picking technique: random tapping

[ooops]

My beginner-level problem:
I can't determine the state that the lock's in. After I think I've set the first pin (which I might or might not have actually done), my picking technique consists of pushing on other pins to find the next binding one, being unable to distinguish a binding pin vs. an unbinding pin that's a bit crunchy because the lock's dirty, and then making a guess, trying to set the pin, feeling (or imagining that I felt) the plug turn a little, and then being unable to tell with further probing which pins I've actually set, which are overset, which are binding, and which are just crunchy. This is complicated by my not being entirely confident that I'm actually pushing on exactly one pin at a time, as opposed to the pick tip slipping into the slot between two pins so that I'm actually pressing two pins at once. It's further complicated by my not being able to tell whether a click which I just felt was my current pin setting or another pin dropping.
So my picking devolves into what I'd call "discrete raking", which involves finding the first pin, pushing up on it slightly, moving the pick slightly further into the plug and pushing up slightly again, and repeat until I get to the back of the lock, then start over and do it again but this time pushing a little harder, etc, but sometimes changing the order depending on what I think is the probability that particular pins are binding. Occasionally I'll eventually get a totally unexpected surprise and the lock will open.
Naturally, I have no idea in which order the pins were set, and I might or might not successfully open that lock again after another several minutes (or half an hour) of trying.
I've opened several locks several times each this way, and I'm no closer to learning to do it right.
With a single pin or two pins in a lock, I can do it right, but typically when I get to three, and always when I get to four, I get lost.

I'm curious how many others have degenerated into this, basically random tapping on the pins, and how many are still stuck on this method.

More importantly, for those of you who have evolved beyond this, since you presumably know the state of the lock at all times: when you're ascertaining the state of the lock, how much do you depend on your knowledge of what you've done so far, and how much can you reliably determine just from the current feel of the pins? I.e. if somebody were to pick a lock halfway, and then invites you to come feel it, how reliably could you ascertain the state of the lock? (Assuming all the pins are plain cylinders.)

Next, if anybody can give a tip on reliably locating and pushing pins: after you've found all the pins, and you're in the process of picking, you no longer can rub the pick along the bottom of the pins and count the bumps to find the pins, because set (or binding and partially pushed up) pins will give hardly any resistance. So do you locate pins by dead reckoning, i.e. remembering exactly how far in to push the pick for each pin (which you can learn before you begin lifting any pins), or do you try to feel for the tiny weight of bottom pins which have no top pin pressing down?

Finally: when you lift a pin by pivoting on the bottom of the plug (or on a guard), the tip doesn't move vertically, but in an arc. Does this matter? Do you slightly push in the pick as you pivot, so that the tip moves vertically, or do you just pivot, and count on the slight arc being negligible?

[Romstar]

You can feel each pin as you gently move the pick in and out of the lock. It shouldn't cause the pins to lift if you are gentle.

To help you get started on where you are supposed to me, mark the blade of your pick.

Tay your pick along side a key. Make sure the tip of the hook or diamond is directly in the center of the first cut. Then, using a pencil or fine tip marker, mark each of the corresponding cuts at the dead center mark on your pick. You can also mark the shoulder with a heavier mark to check when you have the pick inserted all the way.

This will give you five marks on the key, if you reach the shoulder marking you have inserted the pick too far. You should always be able to see the last two marks, as the fourth mark you make indicates that the tip of your pick is under the furthest pin inside.

Good luck, and just practice feeling pins for a while.

Romstar

[xxgonzoxx]

First of all, you are not alone. I am new to this also and have gone through some if not all of your frustrations as well. One thing that helped me imensely is digital_blues beginners excercise. I did this witha kwikset at first and can now pick it with all 5 pins in a mater of seconds. I am working on the excerise now with a Schlage. I improvised on the excerise and moved the pins to different locations as well. In other words, i start with 2 pins in the 1st and 2nd positon. then move them to the 3rd and 4th or 2nd and 5th. just to learn the feel of the pins in different positions.

As far as finding the binding pins, I insert my pick and push the first pin up a little, if it's bouncy it's not the binding bin, then I go to the 2nd, 3rd, and work my way back. There is a definite difference in the sound of a pin under the tension of a spring and the sound of a pin setting. The later is more of a "tick" rather than a "snap" and you'll feel the plug turn ever so slightly. If you put your ear to the lock you can hear the difference, especially if you only have a couple of pins in it. Once the pin has "set" there is of course no tension from the spring. The bottom pin just moves differently once set. Again, much easier to "feel" this with only a couple fo pins in the lock.

Romstar has a really good idea...I have tried this and it's quite helpful in finding the pins.

[lockjaw]

If you remove the barrel from your cylinder, leaving the bottom pins in place and mount the barrel in a vice you will be able to:

Determine what a set pin feels like;

Develop a feel for the positions of each of the pin stacks;

Determine if your pin pressing is sufficiently precise -- you will see whether your pushing action is lifting the intended pin and possibly the preceding pins; and

Determine whether the arc of motion that you refer to matters in regard to your technique and the pick you use

I posted a guide earlier. I don't have much posts so you should be able to easily locate it.

[melvin2001]

lockjaw i believe when you say "barrel" you mean the plug... although barrel is a sufficient word, plug is in fact the correct term for the part which fits inside the housing and contains the bottom pins.

[maxxed]

Romstar

Why not create raised dimples that correspond with the marks you mention on the new picks that you are making? Just a thought.

[Romstar]

Romstar

Why not create raised dimples that correspond with the marks you mention on the new picks that you are making? Just a thought.

I had thought about that actually, but to be honest, the first response that came into my mind was that it wouldn't look professional.

I suppose I could do something like that if there was a call for it.

I think though that after a while, once a beginner has learned how to feel the pins that they may find the marks or the dimples distracting.

One of the things I have noticed is that every single company, with perhaps the exception of Peterson, sells full sets of picks without handles.

Personally, I have never really like non handled picks. Although, I am debating on whether or not to offer a set of plain, non handled picks.

Something simple, about four or five picks, a few tension tools and maybe the obligetory extractor. Maybe I could make that addition to a beginner set.

I'm always open to suggestions and requests. Thats how you expand your product line.

Romstar

[maxxed]

I think that it might be a good idea for, as you say, a beginner set. I guess the real test would be from reviews and actual demand for such a product, but I was just trying to be helpfull.

[Romstar]

I think that it might be a good idea for, as you say, a beginner set. I guess the real test would be from reviews and actual demand for such a product, but I was just trying to be helpfull.

You were very helpful.

You convinced me to make a few sets that way and see how the demand goes.

Never think that I don't appreciate your input, or anybody else's for that matter.

As you have seen, i will always state my particular thoughts on a topic, but that doesn't mean the situation is always static.

Anything else?

Thanks,
Romstar