Help I suck at this!

[Bigbird87]

I've been trying to pick Master Lock No 1for 3 days with no luck. I'm new to this but this is killing my motivation since I've read #1 is an easy one to pick. I know it has 4 pins but I feel lime I'm missing something here.

[Squelchtone]

What are you using to pick the lock? Are you using a pick and a tension wrench? Have you watched any youtube videos of others picking Master No 1 padlocks to see how they hold the tools and pick the lock?

[Bigbird87]

I have watched a ton of videos. I'm trying to take it slow and push one pin at a time starting with the one that is the hardest to least hardest. I can get all pins in but still nothing. I am using a tension wrench and several picks with no luck.

[kwoswalt99-]

If it's an old lock a bit of lube may help. Are you familiar with the concept of binding order and the workings of the lock?

[Bigbird87]

No not really. I'm trying to learn from reading and videos. The lock is new.

[jbrint]

What are you trying to open the lock with? What picks, tension wrench are you using? Its good to see you are trying to single pin pick it but there are a lot of variables that could be keeping it locked. I have some master locks that are so sloppy they don't pick easily but can be raked open immediately. You could be using the wrong tools for the job or it could just be a matter of needing to practice and get a feel for how picking actually works. Do you have another lock that you could bounce between? I find it good to put one that is giving me a hard time down and work on another and then circle back.

[Squelchtone]

how high are you lifting the pins inside the lock?

when you have the wrench in the keyway, are you using bottom of keyway or top of keyway tensioning, and when you press on the wrench, how hard or soft do you press on it? when you insert the pick are the pins hard to push up or do they feel springy?

Thanks
Squelchtone

[kwoswalt99-]

No not really. I'm trying to learn from reading and videos. The lock is new.

If you haven't read one of these, they will help you understand what you're doing.
Ten things everone should know about lockpicking
Lockpicking: Detail Overkill

[Squelchtone]

[EDIT: Post moved from Locks to Ask Beginner Hobby Lockpicking Questions Here]

[billdeserthills]

Are you sure this new hobby is really for You?
Honestly, I'm a locksmith & I can tell you I never pick locks for fun. Only reason I bother with them at all
is because it makes me a good living. The last couple of folks who called and wanted to work as my apprentice
both let it drop that they picked locks for fun and I most definately did not hire either of them, not that I would
have anyway, but that killed it for good.

[PowerHaus930]

Are you sure this new hobby is really for You?
Honestly, I'm a locksmith & I can tell you I never pick locks for fun. Only reason I bother with them at all
is because it makes me a good living. The last couple of folks who called and wanted to work as my apprentice
both let it drop that they picked locks for fun and I most definately did not hire either of them, not that I would
have anyway, but that killed it for good.

Why would someone picking locks as a hobby or for fun make you not want to hire them? I'm sure that's not the only reason but you did say "that killed it for good"

[billdeserthills]

Are you sure this new hobby is really for You?
Honestly, I'm a locksmith & I can tell you I never pick locks for fun. Only reason I bother with them at all
is because it makes me a good living. The last couple of folks who called and wanted to work as my apprentice
both let it drop that they picked locks for fun and I most definately did not hire either of them, not that I would
have anyway, but that killed it for good.

Why would someone picking locks as a hobby or for fun make you not want to hire them? I'm sure that's not the only reason but you did say "that killed it for good"

I'm not spending the next year of my life training someone to become a locksmith because they have an interest in picking locks
If I was looking to waste another year of my life in the capacity as a teacher, it will be to train someone who wishes to become
an actual Locksmith

[PowerHaus930]

Forgive my ignorance but I think I understand now. There is more involved in being a locksmith than just picking locks is what you mean right?

[billdeserthills]

Forgive my ignorance but I think I understand now. There is more involved in being a locksmith than just picking locks is what you mean right?

Absolutely,
lock picking might be 10% of my overall business & most everyone has an interest in that part--
the rest of the business not so much

[Bigbird87]

It may only be 10% of your business but what if that's what gets them hooked on being a locksmith? That's like someone who likes locomotives not getting hired because they like them but have no experience. I work with people just like that. I like teaching new people my craft.