Just know you can use a small (in my case 7mm) socket. I was not planning on attempting disassembly quite yet...

And ended up repinning 3 locks in my sesh. I got into one I suspected had a spring caught between the plug and lock body, to find it was also missing pins. I was curious why it picked so easily. Then I added a 5th pin with 2 security pins to my sparrows 4pin, and made sure the key still worked. There was a bit of trial and error getting the tension correct when tightening the keeper nut, but now it's buttery smooth

Attempting to turn one of my brinks-40 mm laminated locks into a cutaway lock. Workstation: the bed of my truck and a picnick table. Tools: grinder, hacksaw, files, and sand paper. Ground down and punched out the rivets, bought some 3mm allthread, and I'm cutting away the keyway and body now and plotting how to cut out the lock body layers. Somehow, this is all coming together and seems to be working. 😅 I'm hoping I can cut enough of the body panels so the pins will be visible without it becoming unstable. If not, I've got 3 more for parts to try again. Also, look how cute these terribly made spool pins are! No wonder they rivet these things together to hide the shame! Haha

I spent a good while oversetting pins and trying different pick profiles but this is actually the first open I've had with it. These plastic body's and the inability to gut and see what's in there made for a good challenge. So anyways, sorry for the ugly hands and ambient noise but I am a truck driver and this is in the truck. 😆

Took some effort but got it in the end. Very nice lock!

Awesome haul. I'd love to type longer but I got work to do!

this was months ago where i first started lock picking. i managed to open a masterlock with diy lock picks, something i felt proud of.

Spilt pins in 3 and 4 spooled driver inner pins. Milled core. Not to mention 2 bad springs meeting me up

The rake tool is easy to use, but I definitely struggled with the hook for a while. Not only did I pick it once but 3 times now, I guess something clicked for me. Can’t wait to get some more locks to practice on. Covert Instruments for the FNG lock and tools 👍

Managed to jump from knowing absolutely nothing about lock picking to bluebelt in about 5 months. It's been a lot of fun in my spare time. Here's to chasing purple 💜

covert instruments genisis set. i just got these delivered to my place. i tried them out on locks i used to pick with bobby pins. anyone have experience using this set?

Im trying to get into using tok, but I find it more difficult to keep the tension tool in place. I do quite well with bok, but with some locks, I've noticed it gets in the way. Any advice?

I knew this had spools in it!!

Figured I'd gut this one too, because after re-pinning my other one from standard drivers to spool drivers, I've been fighting for an open (no open yet) 🤬🤣

However, I can open this one (with spools) regularly. 💯

bought this a while back and never actually used it much so I threw it in storage, Ive decoded a padlock before but I can’t figure out this one. anyone got any resources on how to shim a padlock like this?

Finally took a stab at making some challenge locks. Used my drill as a lathe and a needle file set. I didnt want to do anything too crazy. Did a barrel or two, some gins and serrated mostly to figure out how spin pins with what I have on hand. It was a lot of fun, and with a few more items I can do a lot more difficult security pins. Its my first posted quest, I guess as well.

When I search, for the answer, it’s not related to the lock. Unless it is? “Great Scott! 1.83 Gigawatts!” 🤣

Finally picked the 10th and last of my 6-pin AL1100 cores. Had to put it in a lock body and pick in hand to get the open.

Here is my video for the insanity challenge

This go round I’m printing out holders for a mortise, rim cylinder, SFIC, and tubular locks. There’s also the main body and plunger screw. Next up
after this I’m going to be printing out a Lishi revolver.

I got a cheap pick and tensioner from a friend and over the last week i have been fidgeting with the lock from my bike. i have spent like 10 hours doing it the "right way" with clockwise pretension, going over each pin and have unlocked it maybe twice. it's been incredibly frustrating, getting stuck on such an easy lock. then i tried tensioning the other way and i got it open instantly. over and over again it just pops open with counter clockwise tension, it just opens.

why? how? am i doing something wrong with clockwise pretension?

the key can be turned either way to unlock it.

I tried to do what you guys recommended me but when i turn it i can feel it rubbing against something i tried to do that didint work also sometimes when im turning it slowly it complely stops and gets stuck on a number but i dont feel anything rubbing on it tried doing that it didnt work when i retry the same methods i keep getting different combinations every single time, any tips?

Picks: Covert Instruments
.040" double-ended turning tool
short hook
Wave Rake

Locks: White
FNG Clear acrylic demonstration lock (CI)
Premier Lock 1.5 Inch Laminated Steel Padlock (HEB)

Honestly i have to say, How FUN!!

Ive been aware of lock picking for quite some time to no ones surprise, the occasional LPL video here and there. But I’ve never actually been the one doing it.

I cant describe how cool i felt getting these locks open, to seasoned guys like you it might seem trivial now but wow, this was a blast. I still find it hard trying to know where to place the pick and lift the pins if i cant see them but, lot easier than i had imagined it being.

Id really appreciate some pointers on a couple things.
Not too sure if it’s just me, but i spent so much more time on the clear acrylic lock compared to the other one, single picking and raking it. It just wasn’t budging, i did get it open 3 times but its very inconsistent. Not sure if its practice i lack or if its just the lock.

Lastly, how in the world do you guys handle the cramps? pretty sure a vice to hold it would help, but still, after some time holding it by hand it just gets too strenuous.

Anyways, happy to share my firsts here :) and be a part of the community. To many more

EDIT: You guys are awesome..Thanks for the welcome.