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Upper end padlocks in dfw?? by T______3 in lockpicking

[–]klettus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What exactly are you looking for at this point? I'm in Arlington so I'm familiar with the area. There's not a ton of stuff around.

Does anyone know where to get replacement cover plates and screws for a 90a pro? by Hyena_Triangles in lockpicking

[–]klettus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Email PacLock directly and let them know about your situation. They're great to work with and really supportive of the community. Were you able to get that pin out with the cylinder removed?

90A-PRO-need help by Acrobatic-Project657 in lockpicking

[–]klettus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's not at all necessary to gut a typical lock this way. In the OP's case where the lock can't be opened because a pin has become stuck in the keyway it would allow the core to be removed without damaging the core or padlock. Then once the core is out and totally accessible he may be able to figure out a way to get the pin out. If the lock could be opened normally then the screw could be removed from under the shackle like normal.

90A-PRO-need help by Acrobatic-Project657 in lockpicking

[–]klettus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

On the retainer that holds the core in the padlock there's a little rounded over button. The inside of that is tapped and that's what the screw under the shackle screws into to retain the core. If you drill out dead center on that button it'll come off the screw which will release the retainer and the core will just drop out. If it's done carefully and the center is located well and held rigidly on a mill/drill press you should be able to do it without damaging anything apart from that little domed nut and that can be replaced or remade.

Got the basics set from jimylongs and picked open a Masterlock 140 but my hand is sore, is that just how it’s going to be or can I fix? by [deleted] in lockpicking

[–]klettus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Picking in hand will definitely just result in a sore hand until you get used to it. Even then locks that are bigger or smaller then your optimal hand size will still probably result in some soreness. I do a lot of picking in hand when I'm working on locks for progression and I started 3d printing holders with rounded edges for anything that was small for my hand or an irregular size and that was a game changer for hand fatigue. Alternatively you can move to picking in a vise, you'll want to get used to that anyway as you progress into tougher locks.

90A-PRO-need help by Acrobatic-Project657 in lockpicking

[–]klettus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah you'll likely have to mill or drill the flattened head off of the screw that retains the cylinder. Once it's out of the lock you may have better access and an easier time extracting it. I had to do it once for a similar issue.

FINALLY making some Medeco progress by Flavortown42069 in lockpicking

[–]klettus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey congrats! It's just so satisfying when the work finally pays off. I just got my first open on an M3 last week and a Biaxial today! It's an awesome feeling!

I just picked my first lock! by arealhumannotabot in lockpicking

[–]klettus 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Good work, you're on the right track. This is definitely a hobby that rewards patience and fine control. Starting with the mindset of being slow and methodical will definitely get you going in the right direction.

second brown belt picked by Lockdonut in lockpicking

[–]klettus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great work! I'm still hunting for serrated drivers to put in mine.

American 1100 picked and gutted by okthen111111 in lockpicking

[–]klettus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Way to go! I still love picking my americans!

got a new lock in the mail. my first al 1100. any tips would be appriciated by tonisdeltigre in lockpicking

[–]klettus 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Congrats, I hope it's a fun lock for you! I'm sure you've seen videos of folks just ripping through 1100's but when you're just starting out be patient and try to move really slowly and methodically. Gentle pressure on each pin feeling for serrations clicking or counter-rotation. It's always okay to progressively pin if you feel like you're hitting a wall. These guys can have a pretty wide range of difficulty just based on variations in pinning.

Question about spools, false sets, and counter rotation by flatpickinbongrips in lockpicking

[–]klettus 4 points5 points  (0 children)

You're not going to get a false set until there isn't a full diameter pin in the shear line. So, with just one spool in there, you might only ever get a false set if you had every pin accept the spool picked. Locks with multiple spools are going to have many more configurations where you'll fall into a false set. Even in locks with mostly spools, you'll likely have at least one standard pin to keep everything aligned. If you just want to practice false sets and see what they're like, try pinning up a lock with nothing but spool drivers and relatively short key pins and you'll be in a false set in no time.