Begin pin tumbler

Beginning Pin Tumbler Picking

Beginning Pin Tumbler Picking intro goes here… In this article, you will find information regarding getting started with lockpicking, including joining the locksport community, aquiring locks and tools, disassembly, practicing, practice locks, and exercises.

Getting Started Community Locks Tools Practice Practice Locks

Next Steps Exercises Navigation Tool Check Disassembly

Resources Links Books

Beginning Pin Tumbler Picking Community Locks Master Lock No. 3 padlock. This is where we talk about selecting and sourcing locks for beginning practice. Although there seems to be a lot of people beginning their lockpicking training on padlocks, cheap double euro cylinder can be a better choice; by sawing it in halves, you get two training locks. Gut them (just watch for the skeletonized cores!) and you can progressively pin them to learn your way around the keyway. This also saves you pain of learning security pins right at the beginning - just use standard drivers at the start and start adding security pins into the mix when you are ready. Tools Sparrows Kick Start set of lockpicks, turning tools, and carrying case. To begin to learn Single Pin Picking (SPP), at least two tools are needed: one to manipulate the pins and one to rotate the lock plug. A pick with a hook profile is often recommended for SPP. It is generally recommended to use a turning tool that fits in the keyway without blocking access to the pins while still providing feedback and control of the rotation. Listed here are a few suppliers where hobby lockpickers frequently buy these tools Digby Lock and Tool (USA) - Hooks and Turning Tools Hooligan Keys (USA) - Hook and Turning Tool Law Lock Tools (UK) - Hook and Turning Tools Lockpick Web Winkel (NL) - Hook and Turning Tool Multipick (DE) - Hook and Turning tool Sparrows Lock Picks (CA) - Hook and Turning tools It is easy to make some tools yourself Schuyler Towne "Tension Wrenches from Windshield Wiper Blades"(youtube) Other usefull stuff Reload kit - very usefull, not only pins, but tweezers, pinning mats and plug follower Gutting wrench for easier circlip removal Practice Practice Locks Clear padlock. TOOOL UK Yale 1109 “Learn to pick” kit Sparrows progressive locks Sparrows cut away lock Sparrows revolver Reload kit - very usefull, not only pins, but tweezers, pinning mats and plug follower Training lock, that will grow with you A video demonstrating how to make a practice lock from a euro cylinder with minimal tools Exercises The following section provides exercises to help new lock pickers develop their new skills. Like with many other activities, it's recommended to learn good habits from the start instead of unlearning bad habits later. These exercises try to support such a good start. Navigation Angling the lock pick The lock pick often needs to be angled to navigate the lock smoothly. The general idea is that you can move the pick around in the lock without scraping the sides of the pick against the lock, as this can take useful feedback away. This often means the pick needs to be angled clockwise or counterclockwise a few degrees. An exercise that can help is to insert the pick in the keyway, holding it so lightly it almost slips from your fingers. You will typically see that the pick automatically angles clockwise or counter clockwise, depending on the keyway. This exercise is recommended without using a tensioner at first. Typically the pick requires an angle of 5 or 10 degrees. Also, in general, pins need to be manipulated without disturbing other pins. This generally means the back of the pick should be as far away from the pins as possible, while the tip is able to manipulate one pin at a time. You can try to slide the back of the pick against the furthers ledge within the lock that still allows the tip to access the pins. Now if you use the tip of the pick to push the first pin, while levering the back of the pick on the furthest possible ward, see what an angle the pick has when it just touches the pin and what angle the pick has when it pushed the first pin fully. This exercise is recommended without using a tensioner at first. It is possible that the angles differ by even 90 degrees. Note that the pins in the back of the lock require a significant smaller angle. Feeling where you are While lock picking it is generally important to know which pin you are touching and, perhaps more importantly, to know if you are touching a pin. One reason picks break with beginners is that by accident the lock itself is pushed by the pick instead of the pin. An excersise that can help with knowing where you are is the following: Slide the pick in the lock with the tip touching the lock body just in front of the first pin. You can typically feel how the surface of the lock feels very smooth. Sliding the pick further into the lock you will feel the tip bump into the first pin. Possibly you can feel a very small rough edge of the pin chamber just before bumping into the pin Now, with the back of the pick touching the furthest possible ledge (ward) in the lock, angle the pick slowly more until the tip of the pick can move further into the lock, moving on top of the first pin. How does it feel? Does it feel round or pointy? Is it smooth like the first part of the lock or does it feel different? Press the pin down by levering the back of the pick against the furthest ward. Can you feel the pick tip entering the pin chamber a bit at some point? Move the pick tip forward again. Possibly you can feel the rough edge of the pin chamber on the other side of the first pin. You should now be between the first and second pin. Is the surface as smooth as the first part of the lock? Do you feel how it feels very different from the tip of a pin? Continue moving further to the back of the lock, paying attention to the angle the pick needs to make to push the pins and the different surface structures you can feel inside the lock. How many pins does the lock have? Picking Tool Check Disassembly Remove the cam or C-clip. Insert the key and turn the plug 45-90 degrees. Withdraw the plug from the cylinder. (A plug follower is recommended) OR Remove the chamber casings and take out each pin-stack individually Remove the cam or C-clip. Withdraw the plug from the cylinder. Books This is where we mention some books, like https://nostarch.com/locksport or Little Black Book of Lockpicking: Lock opening and Bypass techniques for Security Professionals.