Single

[pickerman14]

anyone have some tips for single pin picking i usually just rake but want to leard how to do it with a hook if this is stupid dont answer i just need some tips or explenations on how u guys do it. oh and yes im a noob (obviously)but i can rake most of my padlocks open.but any info would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

[CaptHook]

You have to develop a sense of touch and feel for what is going on inside the lock. With no tension, put your hook on each stack and lift, remember how that feels. Lightly apply tension and repeat the lifting on each stack (release tension after each one) note the different characteristics. Think about which stack just gave you the most resistance, did you feel any pins set, did you feel your wrench move.....etc. Its all about touch, you have to find that and learn it on your own. Practice, practice, eat lunch, practice some more.
Chuck

[Exodus5000]

Practice.
hunt for the pin that has the least give. Push it down till it clicks.

[pickerman14]

thanks for the info

[WhiteHat]

the MIT guide actually provides some excersises that are good to work through..

basically the process is:
---------------------------
apply light tension,
find the pin that's binding most
move it up slowly until the cylinder rotates (sometimes extreemly slightly)
find the next pin that's binding...
repeat until lock opens.
----------------------------

practice feeling the pressure of the springs without tension applied.

practice pushing up all the pins simultaneously (this is the maximum amout of pick pressure you should ever need (sort of))

use only enough tension to turn the lock (stick a key in and use two fingers to turn it - you won't ever need more than that.)

you can also do a search on "reverse picking" which can sometimes help overcome security pins.

[pickerman14]

thanks all

[rakemaster]

First get a lock you can take the pins out of so you can make it
a 1 pin 2 pin etc. Like a mortise cylinder.

Then follow the exersizes in the crypto.com guide
http://www.crypto.com/papers/notes/picking/index.html

You have to really follow them not just read them.

Thats how I leared to pick single pin at least.

Good luck

Rakemaster

[logosys]

anyone have some tips for single pin picking i usually just rake but want to leard how to do it with a hook if this is stupid dont answer i just need some tips or explenations on how u guys do it. oh and yes im a noob (obviously)but i can rake most of my padlocks open.but any info would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

I've often found that single pins are much more easily manipulated than married pins. It seems that once a pin gets married, it loses all sense of self worth and confidence. It is much more shy and sedate....

In all seriousness, I much prefer pin-by-pin picking as opposed to raking. It gives me a better feel for what is going on and it is far more scientific/exact.

[jason]

I prefer to single pin pick rather than rake, when I'm on site. I do rake occasionally and in some cases I will rake then pick.

I know that makes me sound odd - but so what - if it works, use it - if it don't - sell it on eBay!