Setting 5th pin without effecting the 4th pin

[Chucknote]

I have a Sparrows cutaway practice lock and a set of Tuxedo picks and tensioners. I am able to pick the lock but not consistently. The issue is that the binding order starts with the 5th pin which is hard to set without over setting the 4th pin. I can see this as an issue with many locks as my pick often lifts the 4th pin as I try to lift the 5th pin. I do try to use the pick with the deepest hook but I still have a problem. Any suggestions?

[Gantry]

There certainly better pickers than me out there but here's my 2 cent's worth. If you using bottom of the keyway tensioning try using TOP of the keyway tensioning. This will let the pick "sit" deeper in the keyway ( you may have to use a thinner pick to get up through the warding ) This should like your "reach" around pin 4.

[GWiens2001]

Agreed. But also, sometimes the pick has toowide a curvature on the hook, whereas sometimes a hook with a slightly sharper curvature on the hook can lift the further pin higher without affecting the closer pin.

My favorite hook is one that I made from a hacksaw blade, and has a tighter curve radius than a lot of commercial ones, as well as a not-so-tall shank which also helps.

Gordon

[Chucknote]

Thanks for the help guys!