Question...

by **seed** » 5 Oct 2006 4:01

I'm just really wondering how much percent of picking a lock is luck. I mean seriously...how can anybody tell when they've set any pin for a 5 pin lock...let alone even more than that. Do real locksmiths even pick locks?? I mean I'm sure they just have those lock guns or other special tools for it. Do they really pick any locks?? Can you even really pick a car door lock!??!

by **illusion** » 5 Oct 2006 4:25

It is a very small amount of luck. You can feel which pins are set, and you have full control of tension.

The phrase "I am a great believer inluck, I find the more I work, the more I have of it" Is really very relevant here.

by **Wrenchman** » 5 Oct 2006 6:21

seed wrote:I mean seriously...how can anybody tell when they've set any pin for a 5 pin lock

I am sorry man, :lol:

, when I first started I had me doubts, about lockpicking being possible, too

Welcome to the site, have you had your first lock yet?

PractisePractisePractise, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask!

Wrenchman

by **btierney** » 5 Oct 2006 9:52

how can anybody tell when they've set any pin for a 5 pin lock

Illusion is, of course, right. With practice you can feel each pin as it is set. Your tension wrench will also move almost imperceptibly.

Do real locksmiths even pick locks??

I am not a locksmith, but from what I have been reading it seems at least some real locksmiths do pick locks when required. If I required the services of a locksmith, I know I would prefer a "nondestructive" solution.

Can you even really pick a car door lock!??!

A car door lock can be picked. Questions concerning automobile locks are for the advanced section.

-Brian

by **UWSDWF** » 5 Oct 2006 9:56

we need a shaking head emoticon

by **Shrub** » 5 Oct 2006 10:00

I only pick locks,

Luck is somthing you get the newer you are, when you get practised the only luck you get in a lock is getting one that doesnt have a bad key biting,

You can feel when setting a lock and you can pick locks useing skill and not random rattleing,

Get your practise in and you will soon realise the answer to your question, a lot of locks simply dont work on the princible of being lucky they require long hard practise and pure skill to open,

by **Bud Wiser** » 5 Oct 2006 10:05

When your first starting out it's mostly luck! Then as you practice and learn more about the locks and picking, luck is replaced with skill

by **siivanti** » 6 Oct 2006 20:21

I guess it would be appropriate for me to respond here. I've been at it a month or so and i've gone through about 20 padlocks and 2 deadbolts(all the padlocks at home depot). My first 3-4 were "luck" i guess, although i had the right tension, my picking was random. Then on the 5th lock, masterlock #15 i believe, my "luck" ran out and i wasnt able to open this lock until i developed a certain feel. I literally stayed up all night in bed trying to pick it and feel around. I finnally got it while sitting on the toilet, and through the battle i gained some very important mental imaging and tension pressure and the feel of each pin setting and the slight turn of the socket when a pin sets. I'd go as far as to say luck isnt even envolved for the practiced pick artist.

-mike

by **5thcorps** » 6 Oct 2006 22:13

In my experience, luck has little to do with it. REAL lockpickers are not looking for luck but rather to develop the skill to manipulate the lock. When I pick a lock I've never opened before I'm not hoping to be lucky and open it. I'm hoping my skills come through and open it for me.

by **zeke79** » 6 Oct 2006 22:32

Agreed. Luck has little to do with it. There are cases where you shove a pick in and have only felt yourself set 3 of 5 or 6 pins and the lock opens mysteriously but those cases are far and few between. Your practice pays off in the field for locksmiths. Before I started doing any lockie work I was numb to the differences there are at the "bench" compared to in the field. Huge difference, and practice at the bench is the only thing that is going to help prepare you for situations you run into in the field.

by **5thcorps** » 6 Oct 2006 22:51

That's a good point Zeke. Picking a lock on a bench or in your hand is a lot different than out in the field. When someone is waiting on you (or even watching you) to get then in theor car or their home the pressure is on and also the work is much more difficult. Benchwork is pretty luxurious compared to out in the rain snow etc. and also crouching down to a door knob. When I first started I got good with picking locks in my hand or on a bench but then I rigged up makeshift "doors" to practice on as if I was out in the field. A lock I could pick in 20 seconds on the bench could take 2-3 minutes or longer in the field.

by **zeke79** » 6 Oct 2006 22:53

Exactly. A tough lock in the hand can be next to impossible at times in the field if the environment is not in your favor. If it is too hot or too cold, mosquitoes, a storm door in your way that you are fighting with, etc. All of those things are definately factors. Let alone people asking just what you are doing when you are trying to do it.

by **HeadHunterCEO** » 7 Oct 2006 0:27

you make your own luck

by **stilte** » 7 Oct 2006 1:33

Since we're using quotes...

Luck is preparation meeting opportunity. Or something like that.

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