by MBI » 4 Dec 2012 4:43
Well, the first thing you want to try doing is use less tension.
As a general rule, you don't want any more tension than it takes to turn a key in the lock. Try just resting one finger on the end of the wrench.
Most new lockpickers tend to be very heavy handed, bending or breaking their picks and tension wrenches.
Once you lighten up on the wrench tension, You'll probably find it's easier to feel the feedback in the lock and tell when pins are setting.
Another trick to try is to disassemble your lock cylinder. By doing so you can gain a bigger understanding of how locks work, WHY the binding pins bind and how they stay up after you set the pin, assuming you're using proper tension.
Once you feel comfortable disassembling and reassembling the lock. try putting it back together with just one or two pin stacks in it. Leave the other pins out. It'll be much easier to pick that way. Pick it until you can practically pick it in your sleep, then take the lock apart and add a pin stack, then pick it till you've mastered it. Continue doing this until you can easily pick a fully pinned lock.
You didn't mention what tools you're using, whether homemade or store bought. If homemade, perhaps upload a pic of them to a photohosting site like imgur or photobucket then link back to it in your post. Sometimes if the problem is with one of your picks it's easier to diagnose with a picture than with a lengthy description.
I hope this helps and answers all your questions.
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