Lock won't open

[bryang]

Hi guys. So I'm fairly new to lockpicking (I started about a week ago) however, I seem to be encountering more difficulty than it appears others are having. I have been successful in picking little 2 pin locks like on jewelry boxes.

However, my difficulties begin when I move bigger. I have attempted multiple Master padlocks, as well as 3 different Schlage door locks. With all of these, I can consistently raise all of the pins. I can move my pick along the inside and feel nothing. Additionally, I have even used a small flashlight and saw that the pins were all raised.

Regardless of the pins being raised (or appearing to be? maybe?) the darn locks just won't open! I also know that I am applying tension in the correct direction because I have the keys to unlock all of these.

Any feedback/solutions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

[Comrade627]

If you can see that the pins are raised, you're probably oversetting them. Go get your youtube on and get a better understanding of what's going on in there, it'll help out a ton.

Also, recommend against picking locks that are in use. They can get messed up, causing you to call a locksmith to fix your problem.

Happy picking, and welcome to the hobby.

[smokingman]

Welcome to the obsession.
Just because pins are raised does not mean that they are in the correct position.
They must be at the shear line where the top and bottom pins meet
so that the plug can rotate.
As suggested , check out some tube videos and some pictures of lock insides(lock porn)
and you will see what the positions must be for the plug to rotate and the lock to open.

[deolslyfox]

Yep. You are oversetting. You gave to get those pins to the shear line. Any higher and you have pushed the key pins up into the bible. That is what's keeping the cylinder locked up.

With light tension move the binding pin up until you hear or feel a click. Thats the pin setting.

Hope this is helpful.

[bryang]

okay thanks guys! went out and bought some locks today. I can consistently open a 5 pin Schlage deadbolt (no security pins) with picking and about half the time with raking! I also bought a deadbolt with a Kwikset cylinder; the pins are easy but the opening on the lock makes them hard to access with a hook or rake, any tips?

Also, even after all of this (I disassembled and reassembled both locks many times) and unlocking each countless times, progressing from 1 pin to 5 pins, I still can't open the darn padlock! Do you think it has security pins or something? or maybe the rotational resistance on it?

Btw, great advice, can notice my improvement already.

[smokingman]

If you have a half diamond pick, try that one.
A smaller pick may be necessary.
Is your tension wrench taking up all the keyway?
If so, you may need a smaller one, or use it at the top of the keyway instead.
What brand of picks are you using?

[Squelchtone]

I still can't open the darn padlock! Do you think it has security pins or something? or maybe the rotational resistance on it?

No, we think you're suffering from beginner syndrome. "I picked a lock, but I can't pick this other lock, it must be something wrong with the lock, or I got the wrong pick set." <-- I should get this printed on a t-shirt because I've heard it so often.

Keep at it,
Squelchtone

[billdeserthills]

I think the locks are laughing at You. Whenever I have this trouble, I get my big drill and chuck up a real nasty bit.
Plug it in & make sure those locks can get a good, clear view of it. Sometimes I even pull the trigger a little, you
know, like "rumm, rumm" and I'll say "You Hear That?" It's coming for You Bad locks! They seem to shape up & fast too!
I sure won't take a lot of flack from a lock with a bad attitude, not anymore

[BSG_314159]

I think the locks are laughing at You. Whenever I have this trouble, I get my big drill and chuck up a real nasty bit.
Plug it in & make sure those locks can get a good, clear view of it. Sometimes I even pull the trigger a little, you
know, like "rumm, rumm" and I'll say "You Hear That?" It's coming for You Bad locks! They seem to shape up & fast too!
I sure won't take a lot of flack from a lock with a bad attitude, not anymore

Haha
I wanted to do this to a few of my American locks that give me trouble.