Any tips for relative beginners?

[MrCarmichael]

I can open padlocks, but not constistantly, even if it's the same lock, sometimes one last pin doesn't set even of all th others all, also sometimes it feels like I've go then all set, but it still won't open, just a lot of things I could use some help with, it usually takes like 10 minutes to open a master lock, I feel like I got a problem with my tension, but idk, any tips would be helpful

[daniel22747]

Your problem probably lies more in over setting pins. Try to not set the pins too high. It will take time to learn to feel what is going on in a lock-such as which pin is the binding pin and when a pin is set.

Once you learn to feel the binding pin, and this may take some time, you will get much better at picking.

Also in most cases top of the keyway tension is better as it gives you more room to work with. You will be much less likely to over set pins this way.

[KarkarnRed]

When I started out my problem was putting far too much tension on the tension wrench. It really is the a very light touch you have to put on it, not sure if this is your issue but it was definitely mine.

[JoshuaWest]

Personally, I have tons of trouble with accidentally over setting pins, but have been getting quiet good at releasing tension enough for the over-set to drop. Often when the over-set pin finally drops, the plug is free to spin open. In my experience, this one technique was by far the most rewarding, useful one I have 'picked' up so far.

JW

[KPick]

Personally, I have tons of trouble with accidentally over setting pins, but have been getting quiet good at releasing tension enough for the over-set to drop. Often when the over-set pin finally drops, the plug is free to spin open. In my experience, this one technique was by far the most rewarding, useful one I have 'picked' up so far.

JW

This doesn't work with locks who have innards consisting of security pins though.

[parkourer]

What kind of Master lock do you have? A No. 1, 3, 5 should be a easy pick.

Good advice that was given to me a few weeks back is to read the "Lockpicking Detail Overkill" by Solomon https://www.dropbox.com/s/x68fcstt8k6mipg/Lockpicking%20Detail%20Overkill%5Bevva3ks%5D.pdf password is "evva3ks"

If you don't want to read that (or too lazy; it happens)
My tips (Still a beginner, but i think i that i am eligible to give tips ):
1. Apply light tension
2. Put pick all the way to the back
3. Increase Tension (not so much as to break the tension wrench)
4. Drag pick slowly out of the lock, feeling for a stiff pin
5. When you get to the stiff pin release some tension, and apply pressure on pin. It should set, and you should feel a slight give on the lock.
6. Repeat on all the pins until the lock opens.

Hope this helps !

[billdeserthills]

I will tell you a couple of things that helped me in the past,
First off to give you the best chance remove as much spring tension from the padlock cylinder as possible by putting the padlock into a vise so the shackle will remain depressed.
Second as long as you won't be impressioning keys to the padlock go ahead and use a light lubricant spray in the keyhole before picking. I like wd-40, tri flow, break free even a silicone spray because face it, whether you are picking a lock to make money or doing it for practice why make it any harder on yourself? That only leads to anger
or sloppy technique once frustration begins to set in.
I like the TR-4 tension wrench, but I usually grind mine down a little so I can put it into the upper part of the keyway without obstructing the pins. You can also take a small piece of wire hanger, bend it into an L shape & tap the small side of the L with a hammer on a solid surface until you have made your own tension wrench.