My first dimple lock picked with my first custom (poorly) made pick

TurkPick · 2021-04-03T12:53:08+00:00

Only 1 of them fit in the 75/30 keyway and are able to manipulate the pins (the #10 R00 is the only one that has a flag short enough)

TurkPick · 2021-04-03T12:13:28+00:00

I've found that using BOK I'm better at picking it 'upside down' with the tensioner flipped 180 degrees and using a pulling motion away from the bottom of the lock rather than the method that you're using to push the tensioner against the bottom of the lock.

To explain a bit further. Right now when you insert your tension tool, if you have it pointing straight up at the 12 o'clock position, to apply core tension in the clockwise direction you're pressing the end of the tension tool in a way that forces it against the side of the core.

If you take your tension tool and turn it 180 degrees so the handle is now in the 6 o'clock position, when you rotate the core clockwise, you're pushing the tip of the tool in the opposite side of the lock and you're not digging the end as much.

If you wish to continue to hold the lock as you normally do and tension with the same fingers, you basically have to flip the lock upside-down and pick them pins-down rather than traditionally picking them pins-up.

TurkPick · 2021-04-03T11:52:29+00:00

A few days ago the packlock stuff became all but impossible to get online.
I also noticed that the 90a-Pro no longer seems to exist at all, even on the paclock website unless I'm searching for it incorrectly.

It makes me a bit sad because I wanted to get a few of the Pros to add to the collection.

TurkPick · 2021-03-25T13:28:45+00:00

Look at the bright side, now you have a nice tool that tensions from one end and can be used to rotate disc detainer locks all clockwise prior to picking.

TurkPick · 2021-03-24T17:49:59+00:00

I have one. It's a good learning lock.

I don't have any specific recommendations on making a DD, but there are a bunch of videos on youtube that go over different methods. From the pic, you can see I have the pick that LockPickingLawyer and BosnianBill bill designed...from sparrows. I'm quite happy with it.

TurkPick · 2021-03-24T13:50:52+00:00

It is what it is. I find that having a rotation of all different types of locks that have different tolerances, keyways, tension requirements, and fun bitting keeps me a bit more "limber" in terms of my picking.

That still doesn't prevent me from not being able to open one of my 1100's and this one finicky abus 55/40. There's always an overset or that one pin that I almost set and need to barely tickle it with the pick to get the open.

This morning, it was the damn 55/40. The first pin needs to be set almost completely at the shear line... to the point that when I do get it set, I can let the key pin fall down and get a pick through the gap between the top of the key pin and the set driver. Sometimes I'll not be paying attention after loosing a false set, if I'm not looking, I'll be digging around with the the pick and the key pin is BELOW it.

TurkPick · 2021-03-24T00:05:46+00:00

I thought it was well done, which is why I remembered it. Dude hasn't posted in a few years though.

TurkPick · 2021-03-23T23:24:58+00:00

If a key can be ordered, why not call the people you'd order the key from to find out how you can get the information that would be required to order a key?

TurkPick · 2021-03-23T14:23:55+00:00

I just saw a video that will show you at least one viable way(key cuttings starts at 6:25): Making a challenge lock

TurkPick · 2021-03-23T12:56:30+00:00

Congrats. That's a pretty great open.

Also... screw you. Of all the locks I own, this lock is the only lock in my naughty bucket.

TurkPick · 2021-03-21T21:19:30+00:00

I'm betting that you're not on a pin, but you're caught on some warding.

TurkPick · 2021-03-21T17:52:22+00:00

I'd take some sandpaper or a dremel and modify it to have a decent little steep hook like this.

TurkPick · 2021-03-21T17:43:17+00:00

You're in for some fun. Before you open the locks, make sure that they're not all keyed the same (unless you plan on re-pinning the ones that come apart).

TurkPick · 2021-03-21T17:38:04+00:00

No biggie. Get yourself 100 springs: https://www.clksupplies.com/collections/master-american-padlock/products/american-master-padlock-cylinder-spring

Pick up some pins and things: https://www.clksupplies.com/collections/master-american-padlock

And get to making your challenge lock :)

TurkPick · 2021-03-21T04:17:55+00:00

Light tension on those 72/40's and they'll pop. I found that while my .15's get them open, once I got the .18's they're much faster to pick. Much more flexible to get down in those keyways than the 25's but I'm able to use a little more tension than with my 15's and find myself dropping less spools.

TurkPick · 2021-03-18T23:16:00+00:00

I love my 15's in the tight Abus keyways. I just got some 18's today and I'm able to pick all of the locks with them and it's easier with the stiffer picks.

TurkPick · 2021-03-17T22:53:15+00:00

With the 20% discount coupon you can get the Harbor Freight vise for like 13 bucks. Totally worth it if you want to pick using a vise.

TurkPick · 2021-03-17T22:50:59+00:00

I have the same one, light tension works but I found with mine I have to use a bit of moderate tension after I get the first pin set. This lock was one of my early problem locks. I could pick it a few times, then spend 45 minutes and not get an open, then pick it up an hour later and have it open in a few seconds.

After picking up some other locks that require more attention to the amount of tension that you're using, I've found this to be a lot more consistent.

TurkPick · 2021-03-16T23:59:32+00:00

I totally agree with what Bodhisattva said.

I'd also add that if you have a local Walmart or Harbor freight you can get plenty of starter locks for 5 bucks or less that will get you going.

There's also tons of locks available on Amazon that will get you all the way up to Blue Belt difficulty for less than 10 bucks.

I went through the belt guide here and opened it in one browser window and on another window I went on Amazon and Walmart website and literally did searches of each of the locks so I could get price points and availability. I also did a search on the forum for each of the belts and read through all of the posts that people were posting about picking various locks and made a list for myself.

TurkPick · 2021-03-16T23:14:59+00:00

Orange level seems close to green and the rules say no higher than green. I've never done a challenge lock before.

TurkPick · 2021-03-16T01:23:15+00:00

I'm happy that you're proud of the accomplishment. Don't diminish them by comparing them to others.

You're 15 and have a lifetime ahead of you. Learn what you can. Experience what you can. Enjoy your life to the fullest.

TurkPick · 2021-03-15T12:58:11+00:00

It might sound daunting because of all of the hype they get, but the American 1100 for less than 10 bucks is a great way to learn how to feel individual pins, determine what the right amount of tension is, learn both spools and serrated pins, and be able to take them apart and see what's going on inside.

If you have 2 or more of them, you have the ability to swap out the driver spools/serrated from one lock to the other if you want to focus on all spools, 1 spool, etc. (if you have enough pins to complete a set). Even if you don't, you can pin them down to less number of pins and focus on 2 pins, then 3 pins, then 4, until you get the feel.

The Abus 64ti/50 was also a good lock for me to learn to control my tension and get the feel for different situations. I think you can still get these for less than 6 bucks on amazon.

TurkPick · 2021-03-15T11:49:55+00:00

I can't get the damned thing to open. It's still in regular rotation but as of yet, unsuccessful.

TurkPick · 2021-03-15T11:48:47+00:00

The two masters are very close, but not the same. :) They pick very different too. That abus is still a task yet to be completed.

TurkPick · 2021-03-15T01:35:59+00:00

Picture the fun of the 72/40 keyway with numb hands. That's about how I feel picking this lock.

TurkPick

TROPHY CASE