Help a n00b

[malilaik]

Well, I'm really very new at lock picking.

I use paperclips and/or spires.
I can push down first two or three pins, after that I'm stuck and I can't push down the other(s). It's just too tight there.
Also it's quite tricky to use a tension wrench. If I push too much, the pins won't go down, if I don't push enough, the pins go up back.

Do you have an advice? What should I do?

[digital_blue]

First, get your theory in check.

The objective is not to "push down" the pins, exactly. Read one of the many, many guides on the matter. Might I suggest this one.

Second, your tools suck. Though it is certainly possible to pick locks with a paper clip, that's a pretty piss poor way to learn the skill. Get or make better tools.

db

[Eyes_Only]

Try making picks out of hacksaw blades or the metal inserts found in windshield wiper blades. Those are much much stronger than paper clips and with a little practice and attention to detail you can make a decent DIY set with just hand files and some sandpaper to smooth it out.

[malilaik]

This is my lock.
If you look carefully you'll see a golden pick inside.


My tension wrench, taken from a pen.
Is it put in correctly?


My tension wrench and pick.
Pick is just a spire or a paperclip.


Picking...


I can push down (yes, it's pushing down, not up) first two pins, but it's very hard to reach and push the others.
What do you think? What should I do?

[digital_blue]

I was not disputing WHICH direction you needed to "push" the pins. I was making the comment that "pushing pins" is not a fair description of what you need to be doing. The lock doesn't get picked just because you push all the pins down.

If you don't understand what I just said, I refer you once again to the guide I linked to.

db

[Father]

well.make a set of picks by hacksablades.nice tension.your hook is too big for this type of lock.in 1 month you will be good enough.

[Trip Doctor]

Anyone else catch a 'Winkhouse' on that? Not the best lock for a first pick.

[josh0094]

do you have a dremal tool? if so download a template. cut em out. and enjoy. also, file down the pen clip too. works alot better in tight spaces. still the same thing i use as a tension wrench tho!

[Eyes_Only]

Thats some pretty nasty wardings on that lock.

[mercurial]

Thats some pretty nasty wardings on that lock.

Yes, the warding is a bit nasty, especially for somebody just starting out.

As already mentioned above, the lock is a WinkHaus, definately not a beginners lock in my opinion - I would advise getting much easier lock, as well as buying/making some more usable picks.

Walk before you run - with practice you'll be able to pick the Winkhaus, you'll eventually even be able to pick it with paperclips if you so desire - but that lock, and paperclips for tools is going to be a steep uphill battle given you are just getting started!

You haven't filled in your location on your profile, if you let us know where you are, there will be members who can reccommend an appropriate lock to start with.

Digital_blue has already given you some important advice - if you haven't already, read the guide he linked to, it does seem like you misunderstand what is involved when picking the lock, there is a lot more to it than just being able to press down each pin.

Keep reading until you understand the concept of a 'binding pin' and how this phenomenon makes lockpicking possible. Once you understand that, and have some reasonable tools to work with, you will be well on your way.

Welcome to the site, hope you stick around & enjoy this hobby.

...Mark

[malilaik]

Tnx for help.

I've managed to unlock my padlock only with paperclips.
My winkhaus lock is a next challenge.

[greyman]

Winkhaus is not the best place to start, believe me. Maybe you haven't opened one up to see the various types of spool pins they use. Give it a try and let us know, but first, you may wish to get a decent tension tool and pick. They're easy to make - look around on the guides here.

[malilaik]

I can pick a lock a lot faster if I use a snake paperclip pick and rake.
Can someone tell me more about snake picks? Do they always work that good and what are their pros/cons?

[Jaakko]

I can pick a lock a lot faster if I use a snake paperclip pick and rake.
Can someone tell me more about snake picks? Do they always work that good and what are their pros/cons?

The biggest con is that you don't learn how to open the lock. You just poke the lock with a rake and ta-daa. For example, what is the difference between making love and a rape?

[malilaik]

I know how it works, but why would I slowly mess with one pin at a time, if I can just rake them all?