Different Picks Work Better, And With Different Tension Why?

[coderz]

So for example I love picking my Master Magnum 15 which I can pick in seconds usually. The thing is, sometimes it takes longer. Top of the keyway tension is always what I use. I have a hard time picking this with standard hooks for example .018 Peterson hooks because they are so thin. I can't tell when a pin is set to shear or not UNLESS I apply immense tension TOK then I have been able to pick it with the standard hook. Put this in contract to the standard diamond southord pick that I have for American locks.

I can feel/hear the pins click with way less tension on this lock, and I can usually open it in seconds with this pick. Why does this vary so much? Why do certain locks open better for me SPP with certain picks? Lastly, why does the tension in terms of feedback seem to vary so much based on what pick I use?

[GWiens2001]

It takes practice to tell the difference.

There are some locks that absolutely will not budge if you have even moderate tension.

Also, some locks can rake open easily, but are a bear to SPP. Some locks are the reverse.

Gordon

[coderz]

I guess what I'm saying is I can't get certain locks open with one type of pick, but another type I can get them open easily. Generally I've noticed a lot of tension is generally better or as much as possible.

[GWiens2001]

As I stated, some locks prefer one type of pick over another. You will find that it is better to use less tension rather than more. Too much and you will damage the locks.

Gordon

[AngryHatter]

From the top of the keyway I tend to use steady pressure.
From the bottom I try to use the least amount needed.

[ragebot]

As I stated, some locks prefer one type of pick over another. You will find that it is better to use less tension rather than more. Too much and you will damage the locks.

Gordon

Not disagreeing as I have always been told less tension is better. But this is the first time I have seen a claim too much tension will damage locks. I am fairly new to this and trying to understand how too much tension would damage a lock.

[GWiens2001]

That is a good question. Here is the answer:

Too much tension causes the pins to be locked in place by friction. This requires more force from the pick to move the pins.

With brass pins, it deforms and damages the soft pins which can then get jammed in the pin channels. There is also a much higher chance of scraping metal off the pins and from the keyway itself.

Gordon

[billdeserthills]

That is a good question. Here is the answer:

Too much tension causes the pins to be locked in place by friction. This requires more force from the pick to move the pins.

With brass pins, it deforms and damages the soft pins which can then get jammed in the pin channels. There is also a much higher chance of scraping metal off the pins and from the keyway itself.

Gordon

If you use a spray lubricant it's easy to see the powdered brass on the pick

[ragebot]

That is a good question. Here is the answer:

Too much tension causes the pins to be locked in place by friction. This requires more force from the pick to move the pins.

With brass pins, it deforms and damages the soft pins which can then get jammed in the pin channels. There is also a much higher chance of scraping metal off the pins and from the keyway itself.

Gordon

If you use a spray lubricant it's easy to see the powdered brass on the pick

I have never used any thing when picking. I have seen vids on youtube where some guys say the first thing you should do is spray in WD40; with the additional comment that they say use WD40 because it always gets a lot of angry responses. So whats the story about spraying something in a lock keyway before starting to pick. I have used grahpite lube on some parts of my small arms (along with other lube in other places). Would graphite lube be better than a liquid spray, or is it better to use something else.

[AngryHatter]

Most of the wear resulting in dust I have seen after disassembling a lock are in the stacks themselves.
The tip of the pick grinds the opening at the bottom of the bible.
Pins tend to get dented but not much else.