Top 10 Reasons Why You Can’t Pick a Lock

[@LockNoob]

This is my Top 10 reasons why you can’t pick a lock. Did I miss any? Let me know in the comments! 👍😃😃

[@johnwickpick8621]

I also find weak springs makes it harder to pick. Example, if I put the key in with the pins on top like your picking it the key will turn smoothly. If I turn the lock upside down and insert tbe key it wont turn because the springs are to weak to push the top pin in the upward direction. So picking seems harder from lack of spring strength on these locks. Thanks again great teaching!

[@lpm55]

Lock Noob I would like to add that no brand euro to my collection looks like my ces. Locks what is it called?

[@jayeff337]

I rely enjoyed this video! It has inspired me to keep going and not give up. Thank you brother!

[@Alexfriedeggs]

great video man. i just started n i feeling that pain already

[@Ryan___0]

This may be more for new pickers, or on an installed lock you don't have info on, but tensioning in the wrong direction! Have done that more than once!

[@Deeem2031]

You missed this one: I failed to pick the first lock i tried because i tried to rotate the core in the wrong direction.

[@LockNoob]

Yes, I’ve been there!

[@madmike_9343]

@@LockNoob do they always turn right? If not how can you determine that?

[@darenmiller2218]

@@madmike_9343 I’ve read that the side which has more play to it, is the side in which it turns. For instance, if it’s in a locked position and it can turn right more so than left, than right is the correct direction.

[@twintyara6330]

Me every time

[@kritizismmusics9737]

Omgg ikr

[@arrrg3846]

00:30 1. You're using too much or too little tension 02:40 2. You're binding the core 03:48 3. You have the wrong pick 08:54 4. You misidentified the lock type 13:26 5. The lock is broken 15:27 6. The lock is dirty 17:24 7. You chose the wrong tension tool 19:32 8. You're second guessing the lock 22:17 9. The lock might be beyond your current skill (for now!) 23:55 10. The lock is already open! 25:40 Bonus reason: You're tired!

[@LockNoob]

Useful

[@arrrg3846]

@@LockNoob Reason 7.5 : You don't **have** the right tension tool. Nothing in your bag-o-tricks quite fits the keyway so you can reliably tension the core and feel some feedback ... and you must still have enough room for the pick(s). Time to acquire/build/hack more tension tools. :)

[@garywillis8737]

Give this guy a thumbs up !

[@bmxerkrantz]

@@LockNoob I have one of those high spring tension disk padlocks that's super easy.... well except the poor quality means a bare minimum tension. Because pin 4 will get caught below the shear line. It's also pinned like 5 1 1 5, so really easy to over set also. Been so many times I've struggled with that (especially if it's later in the practice rotation) that #10 & #11 probably defeat me. I've seriously thought about offering it as a challenge lock, because it was supposed to be easy. But eventually I have decoded it.

[@S.Clause]

Excellent. I was looking for this. Thank you

[@Max-pb8vf]

Sometimes the tension tool slips and i think i have a false set :)

[@LockNoob]

Been there!

[@lakshaynegi82]

Always.Never able to do anything about it

[@benfairhall5331]

How good is it! Haha

[@cb8208]

@GottaGetMe6 now thats funny

[@dragonfly9083]

I felt that, like spiritually

[@eak125]

Sometimes you just have to admit, today's not a good day. It's kinda along the lines of the mindset issue. Your hands just don't feel the feedback, your tension settings are wrong, it's just a bad day to pick a lock. Some days I'm unstoppable and am able to pick every single lock I own - even the difficult ones - in less than a minute each. Some days that simple one that i've memorized and can usually pick blindfolded will be beyond me. Realizing that today is just not a picking day and it's time to do something else is another step in your training. Knowing when to give up will prevent damage to your hands, locks and especially your picks.

[@OnTheRiver66]

That is so true. A lock I used to open in seconds can give me trouble a few months or even a few days later. I’m glad I’m not the only one that this has happened to. I think my hands can lose some of the skill when I don’t practice, and some days I just don’t seem to have the right “feel” for it.

[@LockNoob]

Agreed, it’s amazing how you have good and bad days sometimes

[@richardcook9459]

This is so good to hear that from another picker. Sometimes I feel useless toiling away on a $6 lock from the hardware store that I've picked within 4-5 seconds numerous times before.

[@jasonwilliams6460]

Marshmello

[@jasonwilliams6460]

Ma flash yellow

[@da_roachdogjr]

KZbin started recommending lock picking videos, and I'm surprised how interesting it actually is. In my head I always thought it was black magic.

[@LockNoob]

It's a great hobby!

[@claymartin9445]

Here's my comment four years later. I'm just trying to get started with this hobby and I'm finding it frustrating, but watching your videos has been a great help, not only for the invaluable information, but for the sage advice. There's no rush, there's no shame, you will fail to pick 100% of the locks you don't try to pick, just step away and come back when you need to, etc. I just need a little amateur success to give me a shot in the arm right now, but I'm not going to give up. Thanks for the information (pure gold!) and the pep talk (absolutely necessary at this point in my journey/misadventure)!

[@LockNoob]

Thank you!

[@Dotslocks14]

I hear u my friend.I am a beginner to and today was one of them days.I opened 20 of my 25 locks yesterday yet today after hours on 2 new locks(master lock M1,s)I only got them open a handful of times much to my frustration!iv stopped trying for today il be back tomorrow to beat it lol!it’s good to know it’s not just me being shit it’s part of the process!keep trying my man I will to!👊🏻

[@Kameron.Kennedy]

I just got a little 20 dollar starting set off Amazon and I’m hooked sparrow and covert are my new favorite stores already

[@chrisyu98]

reason #1 is: "You're not the Lock Picking Lawyer"

[@LockNoob]

Yup, I suffer from that all the time!

[@LC-qp7pr]

Lock Noob Most of us do.

[@mrmrsgamer6938]

as a complete newb im starting to feel this, only managed 4 locks so far XD

[@leepinnguin9682]

@@mrmrsgamer6938 3 ahead of me. I'm only using some paperclips but doing my best.

[@mrmrsgamer6938]

@@leepinnguin9682 turns out they are all super easy locks XD waiting on some TOK wrenches as I suspect all my other locks need them. I cant imagine using paperclips myself

[@OnTheRiver66]

Excellent, excellent tutorial. In the beginning all my pad locks were beyond my skill. I read reviews where people who bought my pick set were opening locks in minutes and I wondered why I was taking longer. After a day or so of practice I was opening locks, and later I could open some in seconds. Improper tension was a big part of my error, some required certain picks that others did not, some opened better with raking and some with single pin picking. My son was opening locks before I did, but I’ll never forget the feeling when my first lock opened. It was like magic and much of that feeling is still there when I open any lock. It is a wonderful hobby and not an expensive hobby to start with. If you are wondering what to do while you are staying at home this is a fun way to spend the time. There is no lack of instruction thanks to you and others on KZbin!

[@LockNoob]

Thank you for your comment 😃👍

[@yom73]

11. I don’t have “the tool that Bosnian Bill and I made” 😜

[@LockNoob]

Lol 😆

[@cherokee8647]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🧡

[@trifthyfuture2342]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH I JUST SAW THAT VIDEO 1 MIN AGO

[@yom73]

Alex Zanarini And my order is already placed ! 😎

[@trifthyfuture2342]

@@yom73 I'm poor af so I'll try making it at home

[@kellypaul226]

Thank you Sir Noob !! My newbie pick skills have just been reaffirmed! Everything for the most part I've been doing has been wrong,from style of picks to proper tension tools and mind set. I've spent countless hours studying picking videos and here right before me is by far the best education I have received!!! It's invaluable for a true green pea like myself. THANK YOU!

[@LockNoob]

Thank you very much!

[@Kaziklu]

Earlier today I picked 5 practice locks I cycle through in 10 minutes. The two I have the most trouble with I picked 3 or 4 times in under 30 seconds. Later in the day same locks took me 3 hours. Granted I've only just started to learn I've barely been at it a week and I've only just slowly been collecting a few locks to practice on. I ordered a better set of tension wrenches because I get almost no feed back from it. I feel nothing. I of course know I've only been working on this less than a week so it will take time. I'm almost certain it is tension. and the cheap set I picked up to figured it out just have too much give to them and I don't think the are putting tension right. They slip and don't sit in the key way well. Still I can get them there eventually and worse comes to worse I just rake them... I mean hell one is a master lock 140 a family member brought me and I just laughed. Also I don't have "the Tool that Bosnian Bill and I made"

[@LockNoob]

Keep collecting and practicing- tonnes of fun!

[@jaredmiller3564]

Old comment (lol) but I went through the exact szme thing and ended up spending hours try to figure out a universal position to apply tension to the lock

[@snwboardr9876]

Dude this is 100% me right now. And I’ve been practicing everyday for a month now. Guess I’m just a really slow learner 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️ And I 100% cannot blame the tools either because I went and bought the best I could find from Covert/Peterson/Sparrows. I’ll pick a new lock within minutes the first day I get it, over and over again. Then the next day I’ll spend hours on it unable to figure it out. So frustrating….especially when it’s a master lock #5 🙄🙄

[@robtaylor7501]

that is 27mins well spent. never have I learnt so much in so short a time. great vid. thanks.

[@LockNoob]

Thanks so much 👍😃

[@LockNoob]

John Taylor or learnt www.grammarly.com/blog/learned-learnt/

[@robtaylor7501]

@@LockNoob oops, sorry. my misstake. learned.

[@a_real_jive_turkey7772]

Holy crap dude #10 was an eye opener. I have the same exact American lock that you showed and it's the very lock that brought me to this video. Turns out I have in fact been picking it successfully this whole time and simply didn't put enough tension to turn it. This video was fantastic

[@LockNoob]

It happens to me still!

[@cezary8222]

This is the most helpful video on KZbin on lock picking! Thank you, Lock Noob!

[@LockNoob]

Thanks 🙏

[@grumpygus81]

All very sage advice, I've experienced almost everything described here in my few months of picking. Tension has been my #1 battle, it can be soooooo different from lock to lock and if you're like me and grab a wide variety of brands and difficulty levels for each practice session, you can find yourself trying to apply what worked with the last open to the lock you're now picking and it just doesn't translate. Tool selection would be the second most important thing that I finally had an 'aha moment' and started reaching for the thinner, more extreme profiles (ie Sparrows Lunatic in my case) that I was avoiding because they looked too different and I had in my head that they were just for really extreme bitting but it turned out that using a profile that had so little meat to it did a couple of things for me. First, I had to ease up on my heavy handedness because if I applied any real force to it, it was going to snap and that allowed me to practice finessing the pins in a gentler way than I had before and really highlighted that I'd been forcing pins into oversets far more often than I thought. Second, it's all around a more versatile pick with the reach it has so I found I wasn't bouncing back between picks anymore, I was able to use it to set those high pins at the back without oversetting the lower cuts in front of it, but I could also use it to set the more 'mundane' pins along the way. Great video, I know there'll be many new pickers who will have their minds put to rest with some of these tips and those of us who just need a reminder. Awesome video 😀👍

[@grumpygus81]

Dear God that was long winded...sorry about that. Apparently my coffee has kicked in 😬😂😉

[@LockNoob]

Thank you for the great comment!

[@OLLE3770]

Nice of you to address the black magic art of tensioning. Many times when I order stuff I add tensioners to get to free shipping (if I'm close). Tensoiners need to be filed, bent, modified etc to actually work in a lot of locks.

[@LockNoob]

Thanks 😊

[@JackycClark]

You added the black magic for the commentor , huh ?

[@jasondickerson4646]

I know it's a couple years old at this point but thanks much for this video. I am brand new to this hobby and after watching this, it's very nice to have a rough idea of what is the possible cause of, as well as the solution, if my current lack of skill and experience causes me to face the same or similar stated hurdles. I recommended this and a few other videos of yours to a friend who's also just started the hobby. I best described them as being so helpful because it's much like being given the individual answers to a test and even in advance to taking it, but with one caveat, you have to show your work on how you got to those correct answers you'd been given. However, it is a test on a subject where most of it's questions are about a topic that you are just beginning to learn about, and only possess the most basic working knowledge on, but with the answers in hand and those basics, you can still show your work of how you came to the same answers... So thanks again.

[@DefinitelyNotHaraku]

Already picked and dirty still gets me fairly often. When I was first learning to pick, I spent days on an american before I got frustrated enough to try really heavy tension and it opened.

[@LockNoob]

Yes tension is King!

[@saschaschneider6355]

I've been trying to pick my Abus 5/55 "Silver Rock" for quite a while now and after watching your video I took a deeper hook. Lock sprang open shortly after. Opened it twice since. Looks like you were right on that point. I thought that the hook was deep enough but apparently it wasn't. I've basically taken your reasons as a checklist. Checked all that could apply and BINGO. Thanks for this video! Now only a single lock I own is left unopened and I'm getting the feeling that it's actually broken

[@LockNoob]

Thanks 😊

[@alanguile8945]

A lot packed into 26 minutes! Keep going and stay well!

[@LockNoob]

I was worried it was too long!

[@alanguile8945]

@@LockNoob If the content is great time flies by!

[@shannonmcstormy5021]

I seem to be wildly inconsistent. One day, I just blow through my, albeit tiny, selection of locks, the next I can't open any of them. Thankfully, watching KZbin videos and reading the forums of various sites informed me that this is not uncommon. So, I try and not get frustrated, just put in some practice every day. As such, my "bad" days are fewer or not as total as I move forward. Additionally, for me, an elderly grandmother with very little hand strength, I have found that I'm slowly building my lock picking stamina, slowly strengthening my hands. Finally, there is the whole "pat your head with one hand while rubbing your tummy in circles with the other" aspect to lock picking. That too seems to be developing. Awesome community(s) and awesome people in Lock Sport. I'm genuinely taken aback by the friendliness. Pretty cool aspect to this very fun hobby! .

[@jettrobbins4238]

Lol I just opened one of my small locks in about a second, closed it up, then took 15 minutes to reopen

[@LockNoob]

Locks are fickle things, but I guess that’s why they are such fun!

[@SailingSarah]

Pick on mamaw! :D

[@andrewchristiansen8311]

I pick'd the Chinese Laminated padlock I found in the woods during this video! I kept following your advice. It was dirty & I know it needs graphite but it was free so I dropped silicone 3 in 1 and it cleared junk out. I then followed your advice about high/low bitting on the key & tried a 2 peak bogota rake & boom! Unlocked! Around 20 minutes in this video. Didn't wanna turn @ first as the entire laminated lock was rusted when found outside. Made me so happy when it unlocked. I just got my picks a few days ago. I've already picked a Kwikset handle 5 pin with low/high pin 4/5 bitting on the key, & this padlock! This was the first one I picked without having a key for it.

[@tomwilliams8675]

I'm just getting started. My picks haven't arrived yet, should be here any day now. I'm retired and it looks like a great new hobby.

[@LockNoob]

It’s a great hobby!

[@tomwilliams8675]

@@LockNoob I did receive my Kick Start Set from Sparrows and had my first lock opened in a few minutes, granted it was a Master lock and I had been watching everyone on KZbin open them. And then I broke my triple rake in a #1 Master after opening it a dozen times or so. Too much stress on my part.

[@RoxyRoomba]

My mom retired Found lockpicks And now shes working again

[@WSTLNZ]

Many years ago, mid 1970's. One of my ELDERLY co-workers had an OLD 28" Royal Enfield pushbike, that he didn't want or need (and as he was retiring ....) . He asked me if I could make use of it. - I wasn't overly keen (being about 17-18 at the time, and push-biking for me wasn't one of my preferred modes of transport (having a motorbike & a car at the time meant that a pushbike wasn't EVER going to be something I would want, especially one that needed long legs to operate & my short-R's one's needed to go under the horizontal bar to push that bike's pedals). .... It was however, the LOCK, which I liked, that allowed me to say: Yes. I asked him how it opened, and he showed me. OK (I thought) - Got it, and I tossed it in the car boot. ? ? ? ? ? Buggah me, but by the time I got it home - after a full night at the pub, I didn't have a clue as to "what" he had showed me, (on top of which, I had simply tossed it around the back of the farm-sheds, and forgot about it for several weeks). I found it still there, when tossing something "else" behind the sheds, and decided to drag it out and check it out.? Uh-oh? Why won't the back wheel turn? That's when I saw the hasp through the spokes under the seat - and remembered about..... T H E "lock".. A simple affair, which was bolted to the frame. ? And on both sides of the main body of that "lock?" Were two arms/legs - whatever, that curved around to "just clear" the wheel-spokes. The main body had a huge metal knob, with a lovely (FAKE) ruby on it. The hollow arm/legs that curved around ("and almost-met") until just clearing the spokes, in-fact held a movable semi-circular tube/rod that could be slid all the way underneath, through the spokes and back into the hollow arm/leg on the other side, and "clicked to lock" Oh crap, how did he unlock it - I couldn't remember. --- CAN YOU? All I knew was that there was a series of MOVEMENTS, one could make with the huge metal knob, if pushed to either side of the exact center, and another "movement" UP towards the seat which would UNLOCK the hasp, IF? If the correct sequences of sideways movements were made first. IF NOT - then the entire lock function reset. Meaning, NO false gates, no false turns, & no buggah all? One had to get it all done EXACT. It was the most frustrating LOCK (without any key, numerical rotating numbers, or any other means) . JUST the darndest thing - how many slides left, right left and or right again? Before lifting it up to discover? Nah not correct - again. I eventually remembered where I'd put the wee piece of paper - that HAD the right code on it, but without that - it would have remained locked forever. P.S: Unbolting the lock from the two vertical frame tubes directly under the seat, just meant that the rear wheel would ALMOST do slightly more than half a turn, before that LOCK collided with the frame. Taking the wheel off ? Left you without a rear wheel. Oh and best of all, if one put the hasp through a hoop of a chain & put the chain around the main frame itself, then fed the hasp through the other end of the chain, meant that taking the back wheel OFF, left you in a bigger mess, as you couldn't take that away from the frame, to put another wheel ON. Thus the bike was still unrideable.

[@FriedPi-mc5yt]

Good info! My biggest problem with locks are damaged nerves in my hands. It’s hard to tell how much tension I’m using and what kind of feedback I’m getting from the lock. That’s why I’m better at raking than picking. That doesn’t stop me though. It just makes the successful picks that much sweeter. I recently opened my first American US military brass lock. I was over the moon with excitement. Anyone can open locks. You just have to want to open locks.

[@LockNoob]

Raking can be a great and skilful technique, keep at it!

[@FriedPi-mc5yt]

Lock Noob I plan to continue. That American lock I opened with a hybrid technique. A little raking first to a false set and then some SPP to finish it off. I was surprised that it opened. I thought it was going to be my personal black belt lock. 😂 At least now I have hopes for that Albert Lebel PacLock. I’ll get an open one of these days!

[@v6cosworth167]

When i first started picking i did exactly that always had too much tension and couldn't figure out why its not opening, i then started thinking its the tools i had and bought better one's lol, after realising that they soon started opening up. Great vid, great demontration and informative vid well done, this vid has made it easy for new starters, 👍👍👍👍👌👌👌👌😊

[@LockNoob]

Thank you friend :-)

[@bird718]

excellent tips, another reason you might be able to pick a lock is bad hands, having torn ligaments, broken fingers, arthritis,corporal tunnel is another reason you might be having diffusivity picking a lock.

[@LockNoob]

Looks like you’ve been doing a Lock Noob binge!

[@NearlyInfinity]

Reason 1: I have not got actual lockpicking tools

[@collinscheong2491]

Thank you Lock Noob. Very good instructions n teaching in tis video. I wanna pick up tis hobby more seriously. I helped my niece pick a window padlock yesterday using crude picks I made. It was satisfying feeling to "beat" d lock mechanism without a key! M ordering a more proper lock picking set. Thank you again. Wish you well. Have fun all u lock picking hobbyist!

[@LockNoob]

Thanks 🙏

[@cpttrips236]

This is the best advice that I've seen anywhere. Hope you're staying safe.

[@LockNoob]

Thank you 🙏

[@rodcole7237]

I am a retired locksmith and what you have shown me , are some of the same troubles that I have had picking locks . I retired some seven plus years ago , but , I still get a call once in a great while from , family , friends band a few of my old customers to come and open one of their locks that they had miss placed the keys or had lost them . I haven't kept up with the new locks in over seven plus years or so . So thanks for showing me a few tips in our trade . Roa-s mobile locksmith ing - retired locksmith .

[@LockNoob]

Thanks 🙏

[@laernulienlaernulienlaernu8953]

I like how you're the first channel of this type that actually says bitting instead of bidding!

[@LockNoob]

Thanks 🙏

[@cyberwasp461]

Great tutorial. I'm just starting to learn again. I picked my neighbors door 30+ years ago with paper clips. Have started again with several pick sets and had success with SPP an M5 and a D3. The transparent however stumps me. I use a vice to hold the locks as my right hand is kind of stubborn. However, I'm not giving up! Please keep the tutorials coming.

[@SantaPlaysPickleball]

Great video. Extremely helpful. Nice to have a mental checklist such as this. It can really help to relieve tension and eliminate “lock frustration”. Thank you!

[@LockNoob]

You’re welcome 😊

[@Genethagenius]

I’m very new to lockpicking and had a lock I had lost the key to but desperately needed to get unlocked! Your video helped me figure out my problem and the lock opened immediately!!! (The whole video was VERY helpful! But it was #2, choosing the right pick that solved my problem. As soon as I dod that the lock sprung open quickly!)

[@LockNoob]

Awesome!!

[@seymourmaupin6395]

It may be just me but I find picking locks soothing. It's like my Zen garden when the wife and kids go to sleep. It's like time slows down and peacefulness surrounds.

[@LockNoob]

Not just you!

[@numberiforgot]

So apparently that clear see through lock I got with my set is in fact easy, I just wasn’t applying the proper technique. This video emphasizes that and I’m so grateful, thanks!!

[@LockNoob]

Thanks 🙏

[@michaelkartman3543]

Thank you lock noob! This was very helpful for me as a new picker. It makes me feel that any lock can be achievable with the proper tools and technique! Keep it up.

[@LockNoob]

Thank you ☺️

[@frankwalker2846]

I bought a Masterlock # 3 to practice on. i could not pick it. i almost decided to end this hobby, it wasn't for me. Then i watched your video and discovered my lock was a warded lock not a pin tumbler. I'm back on the saddle again.

[@LockNoob]

Awesome! keep at it!

[@stevemartinism]

Very helpful....getting back to basics is a great way to step back when you are frustrated. Needed this video. Thanks and stay safe my friend. 🇺🇸

[@LockNoob]

Thanks, you stay safe too!

[@The_Doc_Rocks]

@Lock Noob: What a great video - I just found this one. In item 8 - wrong mindset where you suggest that we may underestimate the lock, can I add that the opposite also applies? Sometimes you second guess the lock by thinking it's a really tricky lock, so you start out picking with the expectation that you'll have problems. Then miss the feedback that you've actually done it and it was far easier than you thought it was going to be...! This is where you keep going and end up oversetting one or more pins. And your final point about stepping away from that lock (or any lockpicking at all) for a day or three is great advice. I do that regularly, and I also keep my set of progressively pinned locks on my bench, and if I get into that mind rut of frustration, I move back to a 4-pin, or even a 3-pin lock, and pick it a few times, just to "get the feel back". Works wonders for the mindset...!

[@LockNoob]

Yes that’s a good one, and true!

[@Reman1975]

*The "Picking fatigue" explanation rings surprisingly true to me.* *I've got a big box of repinned half euro cylinders and various cheaper end padlocks.* *When I get bored I'll grab around 10 out of there and pick them one by one.* *They'd either take me 5 to 10 minutes total to pick the lot It, Or I'd be struggling with every single damn one, and it would take over 45 minutes.* *I'd also end up usually giving up on 3 or 4 of them too.* *It always confused me why there was never any middle ground.* *I'd either zip through them at a ridiculous rate, Or they'll be fighting me every step of the way and I'll have to admit defeat on nearly half of them.* *I was thinking it could be phycological (Like how if you made a silly little mistake near the beginning of a driving lesson, then the rest of that lesson tended to turn to crap).* *I was thinking it could be that on a bad day I'd managed to pick a bad lock out of the box to start on, and that screwed with my head.* _(As an example of "A bad lock to start on", I made most of my collection of half euro cylinders quick repinable by knocking out the bible's pin plugs and tapping them for grub screws._ _But for 2 of them I ran a 3.2mm ream right through the bible and into the core. I did one hole first, then fitted a 3.2mm dia locking bar into it to keep the body and core aligned before then reaming the rest._ _I made some pretty much exactly 3.2mm plain key and driver pins for these out of polished spring steel._ _The result is that as all the internals are REALLY accurate, the pins have as close to zero slop as I could get, and the pins ALL go from free to bound at very nearly the same tension (Unfortunately, Some of them also partially seize up when they're much below room temperature ! 🙄)._ _It's also hard as hell to tell if you've set a pin because until ALL the pins are set the core has next to no rotation. :)_ _I only built them because I've got a friend who also picks locks for a hobby, and I like to keep him on his toes._ _I think he's going to have fun with these, And when he finally get's p*ssed off and gut's them he won't be able to understand why he was having trouble !!!! LOL !)_

[@LockNoob]

Thanks for the great comment!

[@kellypaul226]

Man you nailed it on the head! Don't know how many times I'd pick a lock close it and struggle mightily seconds later on my second attempt!

[@silvercat2269]

I'm a new picker (so far I've only picked one lock that doesn't absolutely suck) and this was really encouraging! I bought a cheap, pretty crap set of tools off Amazon and I'm pretty sure my main problem is lack of choice in tension tools. I've got some new tools coming, so we'll see how much that helps

[@LockNoob]

having lots of tension tools is a great idea!

[@silvercat2269]

@@LockNoob Got my tools in yesterday and picked three of my locks. The new tension tools made all the difference.

[@stahinjakrackovic2087]

Amazing vid for us begginers. Thank you for sharing ur knowledge with us!

[@LockNoob]

Thank you 😊

[@GnrMilligan]

As a complete noob in the hobby,this was one of the most useful videos I have seen.Thanks!

[@LockNoob]

Thanks 🙏

[@AnthonyEarl]

At the time, I didn’t know a Best core picked to control only turns a little. Kept thinking I was in a deep false set until I accidentally pulled the core out :)

[@LockNoob]

No shame there, I’ve made worse mistakes!

[@jamesstrain7062]

I can’t tell ya how many times I had the tail end hit the vise. Good thing I watched this to the end before I commented. Nice work Lock Noob keep the videos coming.

[@LockNoob]

Thanks 😊

[@plug4uk696]

Having the right tool for the job is very important plus a tool that you feel comfortable with helps a tremendous amount in achieving the goal of getting a lock open. Take care and stay safe ;-)

[@LockNoob]

You too friend :-)

[@derekmarshall6427]

Just starting yesterday 🫣 But I thought the Green American Lock demo @ 24:44 was kinda funny how ALL you had to do was apply some more tension!😂 I DID pick a basic Master Lock & Combination Lock my First Night tho!💪🏾 PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!! But I'm enjoying it & the 1st thing I have to do is research the MANY different types of locks! Can't pick them if I can't identify the Lock & know which tool & technique to use! THANK YOU!!!🫵🏾👍🏾

[@LokiCDK]

Already picked. This is what happened to me first time I picked my house when locked out.

[@hiker64]

On the "binding the core" section, that's a good time to discuss using 'top of keyway' turning versus bottom of the keyway. I hadn't actually considered core binding as being why I'm having a lot of problems as a new picker. Thinking of it the way you described it, I'm going to focus a lot more on top of keyway turning which means I'll need to expand my tensioning tool assortment to allow for tighter and looser keyways.

[@wileecoyoti]

Hah that exact American lock got me with that too! Thank you for the lesson, I managed to get through some pretty difficult locks while still struggling on what should be relatively easy, but small locks. Small keyway, need practice :)

[@LockNoob]

Thanks 🙏

[@a_real_jive_turkey7772]

ThAnk you for this video. To be honest I never really understood why there were so many different types of picks until now. I only understood the very basics of tensioning and raising the pins until they are set. The way you explained things I finally get it. I just leveled up thanks to you

[@LockNoob]

Awesome!

[@chrisv2323]

Very good video mate. Comprehensive and very useful. I loved section 10...The American padlock effect must have happened with everyone.

[@LockNoob]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheSynecducky]

I've been stuck on the newest addition to my newly growing collection, and over the course of this video I finally got it consistently! Definitely a few reasons on this list that were keeping me from getting a pop. Comparing my rakes to the key was great for ensuring I had the best chance, and once I had that I could use raking to figure out the best tension. I could SPP it in no time after that.

[@Swynndla]

Great video. Sometimes I'm trying to pick a lock, but I don't realize it opens counter-clockwise (anti-clockwise) not clockwise!

[@neil9242]

This might be my problem trying too picking it the wrong way.

[@LockNoob]

Yes! Rare but a good one!

[@noahway13]

I guess this is close to tip #10. (Already open) I was picking a ML #3 when I was a noob. (Last month) I kept getting what felt like a false set --started to open, but wouldn't. Weird. So, I'd slowly release tension until I heard clicks... etc. Anyway, after a week, I figured out what was happening. After I picked it, my twisted tension tool was immediately binding on a rivet and would not let me finish opening the lock... haha.

[@LockNoob]

i have done exactly the same friend!

[@DonzLockz]

Excellent tips, always something to learn. It's great you have all these tips in one video. Well explained and good range of locks and tips to watch out for. 👍👍👍

[@LockNoob]

Thank friend 👍😃

[@MikkoRantalainen]

If you can take a lock apart and rebuild it, you can always make it easier to pick by removing parts. For example, if you have Assa twin, remove all but one side pins and train to pick that. When you can do that easily, add one more side pin and train more. With disk detainer locks you may need to use disks with more gates meaning you may need to purchase some locks to be used for spare parts only. The Abloy is especially known for not willing to sell the disks to non-locksmiths.

[@thumperlockpicking9269]

This was a Awesome information video, even ì picked up on things I'm doing wrong. Thank you Ash for this video, it's going to help a LOT of pickers

[@LockNoob]

Thanks friend

[@fredWaxBeans11111]

One of the best lock picking videos I've seen. I"m a newbie to this lock-picking thing lol, and I'm frustrated with a "simple" Guard Security brass padlock. It's an old, well-used padlock (which might be part of the issue). I have the key to it, and it works fine, easy to turn the key, but I can't rake it, I can't SPP it. I've opened several other padlocks, door cylinders, but this is giving me trouble, and it seems it should be a relatively easy pick. I don't care so much for the "Lock Sport" aspect, but more for just knowing I could get into a lock if I needed to, so I don't mind using tryout keys, jigglers etc.I think I stumbled upon city-raking it open once (only once) which was complete luck. But it's been days and I can't repeat. Great words of advice in this video.

[@crowley357]

That's a master class. Thank you so much!

[@LockNoob]

Thanks 🙏

[@thoop6795]

This video is a lifesaver. I have decreased my pick times from minutes to seconds thanks to knowing I was binding the core. Thanks!

[@BD90..]

One you missed was that the lock is so poorly made it is hard to read the feedback because of the bad machining of the parts. I often come across Iron padlocks like that.

[@pregno1421]

Yeah that's my first mistake, when I started I bought a bunch of cheap Chinese locks but they were so poorly made that it was hard to put the key inside

[@BD90..]

@@pregno1421 I received one recently....it had me stumped for a hour. Eventually I added lube and worked the key over and over till it got smoother. Boy oh boy the shackle sounds horrible when it turns to the side....very rough and gritty.

[@pregno1421]

@@BD90.. yeah, after some time I figured how they worked but sometimes I didn't know if I was touching pin or just trying do move a solid piece of the cilinder

[@pregno1421]

@@BD90.. on the other hand if I have to secure something and I was scared of lockpickers I would definitely use a shitty Chinese lock lol

[@s0men00bb]

And they tend to snap core in half. Doesn't happens often , but it happens. And crack is so small that is almost invisible or looks like scratch on core.

[@vitale6633]

Another great tutorial. This one helped me realize I had mis-identified the lock type. Once I realized my mistake - got the lock open in short order. Also, my technique was off which you also discussed.

[@LockNoob]

That’s great!

[@TheGeezzer]

A good name for this hombre would be "The Lock Artisan" that was some interesting insights into problematics with problematics. I still have several cheap (but well made) 3 quid locks that I've failed to open. I _do_ recommend MasterLock padlocks for all your padlock training exercises...they're great and p0p open a treat!🔒🐭💨👍

[@LockNoob]

I still love picking a ML 😃

[@TheGeezzer]

@@LockNoob I'm doing one as we speak, SPP on a 50mm Excell...it springs open easy with a rake, like its a magicians wand lol...great training lock my training!🐵

[@ohmahgawdfilms]

Thanks! I lowered the tension I was using and it opened right up. I didn't think I was putting too much pressure down

[@bird718]

the number 1 reason why i can't pick a lock is.... i basically turned into a Skiver since the darkness started

[@LockNoob]

Lol

[@bikkies]

This is a great video. I'm really very amateur and many types of lock are so far beyond my abilities, but I'll add one more frustration. I get a lock, manage to open it, and can never repeat the success, meaning that I just happened to fluke it or got lucky. I find these can be the most frustrating of all. It's one reason why I always try to SPP rather than rake, bump or jiggle a lock. If I haven't opened it intentionally on a pin by pin basis then I feel like I've cheated. That could really offend people who enjoy those rapid access techniques and these methods definitely have their place; just not for me... so far!

[@johnnash8725]

Sometimes I’ve just not had enough picking juice 😂😉

[@LockNoob]

Lol I know that one!

[@dogstar5572]

I’ve been picking for 2 years on and off. Just in a bubble with u-tube. Keep getting stuck. This helped a lot. Thanks.

[@LockNoob]

Thanks 🙏

[@eliasfarias842]

15. You're too busy commenting like me to even watch any of the lockpicking videos

[@dre-explores]

Yup! Your advice combined with videos from Sandman got me over a huge hump with Green Belt locks. Tension wasn't right, and pick wasn't "sharp" enough. Thank you!

[@williamgallop9425]

11. Having lockpics is illegal in your country.

[@LockNoob]

Yeah that would be bad!

[@koalatails6391]

I laughed so hard when you said the reason why you can’t pick a lock is because it’s already picked. It does happen. Sometimes I can get into a rut, & lose confidence, then I just can’t pick a lock. Other times I feeling great & just go for it, opening difficult locks without a second thought.

[@LockNoob]

Yes, picking is a fickle thing!

[@declan9876]

Once I was trying to pick this lock. I had been working in it for days, and I found out that I just wasn’t using enough tension to rotate the core (It was a disc padlock)

[@summershenderson4407]

My reason is I broke my lock that I got today:(

[@LockNoob]

That’s never good :-(

[@zoharflax6363]

Thank you for sharing this video. I as an amateur hobby lock picker who have picked a few locks still get stumped by pin locks of the same variety that I've already picked and this is what led me to your video, which I found encouraging. When I saw those complex locks I felt like a total novice, I didn't even know those exist, and I would like to know a good source for a brand you recommend of those for home security.

[@robertrader9118]

Thank you for sharing man. I first learned how underground in the coal mines a old electrician taught me and my cousin!! I think he broke like a a flat o-ring or something. Been fascinated with it ever since. I'd like to get a good set one day! I learned a lot!!

[@toddgattfry5405]

A great video! Thanks for sharing :) I am having difficulties with an American 1100.. exactly what you mentioned, everything set well but it just doesn't open! Lol!! I am only relatively new to the sport, so the emotions you mentioned for me are spot on also! Another thing for me I have noticed is that for some strange reason, I can pick a lock then the next day when I go back, nothing works or I can pick it but using a different method?! Undoubtedly I'm incrementally improving, my sense of touch and feedback is way better than it was 2 weeks ago but I can see it will some time before I'll be able to tackle most high security locks. Thank you for your excellent channel and guidance!

[@toddgattfry5405]

Good news!! I got it open :) in the end it was something very different that I didn't expect. All part of the journey!!

[@LockNoob]

Great!!!

[@toddgattfry5405]

@@LockNoob Thanks for your tips! :)

[@thernganomoly4141]

Omg man...ya I just started getting into picking and my number one was lock picking lawyer I really like his style, but you might be my new guru. I appreciate t he tutorials man I’m sitting thre wondering why it’s not working and I just realized the pick 24 thousands and I need an 18 or lower lol thank you so much. Now I have to buy more picks to Ease the mind lol

[@LockNoob]

Thanks 😊

[@GetMoGaming]

I haven't even TRIED picking a lock yet, and I'm looking at why I can't pick it

[@KRhythm2013]

Thanks for the video, i got my practice cutaway lock from Sparrows at the weekend and first day picked it successfully twice, beginner's luck. Since then cannot get it picked, mostly tension which I can't find the balance. Experience required!

[@LockNoob]

It’s always experience in the ends!

[@scotstralian9147]

I had literally picked a lock but hadn't used enough tension when you said maybe its picked and you just need to push a little harder. Thanks.

[@LockNoob]

Thanks 🙏

[@andrewpetre6352]

Showing the rake next to the key shape (and noting the problem) was very illustrative. It's one thing to talk about bitting, but seeing that overlay really pulled it together.

[@LockNoob]

Thanks

[@SimonHollandfilms]

Noob question. I get good results with my city rake but I can’t rake my front door lock.. it begins to turn and binds solid. Is it me or has the lock got some fiendish security system? Can you explain why security pins work...what’s going on inside to make them hard to pick..... my front door survived my noob attack....phew

[@LockNoob]

Please never pick a lock that is in use or that you rely on. There are a number of reasons why you could accidentally render it unusable

[@s0nnyburnett]

I bought a couple Corbin padlocks because I live in New Britain where they were made. One is so full of oil mixed with graphite it will jam half the time you turn with the original key. Great video.

[@LockNoob]

Thanks 🙏

[@neil9242]

I have a very heavy high security padlock in the garage that i have had a go at picking it on & off but not for a while now, I can't remember the make of the lock without going into the garage & looking, I have seen a video on KZbin of a guy picking the same lock, I also have another old brass big padlock in the garage i found somewhere that i need too have a go at picking, I think i will go into the garage & get my picking tools out & get both paddocks & have another go at picking the high security padlock & the big brass padlock, The picking tools i have we're only a cheap set that i bought on eBay a while ago now, I also have lots of other door locks etc as well some are very old, After watching your video i'm going too go into the garage & get both padlocks, I will have too see what other door locks etc,etc as well i have in the garage i know there is a lot, I have the padlocks here i'm in the living room the high security padlock is made by KABA 6062 also on the back of the padlock it has EN 12320 Grade 4, The other old brass padlock is already open i haven't picked it that was how i found it the padlock is made by D ZENI Z16, I also have another very old padlock here with it's original very old key not a modern key it is made by IMPERIAL, I will have a look in the garage for the other locks later.

[@LockNoob]

Just keep having a go!

[@neil9242]

@@LockNoob I was having a go today in the garden i still couldn't pick it i'm new too picking anyway, There is a guy on KZbin who is in the UK who picks the same padlock in about thirty seconds, In the description he does say he was lucky picking it that quick basically normally it takes longer.

[@williamguzman2663]

Thanks Lock Noob for making this video! Now, picking locks is a little easier for me to do after watching this video. My most common mistake is using too much tension. Now, I use light tension and successfully picked more pin tumbler locks.

[@LockNoob]

Thanks friend :-)

[@christopherokeefe5734]

I just started learning how to do this and I have to say that this is the most informative video for me is a beginner that I've watched so far. I didn't really not one video I've watched so far says anything of help putting too much or too little tension I don't even know that was a thing.

[@Motorbike_18]

I've been trying to pick my master m1 for a few months and you just effortlessly opened it😅 Update: A little bit later i FINALY PICKED IT!!!! I noticed when you picked it you did a sort of circular motion so i tryed it and i got in!!! Thanks! I am still absolutely junk at single pin picking though and i tried to pick my front door but my picks are too small.

[@RichardsWorld]

You sure were very thorough. I can't think of anything that you missed. But something to mention is once you pick a certain lock, it starts to get easier and easier to pick the same lock.

[@flapjack9495]

I've definitely had situations where a lock was actually picked and I just wasn't turning hard enough! That always makes me feel like a bit of an idiot. You're 100% right about being in the wrong mindset, too. The more frustrated I get the worse I am at opening locks. If I'm in a bad mood, I'm terrible at opening locks. I just have to recognize when it's not the right time to practice picking.

[@cdenver]

Loving your channel. Just discovered it and just started lock picking today. I had one lock, an Abus 65/60. It took me 4.5 hours as a complete new start to pick. I need a heavier tension tool. I bought the Sparrow Classic Kit.

[@jonathanbailie]

I have an Assa Twin Combi that I have yet to pick open. Had it for 6 months or so now and have put quite a few hours on it. Just can't get it open! ...yet... Keep up the great vids, love the channel!

[@LockNoob]

Yes, I need to pick the combi myself!

[@ericoldmixon2566]

This was an awesome video!! I have HEARD some of these tips here and there, but have not SEEN them - especially all in one video and explained so well. Thanks so much!!!

[@LockNoob]

Thanks 🙏

[@afterglow87]

BRO I WAS STRUGGLING FOR HOURS UNTIL I TRIED THE TENSION THING. SERIOUSLY HELPED ME OUT

[@LockNoob]

Awesome 😎

[@1Rhaast]

I finally opened my first padlock! Not enough tension lol

[@a.lollipop]

absolute begginer here, a friend brought a lock and some paper clips (can't buy picks in brazil) to school and thaught me the basics, was able to pick my first lock but another friend brought some diary locks that i just cant get open. After watching this i think its a mix of wrong tools (not much i can do about that hahaha), tension (I'm still struggling with that, need more practice) and just a lack of skill as i still cant quite tell where the pins are, which are binding, if i set them or not, etc. This definitely helps a lot, i will open that lock! Edit: oh, it also has a very small keyway, which combined with the wrong tools is a big problem. I'll figure it out though! A few friends were able to open it so im sure its possible :)

[@codyblea3638]

I was chilling with a buddy and his dad when I broke out the practice lock and picks. His dad ran in and grabbed some padlocks to try. He had this little awarded lock that I couldn't get purchase on the actuator. So I made a skeleton key out of a small bolt I flattened with a hammer and filled down to fit. Had to use pliers to turn it but I got it open.

[@LockNoob]

Cool!

[@RoxyRoomba]

PURE SKILL BABY!!!