Picked my first lock today! Wooohoo!

[SBDeadly]

I purchased a Helping Hands tumbler lock which was obviously a crappy lock. I had a hard enough time opening it with the key never mind picking it. So I bought a Brinks 102 tumbler. I had it picked within 10 minutes! then I picked it again in 5.
something worth doing while in a conference call at work =)

It seems like most of the pins are pretty easy to get down except for the 3rd pin. That one requires a little futzing with.

My pick set is one of those key chain picks. I wasn't too sure how well it would work, but it works just fine. I still can't get the rake to work but I think I'd rather pick anyways.

[Kaotik]

Welcome and good choice with wanting to pick by SPP, it is more interesting and gratifying when opening a lock in this fashion.

The keychain lock picker is not really recommended for beginner use, but at least it open the lock. Try purchasing a few standard pick from SO or like, they don't cost that much when baught seperately, just don't forget a couple of different tension tools aswell.

Cheers

[kodierer]

Good Job!!!

[Bud Wiser]

Congrads! Great feeling when it pops open! I have about 3 or 4 Helping Hands around here. I broke one of them I picked it so much. The others are fine. Believe me there is worse out there!

I agree get a normal pick set or at least a few real picks. Jack Knife pick sets are fun but you are limited to the number of locks you can pick with them and you also loose a lot of "pick feel" with them. You'll notice a big differnce with a normal pick or even ones you make.

[MRPIT]

ME TO LAST NIGHT PICKED MY FIRST LOCK

[kodierer]

ME TO LAST NIGHT PICKED MY FIRST LOCK

Thanks for letting us know. Congratulations. Its a great hobby to get into. However you'll find that using complete sentences will get you better feedback around here.

"ME TO LAST NIGHT PICKED MY FIRST LOCK"=="I picked my first lock recently as well. I did it last night."

Even "Me too, last night I picked my first lock" would be more openly apprecitated. Sorry to be the grammar jerk, but someone else would've said something else if I hadn't.

[SBDeadly]

sounds like I should get a regular pick set to practice with. does anyone have any suggestions? I've seen a lot of different sets for sell on line. I suppose for a beginner it doesn't matter so much, but I'll take whatever will make learning easier.

[upick2]

Just get something small to start like the 11 or 14 piece SouthOrd. That'll hold you for quite a while. You can always upgrade later when funds and desire allow. I have made a few and plan to make more, but started with a small SO set so I could hold a "real" pick in my hand first.

[raimundo]

Or you could just make em yourself, not hard to do at all, a few files, the right metal stock, and some sanding sticks.

[kodierer]

I probably post this everyday, but I feel like its worth it, if it helps anyone. Don't buy any big sets. You'll find after doing a little raking that its really not all that great, and beyond a feeler, and a half diamond pick/rake everything else is just a rake.
So get a half diamond, a feeler, and a twist flex tension wrench, and you'll be happy. I prefere stainless steel handles for better feedback, durability, and comfort. Definately comfort.
A small 8 piece slimline from southord is also a great buy. I have the c801, and I like it a lot. If you get the slimline you won't need anything else.