Hard to SPP master no. 3

[pingman326]

I'm new to backpacking and have been practicing with several different padlocks. I have a master no. 3 that is particularly hard to pick. Is this normal? Is there something I'm not doing right.

Thanks!

[adi_picker]

Yes. You are backpacking it, rather than lockpicking it.

[mseifert]

Do some research .. Master No 3 are a gateway lock.. Most people start there because they are easy to pick .. I recommend Research, Practice, practice practice.. Then research some more..

[ltdbjd]

That's a difficult question to answer. Unfortunately there is no way for us to know if you are doing something wrong without watching you.

The only way to be able to pick it is to learn everything you can about how the lock works, then learn the basics of picking, then jump in. Like learning any physical skill, there is a lot of frustration at the beginning. Eventually you'll get it to open. Then figure out what you did differently that time - what you did physically (less tension, lifting or rocking, different pick, etc), and what you felt through the tool. Then do it again, and again, and again.

One of the keys is to get through the frustration without giving up. Lots of people give up before they achieve success. Don't be one of them.

[pingman326]

Sorry for the "auto correct" mistake ! Thank you all for your comments. I can get it open but it's hit or miss every time I pick it up. I'm not giving up though !

[Daltonj21]

Sorry for the "auto correct" mistake ! Thank you all for your comments. I can get it open but it's hit or miss every time I pick it up. I'm not giving up though !

Lock picking takes a ton of practice and a understanding of how a lock works. The master #5 (diffent size)I have was pretty tough at first. I think what made it tough was the core flopping around and the spring tension. Mine took a little more tension then other padlocks and make sure then turning tool isn't grabbing the bottom of the shell. If it does it could be picked and you wouldn't know. TOK works pretty well but they also take getting used to.

Also, dont be surprised if you have periods that you can't pick anything. Just keep a few easy locks around.

Best of luck!

[pingman326]

Thanks a lot, that's exactly what's happening to me now. One day it's "click,click,open" and the next day nothing! I'll keep practicing.

[Pickybastard]

I've just picked the picks back up a week or so ago after several years and am having the same problem. yesterday master #3 with no problem, today ready to throw it out the window. I just made some tok tensioners out of bike spokes (read it on here somewhere, they're great!) and am try to get used to them... but i can't do it with a bok one today either with any regularity.