Newb q's :p

[Slyfox]

Ok, im new here, as you can see. And I was wondering if you guys could help me out.
I've watched SEVERAL lockpicking videos and read a few guides you guys got on here along with the MIT lockpicking book thing. And I cant get it. I try and try and try but can't get it. Im picking with a paperclip and a tension wrench from a pen, they work really good and I got my door lock once, but only once .
So I was wondering if you guys could give me any tips to get better or reccomandations on locks to start out. Im somewhat limited because my mom doesnt approve of this, I've told her its only a hobby then she didn't say any more. So im somewhat limited on what I use. Thats why I got paperclips.

1st question: Is it the pins that you can see that set on the sheer line or is it the ones above it with the springs?

I'll update with more questions as I come across them. Thanks for your help.

[unlisted]

Not trying to bring you down or anything but.. if you actually read the guides from this site, and the MIT one, you would already be able to answer your own question. Watching videos, I would not really recommend, as you only get to "see" what is going on outside the lock, and not what is happening inside. Plus, you need to develop your own style for picking.. everyone is different.

Also, how old are you? We have quite a few young lockpickers, so I am curious..

Best lock to start off with would be a Kwikset lock, (cheap brand from Home Depot/ Walmart. Or a cheap padlock.. you can also check the discount stores.. They sometimes have them. (plus, you can study the key, that may help also)

And you really should reconsider the "tools" you are using.. if you have access to a bench grinder I would highly recommend purchasing some hacksaw blades, and making some of your own picks, seeing as your mom won't let you purchase real ones. (there is some tutorials on here how to make your own picks)

Other than that, get some better tools, and practice practice practice. Read over the tutorials and guides until you completely understand them.

[Slyfox]

Well, im 12. I try not to be annoying or a nuisence.

The lock that I started out on was a master #187 with a really small keyhole and pins.
As far as the grinder goes, I do have one..or my dad has one and I do have access to hacksaw blades AND have watched a video on how to make them. It's just I don't have permission to use them :s. So Hopefully you understand my situation a bit better. Im hoping I'll be able to convince my parents to let me order a set from southord or lockpickshop as I really do enjoy lockpicking because it's fun and challenging.

Please don't treat me any different now then if you didn't know my age, im only trying to meet new friends and get better at lockpicking.
Thanks unlisted for the feedback.

~Bryce

[unlisted]

Hey Bryce.

Na, your age is cool.. Personally age is just a number to me, its maturity I look at more, and you have some, with your posts and replies.

Now, here is what I recommend you do. Sit and talk to your dad, explain what your interested in doing, and that its just a hobby.. Try to include him.. If he has tools I take it he is slightly mechanically inclined.. Talk about the mechanical workings of locks.. Try to get your dad interested in your new found hobby. While still discussing this with your dad, ask him to help you make something, and show him a schematic for making a homemade pick.. Nothing is better for a father son bonding experience than making/building something together.

If you can win your dad over on this, your mom should be more accepting on it also.. Plus, you would have your dad "supervising" your hobby, which should put both parents more at ease.. Just try to include your dad as much as possible, heck, maybe he will want to pick with you all the time...

Oh, and outside your family, I would suggest you keep your "new hobby" quiet.. you don't need to wind up going through the same thing as another one of our "younger" members..

[Slyfox]

Another thing I didn't include is that, I live in an extremely small town. My dad used to be a cop and my dad's dad is the sherrif. So whenever there is anything interesting or peculiar going on in town, EVERYONE knows about. Thats what troubles my parents.
Now I talked to my mom since my dad wasn't home, and she said it'd be better if I was older or it was a proffesion. After talking with her a bit she said that if I could work up the money, she'd take a look at the websites, like lockpickshop and southord. So I think im getting there .
Thanks again unlisted, I truly appreciate it.

~Bryce.