Uber-Noob Section

[HallisChalmers]

Uber-Noob Section

Ok guys, here is a section for new guys to ask their questions about any lockpicking topic and get it answered by the more experienced members.

This section was started for one very simple reason: We see the same types of questions being asked over and over - but by different members at varying times.

Not that we don't enjoy helping - but if new guys would take the time to start here before asking their question - they may find that someone else has run into a similar problem and gotten an answer. So, instead of reinventing the wheel each time a new guy pops in - he can start his lockpicking journey here.

This section will build up as more people ask questions and the audience participates.

So Uber-Noobs, wear your badge proudly and don't be afraid to ask questions. Step up and sound off.

Remember - The only dumb question is the one that is never asked.

[ThePiedmonster]

I'll be the first to admit that I am a Uber-Noob, purchased my first set of picks and learning locks less than a week ago. Looking forward to asking all sorts of beginner questions and I hope that it will help others with questions aswell.

[sharpy]

Hello everyone, I am another of those nuisance newbies here to ask futile/insane/boring questions......so here goes for starters. I have no experience of lockpicking at all, but I am ammassing quite a collection of stuff for different jobs.
I have got the Ford Tibbe pick in the case (with make-up key), Goso 20+ pick-set, Klom 32+ pick-set, comb picks, Focus blind pick (on way) and a set of South Ord picks, most of which I buy in from China (anyone need any, speak up now). The thing is this......I don`t really have a clue where I am headed with my new hobby, and also I would like to know if it is easier to start traing on anything in particular. What I mean is this ...... Is it better to get a grounding in the basics of one particular field (padlocks, doorlocks, auto locks etc) then move up to more difficult stuff? I know that obviously if you want to specialise in one type of lock you may just train on that, and stick ith it. Basically the question is, "Where do you suggest a moron (there, I admitted it) start to get the basics right, or does it matter"? Also thinking of getting one of the key impressioning kits, look pretty good on video clips I`ve seen. Any ideas, comments much appreciated.

[Solus]

I'm another noob just breaking into the hobby and would also like to see an answer posted to the above question.
I bought a Southord 20 piece pick set (big mistake) and a ultimate challenge lock to practice with. I also have a Master 140 (can't open yet) and an Abus 55/40 (beginning to open regularly).
The biggest problems I'm running into are the shear force needed to get pins into place once I have several above the shear line. I'm trying to be conscious of using light bar tension and even find myself relaxing tension to the point of loosing previously set pins in my attempt to set individual pins.
I know at this stage I'm being ham fisted and will develop some finesse with experience but I sure with there was a group locally where I could get some guidance rather than having to learn everything solo.

[Oldfast]

If you're consistantly picking that Abus, I'd imagine you're at least starting to get a feel for spools -
the false sets they give off and the lightning up of the tension to allow for counter-rotation.

Both locks you've named have security pins. It may do you well to backtrack a bit and pick a few locks
that have standard pins too. Just to help with recognizing WHERE you're at in the lock, identifying binding
pins, recognizing the binding order, overlifted & underlifted pins, etc. etc. Security pins right off the bat
can sometimes allow you to move on without fully having a good base of the fundamentals. But don't ever
let me or anyone else tell you... "you're not ready for that lock yet"... that's half the fun!

I'm sure you're already reading everything you can gobble up. Are you on youtube? SEEING helps alot.
Couple your hands-on learning with watching lots of vids. Admittedly, mine are not too informative -
many of them consist of just slaughtering a lock, then turning the camera off lol. But there are tons
of very informative vids where people talk out what's going on while they pick. Bosnianbill and
Kokomolock come to mind.... but again, there's MANY more.

[DennisK]

Ok I have a(nother) noob question. In the ILCO key blank book,how do I look up the proper blank for a lock if I don't have a working key? For example,I can't find a reference for a blank to a Master #1 padlock. I THINK it is either a M1 or a 1092,but I can't be certain.I know that just any Master blank won't fit,so before I go to the hard ware store I would like to know which blank to ask for.

[HerrMannelig]

Ok I have a(nother) noob question. In the ILCO key blank book,how do I look up the proper blank for a lock if I don't have a working key? For example,I can't find a reference for a blank to a Master #1 padlock. I THINK it is either a M1 or a 1092,but I can't be certain.I know that just any Master blank won't fit,so before I go to the hard ware store I would like to know which blank to ask for.

The Master #1 uses an M1.

[DennisK]

Ok I have a(nother) noob question. In the ILCO key blank book,how do I look up the proper blank for a lock if I don't have a working key? For example,I can't find a reference for a blank to a Master #1 padlock. I THINK it is either a M1 or a 1092,but I can't be certain.I know that just any Master blank won't fit,so before I go to the hard ware store I would like to know which blank to ask for.

The Master #1 uses an M1.

Thanks.So that is what I would ask for? And did you know that from experience,or is there a way to tell in the key catalog?

[HerrMannelig]

Ok I have a(nother) noob question. In the ILCO key blank book,how do I look up the proper blank for a lock if I don't have a working key? For example,I can't find a reference for a blank to a Master #1 padlock. I THINK it is either a M1 or a 1092,but I can't be certain.I know that just any Master blank won't fit,so before I go to the hard ware store I would like to know which blank to ask for.

The Master #1 uses an M1.

Thanks.So that is what I would ask for? And did you know that from experience,or is there a way to tell in the key catalog?

Well, I knew it from "experience", but before posting, I took a Master Lock #1 and my M1 bump key and made sure it was the right one.

[DennisK]

Ok I have a(nother) noob question. In the ILCO key blank book,how do I look up the proper blank for a lock if I don't have a working key? For example,I can't find a reference for a blank to a Master #1 padlock. I THINK it is either a M1 or a 1092,but I can't be certain.I know that just any Master blank won't fit,so before I go to the hard ware store I would like to know which blank to ask for.

The Master #1 uses an M1.

Thanks.So that is what I would ask for? And did you know that from experience,or is there a way to tell in the key catalog?

Well, I knew it from "experience", but before posting, I took a Master Lock #1 and my M1 bump key and made sure it was the right one.

Ok I get that,and that is exactly what I would have done had I had a key.The question I am asking is,how can you look up a blank if you only have a lock (no Key) that is unfamiliar to you?

[easy-e]

Ok I get that,and that is exactly what I would have done had I had a key.The question I am asking is,how can you look up a blank if you only have a lock (no Key) that is unfamiliar to you?

Generally you would look up the lock on the manufacturer's website. A lot of locks can have different keyways but it will give you list to start with.

For example: http://www.masterlock.com/cms/keying/keys_keyways
*edit*
The links on that page don't work but here is a mirror of it, see page 24: http://www.gobookee.org/get_book.php?u= ... 4gVSBBIEw=

Another thing that will help your search is if you know how many pins your lock is. Lots of key blanks come in a variety of different lenghts.

[DennisK]

Ok I get that,and that is exactly what I would have done had I had a key.The question I am asking is,how can you look up a blank if you only have a lock (no Key) that is unfamiliar to you?

Generally you would look up the lock on the manufacturer's website. A lot of locks can have different keyways but it will give you list to start with.

For example: http://www.masterlock.com/cms/keying/keys_keyways
*edit*
The links on that page don't work but here is a mirror of it, see page 24: http://www.gobookee.org/get_book.php?u= ... 4gVSBBIEw=

Another thing that will help your search is if you know how many pins your lock is. Lots of key blanks come in a variety of different lenghts.

I appreciate the help,but that second link only comes up as html,or code or whatever that stuff is.I'm using Safari for a browser.

[HerrMannelig]

Ok I get that,and that is exactly what I would have done had I had a key.The question I am asking is,how can you look up a blank if you only have a lock (no Key) that is unfamiliar to you?

Generally you would look up the lock on the manufacturer's website. A lot of locks can have different keyways but it will give you list to start with.

For example: http://www.masterlock.com/cms/keying/keys_keyways
*edit*
The links on that page don't work but here is a mirror of it, see page 24: http://www.gobookee.org/get_book.php?u= ... 4gVSBBIEw=

Another thing that will help your search is if you know how many pins your lock is. Lots of key blanks come in a variety of different lenghts.

I appreciate the help,but that second link only comes up as html,or code or whatever that stuff is.I'm using Safari for a browser.

Try this: http://www.masterlock.com/pdfs/7000-003 ... l_7_10.pdf

[HerrMannelig]

Ok I have a(nother) noob question. In the ILCO key blank book,how do I look up the proper blank for a lock if I don't have a working key? For example,I can't find a reference for a blank to a Master #1 padlock. I THINK it is either a M1 or a 1092,but I can't be certain.I know that just any Master blank won't fit,so before I go to the hard ware store I would like to know which blank to ask for.

The Master #1 uses an M1.

Thanks.So that is what I would ask for? And did you know that from experience,or is there a way to tell in the key catalog?

Well, I knew it from "experience", but before posting, I took a Master Lock #1 and my M1 bump key and made sure it was the right one.

Ok I get that,and that is exactly what I would have done had I had a key.The question I am asking is,how can you look up a blank if you only have a lock (no Key) that is unfamiliar to you?

I would look for documentation from the lock manufacturer.

[kmh]

Ok I get that,and that is exactly what I would have done had I had a key.The question I am asking is, how can you look up a blank if you only have a lock (no Key) that is unfamiliar to you?

I downloaded all the ilco catalogs. I find they have most keys available with nice pictures of the keyway for comparison.
http://www.kaba-ilco.com/key-systems/Li ... ories.html