Half diamond and the speed bump technique

[commadore]

As a intermediate noob I came across the speed bump technique from various books which is used to identify the first pin that is going to bind.

For me the half diamond seems to work perfect for this. It may not be the best for actually picking that lock or chamber but in my experience the half diamond works really well with the speed bump technique.

With a hook I tend to have to lift it slightly but the diamond can basically just be in vertically. I tend to also accidentally push the pins up to much which does not really happen with the half diamond.

Just something I felt id mention.

[mechanical_nightmare]

commadore, I have not heard of this technique, or don't remember it if I have. Can you give me a link to it or a description? What I do to find the first binding pin fast is drag the pick across the key pins under tension, using very low pressure on the pick. Once I sense a pin that gives resistance to movement, I try to move it further and see if it sets. I guess everyone has their own way of doing it...

[commadore]

what your describing is basically the speed bump technique, because that binding bin will feel like a speed bump to your pick.

[mechanical_nightmare]

I get it. When I heard the word bump it conjured up something more energetic in my mind for some reason, like lock bumping with a key. I agree that it works pretty well for most locks.

[DennisK]

Thanks commodore.I had never heard of this technique,and sometimes I have a heck of a time finding the binder.And since the half diamond is one of my favorite picks,I'll give this a try.

[KPick]

Thats interesting. I might give that a try. Im sure i can do the same with hooks as well, correct me if im wrong. But if I rake, I'm sure te lock will give me the same response.

[commadore]

After putting some more time into it I did find that certain locks work better with a hook when they have a more open keyway (for me) and half diamond works well with restrictive keyways and smaller pins. It really seems to come down to what your comfortable with.