Having trouble picking an Arrow 5 pin tumbler lock

[pinbreaker]

It took me 2 frustrating days of spending many, many, hours of time to pick my front door, 5 pin tumbler, cylinder, deadbolt dexter lock. At first I picking it at the end of my 2nd day of practicing. Then I tried to pick it the 3rd day, and was successful in picking it several times that day. I progressively over the week got much better, and I came to a point where I was able to pick the dexter lock in under a minute fairly consistently (in many times in under 30 seconds).

The problem is I wanted to move on to more difficult things, and so I purchased an arrow lock.
After days of practicing, and hours of time, I still can't pick the thing!
I am very frustrated.
I hear all the pins click as I let go of the tension wrench, and so I figure I must be doing something right.

But I am frustrated because I just can't pick the thing. Its impossible.

I would be very greatful if anyone has any tips for me, to help me pick my arrow lock.

Thank you.

By the way, I notice that with lock picking, I am very successful when I get in a 'groove', and when I am not in a groove I am less successful.

I began learning lock picking by purchasing the Lock Picking "school in a box" at the URL: http://www.selfdefenseproducts.com/lock ... g_sets.htm

The locks in the lock picking "school in a box" are way too easy to pick. I managed to pick the 5 pin lock with in 10 minutes of trying! At this point I can pick the 5 pin lock from the school in a box, without even using a tension wrench and merely by using my pick to push the pins up and turn the plug at the same time. Its pathetic, and I don't think it resembles a real lock that much.

[Crimsoneer]

I'm having exactly the same problem...I'm trying to pick my dorm room arrow lock, and its looks like there is one tumbler I just don't seem to be getting. I've used snakes and L rakes, as well as a diamond pick, and just seem to be missing a tumbler...

[le.nutzman]

First off, and others will tell you the same thing, DON'T pick locks that you use, are in use or that you don't personally own without the consent of the owner. Doing so is just bad, not only do you risk damaging the lock, you'll be held responsible for the damages.

That being said, welcome to the Forums, use the search feature located in the upper right of the page to help you find answers to all your questions regarding different locks, techniques and tools.

Picking any lock requires two things, time and patience. For starters, what are you using for tools. Normal household items are nice in a pinch, but you should really try to get the right tools for the job even if this is a hobby as you will learn to understand what's going on inside the lock better through the feedback that the tools are designed to give you when used properly.

Second, the number one culprit of most including myself, is over tensioning the plug causing undo stress and excessive binding on the pins which in turn requires more force to move from a binding situation to a set pin status. Check your tension, insert your tension wrench and turn the plug slowly until it stops and apply just a hair bit more and maintain that.

As you set the pins, the plug obviously will move, but maintain the constant but light pressure and you will succeed. If you're lifting a pin and the plug feels like it's trying to rotate backwards, you are dealing with a spool security pin. Let it rotate just a bit and it will give on it's own. Remember this pin's location as setting it may cause other pins to unset. If the pin feels like it's set and you can't lift it any further, back off the tension ever so slightly and gently push the pin up, if it moves after that, you're dealing with a serrated pin. Serrated pins are difficult to deal with and distinguish between a fals set and a true set. That and when you false set a serrated pin, the binding effect can and normally will be transferred to another pin and you will most likely have to come back to the original pin and set it again.

Above all else, watch your tension, it shouldn't be any more than is necessary to turn the plug to it's stopping point and then just barely a little more.

PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE.....................On locks you OWN and aren't being USED for anything. Good luck and welcome.

[pinbreaker]

Thank you for your help.
I already knew about the slightest pressure possible on the tension wrench.

I still can't pick my arrow lock, I tried to pick it for a long time again this weekend!

[pinbreaker]

Also, I have southord lock picking tools.

[le.nutzman]

Perhaps you should refer back to DB's walk through guide on picking locks. I'm not trying to insult your intelligence in any way, shape or form, but you're likely overlooking something. And going through the guide will help you to find out what it is you're over looking.

It could be anything from a high/low biting to misinterpreting the feedback through the tools. Again, this is only a suggestion.

[pinbreaker]

I appreciate you trying to help.
I do still have a question: where is "DB lock picking guide"?

Thank you so much!