the lockpickkid wrote:I actually wasn't trying for the control line, I have to say though, the way I pick is with a wierd tension, and I think that has something to do with the way I get the control line, I don't tension a lock like I have seen these guys in there videos, I have a tendency to use a more firm pressure with some bouncing with the tension tool, just a habit I developed.
I wouldn't say it's wierd, but variable. I also use a stronger variable tension. It works well on older locks, but NIB cylinders drop open mysteriously easy sometimes without any heavier tension at all. I think the heavier tension can help find control shearlines, but isn't the best choice for actually setting pins as some of the smallest master wafers used can be bent or jammed in the lock when they slide by a shearline under heavy tension.
the lockpickkidd wrote:I have also heard some people say that best locks were harder to pick, I so far find them to be as easy as any master lock I have came across to pick, and funny thing is, I have a tendency to pick there control lines more often than just picking them open!
You haven't picked enough different sfic's then.
An easy 6 pin keyway from Best, Falcon, Arrow, etc. while it may not be a difficult bitting, is still twice the lock of any masterlock keyway core no matter it's bitting's difficulty solely from a manufactoring standpoint. Excluding, of course, the sfic and other core options the pro series and some of the other masters have. You won't find a Best that you can overlift with comb picks, or bypass with any tool through the back of the keyway. There are 24 or so average keyways for Best, and over 40 W premium keyways which are basically all nightmares. Search out an F, H, or S Best keyway with some good bitings. If you know a medeco dealer maybe you could get a Keymark SFIC. An Arrow Choice Plus, or Schlage Everest might be cool sfic's to check into. Those keyways and lock specs are wicked too.
What's the hardest sfic keyway you have picked so far?
-Tooly