead of the usual upper side. Are there better materials I can use to improvise? So far, I like the paper clip and the screw driver cause' it can fit in my wallet. My main question is "Is this brand to hard for a newbie?" I remembered alot of people recommending Kwiksets for newbies; which is easier, Kwiksets or wafers?

Thanks in advanced!

[sublime progie]

i would say that wafers are easier to pick than a kwickset. as far as suggesting things to improvise with, the paper clip is ok but i would try to find a new tension wrench. i made some from the metal lining in a collapsable hamper thing. just try to pick something that you can really control the tension. a common problem starting off is too much tension. i had the same thing. i know this isnt much help but maybe it will spark some ideas. anything that is pretty skinny, springy, metal will work i think.

[Shrub]

It will be down to what you can get i suppose but without stepping on toes i think you would be better off with a Kwickset for a couple of reasons,

You are better learning pin tumbler picking before you go to wafers as although some wafers like money boxes are incredably easy, others like some cars have complicated spit wafers and you can damage the lock if not done right,

A kwickset can be rekeyed easily and most importantly you can remove some of the pins so you are only picking a 2 pin lock for example, a wafer lock will be picked and then thats pretty much it, a kwickset will give you weeks of practice, when you can pick it with all 5 pins you pull it apart and swap the pins into differant chambers so now you have a differant lock, this teaches you picking, rekeying etc

A wafer lock and a pin tumber lock as you know are totally differant locks but i would suggest that if you ever see any type of lock at a good price, buy it and practice on it, the better you get the less damage you ill be doing to the locks, i pick locks and very little damage is done if any at all (you will allways get brass marks on your picks, this i class as doing some damage to the lock) its just practice, if you can afford get both locks and you will be able to learn 2 differant types of picking.

[sandbox]

kwickset, yah that was my first lock that I picked on my house. Kind of creepy knowing it could be done so easily. Fun too.

[triman247]

First off, you should be able to tell if it's a tumbler or a wafer by looking down the keyway. Round thngs are tumbler pins and flat things are wafers. The lock is just mounted upsidedown. No. Most wafers are easier than tumblers in my opinion. Last, I would say that it would be smart to try ordering some picks, but if you can't, make some. There is alot of good info. on both of theese options. All you need to do is search the valuable info on this site.

[cracksman]

First of all Congrats on your first pick! it is a great feeling. My best lock pick is a very small half diamond I made from a hacksaw blade, and I filed an allen wrench for a more than acceptable tension wrench (still find commercially bought spring steel wrench better) I would suggest that you order a small commericial set if you can, if not there is more than enough information on this site and the web in general to make your own. The main advantage of a commercial set is that you have the confidence that the specs are correct so you worry about the lock and not the tool. A paper clip and the opener of a soda can will open most inexpensive padlocks and deadbolts easily, but due to their inherent weakness to retain their shape (your pick especially-paper clip) you are extending the time needed to learn the skill. Also when I say you can open the lock simply and easily, I mean for a talented hobbiest or proffesional, for you and me it can be a real pain in the ass

[cracksman]

Lol, I'm of topic a bit Keith re-reading your question but I think your larger issue is how to improve and that is wha I was trying to address

[keith_aquino]

Lol, I'm of topic a bit Keith re-reading your question but I think your larger issue is how to improve and that is wha I was trying to address

You're right. I'm going to try to improve my skills. This could become something fruitful!

[keith_aquino]

THANKS guys for the tips!