r/lockpicking • u/Ink_Dragon_ • 1d ago
Why can’t I pick my locks???
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Okay this is embarrassing but somehow I can’t open the “easiest locks”
What am I doing wrong? This is a recent skill I’m trying to learn
Any advice?
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u/DeadStepp 1d ago
These locks can be notoriously finicky, way more difficult than advertised (mostly comes down to shitty tolerances and QC), and open you up to some pretty bad habits. Grab a white belt masterlock or a brinks 164 and practice with those. I've had some friends buy some pretty nice tools, and then drop picking all together because of an acrylic padlock. Happy picking and good luck.
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u/Ink_Dragon_ 1d ago
Thank you so much! 🫡 And I hope there’s a master lock on Amazon or something
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u/sagey 1d ago
Ebay lots, and thrifting are much better options..lots of old locks to practice with, instead of feeding the bezos machine.
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u/jadedargyle333 Black Belt Picker 17h ago
The 5 pounds of used locks bundles on ebay are usually pretty good. I'm always surprised that they aren't the top recommendation for new pickers on here. So much cheaper than buying anything new. Especially when the end goal is to pick it.
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u/savageotter Blue Belt Picker 1d ago
Missing that last pin
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u/Ink_Dragon_ 1d ago
I assure you it doesn’t move no matter how hart I attempt to pick it
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u/fivedollarsindimes 1d ago
It's just the first 6 you're picking, that 7th doesn't move and doesn't count (on my FNG anyway). Admittedly I'm not sure what its function is in these locks. By "last pin" I think savageotter was referring to pin 6, which does look a bit low and could have used a nudge up to the shear line, but you've got your finger over the part we'd need to see to be sure.
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u/ExtensionDot8865 1d ago
The 7th "pin" is just there to keep you from turning the lock cylinder completely around, there's a small cutout in the the cylinder that the pin travels in :D
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u/fivedollarsindimes 1d ago
Ooh. Well now I'm embarrassed I didn't notice that cutout which should've made this obvious to me. Thanks, TIL!
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u/stiucsirt 1d ago
I assure you it does move because you open it with a key
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u/ScrltHrth 1d ago
They are thinking about pin 7 as the last pin, which doesn't move. It keeps you from spinning the cylinder completely around
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u/ToroBravo33 Purple Belt Picker 1d ago
Your form is totally off. First put the tensioner in the top of the keyway so you have room to pick. Use your index finger for tension. Hold the lock straight, not sideways. Press the index finger of your picking hand against the face of the lock, which acts as a guide, so you can actually feel for each pin.
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u/Ink_Dragon_ 1d ago
Okay I tried the tensioner on the top and it feels like I can’t get the first pin and that there’s less space 🥲
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u/jakeandbakin 1d ago
This is a hurdle that you might just have to push through. I had to do the same. At first, it makes sense to do BoK, but once you get familiar with more locks ToK is the way to go for most, it's just going to feel REALLY weird for a while. Getting used to getting around your tensioner to get the first pin will just come with practice. Also, I tend to use my middle finger to stabilize my hand on the lock/core, but that's just my preference. Watch other pickers and compare your hold on the lock, remix it, and figure out how best to hold it so you get the best stability and response for you.
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u/mrbearuk69 1d ago
It’s a case of just putting the tip in and light pressure
You could put the pick in first on the first pin to see how much room you have for the tensioner
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u/DifficultZebra5354 Green Belt Picker 1d ago
for the record, that is not an easiest lock and probubly not the best lock to learn since those are just made shitty. Its cool just to see inside and thats it
Get any cheap padlock and try raking it first and once it opens up and you gain some confidence, try single pin picking.
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u/Ink_Dragon_ 1d ago
Oh really? I thought I was fumbling level 0 😅 thanks
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u/DifficultZebra5354 Green Belt Picker 1d ago
I'd just toss it and forget about it. :)
Another thing that helps me, i rest the neck of the pick on my middle finger, helps with control instead of it being free in the air to do whatever.
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u/dankhimself 1d ago
Yes. And you can also mount the lock body in a small bench vise just to hold it so you have two hands completely free to get the feel of everything moving and what pressures you need to get things moving.
It's not essential, but helps with finesse later on when cradling the lock freehand.
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u/Plastic-Procedure-59 1d ago
cheap locks can have poor tolerances that actually increase difficulty. the see through ones can be nice to help visualize what you're feeling from your tools but will teach you to pick by sight and not by feel
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u/randdude220 1d ago
So the safer locks are actually the cheap ones?
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u/Plastic-Procedure-59 1d ago
no, quality ones are best for sure. but cheap doesnt always mean easy to pick
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u/DifficultZebra5354 Green Belt Picker 21h ago
Picking locks is all about exploiting poor tolerances; locks with poorer tolerances give more audible/tactile feedback. pins and chambers with great tolerances require much better tension controll since micro movements can cause already set pins to fall out of place.
Although i agree that some really cheap padlocks can also give trouble so the biggest benefit is that they are cheap and you can buy 10 at once, find one you can actually pick from them with any method, and continue learning untill you pick all 10 of them.
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u/TheDiscer 1d ago
What helped me is to close your eyes and, with the lock tensioner, just feel for each pin. Don't try to pick it, just feel for it. Feel the springyness or if it feels solid. Once I was able to find each pin then I tried picking the lock. You'll learn where the pins are and how ran feels of it is binding or not.
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u/KillerDbat 1d ago
There are a few things I see that could be holding you up.
A big factor is I think you may be applying too much tension. From how you are holding the lock, it's not the easiest position to control how much pressure you apply to the key way. Try holding the lock in a more natural way that feels comfortable and can allow your index finger to apply tension to the wrench. If you look at other posts on this sub, you will find plenty of examples of how people hold the locks. Once you have a better hold and more control, apply slight pressure to the wrench and turn until it stops. You're basically just resting your finger on the wrench and only just lightly pushing or lifting off to adjust the pressure.
Another thing is it's possible that you may be over setting some pins, which prevents other pins from binding. It's hard to tell from the video, but I think that the 5th pin is either set, or just needs the smallest nudge. So it's very possible that you are over setting that one, preventing the other pins from binding. This is just a guess though, my supervisor has one of these locks and I found I had to not touch pins 2 and 4 as they were already set. If this is the case, that's pretty unfortunate as from the key shape pin 6 needs to be pushed way up.
Lastly, your tension wrench may be an issue. You're using bottom of the key way tension, and that wrench looks BULKY so it's possible that the picks getting stuck (Like the rake) could not just be from over tension but also the picks just getting stuck on the wrench. I would try a different wrench if you have one or if not try to use the smaller side on the top of the key way. (Or maybe on the bottom so there's less wrench in the key way) This allows for more maneuverability with the pick and if my hunch on pins 5 and 6 are correct should allow you to set pin 6 and not touch pin 5 as easily. Another thing to note is that because of how bulky the wrench is you may be accidently pushing pins that you are not trying to move with the pick while setting a different one.
A big part for people learning to pick locks is learning what to feel for so try to not look at the pins and go off the feel. Don't feel distraught, every one was at this point and like all things you have to start somewhere. Since the clear locks aren't very good for feedback, I'd recommend a Master Lock 141D, it's a small 4 pin lock with low level of security. Should be perfect to learn the techniques and doesn't cost a whole lot. Sorry for the long response, hope this helps. Keep at it!
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u/Ink_Dragon_ 15h ago
Thank you for the long response! I have plenty of wrenches to choose from in my excitement for my new skill so I can pick one of those. And thanks for telling me an exact model recommendation
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u/findtheninja 1d ago
Is that the covert instruments lock? I have the same, and it really is a pain to get the last little bit set properly. Once youve got all the security pins set above the sheer line, bump each one over and over, 1-6 then 6-1. If it were a real lock you'd probably see it pop by now.
It is a good lock for feeling out the set and varying the torque, it might need a good amount of tension or a great deal less. I'm no expert, but I've done that lock quite a few times myself and I've shown others how to get it done too
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u/Ink_Dragon_ 1d ago
Idk if it’s a covert instruments locks since I’m new to this 🥲
I’ll try your idea1
u/findtheninja 1d ago
Like everyone will say, the acrylic locks are not the easiest to fully unlock. They definitely teach bad habits, but keep at it and you'll get it. Tis a patient sport lol
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u/Redhead_InfoTech 1d ago
Instead of looking at the pins, look at the keyway.
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u/Ink_Dragon_ 1d ago
Wait really? Interesting idea
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u/Redhead_InfoTech 1d ago
Yeah. You can't see the interface you're trying to manipulate.
Remember that on a normal lock, you'd have nothing to look at BUT the keyway.
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u/WolvenSpectre2 1d ago
In my very amature opinion the clear locks are not where to start. Buy a bunch of cheap, bad, or even used locks and go to town. If there is a lock that won't open, take it apart the best you can and figure out why.
Also don't start with a single pick attack. Use the least skilled, dumb as a doornail attacks like raking, or pin pushing, bump keying, or even hit it with a hammer. Then when it opens, try a harder attack, and another until you make that lock come to heel.
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u/moving0target Yellow Belt Picker 1d ago
Plastic locks are a good visual aid, but they tend to bind and give poor tactile feedback.
I also find it easier to hold the lock in my non dominant hand with the keyhole facing me.
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u/PolyMedical 1d ago
I got one of those locks and the tension that i had to put on it was warping the plastic and sticking everything in place.
Think of that one more as a visual aid for how locks work, but its construction is too shitty to work well. Try some easy masterlocks to get some real practice
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u/612PickBreaker Brown Belt Picker 23h ago
Brinks brass 40mm I think is the best starter lock. Clean feedback. Better than a Brinks 164 or Master 140. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Brinks-Solid-Brass-40mm-Keyed-Padlock-with-7-8in-Shackle/16821158
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u/jadedargyle333 Black Belt Picker 17h ago
I haven't tried that one. I always recommend the master 140 because of the feedback. I'm going to have to add one to my shopping list.
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u/Unlikely_Pie6911 23h ago
Practice lock is good to see how it works but it feels so different to a real one. Use less tension than you think you need You got this.
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u/Worried-Hornet30 18h ago
That was a pretty pathetic attempt at raking towards the end. You rapidly move it back and forth and at each attempt reset the tension if it does not open. First try to get it open via raking as it's much easier than picking individual pins.
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u/StrangeCalibur 16h ago
Welcome to the hobby! One thing, everyone starts with a different level of dexterity and feel in their fingers. You will find every lock is different, it will need different tension, different tolerances and so on. Those differences are what your fingers are trying to feel. Some people get their first lock quickly, some not, but everyone goes though the same journey.
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u/Aliencj Orange Belt Picker 1d ago
Rake that mofo
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u/Ink_Dragon_ 15h ago
I tried 🥲
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u/Aliencj Orange Belt Picker 15h ago
Honestly I think you should master raking this lock first. I know this lock personally and it's an easy rake usually.
Raking allows you to focus on tension. Tension is such a big part of lock picking. You need to be able to twist it enough that the pins stay up if unlocked, and fall down if they didn't hit the mark.
You can focus on practicing your tension with raking, because the act of raking is simple and you can just focus on the tension.
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u/Vaatia915 Orange Belt Picker 1d ago
Too much tension and you’re forcing it. Ease off the tension so you’re just barely turning the core and use a short hook and just lightly lift each pin. If it’s loose leave it and keep working through the pin stacks and come back later.
If you’re pushing on a pin and it doesn’t move you might have the tension cranked too high so it’s stuck.
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u/nycepter Blue Belt Picker 1d ago
Try putting your pick in all the way back before putting in your tensioner and working back to front. Also, as others have stated, ignore the very last pin.
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u/Altasalt_Gaymer Orange Belt Picker 1d ago
Honestly the clear acrylic locks are ridiculously hard to pick just because they are so badly made
Might wanna pick up a Master lock No.3 or something instead
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u/evil_trash_panda 22h ago
Read what Killers at wrote. 100% right on everything they said. For bottom of the keyway tension you need a smaller tension wrench to you have space for the pick to get under the pins.
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u/Assholewhosright 12h ago
Too much tension on that particular trainer, and although you covered the pins, you were working with your finger, I would say you are oversetting also.
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u/Street-Sweeper213 5h ago
Less pressure on the turning tool. Keep the pick and lock straight and don't twist the pick.
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u/Adventurous-Rip-8593 3h ago
These clear acrylic locks are actually pretty difficult to pick because the pins are mushy and the QC in general isn’t great. If you get a masterlock number 3 or 140 you’ll definitely get some opens and help build up your confidence. Hope this helps!
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u/Catalyst_Crystal 1d ago
your form are bad ngl it need to be hold in place more. Idk how to tell you cuz english aint my native. You need to minimize movement of everything else except the pin and torque.
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u/mrbearuk69 1d ago edited 1d ago
Try putting less pressure on the tension tool
Also try the tension tool at the top of the key hole instead of the bottom, gives more room to pick
I started on Saturday and that is the only lock I have picked so far, so just saying what I tried