(042) Part 1 - Beginners guide to bottom of the keyway tensioning

Probably the most important thing about picking a lock is getting the right tension on it. Unfortunately this is something that can only be learned by doing. Practice, practice, practice!. In this 2-part series, I will introduce you to the types of tension tool commonly used with pin cylinder locks, how you use them, what levels of tension you might apply and what is actually happening in the lock with varying levels of tension. Enjoy!
Remember: only pick locks that are yours and that are not in use!
Contact me at: [e-mail]
Great TH-cam channels:
Bosnianbill
Islandlocks
www.lock-lab.com
Great places to buy:
www.ukbumpkeys.com
www.lockpickshop.com
www.amazon.co.uk
www.walkerlocksmiths.com

[@tipenengapuhi]

Great tutorials & reviews you are putting together here on your channel. Great stuff

[@LockNoob]

Thanks, I take suggestions too if you have any. I think I need to do a top of the keyway video next

[@sparky5860]

Thanks for your great informative videos, I’ve just discovered the hobby of lock picking and lock mechanics. I didn’t know this was also a competitive sport.. cool stuff...

[@LockNoob]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@redcatimaging]

Very nice beginners guide on BOK tensioning Lock Noob :). It can get a little more complex when you look more deeper into detail, but as a start it's well made. I try to use BOK tension whenever I can, with all different size wrenches, as it is more comfortable for me and gives me better control. Other people prefer to use TOK more often...so that's just personal preferance ;).

[@LockNoob]

Hi, thanks! yes, I wanted to keep things basic and avoid other techniques such as variable tension, pulsing, manual counter rotation and off-wrench lever picking... There might be more that I've missed. One could probably write a whole book on the subject. I'll do a TOK vid at some point I'm sure

[@redcatimaging]

There need to be basic ones for beginners and so you did very well :).

[@guilhermemelo3760]

The KEY to it!!

[@kylehazachode]

I hope you talk about top of the keyway. I've been doing bottom of the keyway for about 7 years and recently got in to top of the keyway. I tend to drop the tension tool a lot.

[@LockNoob]

Hi, I'll definitely do a top of the keyway (pinside) vid In the future. Until then I'd say it's the tool you use that is the most important to ensure a tight fit. I find the Mad.Bob pry bar kit is great for thicker tools (see my review)

[@v6cosworth167]

Awesome informative vid, 👍👍👍😊😊😊

[@LockNoob]

Thanks 🙏

[@jhtsurvival]

I like bottom key way so I can use the tension wrench as a base with short picks

[@tipenengapuhi]

That would be good. I am use BOK exclusively. Ordered a set of mad bobs tension wrenches about 4 weeks ago. Hopefully they are not far away. So a video on TOK would be timely.
Here in New Zealand locks are installed Pins up (like the U.S.), so I get a bit confused when UK Pickers refer to TOK when to me they are picking upside down (Pins down) ☺ To me TOK is the way bosnianbill & lock picking lawyer pick.

[@LockNoob]

A lot of us UK pickers like to call TOK, 'pin-side' to make it a little clearer. I actually pick most padlocks 'pin up' but euros, pin down. Odd huh?

[@tipenengapuhi]

+Lock Noob
It does seem odd to me. I have tried picking locks pins down but find it awkward. I guess it's just what you get used to. Most of the Picking Videos I've watched on uk locksport pick pins down (euro cylinders and padlocks) and they are way more successful I high security locks then I am. Having said that BB and LPL are outstanding picking pins up.

[@tipenengapuhi]

+Tipene Nga Puhi
... way more successful than I am...
What a Dogs breakfast my last message was ☺

[@LockNoob]

+Tipene Nga Puhi well, I suppose that the aim for myself is to ultimately be good both ways. Guess I'll keep practising!

[@mrkultra1655]

Thanks

[@LockNoob]

No problem

[@forteandblues]

I need an intermediate guide to tensioning, like for when you have complicated keyways or you were having problems with your tensioner binding against the sidewall.

[@dannyboii942]

Hi i need help my tension tool always slips no matter what and it's frustrating

[@WilliamWHaywood]

Would have like a little more definition in the manufacturer's of the various torque wrenches used.

[@LockNoob]

That's good feedback, s I never really considered the manufactures when making this. If I do another tensioning vid (TOK?) I'll take that into consideration :-)