Reverse Picking

[Exodus5000]

This is by no means a new topic, but I've been playing around with it and thought a little discussion might be fun.

I never really bothered messing with this technique before, but I found it's actually quite effective. This method I find works extremely well on Kwiksets and Schlages, and also defeats security driver pins without having to pick them the normal way.

Start by lifting the pins as high as you can with the flat end of a pick, hold them there while inserting a tension wrench and applying "too much" tension so that they all hold in place far above the shear line. Then start to relax the tension on your wrench and when you hear the majority of the pins fall back down, *click*, re-apply a "standard picking" amount of tension.

What I find happens is most of the key pins fall back down while most of the driver pins remain above the shear line. All it usually takes is a stroke or two of a hook or rake after this to set one or two pins that may have completely fallen back down. Basicaly it's a nice way to speed up the raking process if you dont feel like single pin picking it.

Give it a shot, see what kind of results you get, post them in this thread if you get a chance.

[skold]

I have been messing around with that method for a long time..very quick and effective unless a pin stays binded.

[Gear Head]

That's kind of how I used to pick before finding this site.

[Aqua]

This works amazingly well on the typical, 5 or 6 pin tumbler, european style Gerda locks (the main firm producing locks in Poland).

Actually, i can open one of my 5 pin-tumblers with a hook pick...upside down, using this method! I use home-brewed hooks that have a little angle on all their lenght (similar to the half-ball pick in Auto45 s' signature), and simply sliding this pick into the lock does the job. It's scary, how easy those locks can be picked, as this is the most common 'security' measure on every door around here (Well, actually dimple locks are becoming more and more popular nowadays).

[linty]

i resort to this too usually when i'm getting frustrated and usually it does a good job of setting at least half the pins

[Chrispy]

Oversetting is indeed a very effective picking method.

[raimundo]

Its also considered to be a good method against spool pins which are always top pins. I usually consider it plan B, the effectiveness probably changes from one brand of lock to another. How is it working on schlage cylinders, they usually have a pretty good finish on the machined surfaces.

[kodierer]

I can rarely make this method work. It just doesn't have a precise feel to it. Perhaps I should practice it more. This method to me seems less precise than raking.

[Knows-Picker]

I learned this tech. when I order the video Lockpicking for the new Milenium....It showed me a few new things....some bypass....and most importantly was reverse picking....I had never tried it before and there was a few locks that through out the years I would either get them, or I wouldn't...no consistency....Mostly the expensive brass master padlocks..But ever since I learned this I can get them all every time...I highly recomend it....I actually do it a little different though....I lift all the pins all the way up and apply too much pressure then as I rake the pick in and out maybe 1/2" at a time I let the pins down...that usually does it alot faster....its like raking them as they are falling, does that make sense?....Good topic, more should read.

[dwkbb]

I tried reverse picking after reading earlier posts in this thread and I was surprised at how well it worked. I have tried it on only a few locks so far and plan to try Knows Picker's variation. Thinking about how reverse picking works further helps in visualizing what is happening inside the lock as you are manipulating it.

[lockstocknbarrel]

Overpicking I like the theory will give this some serious attempts over the next days or so.
Never thought of it before
DUH......

[EGOOT247]

I feel stupid...
I feel really stupid...

I have never tried it before...
Some things I have read refered to it, but I just assumed they meant relocking it or something...

I learn something new every day. .

[SS454]

Well, I've tried it. No success so far. Probably just need practice. I did notice that you can pick a few of 'em just trying to get all the pins stuck above the shear line though.