Any tips on getting more consistent, and fitting both wrench and pick into tighter keyholes? Or is the latter just a matter of getting a more diverse set of wrenches and picks?
A lemmy community dedicated to the sport of lockpicking. Information about our belt system can be found at https://lpubelts.com.
#Rules
Rule 1 - Possibly Illegal or Inappropriate
We do not facilitate illegal or inappropriate activities, which includes picking locks that are not owned by you. Also, be sure that you are familiar with any legal issues for your state or country.
Rule 2 - Lock Not Owned or In Use
Though asking for assistance in regards to how to open a lock is permitted and encouraged, the lock must not be in use. Any submission looking for assistance in opening a lock that is implied to be, or is visibly in use (eg. a deadbolt still attached to a door, or a padlock with anything secured by a closed shackle) will be locked or deleted. Posting about picking locks or having picked locks in use is also not allowed even if they are your own.
Rule of thumb, lock is "in use" if installed.
Rule 3 - No Emergency Services
We do not provide emergency assistance for opening locks. These violations also generally violate our no "in use" locks rule.
Rule 4 - Being a Jerk
Hate speech, bigotry, and personal attacks are not allowed.
Rule 5 - No Astroturfing
Absolutely no astroturfing.
Definition:
Astroturfing is the practice of masking the sponsors of a message or organization to make it appear as though it originates from and is supported by grassroots participants. It is a practice intended to give the statements or organizations credibility by withholding information about the source's financial connection.
Rule 6 - Off Topic
Posts must stay on topic. Off topic content will be removed at our discretion.
Off topic includes posts asking for lock recommendations, evidence of a lock being picked, and anything not having to do directly with locksport.
Rule 7 - No Stock Photos on Picking Advice Threads
No stock photos on picking advice threads in an attempt to circumvent Rule 2.
Rule 8 - No posts about broken tools or equipment
As some users have demonstrated an inability to discuss this in a productive way, posts about broken tools or equipment will be removed.
This is primarily to address posts commenting on the quality of products (or lack there of) contributing to their breaking.
Rule 9 - No low effort posts / Memes
/c/lockpicking is a subreddit to discuss topics and build a community around a skill, low effort posts and memes take away from that spirit. Including but not limited to photos of keys, Memes, etc
Practice is essential. My game improved when I started buying multiples of the same lock. As LPL said, learn to pick locks, not a lock. A range of tools helps, I have a few different tension wrenches I made out of wiper blade. With basic tools it's easy and rewarding to make these and they do make life easier. Good tension control is really important as it lets you feel what is happening in the lock. I wouldn't spend a fortune on picks at the start, your skills are probably weaker than your tools, though having said that, sometimes you do need the right pick for the job. I have an American Lock clone with such a tight keyway I've only picked it twice. With a thinner pick it would probably be easy. Bosnian Bill said "if what you are doing doesn't work, try something else", so try a different tension wrench or pick, or start on a different pin. It's easy to keep picking the same lock and thinking you are improving in lock sport. You may have just learned how far to push each pin on that one lock to get an open.
As with everything, practice, practice, practice, oh, and have fun.
I'll probably buy a few more locks of the same type, with slightly larger keyholes to start, to get more consistent practice in. Thanks!