Pathetic.

[FreakyMammal]

I have just gotten into the wonderful worldbof lockpicking this week. I first bought my Lockpicking set, and went to the local hardware store to get a Masterlock #3. Within the first hour, unknowing of what I was truely doing, I picked it twice. After I attempted to study up on lockpicking, I have not been able to pick it. No technique has helped me. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to pick this lock?

So far I have used a city rake and a short hook.

[Paleo123]

Does it feel crunchy when you are picking it?

[FreakyMammal]

Does it feel crunchy when you are picking it?

Not really. I honestly believe it is something to do with my lack of skill.

I feel the pins clicking, but then I do something and it seems as if they reset.

[GWiens2001]

As a general rule, lighten the tension you are applying. Probably the biggest mistake new pickers have is too much tension.

Gordon

[FreakyMammal]

As a general rule, lighten the tension you are applying. Probably the biggest mistake new pickers have is too much tension.

Gordon

About as light as pressing a key on a keypad I heard on some youtube video.

[FreakyMammal]

I mean, is there a better beginner lock then a NO. 3?
Should I just try a different lock?

[GWiens2001]

That is a good tension for many locks. You might also try varying the tension a bit... keep it light, but every few seconds increase it to a medium tension. Some locks can be picked at very light tension, but need greater tension to actually turn the plug once the lock is picked.

Just as a note - there are no security pins in a Master No. 3 padlock, which may be what the question about 'crunchy' pins was about. It is certainly a very good beginner lock. Started with one myself!

Good luck, and keep us informed.

Gordon

[Paleo123]

I was thinking if it felt crunchy that would be a good indication that he was definitely using too much tension is all lol Everyone says its all about the tension and its soo true. Because of some youtube vieos I got myself under the impression that there needed to be loud clicks when I first started and that is just not the case. When you are trying to get a "binding" pin I think people take that a bit too literally the binding pin should feel rougher not be completely seized so that you need to really force it. I still find if I'm not careful I end up really binding the last pin sometimes as well by that I mean start off with super light tension but because I can feel the lock opening as the pins are set and its just natural to want to turn more and I end up with too much tension usually resulting in oversetting pins or not being able to set them at all.