Help with a normal 5pin cylinder.

[SolidAnchor]

I got the lock picking set from Varjeal and it's been great. I can pick up to 4 pins in under 30 seconds every time but when I try 5 pins I can’t do it. I'm not using security pins or anything. I just can’t seem to get 5 pins picked. Can anyone suggest something I mite be doing wrong?

[frostbyte]

The order which the pins set could have had the fifth pin inserted anywhere in the order. Also the pinning you had for pin 4 may be making 5 difficult for you. Maybe try changing the #4 key pin.

[Romstar]

One of the most common habits to get into when using a practice lock of that sort is to pick in order. Either from the front, 1,2,3 etc, or the rear, 5,4,3 and so on.

In the real world, especially where security pins are concerned this isn't always the best way to pick.

Often times a middle stack will set before any other stacks. As a matter of fact, this is part and parcel of the defect we are exploiting in order to pick locks.

Also, depending on the combinations of heights, you may discover that you HAVE to pick out of order so as to bypass an extremely low pin stack.

Use your first few seconds to "feel out the pins" such as it is, and then try to make a decision on where the best place to start may be. You may discover simply by testing the pins that you have alreay set a low stack and thust have to work from there.

Keep trying, and you will develop the feel for the feedback you get when the pins catch.

Romstar

[CaptHook]

Just like Rom said, front to back, back to front doesnt really work in most situations. Depends on the lock..... Go for the pin that sets first, then the next, then the next.... I cringe when I see some texts are still teaching back to front front to back. Its a start I guess, but not the best way to learn.
One thing is certain in teaching/learning anything, if you allow bad habits in from the beginning, you will have to break them later.
Chuck

[Chucklz]

I try this technique first on all locks I first come across.

1.) Ill usualy try raking it a few times first, then I go to my hooks.

2.) Something a with a bit more quality, I start with the hook, try raking it (back to front ) a few times, then if I set any pins, test for security pins, if Im good at that point, I single pin pick.

3.) Nothing else work? Single pin pick it.

I know that in many cases Id be best advised to skip right to 3, but you would be supprized how many Yales, Best SFIC and Schlage locks just pop open with a few gentle rakes with some medium skill at it.(theres more to it than just mashing along the pins).