How to pick mortice curtain locks?

[perky416]

Hi guys,

I have recently purchased a CB multi gauge curtain pick in a bid to branch out and learn how to pick mortice locks, however I am having trouble putting my eyes on some solid information on actually how to do it. I have seen many youtube videos that explain the process however the locks they demonstrate on don't have a perspex side so I cannot see what they are actually doing to the levers.

A guide I got from the retailer I purchased from states the following:

"A General Guide that WILL increase your success rate with practice.
What I call the 'Golden Rule' , is to only move a lever if it shows resistance to moving. Do not move any
other lever.
This - if you stick rigidly to it - will ensure that the levers are moved in the correct order and will prevent
the dropping of levers as you progress."

However even when applying no tension at all, all the levers on my practice lock show considerable resistance.

It then goes on to say:

"When you have found the lever that is binding more than any other lever, continue nudging this lever in
the direction required to engage gate with the post/stump, 1mm at a time until it becomes free to
Move."

Due to the resistance on the lever, even when I can see I have moved it so the stump is in line with the false gate, it still doesn't move freely.

Im in a bit of a bind here.

Can anybody point me in the right direction?

Thanks

[Squelchtone]

[EDIT: Moved to European Locks, Picks, and Hardware You should get some more answers in this sub forum, good luck!]

[sidpick]

Hello perky,

Whats the lock your trying to pick? there are many different mortice locks out there and they all have their 'quirks' so different techniques (always keeping in mind - if it binds move, if its free don't move - if it does nothing apply more tension)

That is a nice curtain pick you have, I've had one for many years now and it has served me well.

Spring return is good, it lets you know the levers are not bound.

Grab a lock like a asec / legge 3 lever this will build confidence and get you used to the tool

Cut aways are great for learning too. Let us know what your current lock is and I'm sure someone will be able to

give pointers,

Cheers,

Sid

[bioggy]

I am not a fan of CB but and I prefer the Ajam ones personally, I do own a CB.

Each lock is different you should try get a mortice ID guide so helpful and you can see what the blades look like and you can work out which way you should pick it.

See through practice locks are a great start but I found it non productive.

Best tip I will give you is small raise the levers slowly and in small increments.

A amazing app is the Tradelocks Mortice ID it is buggy not updated but you can still browse.

Depending on the lock you should try starting with the low levers, and working up I learned best on the ERA dead lock you can see through the gap and cover it up to see how it goes.