Question =]

by **Perin** » 29 Jul 2005 11:48

Hey, I'm new [I haven't picked a single lock, ive attempted though]. Quick question here. On a pin tumbler lock, does it matter which 'pin' you pick first? On guides they say to start with the last pin, but I don't know how to feel it. Starting with the nearest pin to yourself seems easier.

by **Ezer** » 29 Jul 2005 11:50

I'm usually a front to back man myself, but you can start wherever you like.

by **E-Mind** » 29 Jul 2005 12:36

I thought it depends on the lock - i.e on the direction of the mis-alignment of the holes.

Ideal alignment

Code: Select all: [ o ]back pin [ o ] [ o ] [ o ] [ o ]key enterence / front pin

Assume the holes in the cylinder are misaligned like this:

Code: Select all: [ o]back pin [ o ] [ o ] [ o ] [o ]key enterence / front pin

now assume they are misaligned like this

Code: Select all: [o ]back pin [ o ] [ o ] [ o ] [ o]key enterence / front pin

When you apply left turning pressure, in the first example, the front pin is the first to bind, but in the second example, it is the back pin.

So, just insert the pick and try to find the one that is binding by touching the bottom pins softly and having just a light turning pressure on the lock - and just start with the first pin that binds moving away from it.

Then again, I am new to this myself, and have not practiced on too many different locks, so take this with a grain of salt.

by **zekeo** » 29 Jul 2005 14:09

E-mind is correct. You need to pick whichever pin is binding first. You can tell by gently feeling the pins and finding the one with the most resistance as you give light (LIGHT) tension. The order could conceivably be 12345 but it could be 34251 or 23415 or 42531, etc.

by **Chrispy** » 29 Jul 2005 16:13

As already stated above, pick the pin that binds. To figure out which pin is the 1st to bind, apply light tension and lift each pin. The pin with the most resistance is the binding pin. Follow this procedure for each pin until the lock opens. Simple in theory, harder in practice

by **sublime progie** » 29 Jul 2005 16:26

you said that you are having trouble feeling the back pin. May i suggeest the same thing that mad mick suggested to me......looks up quote...........

When I first started picking, sometimes, I'd just lay on the bed with the lights off and feel around in the lock (any lock) without applying tension.
Start by inserting the pick (try a half diamond, or hook) into the back of the lock, then slowly withdraw until the last pin is felt. Continue to withdraw the pick across the pins, but try not to move them up in the chambers...feel the pick rise and fall as it moves past the pins. Count the pins as the pick is withdrawn.

Next, again without tension, locate and gently lift each pin in turn. Feel the resistance from the pin springs.

Insert the tension wrench into the keyway (can be hard in the dark...a flashlight may help at first. Again, don't rely on a flashlight, as you are trying to develop your sense of feel) and apply very light tension...and hold steady. Insert the pick again, testing each pin in turn...if the tension is sufficient, one (or more) of the pins should offer a slightly increased resistance to that felt without the tension. If you are struggling to get the pin to move, reduce the tension slightly...if none of the pins offer resistance, increase the tension slightly.

Continue to apply the same constant tension and slowly push up the pin...as the divide between the upper & lower pins meet the shear line, feel the very slight movement upon the tension wrench, which is caused by the plug rotation, since the upper pin is no longer 'blocking' the shear line.

Release tension...you will hear a click as the pins reset. (you are not trying to open the lock at this point, you are trying to develop your sense of feel)

Repeat the setting of one pin, until you can pretty much predict when the plug will rotate, before it happens.

see if that helps.

by **Perin** » 30 Jul 2005 5:55

Currently i'm using a bent safety pin for a pick and that other end of a nail clipper, similar to small blade- for the wrench. What would the best tools be if i wanted to improvise? or is what i'm using fine for now?

by **Chrispy** » 30 Jul 2005 6:03

Perin wrote:Currently i'm using a bent safety pin for a pick and that other end of a nail clipper, similar to small blade- for the wrench. What would the best tools be if i wanted to improvise? or is what i'm using fine for now?

Key words, for now. Invest in some quality picks or make your own using the information and templates from this site. You can only do so much with a safety pin :wink:

.

by **Perin** » 30 Jul 2005 6:46

Hehe, well I'd buy some but I don't have a credit card, or workshop tools to make a set either. I've googled some information but all of them need vices, grinders, sanders, etc.. I was just looking for a household alternative.

by **Shrub** » 30 Jul 2005 6:56

Have a good read of the MIT guide and all the other stuff in the FAQ section of site,

If you cant buy picks you can always get them made, go to your local schools, im sure one of them will either let you use the tools or one of the tutors may knock you somthing up in their lunch time,

Try the local engineering firms, i dont mean go to reception and ask i mean wait for the workers to come out at finish and ask them, go and buy a file and some emry paper and you can make a pick,

Read around a bit more as you can make picks out of a lot of things and with a lot of tools, if desparate i would even sit there with a brick and try to rubb the material away, if you are desapate you will find a way,

Alternitively im sure you have a freind or a parent of a friend or even your parents that can buy some picks on their card,

by **Perin** » 30 Jul 2005 9:46

Well, my parents think this is a silly hobby, and if i asked one of my workshop teachers to do it or give me some free time to whip some up for myself i'd get a dissaproving look and a no. As for the engineering firm, well, the country I'm in isn't very large. So, I might try get a file... dad'll dissaprove of high speed tools. Is it possible to make a decent pick out of a fork with only one prong [With some filing] ? Or... maybe a Swiss Army knife? I reckon a swiss army knife would be quite a pocket pick set if modified and filed up.

by **zekeo** » 30 Jul 2005 11:07

See if you can aquire the metal piece from a windshield wiper. This material is great for picks and also requires minimal removal of metal (at least less than a hacksaw blade. This could be done with a hand file.

by **raimundo** » 30 Jul 2005 11:09

I think you should move on to the larger hairpins which are better mcgyvers than paper clips. :lol:

by **helix** » 30 Jul 2005 11:50

Perin, PM me your address and I'll send you a
half diamond and maybe a few others to get you started.

ANY OTHERS WANTING FREE PICKS WILL BE
ABUSED IF THEY PM ME.

by **Shrub** » 30 Jul 2005 13:06

helix wrote:Perin, PM me your address and I'll send you a
half diamond and maybe a few others to get you started.

Can i have some please?

:lol:

Question =]

Question =]

bent paper clips

Who is online