by prmirage » 9 Jan 2006 20:37
Guess I'll add my .5 cents worth...
I learned to pick in three ways:
1. Somebody showed me the basic mechanics and parts of a lock. Their technique was raking like a mad man until the cylinder turned.
2. After I gratefully accepted their tutorage I began my secondary lesson. Having come from the IT industry, I knew that almost anything can be learned off the internet. So I Googled my way here to the illustrious lockpicking101.com forum and spent HOURS reading about picking and various techniques. Downloaded some instructional PDF’s and read some more.
3. Bought several different types of locks and practiced until my fingers were callused on all sides. There are still some locks I just have a heck of a time with and others that I walk up to and 30 seconds later I’m in.
In the beginning, it would take me forever as I was learning technique at home and in the field under the watchful eye of the “ever patient†homeowner. I was badgered by my “mentors†and the company I worked for to purchase a pick gun but I was resolute in my conviction to learn the proper way first. The most valuable lesson I learned on 101 is that KNOWING your lock is half of picking it. Learn the feel of it and the rest will come.
I do own a pick gun now and use it in conjunction with the “old school†way. Mostly for the speed of it; so you could say I sold out but with the price of gas these days 6 lock outs is better than 2.
And now, almost 8 months later I still have much to learn but have migrated more into the access control aspect of the industry. It seems there’s a lot of money to be made with AC Panel installation and electric locks and cameras and such. My IT days are coming back to haunt me but with a little twist.
Well, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it…Congrats on your picking and keep up the good work.
prmirage
Be the lock...
"SCHOOL"""
Snibs are good enough 
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