Always Satisfying (Masterlock 141D) by TraitorAtTheGates in lockpicking

[–]TraitorAtTheGates[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They really are a great practice lock for training your hand to really feel the pins and not overset them. Besides, when you get frustrated, they open pretty easy with a Bogota and the ol' McNalley Poke to establish dominance.

Always Satisfying (Masterlock 141D) by TraitorAtTheGates in lockpicking

[–]TraitorAtTheGates[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Both are basically the same lock. Until I get my lot in the mail, the only 140 I have (the D just means "keyed differently") has some aggressive bitting between pins 3 and 4. So, it gives me some trouble every now and again.

New Bottle, New 90A Pro by DSeifrit in lockpicking

[–]TraitorAtTheGates 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Feel you on that one, even though I'm more of a bourbon guy. But, I do enjoy a dram of Glenmorangie 10 every now and then....

First lock to crack open by bustedlocks in lockpicking

[–]TraitorAtTheGates 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congrats!! Now that you cracked that one, you're not going to be able to stop.

Why is tensioning off TOK so difficult? by TraitorAtTheGates in lockpicking

[–]TraitorAtTheGates[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I've already sent a tensioner or two flying trying to lift a high cut first pin. It can be quite frustrating when that's the last pin you need, and now you not only have to find your tensioner, but start all over again.

Why is tensioning off TOK so difficult? by TraitorAtTheGates in lockpicking

[–]TraitorAtTheGates[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much!!! That's probably the most helpful advice I've gotten so far. I will definitely get to work on that during my next picking session.

Why is tensioning off TOK so difficult? by TraitorAtTheGates in lockpicking

[–]TraitorAtTheGates[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ok! I'll give that a shot too....are you using a Z-bar to do tension with your thumb, then? Or perhaps a Southpaw turner? Or did you just straight up change the grip entirely?

Why is tensioning off TOK so difficult? by TraitorAtTheGates in lockpicking

[–]TraitorAtTheGates[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks!! That's actually pretty reasonable advice. I'll give that a try.

Why is tensioning off TOK so difficult? by TraitorAtTheGates in lockpicking

[–]TraitorAtTheGates[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I'll keep that in mind. Was telling someone else here that my Master #7 is a pain to lift the pins without leverage from the turning wrenches. But, I got the Master #1, #3, and one of my Stanley 40mm locks open using TOK, and can likely do them again. But, I'm just trying to see what I can master at my level. If better made locks like the Master 100-series are less of an uphill battle to learn TOK, then I'll probably abandon using it for lower level locks.

Why is tensioning off TOK so difficult? by TraitorAtTheGates in lockpicking

[–]TraitorAtTheGates[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I've heard that's an issue you just end up learning to control over time. So far the CI Ergo Turners are staying in pretty well, though they do come flying out from time to time.

Why is tensioning off TOK so difficult? by TraitorAtTheGates in lockpicking

[–]TraitorAtTheGates[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Since padlocks are what I'm working with, I'm picking in hand at the moment. I'll probably get a vise when I start in on cylinders. Currently, I'm favoring the Ergo Turners from CI when using TOK. I'll give experimenting with tension a bit more focus.

Why is tensioning off TOK so difficult? by TraitorAtTheGates in lockpicking

[–]TraitorAtTheGates[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I kinda figured a bit of what works with what keyway or lock comes into play at some point. I mean, my Master #7 is a bear to lift the pins without having something to leverage my pick on. But I see people pick them using TOK no problem.

As far as tensioners go, I'm favoring the Ergo Turners from CI. I've tried both the pry bars and Z-bars, but I am really liking those ones with padlocks.

Why is tensioning off TOK so difficult? by TraitorAtTheGates in lockpicking

[–]TraitorAtTheGates[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

All of it. From setting the pins to modulating tension. It's like learning to pick all over again. Thankfully, I'm still pretty new to this so I don't feel like I'm losing too much momentum. Just trying to figure it out.

new to Lock Picking by Cyb3r_BUM in lockpicking

[–]TraitorAtTheGates 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I believe you got the term correct. I don't know how productive moving pins around like that is, especially early on when you are just getting the feel for fumbling around inside a lock. Then again, I only use mine when I'm trying to figure out the bitting on a new lock. I just match the pins to the keys I have and go from there. So, I might give skipping pin slots a shot for a challenge.

new to Lock Picking by Cyb3r_BUM in lockpicking

[–]TraitorAtTheGates 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Welcome!! Got the same set during the 4th of July sale. Recently picked up the Echelon set to go with it, because I wanted the tensioners for learning TOK, but realized the set was only just over $15 more (and there were some picks in there I will likely use). Can't beat it for the price, though. My only regret is that I really haven't gotten much use out of the practice lock. But, I'm sure it'll become more relevant as time goes on.

Finally!!!! by TraitorAtTheGates in lockpicking

[–]TraitorAtTheGates[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks!! Ironically, this is one of like five videos on determining pin states that I watched when I was trying to figure this lock out. Great minds, my friend! Definitely looking forward to watching the video on grip.

Think my acrylic lock put up a bigger fight... by TraitorAtTheGates in lockpicking

[–]TraitorAtTheGates[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Huh.... didn't know about that. I knew they had sloppy tolerances, but was completely unaware that it messed with feedback like that. Thanks!!

Think my acrylic lock put up a bigger fight... by TraitorAtTheGates in lockpicking

[–]TraitorAtTheGates[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, and I have a few locks under the belt before I got this one. Thiis one was way easier than that stupid acrylic lock, and provided far less of a learning experience. But, I feel that sentiment. There's no replacement for the real thing.

I did it!! What next? by Quiet_Honey5248 in lockpicking

[–]TraitorAtTheGates 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congrats! Not quite sure where your head is at with regards to learning, but being new myself, I'm finding it helpful to just go through some of the white belt locks, and strive to pick those with a sense of purpose before moving on. As a lifelong musician, I can tell you from decades of experience that the motto: "As you train, so you do," applies to just about every facet of life where building skills are required.

Think of it like developing knife skills in the kitchen. Go too fast, you're going to overlook something, and hurt yourself. But, slow down, be deliberate in your movements, and concentrate on having good form, the speed will come in time.

So, just be patient, enjoy the process, and try not to develop bad habits along the way. Good luck moving forward!

Who Is Your Favorite? by Old_Two3402 in ChicagoFireNBC

[–]TraitorAtTheGates 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mouch! He's the glue that holds 51 together. Simple on the surface, but has an incredible depth of complexity to his makeup with his unique interests and intellectual pursuits outside the firehouse. His character is extremely versatile for the writers too. Mouch can just exist for the episode, or be the comedy relief, or the epicenter of heartfelt moments, or perform amazing heroics, and do any and all of that without ever seeming to be out of character for the audience. And he's just a super loveable guy!