Locksport Speed Picking and suchlike.

[Varjeal]

Well...as many of you are aware testing is now available in regards to a standard for pin tumbler locks.

In that regards, and after a session of speed picking, I'd like to start a discussion on the process, thoughts, and exercises, that goe into speed picking competition.

Having three different (experienced, mind you) personality's at the meeting really reflected the different attitudes and processes that went into the competition.

These are listed in no particular order:

#1: Experienced Hacker mentality. The experienced hacker mentality basically seemed to state that regardless of the perceived ease or difficulty, the lock is going to open, and likely fast. Watching this person's technique seemed to be like watching someone with expectation that the lock would either open under skill or suprise. This confidence twindled astronomically after the 3min mark. Technique and tools weren't adjusted severely for the length of time.

#2. Experienced Locksmith mentality. This mentality seemed to state that the perceived difficulty DOES matter, and that the lock will open eventually...maybe fast, maybe slow, but it would open...likely...This confidence dies after 5min or when extreme heckling begins, whichever comes first. Technique and tools change rapidly after 3min mark.

#3. Experienced nOOb. This mentality was quite a persistent one. It didn't matter that #1 or #2 couldn't do it, they were going to open that lock, even if it took 6:59.59. Though confidence was questionable, perseverance wasn't. Technique and tools adjusted throughout the course of the test.

Regardless of the personality, having that ticking clock staring you in the face made a difference to one degree or another. In the case of #2, it had a dramatic affect.

In all cases, I've found that it does indeed pay to practice before hand, though not on similar locks as to what are found in the kit. Alternating confidence locks with "unknowns" helps to build the finger sensitivity and technique. When testing or competing with pin tumbler locks, practice with pin tumbler locks.

Now that you've read my rant (or scanned through it) feel free to add or share your experiences and thoughts on the subject.

[Shrub]

My only thoughts are i would be a mix of all 3

I would love to have a go at competetion as long as it wasnt on mortice locks against Pinky, Al, Chris B etc etc

I plan to get some of the locks you are useing and key them with the same macs so i can post times for interest sake on here,

My problem on a door is that after the first min i start sweating and my mind starts ruuning through all the alternitive possabilitys, i would hate to think what sat at a clock with people around me that are better than me at picking, i would imagine you could start a fire off my face

[digital_blue]

I just can't wait to get my hands on this test kit. (Well, actually, it's sitting right in front of me, but I can't wait to be "allowed" to pick it.. Saturday night).

I have looked over the list of locks, and I would normally think that the first 5 would be no problem. They are all locks that I would consider to be within my comfort area. Then, just as I get all full of confidence I go and look at the rankings page on the LSI website. I start to wonder just how much difference that pressure is going to make. Either way, I'll be glad to finally have a way to judge my skills against others. And the way I see it, even if I do poorly, it'll only give me more opportunity to show marked improvement next time I get to test.

As for my own approach to speed picking, it's true that it is different than when I am just sitting around picking locks for fun. When going for time, I tend to take the approach that if my current method of attack is not working in the first couple minutes, I'd better change gears and move on to some other tool or technique. I have all the tools I'm apt to use for the lock I'm working on spread out in front of me for quick access. I'll usually do a couple very quick rakes just looking for the fluke hit (rakes useing whatever hook I've chosen to start with) and then start feeling out the pins to see what gives (or more importantly, what doesn't ). If, after a couple minutes I'm having no luck with the hook, I might opt for a different hook, or more likely, out come the Bogotas. If I haven't opened the lock with the bogota rake in a minute of trying, I conclude that I won't be opening the lock with a bogota. Then it's back the the hooks while small tears form in the corners of my eyes.

I intend to use this strategy pretty much exactly for this test. The only thing I may vary is to start with a rake tool of some sort for the first two levels, simply because they are easy locks that I think will rake open PDQ and it'll make for better times. As for the KIK cylinders, I expect that Varj will have used every micron of the MACS specified in the rules for the kit, so I'm apt to start with one of the deeper progressive curve picks than I would usually reach for first.

So, that's my strategy. Now we'll all have to wait until Saturday to see how it worked. I'm expecting to get some video clips as well from the meeting. I'll be sure to have the camera running while I'm opening up the as-yet undefeated Level 3 lock.

db

[Shrub]

Ok ive not fully swatted up on the whole thing yet but i take it bumping is disallowed?

[digital_blue]

Yes, in the case of the LSI Test Kit bumping, or using any form of key is disallowed.

db

[Shrub]

Thjought so,

[digital_blue]

Well, in all fairness the test is designed to establish a members picking skill.

db

[devildog]

Might I suggest some additions for the future:

Bumping competitions--it seems that this was NOT the simple quick-and-easy thing we thought it was, as apparently it requires a good bit of skill considering the amount of frustration (mine included) we've seen recently from people trying to bump locks and not having much luck.

Impressioning THIS is something that I don't think there will be any argument over the fact that it is something requiring very skilled hands to perform properly

Decoding--kinda murky difference between this and impressioning, but it might be worth a shot, especially if someone can come up with some Falle-Safe kit. AND it might result in there being other ways to obtain decoders than Mr. Falle (some people can experiement and maybe come up with some DIY gear, especially if someone has some Falle-Safe stuff to work off of)

And then of course you can apply all of the above to other various types of locks besides pin-tumblers: lever (esp. for decoding), dimple, laser-track (how cool would you be if YOU came up with a way to bypass a 3KS??), rotating-disc, etc.

THEN we could start playing with combo locks, and it goes on and on!

Oh what fun we can have!!

[digital_blue]

All great ideas devildog. In particular, the idea of tests for bumping and impressioning were thoughts I'd also had, but we have not discussed the matter as of yet. Leave it with us, as I think it's a great idea!

db