SPPing older locks

[Lesh18]

Hey guys

Since older locks provide a lot less feedback and are harder to pick (at least for me), how should I go about them? I can rake a newer lock quite easily, but I have never picked an older lock. Should I use SPPingfor older locks?

Is SPPing generally more reliable (both for newer and older locks) than raking?
I have read the Solomon's comprehensive guide and a lot of other guides on lockpicking, but none of them actually did the trick for me.

I'm using this set: http://nerdapproved.com/wp-content/uplo ... jpg?cb5e28

Thanks

[Josh66]

It really all depends on the lock... Sometimes I can literally insert a rake then pull it out and the lock is open - that same lock can be a pain to SPP. Sometime it's to opposite - I can SPP it all day long, but rakes just don't do anything to it.

When you say you've never picked an older lock, does that mean that you've never tried, or that you have but just haven't gotten it open? And how old are we talking here?

I'm assuming a lock that's been out in the weather and the pins might not want to move freely... I would try to rake it first, and if that failed, move on to SPP.

I think you'll see better results with better picks too. Those 'hidden in a credit card' pick sets are meant to be a last ditch emergency pick set that you always have on you. They're not really meant for every day use. I mean, I'm sure they work, but they're far from ideal.

Good picks don't have to cost a lot - you can make your own very cheaply.

[MrAnybody]

Should I use SPPingfor older locks? Is SPPing generally more reliable (both for newer and older locks) than raking?

Yes, definitely use SPP for older locks. More often than not I'd rake a few times before getting down to SPP. In short, I'd mix the two. No harm done. Raking alone can be more down to luck to have all pins set, while analysis with SPP will give a lot more awareness of what is going on, and finish the mother off.

How old are you thinking when you say "older"?

I have read the Solomon's comprehensive guide and a lot of other guides on lockpicking, but none of them actually did the trick for me.

As you've read Solomon's guide, you're fully aware that it's not the guides that will do it for you, but the practice, practice, practice. Whenever you get frustrated walk away and come back to it later. If you didn't read those points, then, "your ass is in detention"

I'm using this set: http://nerdapproved.com/wp-content/uplo ... jpg?cb5e28

As Josh says, I'd recommend ditching the credit card thing. A short hook and a half diamond with a couple a tension wrenches will do wonders in your own mind. You can pick them up cheap and make them yourself cheaper.

[Lesh18]

*I've tried picking those older ones, but didn't succeed.

I do have a better set, but the thing is that I want to practice and be good at lockpicking with the set that I always carry on me (since I like to keep that credit card in my wallet). In the case of emergency, a high quality set hidden in the drawer in the room doesn't really help.

[Josh66]

IMO, I would get proficient with 'regular' picks first - then the 'emergency' picks will be easier to use. They're not the best picks to learn on...

[FarmerFreak]

Is SPPing generally more reliable (both for newer and older locks) than raking?

Yes, SPPing is more reliable than raking for both older and newer locks.

I do have a better set, but the thing is that I want to practice and be good at lockpicking with the set that I always carry on me (since I like to keep that credit card in my wallet).

How about simply avoiding the necessity of carrying around a pick set with you. Like for example: carrying a spare set of keys...

I work full time as a locksmith and rarely bring my picks home unless I have a lock I want to play with at home. For the life of me I cannot fathom the reasoning behind always carrying a set of picks when key copies aren't expensive.

[Altashot]

I agree with everyone. Get better picks. Besides, your "credit card" is expired!

M.

[Solomon]

If you're following my instructions carefully, taking your time and following the golden rule of not forcing anything or trying to make the pins do something they don't wanna do as well as dropping pins if you suspect oversetting, you can't really go wrong. Providing you have a good mechanical knowledge of the lock and what you're supposed to be doing, what to expect and why you're feeling what you're feeling, from there it all comes down to practice, patience and a little bit of discipline.

I suspect the issue is with your picks. The standard short hook in general doesn't provide the best feedback in my opinion, and the handles on those things are very small and slim so that will further detract from the feedback and maneuverability of the picks. Get yourself a set of the "secure pro" or "shalon" hooks, they're very cheap and the feedback from them is astounding. I also highly recommend the peterson DCAP hook if you want something a bit higher end.

Out of curiosity, what exactly is the lock that's giving you trouble?

[Lesh18]

It's just a basic double cyllinder euro lock, looks like this http://azradial.sk/70-261-large/vlozka-do-fab-zamku.jpg but it's a bit old, it's a bit rusty and has been lubricated with oil, so the feedback is kinda poor.

I do have a secure pro set already, and you might be right that I want to learn it with a proper set first and then try the flimsy one.

However, I'm suspicious that the rubber coating of those secure pro handles suppresses the vibrations and gives less feedback. Maybe the picks that are made of one piece of metal only give better feedback? Or it doesn't really matter?

[Solomon]

Well, the handles on mine are hard plastic. Regardless, handles make no difference to the feedback... some might disagree, but for me it doesn't matter. I keep one finger pressed against the plug while resting along the side of the pick shaft, it keeps the pick very steady and you feel everything really well. The feedback all comes through the shaft, not the handle. The shape of the pick tip itself is more important from my experience. Keep practicing and take it slow.

Remember... slow, controlled movements. Take your time feeling for binding and get onto the centre of the pin carefully. Start with more tension than necessary and release gently until the pin moves with the amount of pick pressure you're comfortable with. You should be able to feel slight resistance from the pin and a small click as it shears. If you feel a click, even the tiniest bit, even if you've barely just touched on it, push no further and check over the other pins for binding. You can't make a lock do something it doesn't want to, never force anything past where it wants to go and don't try to set something before it wants to. It takes patience and a little discipline; I still get frustrated at times and have to remind myself to slow down and pay attention properly... then as soon as I relax and take my time, and really concentrate, it's a breeze.

And don't forget if you get lost along the way, something doesn't feel right, don't be afraid to release tension a tiny bit to drop a pin or two and check over them again. There is no need to reset the entire lock if you get stuck, chances are it's just one or two overset pins.