What did you pick today?

[mechanical_nightmare]

I was on a business trip to Spain last week so couldn't pick/post. I bought an Ezcurra DS-15 which I haven't been able to pick. However, I got this strange Burg looking lock from a friend:



Couldn't really figure out what it was for, but it picks very very easily (less than 10 seconds):



As you can see it is like a cross lock, but the bottom of the keyway (and keys) are beveled, and there is only a single set of pins just as in a standard cylinder.

Also any tips on the Ezcurra dimple locks would be appreciated. I heard they can have serrated pins?

[Achyfellow]

I was on a business trip to Spain last week so couldn't pick/post. I bought an Ezcurra DS-15 which I haven't been able to pick. However, I got this strange Burg looking lock from a friend:

Also any tips on the Ezcurra dimple locks would be appreciated. I heard they can have serrated pins?

I hope you had fun around here!

The DS15 does not have serrated or spool pins, it's just 6 regular pin stacks. There are 6 holes on the other side which have passive pins (I don't know what 'rules' they follow to place those, but look at your key and you'll know where they are). You can ignore those, although I sometimes push them up to get them out of the way and the lock opens anyway.

[KPick]

Cool lock mechanical nightmare. The keyway is something unique. Was it all standard pins?

[mechanical_nightmare]

All standard pins. Easy picking. Supposedly it is a Burg Wachter brand 'Lockblocking Key'.

Achyfellow, it was more work than fun but still a good time. There's a chance I could go to Valencia soon as well. I was in Cartagena last week. My conversation with the locksmith lady was kinda funny, she kept trying to explain to me that the lock has to be correct size, and I kept saying "No es importante, solo quiero comprar"

[teamstarlet]

Finally managed to nail this 7 pin Arrow SFIC to control

Good job, that's a really great feeling! I remember the first time I picked an Arrow to control. It was the best feeling on earth! Well done keep up the good work.

How did you pick it? Did you use any special tension wrenches? I'm just curious because I have the Peterson tension wrenches that help get the control pick by grabbing the control lug (or at least trying to), but the first time I picked an SFIC I did not use one and it took a long time. Sometimes they pick to control really easy, sometimes they don't… At all!

Yeah it was a great feeling! I didn't actually realize I had it picked, but rather thought that I had it at a crazy false set.

I used the Peterson Lite 0.040" bar and a Deforest Diamond. Really starting to love that pick!

[Achyfellow]

Achyfellow, it was more work than fun but still a good time. There's a chance I could go to Valencia soon as well. I was in Cartagena last week. My conversation with the locksmith lady was kinda funny, she kept trying to explain to me that the lock has to be correct size, and I kept saying "No es importante, solo quiero comprar"

Hahahah yeah, I guess most of the locksmiths around here are not really used to people buying locks just because they like them.

[KPick]

Achyfellow, it was more work than fun but still a good time. There's a chance I could go to Valencia soon as well. I was in Cartagena last week. My conversation with the locksmith lady was kinda funny, she kept trying to explain to me that the lock has to be correct size, and I kept saying "No es importante, solo quiero comprar"

Hahahah yeah, I guess most of the locksmiths around here are not really used to people buying locks just because they like them.

Entiendes lo que te estoy diciendo?

[mechanical_nightmare]

Si, yo entiendo bien. Out of curiosity, has anyone here successfully accomplished surreptitious entry of a chastity belt? Would be cool to see on this thread...

[teamstarlet]

I have the Peterson tension wrenches that help get the control pick by grabbing the control lug (or at least trying to), but the first time I picked an SFIC I did not use one and it took a long time. Sometimes they pick to control really easy, sometimes they don't… At all!

How do you find the Peterson SFIC Tension Wrenches? They look really useful but they're crazy expensive for what they are.

[teamstarlet]

This ABUS has been a thorn in my side for a while now. Finally nailed it! Learnt a good deal from it too, which always makes me happy

[GWiens2001]

Nice job, TeamStarlett. Find that I learn a lot more from the locks (or anything else am working on) that I struggle with instead of having no problems with at all.

Picking locks that are 'out of your league' (beyond your current skill level) can be very educational. Just don't let them get you too frustrated. If you are getting frustrated, then set it aside for a while, and come back to it when you are ready.

Gordon

[teamstarlet]

Just don't let them get you too frustrated. If you are getting frustrated, then set it aside for a while, and come back to it when you are ready.

Thanks Gordon. That's great advice too - It's amazing what a refreshed mind/perspective can do.

[phrygianradar]

I totally agree with Gordon, as usual/always. I just got out my MTL Interactives the other day and picked both of them in less than half an hour! One is a four pin and the other is a five pin; both are mortice locks. Then after that, I spent the whole weekend trying to pick the five pin one again and still didn't get it open... It is time to set it aside and work on something else for a while, come back to it later and see how it goes. It is hard for me because I am like the compulsive gambler when it comes to picking locks! "Just one more time and I know I can get it"... then hours pass by... good thing I am not gambling!

About the Peterson wrenches; you can make your own if you are careful and have some streetsweeper bristle or wiper blades. There is a template around here somewhere for them. Or you can just make the measurements yourself. You can PM me if you want to about it. I have made my own...after spending the unneccessary money on the Peterson ones, which are nice, but still. They are certainly not neccessary for picking SFIC locks to control; I think you figured that out already. To be honest, I don't use them all that often when picking an SFIC lock. You can feel what shear line you are picking if you pay close attention to the feel of it most of the time. At least, that is what I think on the subject. However, if you still want to buy one or two, I would only get the thick one or the medium sized one ( I think they are sold separately), I have never used the thinnest with any success. And there are some other tricks to using them that will help too. I would try to make one first if you have a Dremel...or even just a file.

You are doing really well and it is cool to watch your progression, keep it up!

[KPick]

Si, yo entiendo bien. Out of curiosity, has anyone here successfully accomplished surreptitious entry of a chastity belt? Would be cool to see on this thread...

I thought I was the only spanish speaker here lol. what is a chastity belt though?

This ABUS has been a thorn in my side for a while now. Finally nailed it! Learnt a good deal from it too, which always makes me happy

Nice job teamstartlet. What did you find in that Abus? Driver wise?

[Achyfellow]

Achyfellow, it was more work than fun but still a good time. There's a chance I could go to Valencia soon as well. I was in Cartagena last week. My conversation with the locksmith lady was kinda funny, she kept trying to explain to me that the lock has to be correct size, and I kept saying "No es importante, solo quiero comprar"

Hahahah yeah, I guess most of the locksmiths around here are not really used to people buying locks just because they like them.

Entiendes lo que te estoy diciendo?

That question? Yeah, sure