Help needed with first lock

[ThatGuy123]

Okay so I've tried picking my first lock with no avail and after a little looking around I've discovered that the lock may have security pins in (not 100% as the person didn't gut it). It's a 40mm £5 lock I bought from Wilkinsons (UK based store) and I was wondering if someone who has picked/gutted it could tell me if it's got security pins or I just fail at picking standard pins.

Link to the stores' Web page for the lock: http://www.wilko.com/security/wilko-lam ... vt/0069112

P. S. I would buy a cutaway lock (I think it's called that) where you can see the pins as you pick, for practice, but since I'm 15 I don't have a decent way to make money and since its Christmas soon I'm just getting one then.

[1mrchristopher]

No idea if it has security pins or not, though I kind of doubt it. How long have you been trying to pick? I would guess that you don't fail at it, you just haven't succeeded yet. How are you trying to pick this?

[ThatGuy123]

No idea if it has security pins or not, though I kind of doubt it. How long have you been trying to pick? I would guess that you don't fail at it, you just haven't succeeded yet. How are you trying to pick this?

I doubted it too since it was cheap but I read a forum post someone who picked it and they said it felt like there was 1 in there. As for time, I've been doing it off and on for a few days and the time probably adds up to a couple of hours but it may have something to do with my picks since they aren't the "best". As for how, I guess you mean like rocking and stuff, I'm just SPP'ing.

I guess what I'm going to do is put this lock away for now in terms of real attempts and wait until Christmas when I get a proper pick set and a cutaway lock so I can practice a bit, then I'll come back to it.

[billdeserthills]

There are two things you can do to make it easier to pick, first if you have a vise you can put the lock in it so the shackle is compressed, that takes some tension off the cylinder. Second you should spray a little lubricant into the keyhole, that should help a bit. The only way to take that padlock apart to "gut it" will be to grind off the 4 rivits holding the bottom plate on, so chances are you won't likely be finding out if it has security pins or not...

[1mrchristopher]

Yes I was trying to ascertain if you were SPPing or raking. Are you holding your lock in your hand while you pick, or is it in a vise so that both hands are free? Either works, but sometimes it is easier to get a feel for what's going on with the lock in a vise. Don't give up on it though. A cutaway is interesting, in that it lets you see what's happening, but it doesn't help you feel what's happening, that comes down to time with the pick in your hand. As has been mentioned in other threads, a spray of penetrating lubricant can often help with the picking process. When I was first learning to pick, I was going crazy with how unsuccessful I was, and the guy teaching me told me to try watching TV while I was picking so that I wasn't quite so focused on it. Popped open 20 minutes into a show! I guess the only way I can explain it is that you needn't overcommit your mind and body to the task. It takes what it takes, and putting more in won't get you there, it will just frustrate you.

[daniel22747]

Picking your first lock is often hard even if there are no security pins. Often having all regular pins can in a strange way make the lock harder to pick cause you often get poor feed back.

I recommend begginers go buy at least four cheap padlocks of diffrent brands and types. Some lock are just harder to open than others. If you are having trouble with one then try another.