What am I doing wrong?

[dadukeadux1]

Hi everyone I am a new member and also a new picker. I've been at it for a few weeks know and have been having alot of fun with the new hobby. I have although been very frustrated lately with one particular problem. I started with a simple master lock got comfortable with it and grabbed a new one i've now got seven padlocks on my table that I can pick consistently and quickly, only one has security pins though. My problem however is I mounted a deadbolt on a piece of wood and have been practicing with it for about a week now, and have not yet spp'd the lock. I have raked it a few times, but not consistently and i cannot spp it. Every other lock I have I spp thats my prefered way to pick I enjoy it better because I feel as if I have more control over what I am doing. Does anyone have any Ideas of what I might be doing wrong since this is a deadbolt other than a padlock. It just frustrates me that all the other locks have been picked and this one consistently stumps me. Its just a Master brand deadbolt from Target I did not guess that it would be this difficult. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[GWiens2001]

The problem is most likely that you are using far too much tension. The Master padlocks have a spring return on the plug, so it takes more tension to turn the plug. A deadbolt does not have a spring return, so takes far less turning pressure.

Gordon

[dadukeadux1]

I thought of that but one of the padlocks that I have, which happens to be my favorite to unlock, is a masterlock 575 which has no spring tension at all so I'm pretty good at using light tension.

[Divinorum]

What are you using for picks? Can you describe what happens when you attempt to pick it? The deadbolt probably contains a cylinder that can be re-pinned. You could take out a few pin stacks and start with something like 2 instead of all 5. You can put the stacks back in when you get a feel for the lock.

[dadukeadux1]

I've tried a half diamond, medium hook, and small hook. The small hook is what I use most of the time. When picking I cannot get any response from any of the pins just spring back. It can be raked and the key works I try often to make sure I'm not wasting my time. I've tried extremely heavy tension all the way down to very light tension and I can't get any binding pins or any feed back what so ever. It's very frustrating seeing that it is such a cheap lock, I believe it's all standard pins no security because I cannot get a false set or anything.

[Divinorum]

What brand picks? If it's giving you that much trouble take out some pin stacks. I promise this will help you. I have had a few locks that just would not budge and after my frustration overcoming my stubbornness I did the same thing. Sometimes you just need to ease your way into a lock and can't go all in right away. If you work your way up to fully pinned then the lock will feel like cake compared to before. Good luck.

[dadukeadux1]

I'll give it a try I do appreciate the help.

[critmass235]

do you pick all the padlock while holding them? it feels different when locks are mounted vs in your hand(on torque, because your hands make it "springier" vs something holding it down)

[GWiens2001]

And be sure to put the skinny end of the pick in the lock. They work so much better that way!

Gordon

[critmass235]

And be sure to put the skinny end of the pick in the lock. They work so much better that way!

Gordon

your just not trying hard enough

[GWiens2001]

And be sure to put the skinny end of the pick in the lock. They work so much better that way!

Gordon

your just not trying hard enough

Oh, trust me. Trying plenty hard! A hammer and vice grips help!

Gordon

[Erlstn]

Interesting...I am a beginner and have found a similar problem...the "cheaper" and seemingly easier locks give me more trouble than harder ones. Also, I tried to pick the locks on my front doors, installed. That's very different than holding one in your hand. I was able to rake them open but spp is something that eludes me at this time. I guess I just haven't developed the feel yet.

[Divinorum]

Interesting...I am a beginner and have found a similar problem...the "cheaper" and seemingly easier locks give me more trouble than harder ones. Also, I tried to pick the locks on my front doors, installed. That's very different than holding one in your hand. I was able to rake them open but spp is something that eludes me at this time. I guess I just haven't developed the feel yet.

Be careful picking locks in regular use like the one on your door. One of the lock sport rules to pick by is never pick locks in use, especially those that you rely on everyday for your safety and security. Reason being that you could possibly break a component of the lock trying to pick it and then you are screwed. The best thing you can do to get a realistic feel for picking a lock mounted on a door is to put it in a vice, buy a lock mount, or make your own lock mount. I personally use a suction cup vice and it works great.