Noob needing guidance

[amcutem]

Im really excited about this new found hobby of mine. I've been reading up a bit about lockpicking ever since I stumbled on a lockpick product at Dealextreme while I was buying a RC Simulator. Right when I saw their cheap set of lockpicks, I got fascinated and so I ordered the kit.

I received the kit last week and brought it to work one day. Thats when I first ever experienced lockpicking.

I opened my tool box and a couple of vehicles but I also broke our house door lock in the process...I have already been given advice not to pick inservice working locks. And now, I would really like to know where to go from here.

Right now, I don't have anything I could pick. Can you guys advice me on what I could pick and practice on. Maybe what type of lock? If it doesn't cost that much, maybe I could even buy it from the hardware store. Something specific that I can just walk right into the aile and buy it. I just don't want to end up buying something I won't be able to pick, or something????

Right now, Im using the 8$ 10piece kit from dealextreme. Im usually just sliding the goddamn things inside and out using what I think is a half diamond pick, and then praying that it unlocks. Thats about the extent of my skills right now.
Also, the tension rod that the kit came with broke the same day so im a little confused and bummed out. And to make it worst, breaking one of our house doors and not being able to open it made me feel real stupid becuz Im sure the landlord didn't put expensive locks in this house.

I really want to build my confidence up here guys, can you guys help me out...

[Shyfted]

The way I started was to search ebay for locks and just buy the cheapest ones. Ive found a whole bunch of different types of door locks, window locks, padlocks, etc. I just take the cylinder out and throw the rest out. You could also do the same at your local hardware store. Pretty much if its cheap it will be easy to pick, and if not then you will have something to practice on when you get better and you wont be wasting too much money.

[n0n4m3]

First of all....be calm!!
Don't panic immediately when fighting with a cheap lock without success.
Search button on site....watch video & video and read all that's readable....try to understand well all mechanism involved.
You can start with whichever normal lock on the market.....not considered as high security lock.

[lock2006]

Welcome to Lock Picking 101 amcutem is easy to give up at the bigginning
but just keep on practicing and practicing and praticing
it will be exciting finding out, you opening locks in no time
I was there before almost give up too
many members here help me out and continues to helps me improve my skills on lockpicking
I always learn something new from long time members here
there's always something new to learn no matter how good you become at lockpicking
so don't forget if you make mistakes is ok come back here to forum and ask question many guys here
will be more than happy to help you out
remember don't picks locks that don't belong to you or if they are on use, good luck AMCUTEM
i found this link i hope it helps.


http://theamazingking.com/lock-spp.php

[yono]

hi pal..i can't help but smile about someone new, honestly admitting he dare broke the rule in lockpicking.. "do not pick the lock in use" but also honestly asking everyone..did we all locksmith and lockpickers, when we started, did we ever,,ever, didn't do it? WE DID!! but hey, curiousity pay a price. and that what this guidelines are all about..

so bring that damage lock to the locksmith shop to be fix, and while you are there..ask the lockguy if he has some spare old padlock/lock cylinders, he wish to sale. telling him you are practicing lockpicking might help, for him to find a starting materials for you. if its useless for him..he might consider selling it for a little price. regards.

[Slick Pick]

Welcome to the forum!
This should help you with the broken tension wrench issue:

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=49117&p=371122&hilit=make+your+own+tension+wrench#p371122

You want to apply very light pressure on the tension wrench.

[OrangePick]

When I was starting, I scored about 9 residential deadbolt cylinders from the Habitat For Humanity ReStore. They were bits and pieces with no keys, so they charged me a buck apiece. Now I have a nice bag of practice locks of about 4 different mfg's that I use for teaching.

Doesn't sound like you've explored much yet in the way of padlocks either. You can get good practice padlocks from $3-10 each brand new. Grab a variety. Cheap deadbolts are about $15 (get the "keyed both sides" so you get 2 practice locks in one package). But don't buy a Schlage Securekey or Kwikset Safekey if you're starting out -- they don't operate the same as normal 5-pin tumbler locks. Just cautioning since that's about all you can find of those 2 brands now. You might have to get a Brinks from Wal Mart or something instead just to ensure you have a true pin-tumbler mechanism. Or a flea market.

[amcutem]

Hello again fellas.....

Guess what guys, the other day at work I found a padlock in the office. Its a Dudley padlock. I tried picking it and I thought it was impossible. And then I thought of you guys, and wondered how the hell do you guys do this, and how skillfull you guys are. I also felt jelous and down and then I gave up.
But then an hour later, I tried it again, and I DID IT!!!. I opened the Dudley padlock....I was like no way...???????That was I fluke... I then looked around with a feeling of accomplishment and checked if anybody saw me....?But im the only one at work...?LOL.. It felt like cheating almost......

And then I tried it again, and eventually, I opened it again.....After that, I kept picking it over and over. I now carry the lock and the picks and I practice with it all day long. I now pick it more than I do my nose...

Also, I've picked just about every padlock ive come across with, at home, and at work...There's a total of 4, plus the Dudley, that's five locks i've picked since 2 days ago. Wow.....I can't believe this is happening....Im so happy....I learned that picking is not the same when the locks are not in you hands though. I can't do it.

Im still afraid to touch door types ever since I broke our door. Are doors way harder to open than padlocks???

Thanks for all your comments and advice...I really appriciate it and will try to follow it.

[Wizer]

Hi, amcutem!
Some padlocks are much harder than some door locks. Usually you get what you pay for.
I suppose you are from USA, so you should find a cheap Kwickset or a Schlage cylinder new from a hardwarestore or used from a fleamarket for example.
You can pick these cylinders in your hand or like I prefer, in a vice.


I think what you said is a great definition of a lockpicker hobbyist:
"I pick locks more than I pick my nose"

Happy picking!

[n0n4m3]

Hello again fellas.....

Guess what guys, the other day at work I found a padlock in the office. Its a Dudley padlock. I tried picking it and I thought it was impossible. And then I thought of you guys, and wondered how the hell do you guys do this, and how skillfull you guys are. I also felt jelous and down and then I gave up.
But then an hour later, I tried it again, and I DID IT!!!. I opened the Dudley padlock....I was like no way...???????That was I fluke... I then looked around with a feeling of accomplishment and checked if anybody saw me....?But im the only one at work...?LOL.. It felt like cheating almost......

And then I tried it again, and eventually, I opened it again.....After that, I kept picking it over and over. I now carry the lock and the picks and I practice with it all day long. I now pick it more than I do my nose...

Also, I've picked just about every padlock ive come across with, at home, and at work...There's a total of 4, plus the Dudley, that's five locks i've picked since 2 days ago. Wow.....I can't believe this is happening....Im so happy....I learned that picking is not the same when the locks are not in you hands though. I can't do it.

Im still afraid to touch door types ever since I broke our door. Are doors way harder to open than padlocks???

Thanks for all your comments and advice...I really appriciate it and will try to follow it.

Hi amcutem,
many compliments for your opening!!
Door's locks aren't always harder than padlock or viceversa....all depend by....money!
Now try to go trough a little harder lock.....such as some Cisa or Corbin (yeah...I know...with very narrow keyway.....but I'm european! )

[amcutem]

Hey guys. Guest what. I just recieved my first real lockpick set, a Southord 22piece kit, and Im so happy. I don't really know why, but probably because its shinny and owning it makes me feel like I know what im doing.

So far, i've still only been picking my Dudley padlock. I don't know if picking the same lock over and over is teaching me anything, but I hope so...Also, sometimes i practice on the Master padlocks 3 at work...

I've just tried picking the Dudley with my new picks, and I must say, it feels real good on my hands. I don't know if im picking the lock anybetter now, but I do like the new picks...Except there's so many....

Is there a link where I can read on which pick is what and what pick do i use where and when???

Thanks...

[Doctor Hexagon]

Wikipedia has a pretty solid description of the most common basic styles of picks and a generalized description of how each pick can be used (and some of the picks pictured in that article may even be SouthOrd picks like yours). Knowing what pick to use and when to use it is, more than anything, an acquired skill much like lock picking is as a whole. I personally always use a hook pick, usually a short hook, as my first tool when approaching any kind of lock. The short hook is a good way for me to feel the inner workings of the lock and learn as much about that individual lock. In most cases the short hook is all I need to open a lock, but there have been times that I needed to switch to a longer hook or other different tool to get the lock to open. As you practice more and more, you'll develop a sense of knowing what is happening in the lock and what pick needs to be used. Also, try each one of your different picks individually and test them. Each one has a slightly different feel to it, and behaves differently while being manipulated inside the lock, and you'll easily be able to tell immediately what picks aren't appropriate for the lock you're trying to open. Some picks are clearly not the right tool for certain locks, such as the ball pick on a heavily warded keyway, for example.

It sounds like you're getting a good grasp on how to open locks now with your Dudley, but I recommend you don't practice on it too heavily. By now you probably have the technique for opening that particular lock committed to muscle memory, but every lock is unique. You should definitely start getting some new locks now. I recommend you get a Kwikset double-cylinder deadbolt to start with (you'll get 2 lock cylinders with this). DO NOT GET A KWIKSET SMARTKEY LOCK, they require a completely different technique and are difficult to pick. The basic Kwikset deadbolt cylinders are not overly challenging, are easy to disassemble, and you can rearrange the pins in them to effectively make a new lock to pick with readily available tools.

For a more challenging locks, try a Masterlock No.140 padlock, or a Schlage or Brinks deadbolt. You can also search eBay for padlocks and often get excellent deals there. There is also a Buy - Sell - Trade area here at LP101 where you may find other members selling locks for a good price.

Try different things, expand your horizons, and challenge yourself! I've found that I learned more from failing to open a lock than I did from always succeeding.

Godspeed!

[amcutem]

Thanks for the reply again.

Well, ive pretty much mastered my dudley
Padlock. And the other locks that I practice on at work and at home are way too easy. Specialy the blue brinks padlock. All i have to do is shove the pick and wiggle a bit and it opens.

Today I should celebrate. Today I opened my first door, its an office door. I almost did it yesterday but i only made it half way. I was able to get the cylinder to Turn, but after exactly 180deg, it would stop. Today I found out that theres 1 pin on the opposite side that i had to set so it could turn all the way 360 and unluck/lock.

This is so cool.

Around how much are the kwiset deadbolts. ?

[EmCee]

I opened my tool box and a couple of vehicles but I also broke our house door lock in the process...I have already been given advice not to pick inservice working locks.

Today I opened my first door, its an office door.

So you weren't much impressed with the advice about not picking locks in use. I can only assume that your workplace gave you permission to open a couple of vehicles, various padlocks and that office door.

Even if so, as you have already found out, it is possible to damage a lock when picking - not probable, but possible. If you break the office lock or vehicle locks, do you have to fork out for the replacement or will the boss/owners be happy to do so. Another point worth noting, is that if colleagues find things go 'missing' from their locked desk drawers, cars or offices, where do you think suspicion will fall if they know you're wandering around with a set of lockpicks?

I do understand the temptation to try your new skills on every lock you come across, but there are good reasons why you should not. Once again, as with other threads, I am surprised that site members give advice to someone who is picking locks in use despite that being against the policy of the site. Maybe the site policy should be changed so we all know where we stand.

Cheers...

[amcutem]

I opened my tool box and a couple of vehicles but I also broke our house door lock in the process...I have already been given advice not to pick inservice working locks.

Today I opened my first door, its an office door.

So you weren't much impressed with the advice about not picking locks in use. I can only assume that your workplace gave you permission to open a couple of vehicles, various padlocks and that office door.

Even if so, as you have already found out, it is possible to damage a lock when picking - not probable, but possible. If you break the office lock or vehicle locks, do you have to fork out for the replacement or will the boss/owners be happy to do so. Another point worth noting, is that if colleagues find things go 'missing' from their locked desk drawers, cars or offices, where do you think suspicion will fall if they know you're wandering around with a set of lockpicks?

I do understand the temptation to try your new skills on every lock you come across, but there are good reasons why you should not. Once again, as with other threads, I am surprised that site members give advice to someone who is picking locks in use despite that being against the policy of the site. Maybe the site policy should be changed so we all know where we stand.

Cheers...

Chill out my friend.

I work and im in charge of a junkyard. The office im talking about is some beat up unit that use to be an office but is now just a storage for more junk parts.

Also, the vehicles ive been picking are the junk cars that we have here. Some still run and maybe for sale and some are for dismantel. If i break any car ignition, ill jusy say it was like that. Ive also told my boss that ive picked every lock at work. He cant really do or say anything becuz I have the keys.

Also, I think the acura integra I picked could have been a fluke. Often, we get cars to dismantell that dont have any keys and I cant open them. Sometimes I really need too, not so much the ignition, but the trunk. I have to destroy the trunk sometimes just so i can get to the tail lights and to remove the spare tires. The metal recyclers gives us a 100$ fine if we leave a tire in the vehicle.

So if anything, I should really be
Learnin how to pick automotive locks becuz it would be
Valuable for me. As for trying to break in to cars, Im a licenced mechanic, and if i wanted to steal or break in too cars, it would be easy.


I would also like to know what kind of advice did someone give, to buy a certain lock. And y do u jump to conclusions? Do u just like to nag?