Just picked my first few locks and, Wow

[Infosec]

This is a rediculously addicting hobby.

Picked all the locks in my office (granted they're all small desk locks) and the door to my office.

I've started working on grinding out a set from hacksaw blades, polishing one as I speak.

I think I'm making some decent progress but I do have a question about torque. I managed to open the lock on my door raking it with a snake but when I try to actually pick it I can get the first pin up with just a little bit of torque, the second one I have to wrench it all the way down before I can get the pin to set but the third one won't set. If I try to loosen up a bit on the plug the second one falls down (1st one stays in place). Any advice?

Love this forum, been lurking here a few months. Just now started actually trying to do it though. Hopefully I can build up enough skill to become a productive member here.

Infosec.

[Chucklz]

Reread the MIT guide. You dont pick first pin to last pin, but rather the pin that binds the most then the next.

[ftwvampftw]

From what i've learned too much torque is bad. Start from the back and come to the front. Than if it doesnt set.. just start the pick at the back again (dont release the torque for any already set pins) and tap the ones that arnt set starting from the back again.

Also, watch out for security pins.. Those a pain for someone starting out (like me). I've finally picked my Mountain Security deadbolt w/ 2 sec. pins in it.

But good to hear i'm not the only one addicted really fast. =)

[sublime progie]

Also, I would shy away from picking locks that are in use. Especially at work, or any that don't belong to you. Not skolding, just advice.

[digital_blue]

Also, I would shy away from picking locks that are in use. Especially at work, or any that don't belong to you. Not skolding, just advice.

Alright... well if you won't scold somebody has to! Never never never pick locks that you rely on until you are well comfortable with the hobby. Try explaining to your boss when you break a lock that is in use.

Not to mention the really really bad idea it is to pick locks that belong to your employer anyway. Seems that can get you in a heap of trouble pretty quick.

Wheeeew! Glad I got that of my chest. Now then...

Congratulations on your success. It's a great hobby, and there's so much more to come!

db

[Fallacy911]

From what i've learned too much torque is bad. Start from the back and come to the front. Than if it doesnt set.. just start the pick at the back again (dont release the torque for any already set pins) and tap the ones that arnt set starting from the back again.

Also, watch out for security pins.. Those a pain for someone starting out (like me). I've finally picked my Mountain Security deadbolt w/ 2 sec. pins in it.

But good to hear i'm not the only one addicted really fast. =)

You tried to help, but you gave bad advice.

You don't start from the front or the back, and this method is bad because it is very easy to pick the pin and lock it above the sheer line. This is because it wasn't the right pin to begin with.

With torque applied, you want to pick the pins from the one with the most pressure on it when trying to push upward to the least pressure.

Therefore you may have to re-check each pin after setting one of them, until the last pin.

[Chrispy]

Namely, the pin that binds.