It's all about tension

[jbgerald]

This is for all the newbie's that have been wanting to learn the skill of lock picking. First, I have to admit that I am a newbie myself but would like to give some hard-learned advice. Read the posts here and they will tell you it's all about the tension. This is absolutely TRUE. When trying to pick my first lock I applied tension thinking the harder I pushed the quicker it opened. If you want to test how much tension it takes to turn the core, place the correct key in the keyhole and insert your tension wrench or a paper clip to it and see how much pressure is required to turn the core with all of the pins lined up. It is not much at all. I don't care what kind of pick you use (round, hook, snake) or how much you pratice picking or raking, it will all be in vain if you apply too much tension to the wrench. Start off VERY lightly, feel for the core to turn or the click as the pin sets above the sheer line. I the pin falls back, apply a little more pressure. I worked on a Master Lock No. 140 (an easy lock to pick) because I applied too much tension on the wrench. Start out softly and increase as you go. Good Luck and happy picking.

[skeleton_keys]

Right on, man. The funny thing is, quite often your hands know better than you do what they're doing. I've frequently found that I just can't get a lock to open, then if I'm momentarily distracted (but don't stop picking), the lock will suddenly spring open. It's like the pieces all just fall together because you're not trying to control it as hard anymore.

And yeah, at all times, gentle pressure. Put one index finger against the other and push lightly against it, just enough to move it back. That's how little you need. I like that "insert the wrench while the key's in the lock", that's a really good idea. The only time you might ever need more is when the cylinder is springloaded to turn back to center, such as with some padlocks. I have one you practically have to force. But this is the exception, not the rule.

[NewEngima]

Right on, man. The funny thing is, quite often your hands know better than you do what they're doing. I've frequently found that I just can't get a lock to open, then if I'm momentarily distracted (but don't stop picking), the lock will suddenly spring open. It's like the pieces all just fall together because you're not trying to control it as hard anymore.

Yea this sometimes happens to me say if I was typing, I would type words without even thinking HOW to type them, it's a reflex action.