(452) Finding the Right Tension for Lock Picking Beginners

[@TimLindentheGrassGuy]

That akward moment when the "easy" lock in the video is the one on your front door.

[@Lissica1]

+Tim Linden Haha, yes

[@jeepmanxj]

Chances are the front door can easily be kicked in anyway. Most deadbolts are useless as they don't mount into anything substantial.

[@luiserriquearayacalvo7403]

Tim Linden fabor mandar lecsiones de manejo de gansuas a costa Rica soy cerrajero de hace 50 años direccion 100 oeste y 25 sur de pigo peres cerrajeria santa Rita cartago noo ablo hinglas solo español my nombre es luisitto araya caivo

[@riddlewrong]

Burglars don't typically pick locks. They break a window, kick the door in, etc. Locks on residential doors are security theater -- they make you feel safe, but they're not actually protecting you much.

[@thepopularjockkiller]

LOL - YEAH! In America it's Kwickset. I know they have high level locks but the basic lock is what I learned on.

[@Vares65]

Thanks Bill! I just got into this hobby and while I could pick the decent lock on my front door with no problems when I bought a Master #3 I couldn't pick it! I felt like a total failure until I watched this video and realized I was giving the Master lock more respect than it deserved by using the same light tension I used on my front door. After watching this video I grabbed the Master lock and tensioned the hell out of it and within three seconds it popped. HUZZAH!

[@wodkful]

It didn’t deserve the respect

[@papa_zmurf]

So sorry to hear that you’ve retired, but very grateful for all your thousands of amazing videos, guides, reviews, and tutelage! Family first!

[@johnduncan9403]

Hello I have just learned that you retired, I am very thankful for everything you have shared over the time I have been picking locks and will miss watching you take care

[@physical_insanity]

I think I may have found myself a new hobby.

[@Devin1364]

It is really fun

[@justinhuff5911]

Take your time and don't get frustrated. It's a learning's experience but very satisfying when that lock opens

[@MJaquez55]

@@Devin1364 Same I think I’m going to have so much fun too. I am getting a sparrows tuxedo for Christmas

[@MJaquez55]

This was a while ago how did this hobby turn out for you. Hope it went good

[@physical_insanity]

@@MJaquez55 I'm still very much involved in lockpicking, but I don't have any tools yet because I still have other hobbies (knives and stuff) and I largely practiced with other people's tools. I'll probably get a tool set soon, though.

[@OnTheRiver66]

Some advice - I have been enjoying Bill's videos for some time now, read 2 lock picking books, been practicing with my beginner's set for several weeks and thought I was doing pretty good. I went to Bill's lock picking university and started the course - I learned in 30 minutes more than I learned in the past few months! Bill, you do a great job with both your videos and your course.

[@bosnianbill]

Thanks man, it took me a year to put it all together. I'm glad the effort is paying off for you! bill

[@passiveagrees8870]

What books do you suggest.

[@niritsa9609]

bosian bill it took me 1 week to learn brcuase your videos

[@melaniefrancedoyoulovebabi1798]

OnTheRiver66

[@imdabestarouuund2014]

But whats your advice?

[@barlow2976]

I've just started lock picking, and I'm overjoyed to have found B.B's stuff here. On KZbin there's always one guy who's videos shine above all others, and Bill's that man. Thanks for such a great resource, the rest will be down to me..

[@makocapone6400]

barlow2976 look up Lockpickinglawyer he is really good as well

[@mikedunham7220]

And the vids where BB and the LPL collab together are way cool as well. Both very talented pickers and you can/will learn a lot.

[@Keen_Edge]

My goodness you make this look so easy.

[@ericday604]

GREAT exlpination!!! You probably just jumped many new pickers ahead by months of trial and error. I definitely need to lighten up on my security pins a little. Thank you Bill!

[@DinnerForkTongue]

I found out I need to ease up on my tension too. And ease up _a lot._

[@eoutro9049]

Good retirement, Bill! I've learned so much with you, thanks.

[@IronheadOfScroteus]

I am actually using padlock picking to keep myself from drinking of an evening as we watch TV after dinner. Works better than my new Kindle Fire and slightly better than fly tying. Your videos are good for my health!

[@TheNimshew]

You're a great teacher,Bill. I was practising on a Master lock and could not believe how loud the clicks were and how much feedback I was getting through a clumsy handmade tension tool. I'm a honest man, but the thrill I got from opening that lock was so distracting that I forgot what sequence I used! I've been a master plumber for 40 years. I know a pro when I see or hear one. You,sir, are a pro.

[@Kevin-kh8bf]

Honestly this has been the most helpful video i've come across. Was able to pick the same lock twice in a row and help me understranding the lock "talking" to me.

[@TheManasekp]

Bill, you managed to explain it the best way I have seen so far. I'm not a great lockpicker but thanks to your video I realized some things that I only knew subconsciously. The various tension when appliing pressure to a single pin and realizing the moment of reaching shear line is probably the thing that took me the longest time to learn.

[@88BlueKeys4U]

I watched many videos, but these here are the most convincing ones. They explain precisely what is going on. So far I am very disappointed about my lock picking progress. I did realize that each lock has its personality, its preferred pick tool and sequence to push/bind the pins. As mentioned here I think that 80% of the work is done by the TENSION, and only 20% by the picking itself. And BOTH usually need very LITTLE force to work well. Most (as myself) torture the locks and pins to death, even wear down their diamond pickers while raking along. I read the 'picking bible' (German version), have labeled my excercise locks and keep a protocol which tool and method works best to open it. Repeatability is not that great so far, some open within seconds and later take 10min. Others like all my ABUS cylinders refuse to cooperate with me so far.. leave alone the acrylic training lock with its horrible DIMPLE mechanics.. WIth my failing eyesight I desperately need a new hobby, as model kits and wrist watches are now out of reach for me. Lockpicking is appealing as it needs rather few tools, little investment, has oodles of 'targets' to tinker with, can (even SHOULD!) be done with eyes closed, to fully focus on the feeling in the fingertips. It challenges one's patience, sensibility, accuracy and feeling for metal interactions. I hope I can eventually gain more capabilities. Thanks for your instructive videos, very well done!

[@wolfganggrojcig2528]

Man, Bill just made such informative videos! This one in particular is essential to picking any lock! It's a shame to see he is not making content anymore 😢

[@smugglersunion]

This was/ is probably the single most helpful and worthwhile videos I watched while picking up this skill.

[@TheWalkingEd]

That was very clear and very useful. Thanks a lot for sharing.

[@Slayzer89]

I have an American Lock series 30 that had been giving me trouble with the security pins, and the advice from this video just gave me my first successful pick. Much appreciated!

[@brucegrainger7332]

These are fantastic. I am using the sparrows teaching locks and those with your instructions are priceless.

[@johnmarsman7843]

Thanks! The heavy tension was my downfall, I've got my first lock picked now 😁👍

[@xpndblhero5170]

I always look at the discoloration of the fingertips and fingernails when someone is tensioning a lock... It gives me a bit of an idea of how much tension they are using so I know what to look for when I'm doing it.

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

I know I'm late to the party here, but as a beginner who has become expert with attacking the clear plastic lock, I have to say that this video seems to be helping me a lot. The only other two locks I have are an Abus Discus and a long shank American padlock with the cylinder similar or the same as the one in this video. I don't have a vise yet, nor do I have one of those flat tension wrenches, so I tend to press too hard on the tensioner I do have, and I forget to "lean" the pick over at the correct angle. Because of that I only seem to be able to get 2 or 3 pins to set before I screw it all up and have to start over. LoL. The point is, I'm making progress, and that's a pretty good thing for an old guy. Thanks for uploading this, some 5 or 6 years ago.

[@jimu57]

Probably THE best video I have seen on explaining tension. I have seen it I know a dozen times. Still working on getting it right. I see that you identify pin numbers quickly. Are there any suggestions to developing that other than experience?

[@jimu57]

Yeah. Thought so but makes sense. I have been working on one particular door lock for several nights and the feel of pin position is coming. Little by little. thanks again.

[@himynameisgeoff]

"Light tension is the key..." :)

[@somedaysoon3564]

Thanx Bill. Im new to the art of lockpicking. Your video answered a lot of my questions that i was too embarrassed to ask. Keep up the awesome work!

[@lisapl1460]

Very informative Thank you sir. My first set of picks are coming this week! Can't wait.

[@tomjeffersonwasright2288]

I wish I had viewed this video much earlier in my picking experience. Thanks for an excellent video!

[@massieVtec]

I'm very new to lock picking, have watched 100s of videos and this has been by far the most helpful. Thanks a mill !

[@sportster88]

I spent over 6 hours trying to pick a 1960 Weiser doorknob and couldn't feel any of the pins reach their shear point. The cylinder isn't locked up but it wouldn't rotate at all no matter how much tension I used and what position any of the pins were in. I'll just spend $10 to have a locksmith re key it and save a my precious time to do more important things. You need to have the dexterity of a brain surgeon and the sensitivity of a blind pinball wizard to be successful.

[@Kiezkollege]

Hard to verbalize, but you explained it very well. Thank you for the helpful video!

[@firedavin]

I have to agree with that comment. Books to teach you something. but watching it happen explaining the process as almost a first person view has really helped me excel in learning. thank you

[@melknockjenkins7563]

Great information, this helped me with cheap locks. I could pick security pins but was having trouble with cheap kwikset. You really hammer the tension on them and then it's easy to pick them. Thanks again Bill!

[@Gnarlf]

Thanks, for all you've tought us!

[@srlzeppelin]

Obrigado pelos videos .Sou chaveiro em Valparaiso de Goias Brasil e sempre aprendo com voce.

[@georges7518]

Bill i would like to thank you for the video on how much tension to use on a lock it helped me out on the franklin garage door lock that i was trying to pick for a over a week now ; ) Thank you

[@oibal60]

Ya gotta feel it. THAT'S why we practice with all sorts of locks!

[@Xyeklops1979]

I have to say, I got my first legit pick set. And when I got it, it was confusing because I used to do this on the street over 2 decades a go when I was a teenager. But now I pursue this as a hobby and needed to be reminded of all the picks. I love your videos, they are well informed and intellectual enough to make the point at hand. Thank You!

[@ganjajoe2566]

I admire you Bill! Thanks for the instruction and inspiration!

[@jasonlast3725]

hello friend thank you for you videos. ihave watched some recently and, I decided to buy a cheap lock and try it. well I have opened it 20 times and had it half an hour. it has reallygot me interested and now I need other lock cause its just a thrill to pop open a lock for the 1st time. Ijust wanted to thank you for introducing me to such a cool hobby

[@0101-o3w]

I'm very new to lock sport and I've watched loads of videos over this last week or so but this one so far has been the best description of how to get the correct tension. I will probably have to keep coming back to it and watching it again while I am practicing. Thanks Bosnianbill 👍👍🗝️👍👍

[@mxcollin95]

Great video! Definitely helped cut down on some locksport frustration... 👍

[@alweinhofer5453]

I have picked my American padlock inconsistently. One day I hope to master it. ;)

[@acetech9237]

It's so interesting how you can tell the pin your on. I'm still developing that feel.

[@deborahcaleb9466]

Helped me pop open a lock I've been workin on for a while

[@MindKontrolleProject]

Good explanation. Barely any tension on the core, then with your pick ensure "no pins are binding" . Increment slight tension until the "1st pin binds". That's the sweet spot to hold and set that pin and continue. Hope all is well Bill😁

[@WisdomShortvids]

I decided to learn lock picking because we have a small IT business and the amount of people who lose the key for their laptop Cambridge lock is amazing, hopefully when I've mater the art I can open them( for a fee of course lol ) and not have to carry a huge bolt cutter in the back of my car. Thanks Bill awesome stuff man just awesome

[@NicholasAarons]

That was so informative Bill and a great help. Keep up all the great work. And I love that beautiful Wood handle Pick that used at the beginning. From Nicholas. :D

[@thumperlockpicking9269]

You are a awesome teacher Mr.Bill

[@flashby360]

Damn you and your magic Bill! Excellent demonstration as ever.

[@thebrettsta164]

This video his very helpful !!!!! Thanks for taking the time to help the beginning lock pickers !!!!!

[@_Jensinger_]

Best explanations ever!!! Love your Channel!!! You helped me sooo much...Thanks!!

[@1618forex]

Thanks for a great lesson

[@backwoodsjunkie08]

Awesome tutorial!! Iv always had a tough time determining what tension to use on what locks but this vid helped out alot!

[@murphfee617]

Great explaining tension Bill. Appreciate it man👍

[@keithfowler66]

Very nice video Bill! You're a Master, Sir!

[@Soulrider2012]

Practice is obviously the key (as with many things). I haven't bee picking all that long but I've been devoting more time to it and I've already seen small changes. When I first started and I'd watch Bill's videos I was just amazed at how he could "know" what pin each pin was doing. When I started I couldn't even really tell for sure which pin I was even ON. Now I'm "starting" to get a feel for that. I have to work on finding the binding pin and working on the order I think. Right now when I SPP I just basically just go down the row of pins and push one up a bit, go to the next one and push it up a bit, and just keep going until I've got them all set and the lock opens. But, I am improving. Bill's videos have been a big help. Today I also ended up in a situation which I'm sure is a right of passage with all new lock pickers. I was messing around with this cheap lock I bought that has a removable core. I took the core out of the lock body, removed the "C" clip, put the key in and turned it 45 degrees.. Then for some reason I turned it 180 degrees and took the key out or something ..yep, pins fell out of the bible into the keyway! As soon as I did it I knew what I'd done. I ended up taking the back,/flat side of a pick and inserting it into the keyway and was able to push the pins back up into the bible and turn the plug to trap the pins back into the bible. Success! But, that's when stupidity struck again. I put the key back into the lock and was going to turn the plug back to its original position but instead turned it back the wrong way and all the pins fell out of the bible AGAIN. This time for SOME reason I have been unable to get the pins back up into the Bible. I did the same thing I did before and took the back/flat side of a pick to push the pins up into the bible but I CAN NOT get the plug to turn. I did once before but can't get this time to save my soul. If anyone has ANY other ideas on how I can get these pins back in the bible and get this plug to turn please let me know. Ah the learning curve...you are a heartless..b....

[@BadMarriageKawagoe]

It's been 6 years but I like to imagine you finally succeeded.

[@snowblood82]

Thanks BB! I'm new to TOK and was way too heavy handed. Blisters on my right index from fighting the pin stack. I find that a binding pin should still feel springy. Your picking game is in balance with the driver pin springs, your picking is slightly heavier pressure than the force of the spring and the tensioning should even be more delicate. Note that the springs are smaller than those in a typical ball pen.

[@hankhill962]

Bill is definitely the"pin wisperer"

[@SeaNsEAn1972]

guru he is

[@stevenpam]

Just got my first real open (not an acrylic practice lock) while this was playing. Thanks!

[@ewandonachie4472]

very informative! i didnt know the right amount to use but this helped so much. thank you!

[@ezrazander]

I’ve been trying to learn this for a while now But until this video I could only rake This video was suuuupeer helpful Thanks man

[@SeaNsEAn1972]

this man is a guru for real real 🎉

[@tonyp9179]

Your a great teacher.

[@javidpatel344]

We should call u proffesor bill bravo mate really helpfull video I surely learnt something out of that video

[@Maetsack]

Thank you - this was extremely helpful !!!

[@jimpurcell]

Thanks for this video. This helped me understand.

[@Mr1998Brandonify]

This video made the connection I was missing. I was picking left to right thinking that would work. Nope, find which one binds then find the next one and so on.

[@sambaugh9251]

where did you get that wood grain hook pick? it's beautiful I would like to own a set of these kind of picks.

[@richardwaldron222]

Hey man I think I can help you. You can easily make you own. Steal comes in all stock and is easy to cut and manipulate. Wood vernier is cheap at home depot. You can make a template of your cheap set of whichever one you want. You can buy everything thing you need from a cheap big box store a harbor freight. Depending on how cheap you need it you be you can make it with a pack of sand paper and super glue or you can make a hobby out of it like I did and pick up a cheat dremel with a cut off wheel and attachment set. Or mini a death wheel. 4" disk grinder. Look up the following on KZbin. Cutting thin steal, sanding/polishing metals and sanding and finishing wood. All of this will help you. I know it sound complicated but it's really not. My skills have doubled since I make my own pick set. I could find something that fit in my hand right. Idk maybe this helps lol. I tried, nobody else did.

[@kennyq2009]

Perfect big tits home video

[@theplops9324]

Your like the bob ross of lock picking

[@thepopularjockkiller]

ANOTHER TOP notch video! Thanks for posting!

[@Therealreggiej]

I literally just started lock picking as a hobby Got my lock pick set in last night and bought a brinks 40mm brass padlock once I found the right tension on it I was able to get it open reliably in under a minute tension really is everything sometimes

[@maerosss]

Very nice video. Damn, I started this little hobby just out of a whim, haven't succeeded so far, but if I don't.... those gaping lock holes are just laughing at me wherever I go :D, I have to learn it now!

[@ckolonko86]

Yet another great video! Thanks Bill :)

[@mmesimon27]

Great explanation, thank you Bill.

[@kevinstreet5709]

Brilliant video, well explained thank you.

[@kaikaiser21]

Started picking just to learn something new to pass the time and now i absolutely love it and your video's are the best. if i come across a problem all i do is come here ask youtube and you pretty much always have the answer. thanks a bunch for taking the time to make top quality instructional vids...and am i correct in assuming you are a locksmith?

[@kaikaiser21]

awesome! i really enjoy working with my hands, but since i have discovered lock picking it is so much more convenient. i can carry a troublesome lock in my pocket with a small kit and play all day with whatever spare time i can muster up during work or taking care of the home. have you ever come across an american made "CORBIN CABINET LOCK"? i bought one at my local pawn shop for 2$. took about 10 min to get through but it had some quarky bits in the beginning. sorry for such a long message but i just got into the hobby and im looking for some good advice on locks that i have so far accomplished/cracked and their downfallls or repeat manufacture errors. certain things like feel and the more intricate elements of lock craft, do you have any videos already up (sorry for asking you have a lot up). i would like to build a bit of a resume to submit to easter's lock and key division for an apprenticeship and i believe your advice would be most helpful in my endeavor sir. thank you.

[@TheNimshew]

bosnianbill That's it,Bill! I just like to solve vexing puzzles. Not mental,but physical puzzles.There are a lot of young people who believe, because they can't solve the mental puzzles commonly presented in classes, that they're somehow stupid. Different strokes for different folks.

[@mysonstegman]

Finally a decent tention vid thanks b

[@RichardSmith-gl6kj]

I locked my self out of the shed leaving my keys inside the shed. I have never picked a lock in my life yet have all the lock picking tools. Followed you tutorial and by luck opened the lock in under 30 seconds. It was a master lock. I guess Master is not so master. I just graduated Rookie lock smith school lol.

[@Airblader]

Interesting. I just started picking yesterday and my first lock is actually a Kwickset. However, it does have two security pins in it (spools) and I found that heavy tension / raking didn't quite work for me (then again, complete beginner). Using rather light tension I found it much easier to pick the lock and it takes me anywhere around a few seconds to one or two minutes that way.

[@southtexasdeath]

that was a really good explaination for me thank you

[@bucketletsgo6543]

You can use a miniature torque wrench for bicycles to make shift into understanding what ratios your reply

[@ericplante3237]

I started the hobby a couple months ago after my child locked a bedroom's door and we had to cut the handle. I m able to open standard padlocks but I m unable to unlock my appartment's doors. I tried adjusting the tension but no success so far. Even with padlocks, I don t hear the clicks. I need help but I don t know where to get it from.

[@DryLog420]

Wow dude you're pretty good! Thanks for the informative video!

[@simplesecurity1299]

Very very helpful Thanks bill

[@MyTube4Utoo]

*VERY* educational! Thank you.

[@infallible7425]

So for shitty cheap locks heavy tension, high end locks barely any tension. Thanks this was super helpful

[@AdamJee923]

Great video Bill, thank you.

[@jesuscaballero6974]

amazing job and well executed thanks for da info

[@rihopytsep]

Thanks, found out I was just being too light with the amount of tension.

[@AngryHatter]

I find I use much more pressure from the top of the keyway. Bottom of the keyway seems to appreciate a much lighter touch.

[@ThisGuyCJ]

He made all those locks look like Kwiksets...

[@choochoochooseyou]

Excellent vids, very professional and easy to follow. I have a newbie question, hope I don't embarass myself, but do all locks open clockwise? If not, is there a way to know which way to place your tension?

[@FulcanelliRosetta]

I compare it to fishing. Light tension for calm waters and heavy tension for rapid waters to feel when the fish hits. Always seemed to have overlapping to me in both.

[@boghonk]

brilliant video helped me out thanks

[@robertzeurunkl8401]

"KwikSet. Very low quality lock..." Probably why it's called "Quick Set". haha

[@JDStone20]

Helped a ton, thank you!

[@mrbear8746]

I really wish i could do this. Bought a couple kits and I'm still having no luck. Ready to sell both kits.

[@waddac2]

Great tutorial Bill mate :o))))

[@johnbell6114]

I have 3 American padlocks to open and rekey, I need a vise and different tension wrenches, mine are the very thin type, I need one like you were using to get better feel and avoid false sets with spool pins or something. Any tips on making stiff tension wrench? I'll order a couple from Flake or some supplier. Let me know if a homemade temporary tension wrench can be scrounged, thx for informative video.