Cyrano's videos...

[cyrano138]

This first video was meant as a demo for someone I sent some picks to so it's aimed at beginners only. I'm ashamed it took me so long to pop the Master No.5 with the hook.

[MortimerDuke]

Don't be embarrassed. I think part of it with the Master Locks is just luck of the draw with the bitting. I just got a #5 that was my easiest lock to date-the bitting was 0453, so no hi/lo complications while setting the pins. I have another ML that I have yet to conquer (only ML that has eluded me so far). BTW, I couldn't find the video, only one comparing different picks.

[MortimerDuke]

Ok, watched the video. It took you one minute to open! I'd much rather watch an "honest" video like that than a "watch me rake this open in 2.3 seconds" that probably took a few tries and provides little instruction. Let me know how the videos helped your friend. I'm trying to coach my nephew on lockpicking, and videos are probably better for him than my teaching.

[cyrano138]

Make sure you show him Schuyler Towne's video series. Here's the first episode.

[MortimerDuke]

Thanks. Schuyler's videos are very good. It is somewhat ironic to watch him talk about ethics in light of his Kickstarter misadventure, though. The good thing about your video is that it is almost identical to what I showed my nephew yesterday, using the same lock: a minute to SPP the first time, then almost immediate success with a couple of different rakes.

[cyrano138]

...a minute to SPP the first time, then almost immediate success with a couple of different rakes.

I think that's why so many newcomers get stuck scrubbing/raking--it looks so much more smooth and attractive, and easier as well. The trouble is that without the SPP foundation you don't really understand what's happening inside the lock. As a result, when you come across harder locks you're lost because you can't just scrub it for a few seconds and pop it open. At least I can't. Scrubbing is more of a novelty for me. I can't speak for anyone else, of course.

[cyrano138]

Thanks to whomever fixed my first post!
Here's my first video as well just to get it in the same thread:

[Oldfast]

This is good work friend... keep it up.

Informative vids are always refreshing to come across, especially when starting out.

Nowadays, I'm often guilty of not talking much, if at all in my vids. lol

I look foward to seein' more!

[cyrano138]

Wow! Thanks for the kind words. I'm hoping to put up another video with a more difficult lock tomorrow. Thanks for watching.

[cyrano138]

Two part video of a Kwikset and a 5200 with a little instruction...

Part I:


Part II:

[cyrano138]

I put up another video of an American padlock. This time it's an 1100. It's only a minute or two, and I think I can post another kind of lock next time as I've said pretty much all I have to say about these.

[Oldfast]

Yet another informative vid with some helpful pointers.
In fact, I'll be postin an article on Americans soon, and you touched
on some similar points that I've tried to convey as well. Good work!

[cyrano138]

Yet another informative vid with some helpful pointers.
In fact, I'll be postin an article on Americans soon, and you touched
on some similar points that I've tried to convey as well. Good work!

Thank you for the nice remarks. Very much looking forward to reading that article!

[cyrano138]

Please comment!

[Oldfast]

Well done. I actually find Abus spools can sometimes be a bit finicky. Must admit though, I'm not speaking
with much experience here...considering I've not picked (or owned) a ton of Abus locks. A few though.
Always appreciate your informative thoughts as you pick. Dunno if I can even pick & talk at the same time. lol