Prestonm wrote: Or is it something with the pick?
Old Proverb: Don't blame the tools, blame the skill and experience of the operator.
As a new picker, it will take some time to learn how to pick a lock. A lock in hand is typically easier than a lock mounted in a door, and Schlage knobs are typically a pain to pick even if you know what you're doing.
I'd recommend trying on a Brinks deadbolt or a Defiant deadbolt that you can get at Walmart and Homedepot for $12 each. This will allow you to hold the lock in your hand and the deadbolts are not as sloppy and loosey goosey as the Schlage knobs typically are.
As a rule of thumb, most new pickers put too much pressure on the wrench, and most over lift the pins as already stated above. Remember, the pins travel distance is a 1/4 inch at the most, usually 1/32 or 1/16 and anywhere in between.
If this is the first lock you're learning on, I will say that Schlage is typically not the first thing people start on, usually it's a Kwikset deadbolt, knob, or even more commonly a file cabinet wafer lock or a 4 pin Master No.3 padlock.
Watch some videos and animations of locks on youtube, the most important part of picking is fully understanding the interaction of the parts inside, what makes the lock actually open (when all the top pins have been pushed out of the plug by lifting the key pins) and being able to visualize the inner workings while your pick tools are inside probing around.
Hope this helps, welcome to the hobby!
Squelchtone
