GRR!

[EvanGreene]

Ok, so yesterday I was picking a Master 140 in less than 10 seconds. Today, I can't pick it PERIOD. I don't know if I damaged the lock inside or what, but what I was doing before just isn't working now. Any help?

[Solomon]

Does it still work with the key? I have a master lock which I got when I was 16 (7 years ago), which been picked probably hundreds of times, and it's still in exactly the same working order. It's pretty hard to mess up a lock unless you're really gung-ho with it or you get springs trapped and are silly enough to force the plug. You're probably just having an off day... it happens.

[EvanGreene]

Well, I dont actually have the key for it.

As far as an off day, I suppose it could be because I JUST starting picking yesterday, so...

[Solomon]

Yeah, that could be it.

If the lock was broken you'd know about it. If nothing is rattling around in there and the pins all feel the way they should, there is play in the plug, and everything went smoothly the last time you picked it, there is nothnig to worry about. If you're having an off day, it could be any number of things... just make sure you're relaxed, your head is clear and your fingers aren't fatigued/sore/stiff/jittering around/cold/covered in baby oil and you'll be opening locks again in no time.

[EvanGreene]

Well, I cant really feel the tips of my fingers right now.

[Eyes_Only]

This kinda thing happens to everyone. You think you got a simple lock all figured out and suddenly "its mood" towards you changes but not in your favor.

I guess this is why a lot of locksmiths keep a rotary pick (drill) as their back up on lockout calls. I've personally have had to drill out at least a couple of padlocks during a period of two years.

[Rickthepick]

I have a similar issue but with a particular brand and model of lock, that IS easy to open at home, yet when i get one in a door i struggle. The only reason i can think of is purely mental, i expect to open them easy so they naturally give me grief lol. luckily theyre usually mica-able so not too much of a headache

[UWSDWF]

off and on topic.
rick you're problem i'm guessing is that it's a KIK lock and they are quite the runt once back in their knob...

[lockmanstan]

There is a good chance that it might just be an off day, lol. But also, the lock could be damaged. If it normally takes some really aggressive force to pick the lock, you can damage the springs. It's rare, but I've managed to do it to a cheap master lock once.

Good Luck,

[locknpawn]

when picking a lock dont think about it.. and it will happen.. when i pick a lock and start to think about it.. (wont pick) then i think about arby's and wala pick open that fast

[Rickthepick]

when picking a lock dont think about it.. and it will happen.. when i pick a lock and start to think about it.. (wont pick) then i think about arby's and wala pick open that fast

thats so true.

Just sit there watching tv and pick the lock, your sensitivity increases tenfold when your not concentrating on it.

Complete opposite when someone is waiting to get in their house behind you though haha

[raimundo]

put a drop of light machine oil in it, 3in1 works fine, this will lube those gritty little pieces of brass that have been chiseled off the pins and wards by your sharp edged tools. and sand those edges off those picks.

[Code_Superfly]

Hi Evan.

Good choice with a #140. One of the locks I generally recommend to people who are just getting into picking. Good intro to security pins. Funny you have a 140 without keys, because my only 140 has no key.

As far as technique goes, I generally like a short hook on my 140. For my particular lock:

I start off with light bottom keyway tension, and use one of my short hooks to set the last (back, #4) pin. This brings me to a false set. At this point I let up on tension just a little, set pin 3, go back and work pin 4 a bit, and it pops open. Works every time on my 140. Good luck.

Side note: My 140 will also rake open in about 3 seconds. Sad really, because it's actually fun to single pin it once in a while. Still kinda fun if you avoid raking.