How to apply pressure to pins

[Achyfellow]

Allright, here is something I have been taking for granted all this time and I want to be sure of.

When I am applying pressure to a pin with a pick, I first feel it pushing down with the pick. If I feel it's binding, I use the top of the keyway as a lever point so I can apply pressure more accurately. However this sometimes leads to slightly bent picks since I keep pushing down and it's hard to judge the amount of force you are doing.

Here is my doubt: Have I been using the wrong technique or I just have to practice more? Is 'levering' with picks the most widespread thing or I am doing it wrong?

[ninjalectual]

First off, whatever works for you is correct enough. That said, my mentor is big on very lightly lifting the pins by sliding the pick back and forth on the bottom of the pin. It's somewhat similar to a raking motion, but under one individual pin.

This works great for me. Oversetting isn't an issue, but it doesn't work on spool pins for me. He can do it so precisely that he goes from a false set to a correct one in one motion. I have to false set the spool and really use lever action to push that pin up while counterrotateing the cylinder until it's set right. If you're careful, on most locks you don't lose any (or many) other set pins this way, but I have a Master 141 where the spool is in the worst possible position for this and I lose 2-3 set pins almost every time.

To my understanding, the individual rake is what you should aim for.

[Achyfellow]

I have always used the lever motion because it seemed like a good idea when I was starting and I couldn't control the force I applied. I'm happy with it even if I can control my hands better now, but sometimes (Like today) I have a terrible day in which I can't even pick the most basic lock, and I have started questioning if the technique I am using is the correct one.

I'll try what you suggested (I'm really curious, I've never heard of it) and see how it goes

[HerrMannelig]

Here is my doubt: Have I been using the wrong technique or I just have to practice more? Is 'levering' with picks the most widespread thing or I am doing it wrong?

There are many techniques to picking, and usually, one uses whatever works the best for the given situation and one's preferences. There is no "wrong" way to pick, as long as the lock opens.

I do not think that technique is the most widespread for general picking, at least, not from what I've observed. But it is reasonably common, and there are picks which are even designed for that kind of picking.

Here is a lock which required some force for setting pins and overcoming false sets. This is how I usually apply more pressure (not levering): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wluumQ7I70

But here I am levering the pick against the bottom of the keyway: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9-0IFy12N0

I'm using the same pick in those videos, and it doesn't bend. I'd recommend getting a sturdy pick, maybe the Peterson government steel, the Max series from SouthOrd, or something similar. A little extra money, but they are probably worth the money for often used picks.

That hook I'm using is actually my first hook, and it is in perfect condition still. It is from HPC.

[Divinorum]

I agree there is really no wrong way just different techniques. I feel that the different techniques for lifting pins very situation. When I first started I did not lever very much, I would just find the pin and press down. As a newb I would press to hard and end up hitting the other pins near the one i was trying to set. I was also using too much tension. I tried the lever technique and it helped me control the downward force being applied. Yet the level technique will not work in all situations depending on key way and bitting. Since I have built up my experience I would say that I use an equal combination of levering and pressing. I have tried lifting the pin by sliding the pick pack on it. Seems interesting I'll have to give that a shot.

[DennisK]

I'll tell you what is helping me the most. I am a visual learner,so it really helps me to be able to see what is happening inside a lock.That being said,I ordered one of those clear plastic/lexan locks with 5 spool pins.Now my model isn't pin changeable,but that's ok. When I'm attempting to pick this lock (Schlage,by the way) I can see that if I apply too much tension,the spools refuse to move; or if they do,they don't move high enough.So I am learning that with the slightest amount of tension,the pins move up easily. It is REALLY helping me with my tension control. I would highly recommend one of these to people starting out on security pins. I could provide a link to where they can be found,but I'm not sure of the rules about that.

[bjornnrojb]

Yes, it is in every thread: the most successful picking long-term seems to be from learning perfect control with a slight amount of tension. My co-workers' picks are all bent backwards and sideways and I don't quite know how they do it, unless they are abusing their tools trying to pry pins out of ignitions or something of that nature. The original picks (HPC) I got in my first lockpicking class are flawlessly straight still, though the ones I used to demonstrate to beginners are all bent because the beginners were using way too much tension and pushed the picks too hard. My friends who pick locks all talk about getting titanium picks and that sort of thing, but cheap steel picks will last your whole life if properly used, i believe.

[xylac]

As I've been taught, that levering motion is only dangerous to picks if the tension being used is so great that the pick bends before the pins budge. Personally, I also like the levering technique, since that rocking motion keeps me centered on one pin instead of pressing on multiple. Now that I think about it, when I don't lever the pick I still use the same rocking motion to sort of "scoop up" the pick into the pins.

[mechanical_nightmare]

As a personal preference I usually do not lever the pick, except on certain padlocks. It is OK to do either as long as:

- The lock opens
- The picks do not bend

With dimple locks though, I almost exclusively lever the SO dimple pick from the top of the keyway, pushing down on the pins.