Just picked my first real lock (and some questions)

[jketiynu]

Today I recieved my 16-piece lockpicking kit from lockpicks.com as well as a generic practice lock.
After spending most of the day fiddling with the practice lock as well as the lock on my computer cabinet, I pulled a Master Lock (5) off of my shed.
After about 4 minutes of failing at individually setting the pins, I finally got it open by raking it
Now I'm hooked, though I realize I really need some practice.

A big problem I'm having is visualizing the location of the pins in the lock. I try and use a hooked pick to move along the pins so I know where they are, but they're so close together it's difficult to visualize Any good tips in this area?

Another big problem is getting the tension wrench to stay in the lock. I have three different size tension wrenches, and all of them tend to wiggle out of any lock I put them in due to the angle I'm holding them at. What's a good technique for turning the tension wrench without losing grip on the pick?

Any help is appreciated.

[dwkbb]

Try feeling the pins without the tension wrench in the keyway. There might not be much room to work with a padlock and the pins probably are fairly close. Look at the key for the lock you are working on as it might help you visualize the pin placement and height.

As far as holding the lock and the tension wrench, I hold the lock in my hand with the keyway end near my thumb and work the tension wrench with my index finger. Using your index finger allows for fine adjustments of the tension applied.

[cha0s]

Like dwkbb said use no tension wrench but feel around inside.

What i did to my tension wrench (stolen from a video) Is an extra bend ill try to diagram it:


\____
|
|
|
|


Put an extra bend in the part that goes into the lock. Not quite that much but just enough so you can get it in easily but once the tension is being put on it wont slip aroundl. I found this works very well in my master lock (no. 3)

Happy picking

[cha0s]

ok that got messed up once it got put in... sorry but i hope you get the idea. I can send you a picture if you want tomorow

[digital_blue]

jketiynu, this is a tip that helped me get familiar with the insides of the lock when I was new. Maybe it will help you as well. Congrats on your first success! Happy picking!

viewtopic.php?t=7767&highlight=pencil+marks

[jketiynu]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I appreciate it.

@cha0s: I know what you mean, I'll try that out.

[cha0s]

Cool, let me know how it works or if you find something you like better. Happy Picking

[devildog]

Something that will help ENORMOUSLY with giving you the ability to visualize what is happening inside the lock, which is absolutely vital to picking, is a clear practice lock OR cut-away lock

http://www.lockpicks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=271

http://www.lockpickshop.com/c-lock-cylinders.html

These locks will allow you to SEE (notice bulging eyes emphasizing 'SEE' ) what is happening inside the lock as you are picking it, and all of these locks are very easy to re-pin so that you can take all of the pins out except for one and start from the ground up.

Oh, and that Master lock probably has at least two security pins of some type (most likely spool pins) that are giving you a hard time.

You will progress so much faster and learn so much more in less time if you use a practice lock and start off with ONE pin, and ONE PIN ONLY (I wish I had taken people's advice when I was starting out and done this; if I had I would have moved along a lot faster and might be working on some high-security stuff now instead of Schlage deadbolts and Brinks padlocks )

[jketiynu]

YAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!

I have mastered single pin picking with a Kwikset lock I bought at the hardware store. Now I can quickly pick all the locks I have, including the Masterlock. I didn't end up using the pencil trick, but what I did do was remove all but the first pin, then work my way back up to five. This seems like the absolute best way to learn this and it finally helped me overcome my frustrations.
Also, thanks cha0s for the idea about bending the tension wrench, it really helps keep a grip.

Well, looks like I'll be getting a hold of more advanced locks as soon as I get my next paycheck

[musicmaniac414]

I like the overhand grip for holding a tension wrench in a padlock. Bring your hand down on the lock, palm down, and grip the body with your thumb on one side and last three fingers on the other. Apply tension to the tension wrench with your index finger. I know this isn't the conventional grip, but I drop the tension wrench if I do anything else.