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I bought the ultimate challenge practice lock that comes with a 6 pin cylinder and a couple hundred different pins, springs etc. and I've been trying to stump myself by using spools and different high low bittings but so far I can pick any combination pretty easily, now I'm not saying I'm a master nor am I gloating but I'm looking for advice to give myself a good challenge that will take longer than a few minutes to pick. Any ideas? Or perhaps a different lock that I should try for a good challenge?
MrWizard makes a really good one with a Schlage keyway - more warding to ger around. He als includes serrated driver pins. He also may have some seven pin practice locks.
Gordon
Just when you finally think you have learned it all, that is when you learn that you don't know anything yet.
ski610 wrote:I bought the ultimate challenge practice lock that comes with a 6 pin cylinder and a couple hundred different pins, springs etc. and I've been trying to stump myself by using spools and different high low bittings but so far I can pick any combination pretty easily, now I'm not saying I'm a master nor am I gloating but I'm looking for advice to give myself a good challenge that will take longer than a few minutes to pick. Any ideas? Or perhaps a different lock that I should try for a good challenge?
You might want to buy one of the more expensive American brand padlocks. They even have serrations on the key pins !
Make sure you can pick both directions, i.e. Clockwise/Counter-clockwise. Some overlook the importance of being able to pick either way because most, or all, padlocks open in a Clockwise fasion. Doing that may offer an aditional challenge for you, especially on some pin configurations that are low cut up front and higher up in the back.
Like Gordon already said, MrWizard has a 7-pin lock that is very high quality with fun security pins.
Check out what he says in this thread I started about his 7-pin lock. Towards the end of page one MrWizard gives some fun advice for making things more challenging.
I have had quite a bit of fun with the Ultimate Challenge Lock; and, it has been a great tool in encouraging some of my friends to get into the hobby. The ability to dump out a stack or two and reduce the difficulty for them has been a huge psychological boost for them. The other thing that has encouraged them is the wide open keyway. There is almost no warding to speak of so you have a ton of room to wiggle around. Regardless of that, throw a spool or two in there to trip them up and keep 'em guessing.
teranaut wrote:Regardless of that, throw a spool or two in there to trip them up and keep 'em guessing.
Or if they are thinking they are super wonderful at picking, put in a solid pin made of music wire as long as both the driver and key pins combined so no matter how hard they try, the lock will not open.
Gordon
Just when you finally think you have learned it all, that is when you learn that you don't know anything yet.
teranaut wrote:Regardless of that, throw a spool or two in there to trip them up and keep 'em guessing.
Or if they are thinking they are super wonderful at picking, put in a solid pin made of music wire as long as both the driver and key pins combined so no matter how hard they try, the lock will not open.
Gordon
Now that is just wicked. I love it!!! I can't wait for an opportunity to actually do this, I am not joking.
thanks for all the advice guys i really appreciate it. i do make sure to pick a lock in both directions when i pick it, and i try to pick a lock with top of the keyway tension and then again with bottom tension just to cover all my bases. ill definitely have a look at MrWizards work. i have stumped myself momentarily tho, i put together a six pin lock with a high high high low high low bottom pin setup and a high high high spool high low top pin setup and its kicking my butt for now, im gonna attack it again in the morning.
teranaut wrote:Regardless of that, throw a spool or two in there to trip them up and keep 'em guessing.
Or if they are thinking they are super wonderful at picking, put in a solid pin made of music wire as long as both the driver and key pins combined so no matter how hard they try, the lock will not open.
That's a splendid idea GWiens; and, a great replacement for using a long/long setup with a nice heavy spring. I knew it was a good idea to join this community.
GWiens2001 wrote:put in a solid pin made of music wire as long as both the driver and key pins combined so no matter how hard they try, the lock will not open.
Where can I sign to help re-pinning the locks for the next World Championships?
teranaut wrote:Regardless of that, throw a spool or two in there to trip them up and keep 'em guessing.
Or if they are thinking they are super wonderful at picking, put in a solid pin made of music wire as long as both the driver and key pins combined so no matter how hard they try, the lock will not open.
Gordon
Now that is just too funny the ultimate pick proof practice lock.
"Those who believe in telekinesis, raise my hand."
I was bored and kludged together my own practice lock with a disused Schlage, I think... Not really important, but I noticed that my wrist hurts a little after picking for an extended time without the liberty of something to brace it on. Is there a "proper" way to hold the cylinder while picking, and should I be applying torque with the hand that is also holding the lock?
Luissen wrote:Is there a "proper" way to hold the cylinder while picking, and should I be applying torque with the hand that is also holding the lock?
I'd highly recommend buying a vice. You can buy one cheap on eBay. Look under modeling vice or table vice. Personally, I prefer the ones with a vacuum suction base, and a ball joint for maneuvering to get a good angle.
In that way, you have both hands free, no wrist strain, and a very steady base to mount the lock and pick.
DISCLAIMER: Reader may posit an understanding of what was written, while this may not coincide with the intended meaning of what is read. Use of brain is required. One size fits all, and may contain traces of gibberish
Luissen wrote:Is there a "proper" way to hold the cylinder while picking, and should I be applying torque with the hand that is also holding the lock?
I'd highly recommend buying a vice. You can buy one cheap on eBay. Look under modeling vice or table vice. Personally, I prefer the ones with a vacuum suction base, and a ball joint for maneuvering to get a good angle.
In that way, you have both hands free, no wrist strain, and a very steady base to mount the lock and pick.
Otherwise, you'd hold the lock in your palm with your fingers wrapped around it, and use your thumb or pointing finger to press on the wrench, which finger will depend on which direction you are applying rotational force.
!
-GWiens2001
