I hear clicks

[Jay]

I just started learning how to pick locks and have been practicing on my front door. I first rake the lock using the pick while applying torque with the torque wrench (basic technique). I feel that the pins are moving into the housing and staying there but the plug will not turn. Also, when I finally give up and let go of the torque, I hear 3 minute clicks. Does this mean that I had successfully picked 3 chambers already? What am I doing wrong?

[Romstar]

If you haven't alreay, read the MIT guide to lock picking.

If you have done that, read it again.

The most common problem is putting too much tension on the lock. What is happing here is that all the pins are being put into the cylinder, and staying there.

You want to split the pin stack at the shear line so that the driver pins are in the cylinder, and the key pins are still in the plug. You will know this has happened when you can lift the key pins a bit and there is no spring pressure on it.

Once all five or six pin stacks are split, the lock will turn.

Romstar

[Chucklz]

The lightest tension really is the lightest possible tension. Just the slightest touch on the wrench is needed. Your clicks may mean a success, but it is far more likely, that you have used too much tension and have false set those pins.

[funboy79015]

Your lock may have security pins in it.