I just had the same experience. Most people are visual learners so you can listen to someone describe a false set and think you understand it until you see it like this.
Good lord, where was this video when I started trying to learn to pick? I've been bumbling around trying to get a good idea what's happening with a false set and while I did understand the security pin thing, it never was as beautifully clear as you made it here. Thank you.
Lock picking is a skill that requires a lot of education and practice, and the fact is, there's always easier ways to bypass security. Most burglars don't want to invest the time or resources to learn lockpicking when there are much more blatant ways to enter. These videos are intended mostly for hobbyists, and there is a very active world of people who pick locks for fun- sometimes even in a competitive setting! Just because a skill can be used for crime doesn't mean it probably will be.
Thank you Schuyler! This video helped me big time, I was able to figure out what kind of lock I was dealing with. That serrated lock definitely requires some patience. But with the pulse method of picking and the tips of this video I had successful picking. Definitely increased my picking skill.
Loved this tutorial. I've been trying to incorporate 1/2 diamonds, 1/2 balls, and the offset versions, into my repertoire. After all, the shapes seem to be more conducive to picking than your everyday hooks, especially when it comes to gliding over over set pins
You'd think if they were serious about security, they'd all be serrated pins... I'm just getting into locksport, so this seems terribly frustrating to me, for when I eventually come to it. Still just trying to find random locks around the place, before I can get some practice range locks.. unfortunately, all the locks I have are super cheap and nasty so spp can work, but so does just raking and those clear locks, forget it.. one, I just need to push a tension tool in and lift, and it unlocks. lol. fake confidence sure, but I'm getting better at feeling the pins, what state they're in, and the amount of tension to use, or remove to do it strategically. So much fun though :)
You might be the first female picker I've seen in the comment section. Cool. Btw, how long did it take you roughly? I've been working on an improved disk style storage unit padlock for weeks (in 10 minute sessions) and I've made very little progress besides knowing the feel of the lock. I can't get any counterrotation or anything. I'm stumped.
how are those other pins not resetting when you lighten up on the pressure? same goes for spool pins. it seems to always reset pins and i can't seem to get them set again.
@@tylorbray exactly, as I saw in another video and have learned in my short time picking, tension is more important than pin picking. spend an age trying to just a tad too much tension, or suddenly unlock it when you give it just a slight amount. frustrating, because usually by then I'm getting cramps in my hand and not paying a great deal of attention to the process... practice and practicing practice is the key.. heh, pun intended..
It looks like he's going up until he hits the pin with the spring, tests that the upper pin is moving freely with the spring, then moving to the next. It also appears as though when he gets to the serrated pin the pin won't move the same because the lip has caught into a groove, it doesn't move like it's under spring pressure therefore he has to release tension to allow it to pass the lip. Seems simple enough in theory.
Cool video. The only thing I'm still not certain of is how to identify which pin is serrated. Also, what happens if you have multiple serrated pins? I have a Brinks shrouded lock which I could clearly see the number 1 pin was serrated which was actually a reason I got it in the first place. I have always been a bit intimidated by them, though I have picked a few with spools. I used to pick a lot more, but stopped for a while and now I'm kinda getting back into it. I used to frequent the forums of lp101 a number of years back in case you were wondering about why my screen name might look familiar. Then again, maybe not :-P. Subscribed!
Hello I have a lock I’m unable to pick. It looks like the first pin has to be shoved all the way up and when that happens, I can’t pick the rest of the pins behind it. And same thing for the back pins, I can pick all of them with no problem, but if I do, I can’t push that first pin all the way up. It’s an all brass lock that says UHAL on it. I think it was expensive.
too much tension once you set the first pin, I have a similar lock, only needs the slightest tension to set, and allow the rest to be attacked. just a though, I have no real idea.
what if there was more regular pins in the 5th and 6th cylinder? and what if you didn't know where the serrated pin pin was at? where would you start? and would you tense it clock wise?
I'm trying to pick an improved storage disk lock, the type often found at self-storage places that looks like a flattened cylinder with the shackle that rotates inside a cutout of the outer circumference. It doesn't respond to raking and so far not to individual pin picking. I've tried low & high tension, top and bottom of the keyway, and every pick I've got and I can't seem to get meaningful feedback and zero counterrotation. I am really stumped. I figure I'll just have to keep practicing on lesser locks and getting better until someday I have a "eureka" moment, but at this moment, this lock is totally beating me. Edit: I'm almost positive I'm up against multiple serrated pins.
@@Plorpoise Nope. It's sitting in a drawer waiting for me to go back to it. I've gotten better on some other locks but that one always got me. I need some new tension wrenches too because that keyway was really tight.
@@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017 ah darn. Have you tried making your own tension wrenches? I'm very new, but from this guy's videos it sounds like making your own or maybe even filing one down might help? Or maybe it won't, like I said, very new, lol.
why couldn't you bind the spool pin first? what if you didn't know witch one was the spool pin? would you have started with the fourth pin instead of the third?
How do you determine which pin is the serrated one in European style mounted locks (pins on the bottom of the lock)? The key pins will all rest on the driver pins (as of gravity) so you won't notice them "moving freely without spring pressure", right? :)
I always wondered weather serrated pins or spools were harder. Watching this video, it seems obvious that serrated pins kick the shit out of spools. I mean, how do you even know you are dealing with one? It seems like a lot more guess and check RNG than spools are. At least with spools, the pin starts out dropped down and just sticks you in a false set.
I guess that's where you'd have to have a good sense of how much tension you apply. if it doesn't clear the shear line, tension wont budge. you'll feel it click, but nothing will move as it's still under set.
Trying for a while to open a security padlock, I manage to make the rotor turn to 50 degrees with the wrench. But still impossible to open the locker . Any idea of what is going on ?
You may have figured this out already, but alot of padlocks have a very heavy spring to rotate/open. If you put the key into it, you can turn the barrel 50 degrees like you mentioned, but then you have to turn harder to actually open it. This pressure may be too much for your tension wrench and bend it, but at this point you can take everything out of the lock (as long as you don't rotate the barrel back to the original position) and use a screwdriver or pliers to rotate it the rest of the way.
I notice the order u went from the front to back the last is a security pin, what if u went for the security pin first would it made a different or do u have to go in the right order,I'm new at this any tips would help thanks
Because they like to catch people after half an hour red faced and screaming at a gate... lol "I almost had it.. What!!!! WHAT THE HELL !!! TURN YOU BASTARD!!!!"
Ive seen a vid with....If I remember correctly his Master 140 had 4 security pins, I think it was 3 spools annd 1 serated.....im not 100% on those denominations but either way im gonna try and find the vid and link it.
Ole Elias Bergersen if I'm not mistaking lift ur all the pin up apply tension and see if the pen stay up if it does then try to do the same except apply tension opposite direction and see if all the pin stay up witch ever way holds the pin up more would be the right direction u should be going for,for advance pick they can just see wich ever way has more play but I'm pretty new myself and I find that way to work pretty good for beginners like me
The way the key turns. Unless it's a lock that unlocks from either direction, in which case you'd single pick the pins in reverse order. Like, if you picked 1,3,4,2,5 turning clockwise, you'd have to pick 5,2,4,3,1 turning counter clockwise, as the offsets would be opposite. Remember each pin is not exactly the same center. that's how picking works. most locks that you'll use though, only turn one way, so that's the way you'd hold tension.
![[1428] Inside Perspective: Picking Spool Pins](/img/n.gif)
after weeks of watching vids on security pins I almost gave up. until I watched yours, now I can pick half decent locks! good job!
I just had the same experience. Most people are visual learners so you can listen to someone describe a false set and think you understand it until you see it like this.
Me too
Fantastic video with a great explanation of what these security pins are and how they work.
This is a good TH-cam video. Not clickbait. Gets right to the point. Very descriptive. Well-practiced. And informative. Nice job.
I have been watching these lock videos for several weeks and you are the best instructor yet.
david
The best explanation I've seen on TH-cam about Spool and Serrated pins! Thank you! Keep on the good work sir.
very cool series, love being able to actually see what's going on inside
Good lord, where was this video when I started trying to learn to pick? I've been bumbling around trying to get a good idea what's happening with a false set and while I did understand the security pin thing, it never was as beautifully clear as you made it here. Thank you.
Lock picking is a skill that requires a lot of education and practice, and the fact is, there's always easier ways to bypass security. Most burglars don't want to invest the time or resources to learn lockpicking when there are much more blatant ways to enter. These videos are intended mostly for hobbyists, and there is a very active world of people who pick locks for fun- sometimes even in a competitive setting! Just because a skill can be used for crime doesn't mean it probably will be.
I learned more from this series of videos than from all others on the topic. Thanks.
Thank you Schuyler! This video helped me big time, I was able to figure out what kind of lock I was dealing with. That serrated lock definitely requires some patience. But with the pulse method of picking and the tips of this video I had successful picking. Definitely increased my picking skill.
Loved this tutorial. I've been trying to incorporate 1/2 diamonds, 1/2 balls, and the offset versions, into my repertoire. After all, the shapes seem to be more conducive to picking than your everyday hooks, especially when it comes to gliding over over set pins
That was a great video. There was no unnecessary over talk
This helped me understand the serrated/threaded security pins.
I know this video has been around a while but it is very informative and nicely presented. Thank you
Nice I gotta try pinning a lock with all serrated and spool pins haha. Man that would be crazy to pick
one of the BEST videos explaining this on youtube! Thank you!
Man great vid helped me out a lot I haven't picked a lock yet but I'm feeling confident now
FINALLY a video of how to beat spools - - #Thankyou
I subscribed because of this video
You'd think if they were serious about security, they'd all be serrated pins...
I'm just getting into locksport, so this seems terribly frustrating to me, for when I eventually come to it. Still just trying to find random locks around the place, before I can get some practice range locks.. unfortunately, all the locks I have are super cheap and nasty so spp can work, but so does just raking and those clear locks, forget it.. one, I just need to push a tension tool in and lift, and it unlocks. lol. fake confidence sure, but I'm getting better at feeling the pins, what state they're in, and the amount of tension to use, or remove to do it strategically.
So much fun though :)
Really very very useful tricks. Thanks a lot Schuyler Towne for sharing this video.
thank you!! helped me open an american high security padlock. ^_^ omg had all security pins serrated and spooled
You might be the first female picker I've seen in the comment section. Cool. Btw, how long did it take you roughly? I've been working on an improved disk style storage unit padlock for weeks (in 10 minute sessions) and I've made very little progress besides knowing the feel of the lock. I can't get any counterrotation or anything. I'm stumped.
@@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017 why u dont just ask for the trlephone number!!?
serrated pins... now I know
thanks
Great video series! I'm just puzzled why tension was applied CCW at first, then CW during the 2nd demonstration... Does it make a difference?
how are those other pins not resetting when you lighten up on the pressure? same goes for spool pins. it seems to always reset pins and i can't seem to get them set again.
Very slowly lowering tension, only ever picked one lock with spool pins so I am no pro but that is what worked for me.
@@tylorbray exactly, as I saw in another video and have learned in my short time picking, tension is more important than pin picking. spend an age trying to just a tad too much tension, or suddenly unlock it when you give it just a slight amount. frustrating, because usually by then I'm getting cramps in my hand and not paying a great deal of attention to the process... practice and practicing practice is the key.. heh, pun intended..
Wow! Best video I have seen yet!
what kind of training core is that? where can i get one?
selfmade cutout core
It looks like he's going up until he hits the pin with the spring, tests that the upper pin is moving freely with the spring, then moving to the next. It also appears as though when he gets to the serrated pin the pin won't move the same because the lip has caught into a groove, it doesn't move like it's under spring pressure therefore he has to release tension to allow it to pass the lip. Seems simple enough in theory.
Thank you for this video! I picked my first lock with a security pin after watching this video, it really helped me! :)
Thank you! Best video I've seen so far
Excellent visual. Thanks !
Thank you for this beautiful video.
Oh haha, didn't realise this video was so old... I'm talking to the past :) lol
Not just you.
Cool video. The only thing I'm still not certain of is how to identify which pin is serrated. Also, what happens if you have multiple serrated pins? I have a Brinks shrouded lock which I could clearly see the number 1 pin was serrated which was actually a reason I got it in the first place. I have always been a bit intimidated by them, though I have picked a few with spools. I used to pick a lot more, but stopped for a while and now I'm kinda getting back into it. I used to frequent the forums of lp101 a number of years back in case you were wondering about why my screen name might look familiar. Then again, maybe not :-P. Subscribed!
So glad I found this, thanks!
great video sir very clear and easy to understand
Great series Schuyler. How do you deal with a lock that has nothing but serrated pins like American? These seem to be the bane of my existence.
Why does a clockwise/counterclockwise motion matter?
Great tutorial man! I have a trioving lock that ive been trying to pick for a long time but imma give it another go :)
Hello I have a lock I’m unable to pick. It looks like the first pin has to be shoved all the way up and when that happens, I can’t pick the rest of the pins behind it. And same thing for the back pins, I can pick all of them with no problem, but if I do, I can’t push that first pin all the way up. It’s an all brass lock that says UHAL on it. I think it was expensive.
too much tension once you set the first pin, I have a similar lock, only needs the slightest tension to set, and allow the rest to be attacked. just a though, I have no real idea.
thanks, its good to know the majority pin.
Schuley towne, you're da man!
Great explanation!
Thank you for this video
great video. thanks man.
Seriously helpful video
Thanks
what if there was more regular pins in the 5th and 6th cylinder? and what if you didn't know where the serrated pin pin was at? where would you start? and would you tense it clock wise?
how would you "unpick" a lock because i have a three pin lock but its unlocked and i can't find a key and im just a beginner
the same way, but turn the torsion wrench the other way
Great video.
hi wanted to know if there is a rule where to start making pin to pin? Anyway thanks for your very interesting video
Great video!
can you have a lock full of different types of security pins like just a mismatch of them ?
+Ben Hewitt you sure can look up challenge locks and you will see some magic
Yes
You can, but it is not practical to have all Spools. At least one needs to be another kind, or the lock will be sloppy--even when locked.
Very good. Thank you!
I'm trying to pick an improved storage disk lock, the type often found at self-storage places that looks like a flattened cylinder with the shackle that rotates inside a cutout of the outer circumference. It doesn't respond to raking and so far not to individual pin picking. I've tried low & high tension, top and bottom of the keyway, and every pick I've got and I can't seem to get meaningful feedback and zero counterrotation. I am really stumped. I figure I'll just have to keep practicing on lesser locks and getting better until someday I have a "eureka" moment, but at this moment, this lock is totally beating me. Edit: I'm almost positive I'm up against multiple serrated pins.
Did you ever get it?
@@Plorpoise Nope. It's sitting in a drawer waiting for me to go back to it. I've gotten better on some other locks but that one always got me. I need some new tension wrenches too because that keyway was really tight.
@@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017 ah darn. Have you tried making your own tension wrenches? I'm very new, but from this guy's videos it sounds like making your own or maybe even filing one down might help? Or maybe it won't, like I said, very new, lol.
Awesome video
why couldn't you bind the spool pin first? what if you didn't know witch one was the spool pin? would you have started with the fourth pin instead of the third?
How do you determine which pin is the serrated one in European style mounted locks (pins on the bottom of the lock)? The key pins will all rest on the driver pins (as of gravity) so you won't notice them "moving freely without spring pressure", right? :)
Would some locks use a combination of nothing but spool and serrated pins?
The reversing effect.
Would picking the last security lin with a hook be possible?
Great vid
Very nice, thanks
I always wondered weather serrated pins or spools were harder. Watching this video, it seems obvious that serrated pins kick the shit out of spools. I mean, how do you even know you are dealing with one? It seems like a lot more guess and check RNG than spools are. At least with spools, the pin starts out dropped down and just sticks you in a false set.
Tysm this helped alot
very instructional, thanks
great video helped my alot
awesome instruction
what if you have two or more spool pins, could they end up dropping one another?
Where can I get a see thru lock like the one u have there
I have a practice lock with 5 security pins (spools). I find it insanely hard to pick this lock, even with vision... Any tips?
Yeah practice makes perfect. I had a LOT of trouble at first with spool pins but then they become too easy after learning how to defeat them.
I'd like to make a lock that detonates like sharpnel when the wrong person picks it. SURPRISE!
So what if the whole lock is made of serrated pins? Seems like something that takes a lot of time and practice.
I guess that's where you'd have to have a good sense of how much tension you apply. if it doesn't clear the shear line, tension wont budge. you'll feel it click, but nothing will move as it's still under set.
What would be the downsides of making a lock with only serrated pins?
All I can think of is cost. especially on mass produced locks. more time to make those pins, when one can fluster a wannabe lock picker.
Trying for a while to open a security padlock, I manage to make the rotor turn to 50 degrees with the wrench. But still impossible to open the locker . Any idea of what is going on ?
essaye de lubrifier?
You may have figured this out already, but alot of padlocks have a very heavy spring to rotate/open. If you put the key into it, you can turn the barrel 50 degrees like you mentioned, but then you have to turn harder to actually open it. This pressure may be too much for your tension wrench and bend it, but at this point you can take everything out of the lock (as long as you don't rotate the barrel back to the original position) and use a screwdriver or pliers to rotate it the rest of the way.
what sewcurity pins i thought security pins were the ones with the pin inside anotherpin
I notice the order u went from the front to back the last is a security pin, what if u went for the security pin first would it made a different or do u have to go in the right order,I'm new at this any tips would help thanks
Only if it was the most offset pin. otherwise you'd never get it to set.
Why not make all the pins weird like that?
Because they like to catch people after half an hour red faced and screaming at a gate... lol "I almost had it.. What!!!! WHAT THE HELL !!! TURN YOU BASTARD!!!!"
1:13 But how could you discover that if you would be in Europe, where are locks upside down???
What, in europe they are installed correctly, this lock in the video is upside down ;)
NO... He is pushing the pins up.... but here you have to push them down
Tomáš Blahoš Nah man it is just your lock, not the whole of europe
U r out of ur mind dude
+Tomáš Blahoš what difference does it make? Wouldn't you just push down instead of up?
Why aren't all pins security pin?
The hardest part I've had with picking is fitting the pick or rake in the fuckimg keyway
How big are the picks. or how small are the locks?
I was just gonna ask this too....
is there always only a few spool pins or can the entire lock be all spool pins?
Ive seen a vid with....If I remember correctly his Master 140 had 4 security pins, I think it was 3 spools annd 1 serated.....im not 100% on those denominations but either way im gonna try and find the vid and link it.
+x2eXu50x I have a master 930 and all 5 top pins are spools.
+x2eXu50x if you have all spools the lock will wobble alot so they usualy have 1 standard or serared pin
A lot of wobble seems standard in a master lock
+julien foss
What's wrong with wobble? more difficult for the key holders to use? more vulnerable to something like bumping or raking, or what?
How do i know witch way to aply tentin on a lock?
Ole Elias Bergersen if I'm not mistaking lift ur all the pin up apply tension and see if the pen stay up if it does then try to do the same except apply tension opposite direction and see if all the pin stay up witch ever way holds the pin up more would be the right direction u should be going for,for advance pick they can just see wich ever way has more play but I'm pretty new myself and I find that way to work pretty good for beginners like me
The way the key turns. Unless it's a lock that unlocks from either direction, in which case you'd single pick the pins in reverse order. Like, if you picked 1,3,4,2,5 turning clockwise, you'd have to pick 5,2,4,3,1 turning counter clockwise, as the offsets would be opposite. Remember each pin is not exactly the same center. that's how picking works.
most locks that you'll use though, only turn one way, so that's the way you'd hold tension.
the page u linked got removed pls rePOST
how much for lend u 1 hour? :P
Pick my lock first.
I bet If you gave me the key I could unlock it in half the time.
tension
madison ivy LOL.
pescare. mare. sarraco.
Awesome video