Lord Emeritus of Keypicking HallisChalmers
Posts: 2070
Joined: Mon Apr 28, 2008 2:46 pm
Location: Hell
Static SPP'ing
Anyway, seldom do you see anyone picking their locks statically - in other words - fixed (or otherwise immovable with minimal hand contact) in a vise, jig, or door.
I've always done this type of picking myself - but in the back of my mind, I've never thought of this as being realistic to conditions you might find in real life.
I felt I was cheating myself on learning the art of picking, due to the fact that I could, in some small way, manipulate my left hand to assist my right hand that was holding the pick.
In some small, but significant way, I was able to slightly turn or twist the lock to help me get at a stubborn pin. Plus, I could feel the vibrations through the lock body - in the palm of my hand.
I though to myself that a better test of my skill (which is limited - because I'm learning something new everyday) would be to immobolize my target lock and try picking it.
This would be a more realistic test of my ability to feel the feedback from the pick and tension wrench - through my fingertips.
The results? In my experiment, I found I'm not near as good as I thought I was.
So try this next time - take one or two of your favorite practice locks - the kind you've picked a jillion times before - and stick it in a vise.
Then try SPP'ing to see how good you are. If you're like me, you'll find that the easy "punching bag" lock that flopped open at the mere touch of your magic pick - is now a belligerent bastard.
Anyway, here's my vid - sit back, put the cans on your ears, and enjoy the tune - and maybe learn a little bit...