Total skill regression

[funyet]

My inability to pick a lock has almost reached comical proportions. I think I was doing OK with basic lock picking at first. With patience and experimentation I was able to open a few locks, but Now it's as though I've totally lost the ability to feel the pins or feedback from the pick or wrench. I just spent about an hour trying to pick some locks. Failed. Is this common?

[GWiens2001]

It can, and does, happen to all of us at times. At that time it is best to either grab your confidence locks to practice with or stop picking for an hour or so, just to clear your mind. That is what I do.

Best of luck,

Gordon

[MrAnybody]

My inability to pick a lock has almost reached comical proportions. I think I was doing OK with basic lock picking at first. With patience and experimentation I was able to open a few locks, but Now it's as though I've totally lost the ability to feel the pins or feedback from the pick or wrench. I just spent about an hour trying to pick some locks. Failed. Is this common?

Yep, same with me on occasions.

Either I leave things alone for a couple of hours or I gut the son-of-a-b**ch just to let it knows who's in charge Then reassembly with a couple of empty stacks can help me out. Then once a little bit of magic is back, I'll put the rest of the stacks back.

[lockjock50]

Very common. I will pick locks in a matter of seconds sometimes. Then sometimes they are stubborn. They are right. Just take a break and walk off. Come back with a clear mind. Sometimes it takes trying a different lock or different methods or picks

[funyet]

Good words of advice all, thanks. I went back to trying a simpler lock (fewer pins) and have also made a point of taking a break if I'm not making any progress. Will see how it goes. Still working on finding the best grip/hand position for holding on to my pick, to get the best feedback. I really struggle with feeling the pins. Holding my pick like a pencil or dart seems to allow a lighter touch but its more tiring to my fingers.

[daniel22747]

I am new to lockpicking and I went throught this too. It will pass!

Also sometimes picking a lock many times may alter it in ways that can make it harder, or sometimes easier, to pick.

Sometimes you just need to go buy a new lock!