New to Lockpicking, have a few questions, thank you.

[A.Weber]

(Sorry about the language, english isnt my first language.)

Hi everyone, my name is Alex and I just started learning lock picking last week and I found it really interesting.

For now, there is just a few informations im looking for, if you guys may help me I would very appreciate.

1. Is there any trick to find out how many pins the lock contains, else then using the hook pick?
2. What is approximately the percentage of residential locks that contain 3,4,5 and 6 pins cylinder?
3. What is approximately the percentage of residential locks cylinder that turn right and left? (Ive read I should alway try turning right first)
4. Is there a reason why some locks are straight and other reversed, and is there a difference with picking them?
5. What informations can I get with only looking at the lock and the cylinder chamber enter?
6. Ive tried the raking method and wasnt able to open any locks yet in comparison with the single pin method. Ive read a lot saying that raking is effective and really fast; were I just unlucky, unskilled or its just not working on lot of locks?

That is it for now! Thank all of you for your answers!

[Squelchtone]

It would be easier to help you if we knew this:

What country are you from? (this will tell us what locks are most common where you are)

What manufacturer and model locks are you trying to pick? ASSA, EVVA, Winkhaus, Pfaffenheim, ABUS, Gerda, etc

The way the lock turns depends on if it is mounted on the left side or the right side of the door, and if the lock is mounted upside down or right side up.

Why are you specifically interested in residential locks and wanting to identify how many pins they are and what you can tell by looking just at a keyway or inside a keyway? This question is going to raise some flags.

Are you learning lock picking for a hobby? for locksmith work? was machst du gerade?

nicht im Gefängnis landen
Squelchtone

[A.Weber]

Hey thanks Squelchtone.

I said residential locks but in fact that doesn't matter when I think about it because im interested in any locks. I do it as a hobby of course, I like the many possibilities of challenge it give. I think I mention residential because at my job I do renovations at unoccupied apartments and during my break I take some time practicing picking (my boss really doesn't care). But anyway, I found it really exiting since the minute I started it, I've always loved puzzles and challenges, so I guess it corresponds. Im asking those few infos because I want to understand locks mechanic and be able to open them fast as thunder!

Ok yes I forgoted to say where I live: Montreal, Canada
But at least I would like to know which way the key turn depending on what, because I've opened tons of locks on the wrong side until now . Could you link a post talking about it.

Thank you again!

[Squelchtone]

Ok yes I forgoted to say where I live: Montreal, Canada
But at least I would like to know which way the key turn depending on what, because I've opened tons of locks on the wrong side until now . Could you link a post talking about it.

Thank you again!

You tricked me with that German Anonymizer site!

If you are standing in front of the door, and the deadbolt lock is on your left then you want to turn the key CW (Clockwise), if the lock is on the right of the door, you want to turn the key or tension wrench CCW (Counter Clockwise (US)/ Anti Clockwise (UK))

However, if the lock is a rim cylinder, and has a Jimmy Proof Segal surface mount lock on the inside, the instructions will be reversed. If rim cylinder is on left, turn key CCW, if rim cylinder is on right, turn key CW.

I'm not sure about door knobs or levers.. someone else will have to help you there.

Glad you think of locks as puzzles, that's what we like to hear.

Have fun,
Squelchtone