Can't get padlock picked, where to start?

[acoyo]

Hello. I just got my Sparrows Tuxedo starter set and have been trying to pick a 45MM Chinese laminated lock. 4 pins. It seems I can get 3 out of the 4 pins to stick in the chamber, but the last pin keeps springing down and won't set. I tried light pressure, harder pressure, pulsing the tension tool, and it's not setting. I've tried the hook pin, city rake, and snake pin and I just can't seem to get it to open.

Any suggestions? Advice or videos for me to watch would be helpful.

Thank you!

[acoyo]

Got it. I am learning about binding orders.

[acoyo]

Got it. I am learning about binding orders.

On this lock I have been able to get it 3 times with the hook pin. However with the city rake and snake pin I can't get it open.

[pemlock]

Got it. I am learning about binding orders.

On this lock I have been able to get it 3 times with the hook pin. However with the city rake and snake pin I can't get it open.

A lock can't necessarily be picked with all methods. In particular, "raking" doesn't always work, so it's perfectly normal.

[BlueLock]

A lock can't necessarily be picked with all methods. In particular, "raking" doesn't always work, so it's perfectly normal.

Agreed. For what's it's worth, I have never gotten the hang of using a rake. SPP generally works well for me.

[jbearnolimits]

Got it. I am learning about binding orders.

Glad you got it. It sounds like one of the 3 pins may have been a false set (it felt like it was set but wasn't). Binding order helps defeat that. I'm just a beginner myself though.