i know the theory... but practically it doesnt work

[keynutz]

pple...i know "how to pick a lock' theorically. But i can't seem to pick one...wad can i do???

[Romstar]

First thing?

Pay attention to your spelling and typing.

Second thing, relax. You have to practice at this stuff, and you have to go slowly.

So, if you are starting out with a more serious lock like a Yale, or some of the Schlage locks, you are going to have more difficulty than if you start with something like a Weiser or Kwikset.

Then, do a lot of reading here for technique. That, and you may want to start with a "practice lock". One where you have reduced the number of pins. There are instructions on how to do this on the forums if you look for them.

Good luck,
Romstar

[Kaellman]

Well im sorry to say it but if your picking doesent work, there has to be something wrong with your technique.

A good start to locksmithing/picking is to read the MIT guide to lockpicking. Give it a try and read all the threads you can find in the forums.

Gl hf picking!

[Grudge]

Also you need to make sure you have a good beginners/practice lock (think cheap, brass padlock or maybe Kwickset deadbolt). Its been said many times before but get you some tools and: Read, Practice, Think, Read, Practice, Think... (repeat until lock opens).

[Uisgdlyast]

buy a cheap door deadbolt and remove all the pins but one. Put light tension and raise the pin, you will know when you reach the right spot and what to look for now.

Once you do this and get your confidence just practice, if you go to howstuffworks and learn how locks work and practice you dont really have to read a lock picking guide. It might help a few things but it can't really teach you how to pick a lock, only practice can.

[Jenova]

have you been to www.howstuffworks.com and had a look their on an inside view of what you are trying to do ???

[tastyfish]

If you want to pick locks you need to pratice, and you need alot of patience, for example I spent an hour and a half trying to pick the one lock last nite... you will get their eventually, just keep at it.

[keynutz]

erm...where can i get a cheap and lousy lock? Also where can i get a better picking instrument ??? Thanks

[tastyfish]

What are you using to pick with now? Can you post a pic of it? And to get a lock just go to a hardware store and go to the locks section and pick out a $10 and do what Uisgdlyast said.

[Hojo]

Buy a Kwikset....

And make some picks from hacksaw blades on a grinder...search for "Homebrew" and check out some of the posts

[gnoff]

my first lock took days to pick...my hand was cut from holding the stupid tension wrench... keep at it and dont give up, youl get it soon

[bigbike]

Well said Romstar!

It really is a matter of practice practice and lots of reading then more practice. The more you understand how a lock works the better your chances of picking it. After you understand it then practice with the lock, practice carefully taking it apart and re assembling it, then picking it again and again and again until that lock can be picked open just as fast as if you had the key in it. Good tools are only one part of the process but good technic is paramount.