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![r/lockpicking - [Resource] Visual Depiction of Common Pin States](https://b.thumbs.redditmedia.com/9QVhz50DD_4xFT4RXqJazr-Ro0IFXCcrRXV-mB5Zc-Q.jpg)
Thank you. This helps me visualize what’s going on.
Great video! I would definitely recommend this for all new guys to watch.
New pickers, remember it's not as easy as OP makes it look, so don't worry if you don't get it right away. The springs are generally quite delicate and the pins are very small, so remember to take your time and concentrate. Don't let yourself get frustrated! You will get the hang of it in time.
I would strongly recommend new pickers try progressive pinning as well; everything you see in this video will pop so much quicker and it'll be light bulb city. Very nicely done, OP!
Yeah, for sure. That's why I called it an exercise, because you need to really focus and do it over and over. You'll build your sensitivity to the small differences in feedback eventually.
Also, I'd recommend that you never stop doing it. Even black belts have frustrating days when they feel powerless, and backing off to just feel the lock without trying to make it do anything can really help center you.
Hi, new picker here! Can you clarify what you meant by progressive pinning? Thanks!
Sure! All you do is take a cheap lock apart, preferably one without security pins to begin with, then put it back together with only one pin stack at first.
Use this to learn how to position your pick in the keyway and on that pin. And take your time! It's not about just getting the plug to turn so you can add the next pin and continue. That's what I did at first and it defeats the purpose of the exercise lol.
You wanna pay attention and see how the pin feels without any tension on the plug, then experiment with different amounts as you lift the pin. The aim is to be able to feel your way onto the pin precisely, and maneuver it slowly to the shear line. You want to be able to actually feel some resistance as it moves, and that nice pop as it clears the shear line which then allows the plug to turn.
Then once you've gotten the hang of that, add the second pin stack and take your time again. You should notice that one pin binds and the other doesn't. Set the binder, feel the remaining pin. Insert light bulb moment here.
Add the third stack, and so on, until it's fully pinned and you have an understanding of what you're doing. Done correctly, you'll be able to pick that lock and know more or less exactly what you're feeling. Take some time to try and differentiate between pin states. Set feels different to binding, and binding can mean under or overset. Oversetting takes time to get to grips with tbh but you'll get there.
From here on it's just building muscle memory, lots of concentration, lots more locks, and the occasional bout of madness.
Thanks so much, this all made perfect sense! Excited to try this out tomorrow!
I'd also say at each step (1 pin, 2 pins, etc) try with the pins in different chambers. The feel is a bit different for deeper chambers.
This is true! Good thinking batman
Thanks, this is great. I’m new and was just trying to figure out today how set pins should feel relative to non set or overset. The descriptions and visual really helped clarify.
Very helpful
This is great!
Big ups 👍🏽
As a noob this is great. I'm going to go back to my cutaways (which I've moved on from) and practice the jiggle test to improve my feel
Excellent video thank you.
This is really, really helpful. Thanks for sharing!
Top notch stuff.
Love this. As someone new into picking, I feel like I knew I was oversetting pins in some of my locks but wasn't sure how to tell exactly. This pretty much confirms it. I'll be on the look out for the signs next time.
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It's one that I made myself following this method: https://youtu.be/fRy5IeF00e8
I just spent some extra time widening the slots with an equalling file, and then I ground open a KiK to rim holder to make it easier to hold in the vise. Total time was 2-3 hours.
One handy trick that I don't think 0pamp showed is using some 3mm brass rod to immobilize the core while filing. You just poke it down one chamber.
Really useful video! Is there a similar method for European locks which are usually mounted the other way around, with the key above the pins?
Yeah. You lose the ability to feel the loose keypin, but the spring vs stiff at the end of travel is the same.
CaptainHookNumber1 demonstrates in the European orientation. His basic takeaway is: if there's spring, then you don't care about it right now.
https://youtu.be/Qlb5QC8LEK0
That's an amazingly insightful video! thanks!
Extremely helpful video. Thanks!
You've got some great content there! Subscribed!
Great vid! Thanks!