Completely new w/o equipment but very interested!

[Ender]

Okay, I read something about lock-picking on, I think, TOTSE a couple weeks ago...Got really interested, and have since been looking around for more information, how locks work, different picks, methods, etc. etc.

I think I've got a decent grasp on how locks work, the tension wrench causing the binding, pins, and so on, but I have a pretty serious problem. There are about 3 different locks that require keys at home, 2 are the front door (dead bolt & knob), another one is some filing cabinet which seems to have these really thin bars (wafers?) for the mechanism.

So far the only real practice I've had is once on the cabinet, which didn't work at ALL, and the front door for a couple minutes, which was even worse. I could barely even get the pick in the plug, much less set the first pin or use the tension wrench. The pins were facing down, too, which should've made it easier, right?

I'm not going to discount the most obvious fact, that being my lack of skill - this is my first shot at it - but these are the tools I'm working with at the moment:
1) A big paperclip that is bent up for about a 1/2 inch at a 45-degree angle at the end, and 2) a little paper clip for a tension wrench.

I realize these tools are pretty much hopeless. All the pick really did was stick and sometimes I managed to get the first pin up a bit, but it never stuck.
I don't have access to a grinder, and it's doubtful I could use a dremel. Probably the biggest thing I could reasonably use is a safety pin or a little screwdriver or something. Could I learn using these? I'd really like to...Or is there an easier/better way to get tools? Am I just plain stupid?

Thanks just for reading, this place looks really informative.

[Chucklz]

TOTSE....... well I wont comment. But, you should start by reading the MIT guide. Then try reading this sites FAQ. This will give you the backround that you need. Your tools are woefully insufficient to learn with. A safety pin may make a better hook pick than your paperclip, but you may want to look into ordering a few picks online, or, for a real learning experience, try using a good mill bastard file. For example:
http://doityourself.com/store/6577613.htm

[PickPick]

And please don't practice on locks that you or someone else need to use on a regular basis. Get yourself some cheap padlocks or something to practice, we've covered this several times on this forum.

[toomush2drink]

I do applaud your enthusiasm but agree with what the others have said above.
To get you on your way search for "wiper blade inserts" on this site as you can make picks and tension wrenches from these quite easily and for free if you have a file.

[Ender]

TOTSE....... well I wont comment. But, you should start by reading the MIT guide. Then try reading this sites FAQ. This will give you the backround that you need. Your tools are woefully insufficient to learn with. A safety pin may make a better hook pick than your paperclip, but you may want to look into ordering a few picks online, or, for a real learning experience, try using a good mill bastard file. For example:
http://doityourself.com/store/6577613.htm

Alright, I agree, TOTSE probably wasn't a good name to drop, but I'm not going to use this for breaking into buildings or anything, I just find it interesting. They're pretty much all "Anarkysts" over there, but some of the text files actually have decent information in them.

I've already read the MIT guide, which is mostly where I learned how a lock works. Have taken a look-see at the FAQ (I think? Better check...)
Good to hear that it's not all my fault I can't accomplish anything. I found a couple safety pins today. Awesome. Also looked at the file.

And please don't practice on locks that you or someone else need to use on a regular basis. Get yourself some cheap padlocks or something to practice, we've covered this several times on this forum.

Well, I didn't see anything specific about that on the forum (yet), but it seems like a good idea. Haven't gotten one (again, yet) - will crappy picking do damage to a lock? Our front door lock will probably be replaced soon anyway but naturally there's no point in screwing it up early. Maybe I can keep the old one if we replace it.

Thanks for the advice - sorry if I sound like a 12 year old that wants to break into Toys 'R' Us - I'm just trying to learn as much as I can without screwing anything up.

[silent]

totse is just a bunch of flame forums. nothing is accomplished like here

[Ender]

totse is just a bunch of flame forums. nothing is accomplished like here

And that is precisely why I am here asking about tools and what's wrong with what I'm doing, instead of there.