Newbie having trouble with practice lock.

[lancoff]

I purchased a cheap MasterLock #3 padlock (mostly because it was on sale) about a month ago to practice on. I was starting to get halfway decent at picking it when I began having trouble opening it. I began to think that maybe I was just getting lucky before and not really picking it. Then I noticed that when I use the key it takes quiet a few turns and jiggleing to unlock. I sprayed some oil in it but still no luck. I was wondering if anyone had any idea's on how to get the lock working again, or if I should just buy a new lock. I'd appreciate any ideas.

[Deathadder]

What probably happened is this, and dont worry it happens with a lot of new pickers. You probably were being a little bit heavy handed (especially if you were raking it) and most likely ground out a bit of the pins, so now they dont fit as well with the key in. Were your picks hand-made? If so you should probably polish them with some steel wool or something to reduce the effect of this. Also try using lighter tension. Lighter tension means you dont have to push as hard to move the pins. As for the lock, i would keep it around until it doesnt work at all, but i would definately go get a new practice lock as soon as you can.

[lancoff]

That makes sense. I did practice my raking technique on this lock, and I have notice bass scraping on my picks. I guess I'll buy a new lock and try to use a lighter touch. Hey, would it be better to buy a deadbolt style lock (like KwickSet maybe) to practice on? As oppossed to a padlock. Oh and I was using my purchased set of picks. I lost the ones I made and haven't had a chance to make anymore. Thanks for the advice.

[Grudge]

Hey, would it be better to buy a deadbolt style lock (like KwickSet maybe) to practice on? As oppossed to a padlock.

If you are bit heavy handed, buying a deadbolt might be a good idea. You will generally need to lighten WAY up on the tension wrench vs a padlock (since you don't have a spring to overcome) and then you can get a much better feel for the pins setting. Cheap Kwicksets are good starter deadbolts as are the 'Mountain' brand available at Walmart. Plus you can easy get into lock disassembly, repinning, etc.

[lancoff]

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to go buy a deadbolt tonight. I did find a use for the padlock. I used some of the guides here to make some padlock shims and have used the lock to try them out. They work pretty good. Thanks again Deathadder and Grudge.