Got some Questions

[cdwag]

Hey guys,

I have recently picked up this hobby and have a few questions to ask:
I am able to pick the blue master locks pretty easily but for some reason I am not able to pick ANY of my door locks? is there somethnig I'm doing wrong? I just havent been able to do it, I try doing it the exact same way and no matter how long I sit there I just cant get past any of my door locks? even to the doors that are like to my room where it seems like a pretty simple lock, it wont budge? I have tried like 5 different locks in my house and have simple not been able to do it.

Also, would a torque wrench not be strong enough to turn my door lock? do i REALLY need a plug spinner (havn't got this far yet, thus the question).

Here is the master lock I have picked thousands of times and have been practicing on:


Are these like extremely easy or am I doing something wrong on the doors?

Here is an example of a lock that I am not able to pick (my front door):

(its just a schlage lock with a knob)

Thanks for the help guys.

[bumber]

1) Don't pick locks that are in use or that you depend on.

Your best bet for starting out is to get a cheap Kwikset cylinder and start on digital_blue's excellent guide here:

http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?t=10677

[cdwag]

The locks I am replacing within the next week or so, I am not worried abou them getting ruined or anything since I will have the new locks the day I ruin them, I have just been too lazy to replace them.

[freakparade3]

Until you replace yout locks, stop picking them. Picking a lock mounted on a door is totally different than holding a lock and picking it. Alot of the guys here who are great pickers could not pick a mounted lock. Alot of locksmiths could not pick a lock holding it.

[cdwag]

It's more interesting if its actually on the door and I would feel more accomplished as it is giving me so much trouble. What is the difference if its on the door than if it isnt?

[vitti]

You get considerably more feedback when holding the lock in your hand. When mounted. your only source of feedback in the wrench and the pick.

[cdwag]

so was what he said an exaggeration or is it actually THAT much harder to pick a lock on a door rather than in your hand? Any suggestions to my actual questions?

[bumber]

locks in door ARE that much harder to open then one in your hand...a plug spinner is for when you pick the lock open in the wrong direction, you use it to spin the lock areound the other way so you dont have to pick it again....your wrench WILL turn the lock if its picked.

the master lock in your picture is CRAZY easy to pick, the schlage on the other hand is alot harder than the masterlock padlock, and the kwikset brand door locks, which is what we suggest for learning.

any other questions you have we will be glad to answer the best we can

[cdwag]

, how would I go about being able to pick the one on my door? Any suggestions? I am able to pick the kwikset on a door, I have already done that.. How would I do my front door? What is it im doing wrong?

[bumber]

<censored>, how would I go about being able to pick the one on my door? Any suggestions? I am able to pick the kwikset on a door, I have already done that.. How would I do my front door? What is it im doing wrong?

Well I speak without a bit of doubt for everyone on this site when I say this, we will not give you any advice about picking locks that are in use....that being said please search around for info on schlage locks and you will be able to find lots of info on them...and let us know when you get new locks so we can help

[cdwag]

You wont even help if its MY lock? I'm practicing on my own posessions? I just find that rule kind of weird, thanks though - youve been helpful

[vitti]

You wont likely find advice for picking your front door lock here. The two cardinal rules we live by in this community are: Don't pick locks you don't own and Don't pick locks that are in use.

While you may be replacing the locks soon we do not condone nor encourage picking them. This is a theme you will encounter all over the site.

In addition to Schlage being a more difficult lock to pick, it is very likely that your front door has security pins. If that is the case (no way to tell without taking it apart) then it is too advanced for you at this point.

Do some more reading, the sticky posts at the top of each of the forums here contain a wealth of knowledge. You'll do yourself a big favor by learning all you can before you proceed.

[cdwag]

Thank you for the advice, in regards to safety pins - are they located at the front of the lock or the back usually? or is it just random? I know how to deal with safety pins just have a problem picking out which are safety pins and which ones arnt?

[bumber]

http://www.lockpicking101.com/viewtopic.php?t=17879

check that out and let me know what you think

[unlisted]

You wont even help if its MY lock? I'm practicing on my own posessions? I just find that rule kind of weird, thanks though - youve been helpful

Regardless if its your lock or not, its still a in use lock. Allot of things can and probably will go wrong if you keep jamming lockpicks in there, hence the warning not to pick locks in use.

You also state you are purchasing new locks in about a week, but what happens if you accidentally break a pick off inside your front door, and for some reason you had the front door closed and locked? Regardless if you had your keys on you, theres now a piece of metal stuck in the keyway, and let me tell you how much fun that can be.. (note: its not) Also, what if you only have a front door? Looks like you may be taking up a hobby of replacing glass also..

As many others have already suggested, have a look around at the site, purchase a kwiksh!t lock (thats what I call them anyways) and practice, practice, practice. And yes, it is easier to pick with the lock unmounted.. and its what most hobby pickers do. (I'd love to see a locksport where everyone brought doors with locks mounted on them- that just does not happen, normally its just a bunch of keyways)

Also, you do get more feedback with the lock in your hand, you can apply detailed tension allot better also.

Hmm.. what else to say? Welcome, and hope you enjoy your stay.

Oh, and don't pick locks that are in use. Another good reason would be pesky neighbors- or random people walking around- just imagine what it would look like, seeing someone bent down at a front door, picking away at the lock... (I've experienced that.. normally you get a nice visit from johnny law)