damaging locks

[eduddude]

how much damage does lockpicking do to the lock. i've heard somewhere that if you pick it the lock won't work anymore but i don't think that is right. Can someone clear me up on this please? (Yes i said please)

[Shrub]

What type of lockpicking with what type of tools on what types of lock by what type of person with what type of knowledge and skill?

[eduddude]

knew you would say something like that. well lets see....
a pin and tumbler deadbolt
and lets say average skill level with these picks http://www.lockpickshop.com/PXS-14.html

should i be even more specific ?

[eduddude]

knew you would say something like that. well lets see....
a pin and tumbler deadbolt
and lets say average skill level with these picks http://www.lockpickshop.com/PXS-14.html

should i be even more specific ?

[CompFX]

i've heard somewhere that if you pick it the lock won't work anymore

If that were the case, this forum would not exist, nor would locksmiths have a job other than installing new locks.

Someone that is inexperienced can (probably will) break a lock. Jamming stuff in the keyway, mashing springs, gouging key pins, all of these could damage a lock. But most pickers know better than to do any of the mentioned.

With the right knowledge, tools, and skill, any lock can be picked without damage, unless they are already damaged.

CompFX

[JackNco]

So far ive damaged one lock to the point of it still operating but the key not fitting. you will find you do more damage not concentrating when repining locks. i think most of us will have written a few off that way.

But the point is don't pick locks u rely on but don't worry to much about practice locks, there cheap and its no big deal if you kill one.

[Schuyler]

True enough to what JackNco said.

Personally, I've picked 2 locks to completely broken. 1 of which was a very important one. I'd advice you to use practice locks. Whatever the %s are? As soon as you screw one up it wasn't worth it.

[UWSDWF]

viewtopic.php?p=164685&highlight=#164685

[Schuyler]

It's a good story

[SEVEN]

Over the last 6 month's or so I have been picking lock's on a daily basis I can actually gain entry quicker now than I did with my breaking tool's or the drill.All my practice lock's still work perfectly and I could not even guess how many times I have picked them.This does not mean they will not break so the same apply's DO NOT PICK LOCK'S YOU RELY ON as it's not worth the risk to the one's you rely on.

[Eyes_Only]

Repeated use of an impact pick tool like a pick gun can cause damage in the long run. One thing I'm sure of is that it will deform the part of the pin that makes contact with the pick needle. I hear some locks that has flimsy caps over the pin chambers like a kwikset can be blown off, not sure if this is actually true or not. A bump key, if you strike it with too much force, can dent the face of the lock that makes contact with the shoulder of the key.

[Chucklz]

The use of a pickgun/snapper/bump key can definately "blow off" a cap holding the springs/top pins in. I've done it. Mostly on cheap crap locks. Ie locks that someone was going to throw out that I got for practice. It would be very bad for that to happen on a door if you are inexperienced with locks. So the risk of stuffing up a lock may be higher than we think.

[raimundo]

Practice locks get used hard, especially by new pickers, the tools may be rough and the tools are steel, the lock is mostly brass and steel cuts brass if there are any sharp edges, commercial picks are not sold finished, they need sanding. the sharp 90 degree edges interfere with the feel of the lock.
Use of a tension wrench at the bottom of the keyway will often erode a groove in a heavily used practice lock if you are jamming the tensor in a way that grounds the torque into the bottom of the cylinder wall, each time this happens, the problem gets worse and if the picker dosent understand the problem, he may go on worsening it until he "cant pick it anymore"
Rough picks fill the keyway and especially the drillings with nicks and shavings that interfere with the function, this could make it easier if it helps to hang a pin at the shear set, or it could make it harder, there is no standard outcome.
The pickers understanding of the particular lock is important, if the lock is master keyed, there is a potential for it to lose a pin and decombinate for the keys if you turn the plug 180 degrees and a master wafer falls into a keyway that would normally be full of key.
And of course, the people here who pick medecos have seen the reforming of the chisel tips on the pins.

[eduddude]

Ok thanks guys for clearing this up. now that i think about the questions it makes more sense. my practice lock isn't damaged that bad and I'm pretty sure it would still work. the bottom of the key hole is starting to get bent from me applying pressure with my tension wrench but I've used it ALOT. because i have heard of lots of stories of people breaking their locks but i guess it out of inexperience. practice practice practice!

[samfishers]

hey, is it normal that my padlock is having some brass power in it, i mean, when i (try) to pick it, after a while, when i turn it in a normal position, there is like brass powder coming out of it

i dont pick it like a total fool, i dont try to brak it, but is it somewhat normal?