ARCHIVE 2003-2013 Introduce yourself HERE if you are new. :)

by **DaDave** » 11 Mar 2005 17:29

New member.

I've been picking locks for probably a bit less than a couple of years. Started with a feeler pick and tension wrench and a cheap padlock, and the M.I.T. document. Popped the lock in about a half-hour.

I currently go through a set of several padlocks frequently (mostly Master locks of various types - contracter grade (snicker), disk locks, etc.) I can usually do any of 'em in 15 seconds or so.

Hardest thing I can pick is an ANSI Grade 1 Kwikset Ultra deadbolt. I have two, and it often takes a couple of minutes each. Some days I can't get 'em to pop at all. They have three security pins and three normal.

So I consider myself moderately skilled, but no expert by any means.

I hope to own a Medeco someday for a real challenge, but haven't found anywhere to buy one (I don't like eBay much).

by **Varjeal** » 12 Mar 2005 17:11

For education stuff check out some of the other threads listed in the forum.

Also, if your looking to buy, keep an eye on the Buy/Sell forum as stuff such as medeco locks and others pop up from time to time.

Welcome to all.

Enjoy the site.

by **Nitro57** » 13 Mar 2005 19:27

Hi, Im very excited to find this site....and just in time. I have been opening/picking locks since 1984. Im a Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician in the Army. I was just called back last year....hmmm, imagine that. Will be asking a safe question immediately after.....thanks for the forum and any help.

Nitro

by **godzirra** » 13 Mar 2005 20:05

Hiya, my name's Shawn and I'm a new picker.

I bought the 14 pick set from Southard, and I'm working on trying to pick a Black & Decker deadbolt (key on one side, knob turn on the other).

I'm having some problems though. I know that everyone said the "unspoken rule" is to pick from the back to the front, but I can't seem to get pins 4 and 5 lined up. If I start at the front, I can set the pins 1-3, but I can't seem to do 4 and 5 at all.

Any help would be much appreciated. I'm using a peterson's hook (I think) and a small tensioner. (how do I tell exactly which picks I'm using?)

Thanks!
shawn

by **digital_blue** » 13 Mar 2005 21:38

Hey Shawn. You'd be better off posting some of that in the Got Questions section of this site, but as a newbie, you're allowed one newbie post.

There is no rule, spoken or unspoken, that says that you should pick front to back, back to front, or any particular order. It is more common that the pins will bind in one of these orders, but what's important for you to understand is that the lock will tell you what order it is to be picked in. It is your job to find the first pin that binds, then the second, and so on. This can happend in any possible order.

As for knowing what the names of the picks are, try searching out this forum. There is a thread that explains the common pick shapes and what they are used for. Plus, this will help you search-fu skills, which will be an asset around here.

I hope you enjoy the site. Read the FAQs, and feel free to ask the group if you get stumped (but make sure you try and find the answer first - many questions have already been answered).

Good luck and happy picking!

db

by **freakshow** » 13 Mar 2005 21:42

I'm a new member, 14, and I have always loved intricate devices, so locks just seemed right. After a long time of scraping away at two street cleaner bristles with a nail filer, I made a decent lock pick set and yesterday I used them a few times and opened a padlock.

by **digital_blue** » 13 Mar 2005 21:52

Wow! You win the prize for most determined pick maker! A nail file! OMG! Well good for you, and welcome to the site!

Happy picking!

db

by **itzjennjennz** » 14 Mar 2005 11:12

Pheniox wrote:Took me 2 years and 1 day to make the thread, but I made it finnaly.

If your new, introduce yourself here. Other posts/threads will be deleted as I see them from now on.

Regardless though, let me be the first to welcome you to the forums.

I just signed up to this site. Ive been interested in locksmithing for a few years, my whole life I have this bad habit of locking everything up and forgetting the keys to get back in.
I once had a boyfriend who taught me how to get into my car with a hanger, then into my apartment with a c-card, i was excited for the fact that i did it, ihave been in soo many situations to where a locksmith would have made everything "okay" if available. I then learned how to open a padlock with pins, that was at least 5 years ago, and have forgotten the steps to do so. I am still interested in locksmithing and would like to someday use it as a profession.

by **Crashmonkey** » 14 Mar 2005 16:19

I've been picking locks for about 2 weeks now. I've been lurking around the site since I joined and I must say I really enjoy this site. I've been kind of quiet because I don't know too much about lockpicking yet, but I hope to start posting as soon as I have something useful to say.

by **Mith** » 14 Mar 2005 21:11

Well, im a total noob, the farthest in locks i haev got is taking apart an old gym lock (the kind with a combo, and a upside down U bar.) to see how it works.
Just got this http://69.20.111.51/index.asp?PageActio ... &ProdID=20
From lockpicks.com
Anyone have this and know if its good/crap?
Looking forward to getting to know you all!

by **WhiteHat** » 14 Mar 2005 21:50

most people on this site would recommend against getting that jackknife set - go for a cheaper standard set like the 11 pce or 14 pce.

Welcome all newbies!

don't forget to check out the Newbie of the month quiz:

viewtopic.php?t=6671

win a great practice lock set with spare pins!

by **Mith** » 14 Mar 2005 21:53

really? man... if i may ask, why?

by **WhiteHat** » 14 Mar 2005 22:02

Mith wrote:really? man... if i may ask, why?

here's a good thread explaining:
viewtopic.php?t=3215

and some others:
viewtopic.php?t=2011
viewtopic.php?t=2017

basically, it provides less feedback and will probably inhibit your learning how to pick - having said that, they are very cool gadgets.

by **freeloader15** » 15 Mar 2005 18:05

I'm new. I recently was introduced to lock picking last week, and decided to try to take a stab at it, but don't know where to start. I don't want to have to buy and order stuff on the internet either. If you could help me out I would GREATLY appreciate it.
Thanks

by **toomush2drink** » 15 Mar 2005 19:38

Ok welcome all and please could you help us to help you and fill in your profiles. As this is a global site its difficult to give advise on where to get picks from if we cant recommend a supplier near to you.

Enjoy and goodluck with your skills

ARCHIVE 2003-2013 Introduce yourself HERE if you are new. :)

First Post

New to lockpicking and the site :)

Re: Introduce yourself HERE if you are new. :)

I'm new, confused, and need a lock-picking mentor.

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