cant pick schlages to save the business

[Pintickler]

Don't feel bad about not being able to pick those Schlages. I pick all kinds of other locks with relative ease but I can't ever get those dang Schlages to pick over for me. I bump them open about 90% of the time nowadays, but it wasn't always so easy, I had a few nightmare drill jobs when I first started in this line of work. Lots of sweat and broken drill bits...a little blood, customers telling me the last locksmith picked it open in two minutes. I have been to your same rodeo and I'm pretty sure I rode the same bull as you.
When you do have to drill them, go slow, use lube and sharp drill bits, don't forget to go slow. Take the bit out of the hole often and clean off all the metal shavings. Oh yeah, and location, location, location ! Drilling in the right spot is a beautiful thing. I saw that some of the other guys were saying you should use a plug into the wall type drill, and I'm sure they are more knowledgable than me, but I have never used one to drill a residential schlage, and have no idea why you would need one. Any halfway descent 18 volt cordless should do the job easily if you use it properly.

[billdeserthills]

I have found after joining this forum that I have much more success picking open schlage locks.
Just the knowledge that they can be picked gives me the thought to spend the extra minute trying. I find the spool driver loaded
schlages will give into my pick gun, as long as i take my time and use only a very light amount of tension

[Valdo]

I have found after joining this forum that I have much more success picking open schlage locks.

This makes me thinks about some people who opened very hard locks without knowing they are very secured,
"they didn't know it was impossible so they did it"
:p

Of course here is the opposite effect, but still interesting.

[billdeserthills]

I have found after joining this forum that I have much more success picking open schlage locks.

This makes me thinks about some people who opened very hard locks without knowing they are very secured,
"they didn't know it was impossible so they did it"
:p

Of course here is the opposite effect, but still interesting.

Yes, but once You know it is possible then You can work on making it easy as well

[swampy3524]

It sounds kinda wierd but when I pick a schlage lock I usally use tok tension and lean over with my head twards the groung because I find it easier for me to pick as if the lock were upside down. Guess I feel more comfortable feeling the pins by pussing down than raising them. So If I am helping someone into their house I usally ask for about 10 minutes in private to pick the lock. This also helps because of my anxiety. People make me nervous.I guess what I am tring to say is get creative what works for one does not work for everyone. Good luck.

[deolslyfox]

Patience, Perserverance and Practice = Professional ....

I have known many a fine locksmith in my time, but I never knew one who hadn't drilled a lock or two ....

Practice on as many locks / brands as you can. See what works best for you. Invest in quality tools. You'll do fine.

Good luck !!