pyramid learning

by **MaddHatterPYRO** » 2 Mar 2004 22:46

ive just started lockpicking and was wondering if the pyramid method (picking with one pin then adding more as you get it) is affective or if just starting out with all 5 pins is a better route

by **Chucklz** » 2 Mar 2004 22:59

I would say that this is among the best ways to learn. Take it very slowly though. Pick 1 pin about 50 times, try and find the minimum tension that works... you will be supprized how little is actually necessary. Do the same for 2 pins as well. With the 1 and 2 pin locks, attempt to visualize what is going on. Try and determine which pin binds first. Repeat these same exercieses as you work your way up. Keep increasing the number of times you pick the lock. IF you are an impatient person, say, only allow yourself to increase the number of pins on a monday or thursday or something like that. Stretch out the initial experimentation/learning process as deeply as you can. Try to see in your mind and feel through your fingers as much as possible. When you finally get to 5 pins, switch them around a bit as well.

by **plot** » 2 Mar 2004 23:00

i'd say both work just the same? advantage to adding one pin at a time, is you really get to know the insides of a lock.

good luck finding a rekeyable lock though that's easy to remove pins from. went on a search today for a No.21 master lock, with no lock :cry:

by **CitySpider** » 3 Mar 2004 0:08

I didn't start with adding one pin at a time, but if I was to do it all over again, I would.

Oh, and I have the feeling the quote you're going for (in your signature) is "I may disagree with what you have to say, but I shall defend, to the death, your right to say it." Voltaire. I don't believe Aristotle said anything close.

by **plot** » 3 Mar 2004 5:14

CitySpider wrote:I didn't start with adding one pin at a time, but if I was to do it all over again, I would.

Oh, and I have the feeling the quote you're going for (in your signature) is "I may disagree with what you have to say, but I shall defend, to the death, your right to say it." Voltaire. I don't believe Aristotle said anything close.

yea, was voltaire

by **MaddHatterPYRO** » 10 Mar 2004 21:04

thnx for the advice.
i have 2 locks where changing the pins is simple both of them are older and in the store i couldnt find any that where as easy to change.

by **Gyrine** » 11 Mar 2004 12:08

I read the forum daily but don't have much to add, seeing as I am on a learning curve from a newb start. Just wanted to comment that the advice from Chucklz and Spider, to start with one or two pins and work with them a few hundred times, was right on. Going back to two pins and using the hook and diamond (instead of my prefered pick, the snake) to really feel the pin movement has been an eye-opener. For one thing I am using less pressure and feeling movement different. I think that my previous success with locks may have been due more to the snake pick and luck than actual feel/skill.
Does anyone think that there a benefit to using the hook or diamond to practice over the snake?

by **Varjeal** » 11 Mar 2004 13:01

The benefit of using a hook or diamond pick over a rake to practice is that it makes it more difficult to "cheat" when you're practicing single-pin picking.

by **Gyrine** » 11 Mar 2004 13:20

Thanks Varjeal, that's what I am learning. What is your favorite profile for a hook? I am trying to visualize a hook long enough to get past a low pin and set a high pin, while still having enough room to manipulate in the plug. I have read many posts on this and just was wondering about your preference.

by **Varjeal** » 11 Mar 2004 16:43

Your idea is fully correct. As of this time I haven't been ambitious enough to really search for a pick like that, but I see Peterson has a couple that I would be interested in trying, and Falle does as well. I'm more inclined to buy from Peterson since it's a bit easier and more "local".

by **salzi684** » 11 Mar 2004 16:55

Gyrine, if you ever get the chance to try out a Deforest (think thats how its spelled) diamond-hook I would recomend it, of all the picks I have tried I think it has the best "reach".

Varjeal, I'm guessing you are talking about the peterson "reach". If that is the case I highly recomend it, it is truely a work of art. Allthough I think you have more access to pins that set high low high with the Deforest, the peterson "reach" is very good at transmiting feedback and is held high among my favored picks.

by **Varjeal** » 11 Mar 2004 17:01

Got a link to that DeForest?

by **n00by** » 11 Mar 2004 17:10

http://www.lockandsupply.com/catalog/ry ... 355322.htm

by **CitySpider** » 11 Mar 2004 19:18

I'll vouch for the DeForest, too. The blue one is my favorite pick. I increased the angle (I don't know geometric terms -- I bent the tip down a little) just a touch and found that it helped me out.

by **Gyrine** » 12 Mar 2004 8:49

Thanks to the advice from n00by and salzi I am ready to try this Master #3 that has been giving me problems. According to the key profile the #4 is higher than the #3.
The good news is that I have a pick similar to the Deforest you mentioned. I purchased the 6 pc slide tool from Lockpicktools.com after reading about it in this forum. One of the picks on the set has a similar profile as the pick illustrated in the link n00by supplied.....can't wait to try it tonight!

pyramid learning

pyramid learning

thnx

Good advice

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