Help Picking A Cheap Lock

[Blitzkrieg]

I recently bought myself a $1 motivational lock that has turned out to be frustrating than encouraging.

The lock has two pins, but after I pick them it still won't open. However if I reach my pick all the way to the back of the lock (further than the key can reach) there is what feels like another pin, that when pushed will pop the lock open regardless of any tension.

Furthur more if I just put my tension tool in the lock and swiftly twist it back and forth a couple times the lock will also pop open. It may be that the pins rattle themselves to a set position, but I don't understand how when I pick them it doesn't open.

I don't know if my beginer skills are just really bad, or if this lock is of a bizarre design but it frustrates the crap outta me! Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

[Renotesse]

sounds like the pins are there to annoy you!

you have admitted how to open it 2 ways... so whats the problem?!?

[marso]

The problem seems to be the fact he now has to buy a new lock.

[Grudge]

The 'pin' that you are feeling in the back is acutally the shackle release lever. Poor quality locks don't shield the lever so your can pop them open just by inserting any hard metal object. This is actually a form of bypass, not really picking.

I must say I have never seen a lock with just 2 pins, take a look at the key and see how many flat spots it has on it, that is how many pins it has (alternately you can insert the flat side of your pick all the way in, press all of the pins up and slowly withdraw it and count the click of the pins falling). Of course I have never seen a lock that would open with just a tension tool either.

You probably need to buy a better quality lock, I too have found the $1 locks can be made so poorly they don't really teach you much about picking a real lock. Don't go too expensive though, $3 to $5 at Walmart (like a Master #3 or a generic little brass padlock) is a great way to start.

Good luck and happy picking