My new nemesis...

[cyrano138]

...in addition to my other nemeses, of course. I seem to be banging my head against the wall lately with Sargents. I have two from Jeffmoss. I've opened each once or twice but I just can't seem to crack these with any consistency. I can set a pin or two, but then nothing else seems to bind. I'm frustrated.

Anyone have any similar experiences?

It's worth noting, I think, for all the people asking about what locks are considered "the next step," and I was one of them, that locks with good tolerances get overlooked in favor of fancy mechanisms (sidebars, security pins, et al) and I think that's really an oversight.

[elbowmacaroni]

If you're getting frustrated, then put the sargents down, and pick up a confidence lock(s) and pick that/them for a while to clear you head. Picking while frustrated will get you nowhere except bent tools...

[cyrano138]

Oh I wish it were just a matter of putting it down and coming back to it.
This process of being stymied by these locks has been taking place over the course of several weeks. Thanks for the advice, though. I've had to remind myself many times during those several weeks to put them down and take a break or pick an easy one for a change.

Incidentally, I've had the same luck with a Yale cylinder I got recently.

[magician59]

For the individual pinstack picker, Sargent locks will "talk" to ou in their own, unique way. To get it down, go back to the basic technique of unpinning a cylinder and reloading them one pin chamber at a time, 'til you can get all 6.

[cyrano138]

I've managed to learn what I know so far without resorting to the progressive pinning method. I don't know I don't want to. Just lazy I guess.

[Oldfast]

For the individual pinstack picker, Sargent locks will "talk" to ou in their own, unique way. To get it down, go back to the basic technique of unpinning a cylinder and reloading them one pin chamber at a time, 'til you can get all 6.

I've managed to learn what I know so far without resorting to the progressive pinning method. I don't know I don't want to. Just lazy I guess.

I know you don't want to hear it... lol... but I've got to go with Magician on this one. Really Jack, take the time... and you won't have to call the next one "your nemesis". I won't hesitate to do this ANY TIME. I want to know the absolute intricacies of it. All the subtle, minute telltale signs it offers that I may never pick up on unless I simplify it. I want to 'speak its' language' so thoroughly that next time I encounter that same brand I can slaughter it. Take the time Jack! lol

[cyrano138]

I know you guys are right. I'm just not that good at disassembling/reassembling locks. I'm always fumbling with springs and tweezers and forgetting which way some particular pin was facing when I took it out and which way it should go back in. I'll get over it.

[MortimerDuke]

I've managed to learn what I know so far without resorting to the progressive pinning method. I don't know I don't want to. Just lazy I guess.

Not lazy, just self-confident/maybe arrogant. I say that, because I am the exact same way. If you're like me, the picking is the prize, handling tiny jumpy parts is just a chore.

HOWEVER...

I have started disassembling locks that give me problems. Without fail, provided I haven't screwed something up during re-assembly, I can pick them, at the very least, fairly easily afterward. And the more I do the take apart/put back together thing, the more I enjoy it.

[cyrano138]

the picking is the prize, handling tiny jumpy parts is just a chore.

Couldn't have said it better myself...

[jeffmoss26]

I am the opposite. I suck at picking, but I love to gut locks and put them back together...lol

[cyrano138]

I am the opposite. I suck at picking, but I love to gut locks and put them back together...lol

Well that explains how you could love Sargents so much.
Kidding of course. I actually meant to PM you to see if I can get some more of them from you.

Jack

[10ringo10]

i love both picking and gutting and get as much pleasure from finding a flaw or weak spot in the design and manufacture of the locks.

[KokomoLock]

Could not resist



Where's Perry???

[cyrano138]

Awesome!