Developing Real Skill

[calipicker]

I've opened a lot of padlocks and wafer locks no problem with raking, but if I had to open one with a feeler pick I'd be stumped. Because I could open the lower security locks so easily by just raking, I never bothered to learn how to SPP and ran into a lot of trouble when trying to pick higher security locks. Just within these last few days, I've been doing a lot of SPP exercises and I already notice a HUGE difference in my ability to feel out a lock. This is just a note to all you beginner lock pickers- raking is a fantastic method for setting pins but you really need to develop your ability to SPP if you ever want to get anywhere!

[mechanical_nightmare]

I do not consider my self an experienced picker (It's only been a few months actually) but I am decent at the art. If you want to learn and master SPP (as I am trying to do) I think the best way is picking or attempting to pick as many locks as possible, and changing the bitting pattern in the same lock to figure out a different binding order, create more dramatic bitting, etc. Once you get to the point you can pretty much pick most pin tumbler locks without security pins, move on to spools. Security pins are very frustrating, and also very rewarding once you start being able to pick them. Check out digital_blue's SPP guide, the MIT guide and LI guide if you haven't already. Also, Locks Safes and Security by Marc Weber Tobias has some very useful exercises in chapter 24, although it is expensive. (more than $200)