My picks are in the mail and I went to Lowes to get some locks. I picked up a Kwikset Deadbolt and a Masterlock #3 padlock. Will these be good for starting off?
If this is really your very first try at lock picking, and seeing as how you obviously can dismantle your deadbolt, consider removing a couple of stacks first (top and bottom pins along with their spring). Especially if you plan on single-pin-picking (which I would recommend).
For a first time picker, five pins is exponentially more difficult than three. I would even start out with two stacks, just to get a feel for the pins and binding.
Take your time, because starting out with five pins, two of which are spools, might seriously discourage you. Don't forget that those little devices are made specifically to keep people from picking them. Most people will get discouraged and frustrated, and finally give up, before they are able to pick a 5 pin deadbolt with spools (even a kwikset).
Don't underestimate the amount of practice it takes. People on the forum here have had a lot of practice, that is why Kwikset sounds easy. After a couple of years you'll pick a kwikset in a matter of seconds, but at first it CAN be difficult.
Hope you enjoy lockpicking... word of warning though, and I'm certain many people hear will relate: It becomes adictive! You will eventually want to pick EVERY lock you see... that's when you notice there sure are lot of locks out there... just begging you to pick them....
Kheops wrote:If this is really your very first try at lock picking, and seeing as how you obviously can dismantle your deadbolt, consider removing a couple of stacks first (top and bottom pins along with their spring). Especially if you plan on single-pin-picking (which I would recommend).
For a first time picker, five pins is exponentially more difficult than three. I would even start out with two stacks, just to get a feel for the pins and binding.
Take your time, because starting out with five pins, two of which are spools, might seriously discourage you. Don't forget that those little devices are made specifically to keep people from picking them. Most people will get discouraged and frustrated, and finally give up, before they are able to pick a 5 pin deadbolt with spools (even a kwikset).
Don't underestimate the amount of practice it takes. People on the forum here have had a lot of practice, that is why Kwikset sounds easy. After a couple of years you'll pick a kwikset in a matter of seconds, but at first it CAN be difficult.
This isn't just good advice, its great advice. If you start with two pin stacks and it's too easy, try switching the order of the pins, then move which stack the pins are in, when it's easy no matter which pins or which position is filled, then add, a stack at a time. This repetition will really help you feel when the pins set, and help you to accomplish reproducible results. It feels great to pick a lock open. If you do it once, and then can't get it again because you managed it by luck rather than skill, however, chances are you will get very frustrated. By working up to 5 pins (and more) from a smaller number, you will be developing and honing your skills from the get go. Believe me, when I'd never held a pick, and started with 3 pins in a Schlage mortise cylinder (single pin picking) I came close to believing that I just couldn't learn. The gentleman teaching me even told me to dump a couple stacks and get the feel of just one pin, then move up, but I was stubborn and wouldn't listen. I eventually got it (over the course of several evenings), but since that time I have trained starting with a single stack and moving up from there. When you get good with your Kwikset, get a schlage, and on from there. Sargent has nice tight tolerances, providing a good challenge.
One of the keys to happiness is a bad memory - Rita Mae Brown
When using only one or two pin stacks, use the ones furthest into the lock. That way you learn to negotiate the keyway with fewer pins in the way. Then as you add pins, you already know how to get around the warding in the keyway.
Gordon
Just when you finally think you have learned it all, that is when you learn that you don't know anything yet.
All good advice !! Since you can obviously dismantle a lock, try repinning the bible once you pick the factory configuration. Move those spools around and see where you get the best (biggest) false sets ....
