by Eagerpicker » 20 Nov 2003 12:16
I agree with Puck - it makes a lot of sense to keep an 'easy' lock close at hand when you´re tackling a 'difficult' one. The buzz you get when it snaps open will encourage you not to give up and keep trying.
I started with an old Abus padlock (5 pin tumbler) and then bought a 5 pin ISEO lock (Euro cylinder, double lock). Not for the world would it open, so I bought another one, a single doorlock (mortise) that carries six pins. Took it apart, turned out two of the pin columns contained spool pins. I started building up towards picking all six pins and this was definitely the way to go, although I found that usually picking the rearmost pin seemed all that was needed to turn the cylinder. Then I opened up the ISEO lock and discovered it carried four spool pins, only one regular. A couple of days ago, after building up the same way I did before, starting with one pin, then two, and so on, I managed to open it with all four spool pins in place! The joy of it!
Now it seems almost easy - too easy - to pick it. I have no idea what has changed, except perhaps that I got a feel for this particular lock so it would take me less time to open it than a brand new, unfamiliar one. Anyway, the thrill of finally being able to open it with all those spool pins that have been mocking me for months is really amazing.
