Tension Wrench technique

[Greatkyle]

Im new to this whole thing and have tried picking with some wire and a screw driver for a while but I can't seem to get the pins to set at all. I rake with the pick and try lifting them seperately and I know I put it back all the way so I think that the problem is my tension wrench can any of you plz explain to me the proper technique with it. Thnks

[stick]

Find and read the MIT guide. If you can't push the pins up, you're probably using too much tension. If no pins seem to set, you're probably using too little tension.

[MrB]

Welcome to the forum. You will learn lots if you spend the time to read through some of the old posts here.

You should understand that picking a lock with some wire and a screwdriver is something of a trial and error process. Those tools don't give you enough control and feedback to really pick a lock in a predictable way. With such basic tools, you really can only rake and push and jiggle and hope that after a few minutes of trying the lock will pop open.

To do better than that, you need to make or get better tools. Read around here to learn about the difference proper picks and tension tools will make.

[Greatkyle]

K thnks and where exactly is the MIT guide

[silent]

http://www.lockpickshop.com/Lockpicking ... cking1.htm

[SFGOON]

I've mentioned this before but have no qualms about doing it again. the best way to find the general amount of tension needed is to push a pick (half diamonds or hooks work best) all the way to the back of the lock, insert the tension wrench, apply a high level of tension and draw GENTLY back on the pick. The pick should be stuck. GRADUALLY release the tenion until the pins start to lift, and several may set. If the pins are binding, you've got too much tenion on them. If they don't set, gradually increase the tension until they do. In time, you will develop a good intuition for how to manipulate the wrench.