Reverse picking question

[uijoti]

I saw a video earlier that shows how to reverse pick. Essentially, you use the flat side of your pick to push all the pins up into the play and apply a crazy amount of tension. This locks the bottom pins in the shear line. Now you pulse the tension very gradually getting lighter until the bottom pins drop into the plug, leaving the top pins in the library (unsure if correct term).

I tried the a hand full of times today with no success. When I go to set the top pins in the shear line, one or two always drops down when I remove the pick. I've tried more tension (to the point where one of my tension told is perma bent haha. The lock was a master 532 with no specialty tools.

Has anyone tried this/have suggestions?

Thanks all!

[uijoti]

Also, if this is in the wrong thread, sorry and feel free to move. It's not a "normal" method, at least one that's common from what I've seen. That's why I stuck it into intermediate.

Thanks again!

[GWiens2001]

Reverse picking usually does not work. Have had more success with wafer locks than any other type with reverse picking.

Gordon

[uijoti]

That's kind of sad, looks like a cool technique.

[femurat]

I don't think reverse picking is a good technique in general, but sometimes it works really well. I have a dimple lock that has a long first pin. I pick it and at a certain point no pin is binding but the lock is still closed. If I release gently the tension I hear the overset pin falling before the others and the lock opens. You have to find the right touch but it can work.
So let's say you're trying to pick a lock and get stuck. Before releasing the tension and starting again, try it.

Cheers

[Joshua904]

I've gotten frustrated at a lock and tried this a couple times and it never accomplished anything... But I'm new to this. I have had on a few occasions opened locks like the above poster said- first pin or second sets real low and end up over setting working the others. Have can't find a squishy pin so loosen up a little, hear a click then we're in.

[kwoswalt99-]

I don't think reverse picking is a good technique in general, but sometimes it works really well. I have a dimple lock that has a long first pin. I pick it and at a certain point no pin is binding but the lock is still closed. If I release gently the tension I hear the overset pin falling before the others and the lock opens. You have to find the right touch but it can work.
So let's say you're trying to pick a lock and get stuck. Before releasing the tension and starting again, try it.

Cheers

^This works frequently; you might as well try it before starting over. Tapping on already set pins can drop the overset one as well.

[BobbyZ]

As Gordon said this works really well on wafer locks for me and while I know they are simple locks I've had some give me trouble.It's usually ones that have been out in the weather and this was what worked.

I've never had much guidance until now on picking but I have used a similar method on other locks every once in a while with luck.I never had luck with certain security pins and this was sort of my last resort at times.The biggest thing for me was getting the tension correct.

I wouldn't recommend it as a attack now knowing what I've recently learned but it has also been successful for me once in a while.For me it's one of those last ditch resorts that's worth a quick pass with the picks that might work if you get lucky,although I've been able to repeat it on a few locks just not many.

[RumballSolutions]

You may also see it referred to as "over lifting". As others have said, it's use for wafer locks is established. It's actually a speed picking method for certain luxury high security auto locks, so much so that specialized tips that attach to a plug spinner have been manufactured for some specialized kits sold to auto locksmiths. From recollection Lockmasters were selling one a while back.

It's use for pin tumblers is not nearly as common, in fact I'd say it is rare.