Snap Snap Snap - Gun Gun Gun

[The Speed of Dark]

What I have found to work really well for beginners, intermediates, as well as seasoned locksmiths/lock-pickers is a snap gun. I assume most people know what a snap gun is, but for those who don't i will clarify.
A snap gun is basically a gun-shaped machine that when you pull the trigger activates a spring which makes the barrel (in this case the pick) snap up really violently. The snap causes the pins to jump up and down as you continue to pull the trigger.

Some common problems beginners encounter is the L - H setting(s) on the gun. L = low and has the least amount of snap whereas as H = High and has the most snap.

Another typical error would be putting the pick of the gun too far into the plug. If the pick/barrel is placed too far into the plug then it will stop hitting the pins and start hitting the back of the plug and start to bend the pick.

Lastly, in my experience of failures, is holding the pickgun straight - that is completely lined up at a 12 O' clock position. This generally does not work because of two reasons: pin lengths and restrictive keyway. The way around this is to tilt the snapgun.

[TheSkyer]

Nice post about pick guns. However I am sure you will notice that this forum is more about the real skill behind lockpicking rather than just opening locks.

For example, with the right amount of practice almost anyone can handle a pickgun and successfully open several locks, but to open those same locks with lock picks takes practice and patience. I myself have found that the process of opening a locks by hand is far more rewarding than opening the lock by means of a pick gun or bump key. I am not saying it is wrong to use these tools (I have done it myself on several occasions) but I hope you will pick up manual picking as well and find the real joy behind the opening of locks

Anyhow, good informational post Enjoy your time here and may many locks open on your path

[WolfSpring]

I have been picking for 5 months now, well i picked when I was a kid but it was mostly luck and raking, but I've gotten good I can SPP pick almost any pin tumbler lock I can get my hands on. American 5200 being probably the hardest I have out here. I bought a pick gun to see what the hubub was about and I hate the thing. I can see why it was created for law enforcement and the pure need to get into a lock quickly, but It doesn't compare with good skill. It's loud, bulky, you have to put it together and take it apart if you plan on keeping it on you and it can destroy a lock if used repetivily. I do however like a simple home made snap pick with a windshield wiper it works in a pinch or when you have a lot of a certain type of locks to open, like the master DG.

[TecVoid]

I can also attest that the pick guns are nice but you cant beat the reward of opening a lock using skill and a good pick set.
overall I can open more locks faster with a small standard S.O. set than i can with the $50 pick gun.

[loki-aka]

Sanp guns have their place, but most hobbiest prefer SPP a lock-some find the use of the gun too "mechanical" or
"automatic".

[Eyes_Only]

Pick guns are really nice to have if you're a locksmith (came in handy for me a couple times) especially when picking a lock that's oddly mounted that feels like you have is dislocate your shoulder or something to position yourself more comfortably.