Too easy or too hard...

[BOUBOU]

Hi everybody !

I've been messing around with picklocking for about a month. I know all the basic theory (security pins, shearn line and stuff). I can easyli pick a masterlock No. 5 and a No. 3 .

But, these are the only 2 lock that I can pick I've tried on a "no-name" lock, but could'nt pick it... I tried a Brink, was not able to "feel the pin".

So here comes my question.

- What's the next step after beating those 2 master lock. do you have a suggestion on one a bit harder, but not that hard too...

-Is there a way (looking a the key, how the way the lock act etc) to know if the lock has security pins or not?

-Do you have any tips on how to beat those security pins?

-Why with only certain type of lock, I can't feel the pins... I know I need more experience, but sometimes I feel them and some other times I don't

-Finally , do you have more information on the little keyhole behind a master combination lock? I can't pick this one !

Well Thanks a lot for you answer in advance, hopefully you'll be able to help me

cheer

[mitch.capper]

I would suggest finding rekeyable cylinders you can't pick, and then start taking the pins out of it, do it with only a couple once you get a feel for those move on from there.

Google search the forums to find details on security pins.

[zeke79]

Try using google to search for how to pick the security pins by using the following string in the search bar site:lockpicking101.com security pins or site:lockpicking101.com "security pins" . This should get you some results while the search function is not working.

[FFVison]

If you can't feel the pins binding, perhaps you aren't using enough pressure. This is where the art of picking comes into play. You will have to apply a little bit more tension than you initially tried. I am wondering, which Brinks lock are you trying to pick? Is it the Brinks R70?

I know that lock has a spring behind the plug making it somewhat difficult to gage the correct tension to use. I was stumped by this one for about a day until I looked it up on the internet and saw that there was a spring behind it and it required more tension. After I read that, I applied a bunch more tension and had it open in a matter of minutes.

But a lot of people who don't know anything about picking think that you just use one device and wiggle it around in the keyway and in a matter of 5 seconds, the lock turns. This is what happens in movies. But anyone who has spent any time with locks and picking knows that the skill that separates the total newbies from the best pickers is tension. Some locks require incredibly light tension, while some others require significantly more. The most difficult locks have the smallest margin of tension that works. These locks will not bind if not enough tension is applied, but they will get stuck all together if too much is applied. To be successful, you must find a tension within that threshold.

[Gordon Airporte]

Just for the record - what kind of picks are you using?
If you can't feel/count the pins you might be using an improvised pick like a bobby pin or a poorly- or under-finished homemade pick.