Did I break my master lock?

[violarocks]

This may be a very stupid question. Sorry for my noobness!

After buying the PXS-05 set from southord, I managed to pick my first lock, a master padlock!

I managed to SPP it 3 times applying torque to the right, then I had trouble lifting the pins, and couldn't pick the lock. I then proceeded to apply torque the other direction, and managed to open the lock a few times. After that, I never succeeded in picking the lock.

The master padlock was picked up for ~$5 from home depot. Did I break the lock? The key still works fine. I'm thinking I may have damaged the cylinder by applying too much torque.
Any ideas?

[Raymond]

Its very unlikely that your turning force caused the lock to break. However, the picking might have scratched the brass to the extent that one bottom pin is stuck up in the spring chamber or one spring has collapsed. If this lock had a bump-stop type pin it could have made a very large groove in the lower pin chamber that is interferring with pin movement.

[cmaltzan]

I'm new to picking locks as well, so don't take my word for it...

Try applying less tension as you pick it so that you can feel the tension wrench turn (very slightly) each time you get a driver pin to set. You will also know you are on the right track if when you release the tension completely you hear the pins click back into place.

[Solomon]

Did I break the lock? The key still works fine.

Just answered your own question lol. The lock is fine, you just need to practice more until you can pick it more consistently.

[MrScruff]

This might sound a bit silly but it's possible that a combination of excitement and/or frustration is causing you to apply more force than you realize. I'm inclined to agree with Cmaltzan that you probably just need to cut back your tension a bit.

[violarocks]

Thanks for the helpful responses! I did cutback on the tension and it's been easier! I'm still unable to open the master lock by turning it right, but turning it left works fine.