No counter-rotation on a spool

[Schuyler]

So,

I'm killing myself over a fairly cheap Nemef. It's 2 star SKG rated, but not a difficult lock to pick. However, I keep getting it false set, and am getting ZERO counter rotation from any pin. Think just sits, happy as a clam, cocked off to one side.

So - what do you all do in this situation? It's just making me feel out of practice and nervous for the upcoming comps.

[wolfie]

try letting up on the pressure a bit letting the cylinder rotate back on it's on gently to find the false set pin?

[Safety0ff]

Try not rotating the plug all the way into the false set, takes practice and requires soft fingers with the tension, but it works for me. When you think it's going into a false set, don't tension it so that it goes to the point where the pin is trapped, but rather try and feel if lightly pushing up on the pin either gives slight counter rotation or sets the pin (without over setting.) Anyways, hope that helps, sometimes a technique that works for one person is completely useless to another person.

[apb]

[quote="Safety0ff"]Try [color=red]not[/color] rotating the plug all the way into the false set, takes practice and requires soft fingers with the tension, but it works for me. When you think it's going into a false set, don't tension it so that it goes to the point where the pin is trapped, but rather try and feel if lightly pushing up on the pin either gives slight counter rotation or sets the pin (without over setting.) Anyways, hope that helps, sometimes a technique that works for one person is completely useless to another person. [/quote]

I coudn't agree with this more. The only thing i may add is that while you are applying the above technique, try to maintain constant pick-to-pin contact. Sometimes while you are right there at that "in-between" point where it starting to false set, but not quite there,it only takes a fraction of movement to get it right to the shear line and you may miss it if you aren't keeping the pick in contact with the pin. Like Safetyoff noted though, it may vary depending on personal pick style.

[Safety0ff]

To elaborate on the technique, the tension isn't much more than to keep your tension wrench from falling out from your finger and the key way (you are using top tension right?)

[Urbex]

I like using a long twist-flex wrench, especially for spool pins. It will let off just enough pressure to set the pins, but not so much that the other pins fall down.

[LockDFTR]

These are all very good tips.

But, if I'm not mistaken, this is just one of those run of the mill ruts pickers get into. For those of you that have been doing this consistently for more than a few years.

You don't win the the lockpicking comp. at defcon by luck. Even if you are out of practice, you know it will come back to you shortly. You may even have nightmares about not being able to open a kwickset with only 2 pins in the speed competition. And pulling on that little door to open, but it won't budge.

Perhaps, you are trying to lull the rest of your competition into a false sense of security? Anyway, you conquered Wheel of Fortune! You can beat this lock!! All the best

[Schuyler]

To what safetyoff and apb added - makes a lot of sense. (and yes, typically top tension on this lock, though I sometimes mix it up.) Keeping the pick on the pin isn't something I've thought of, as simple as it sounds. My typical approach is get it false set with a couple hits of a rake, go in, find the spool, set it, and if anything remains, kill them with the hook as well. So keeping the pin connected hasn't really applied, you know? However - there was an incredible picker who made it to the finals of the Dutch Open last year without ever using a rake, so I can see how situations like that I'm describing here can be more quickly overcome with pure SPP than my usual rake/hook combo.

And LockDFTR - hah, thanks. I am in a picking rut right now, to be sure, working my way back from inactivity this time around seems a lot harder than last time. I really just need to get the practice in. Not trying to fake anyone out, haha. Hopefully my old standby will help me perform in the end - I always pick better when competing head-to-head. Something about it summons the best in me.

Of course, now that I've said it...I'm sure it'll jinx me

hahaha

[Gordon Airporte]

I have some Master #575 padlocks that have spools like that. They actually will counter-rotate, you just need to use a lot of extra pressure on the pin. I very often pick with a deep curve that lets me lever up with very controlled pressure. It works with with a normal short hook too, but. the fulcrum isn't in as good a position.
I also second what's been said about not turning the lock any further into the false set than you need to. Keep it right on the edge.