Just got my first set and realized something...

[Slav]

I just figured, a lock is a lock

Well I picked my first lock last night.. damnnnnn str8! Pretty simple, just raked it and POP.. Master Lock No. 1, then I found this 'Ski Key' thing I have, to lock up my skiis in the little rack during winter time That was a joke to pick. Pin by pin there..

I still dont know what I'm listening for, what clicks are good, which ones are bad, I can't "feel" the lock.. oh well.

Looking for more easy locks

[Greyflex]

Hey, slav.

I am new, too. I think the foolproof way to learn is to take some of the pins out, then work your way up. You could pick almost any lock that way. Try that out. I would bet you learn faster that way, even using a bobby pin for a pick, than trying to pick a whole lock with a set of Southords.

Also, sounds like you have a problem feeling the pins. I find that I have that problem sometimes, and when I do, I always go back to my probe.
I read somewhere that probes are getting to be increasingly unpopular. I guess everyone is an expert, already. I find the probe gives me a much better feel for what is going on in the lock, and it is much quicker to hop between pins. The only downside to a probe is that is can't handle a tough hi-lo combination, and you can't rake with it.
Basically, a probe is a pick with no head on it.. it is just a flat stick with a rounded end. I prefer one that is curved, kinda like a Falle-deep curve pick, and I lever it at the keyway. My probe is my favorite pick... here is a picture. It is the curved one, second from the right.



http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b103/ ... 101001.jpg[/url][/url]

[Greyflex]

sorry, try this one

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b103/ ... 101001.jpg

[noorudeenshakur]

Hi there get yourself a lock and remove all the pins but one. you need to start there. You need to get the feel for how much tension to apply and when a pin sets. then move to 2 pins and so on youll have it down in no time

[Slav]

well i bought a $10 deadbolt 5 pin lock. So I'm gonna try this. I just want to somehow 'mount' this thing on a piece of wood or something! Holding it in my hand sucks.

Also, I have found a Master Lock No 1 at work with no key, gonna try this 2nite

Oh and I have one of these, brand new.. I found it at work too. I think I'm kidding myself here, but it's 6 pin! Hmm:
http://www.masterlock.com/cgi-bin/class ... s_id=C4911

[Slav]

well i picked the master lock no1 with ease, and i managed to pick the dead bolt i bought, which was neat. I still cant pick the 6 pin safety lockout master lock for the life of me

[Chrispy]

The coloured ones used for electrical work, etc.? They are incredibly easy to pick. You must have a nasty pin combo.