#LearnLockpickingWithAlice lesson 4: learning locks.
I often see new lockpickers diving into a lock cold, then getting discouraged when a lock won't pop for them. Or, they manage to get lucky once in a while, but it feels like lightning—exciting, but random and uncontrollable.
So today I'm going to talk about getting to know your lock—I'm going to talk about foreplay. (y'all went there first, I'm just leaning into it 😋)
When you get consent to touch a new lock, your first date should be about feeling it out. What brand and model is it? Are you familiar with their quirks? Have you been around the lock a few times with this type before, or is this uncharted territory? Is the lock in good shape? Is it clean and oiled, rusty and gritty? Does it feel classy and expensive or is it cheap and sloppy? Is it crisp and new, or has it seen some action?
Alright, first base time. Grab a tool (something relatively straight, like the back of a half-diamond or a probe) and slide it in. Get all up in those pins and then slowly pull out. How many pins did you count? How did each one feel as it dropped down? How deep was the keyway? Where were the pins located and how were they spaced? Were they narrow little pins like American locks use, or thicker, harder pins like an ABUS? Do this a few times and picture the inside of the lock as you do.
Second base. Find a turning tool with a nice fit and slip it in. Rest your finger on the edge of the tool and press a little. How much tension is required to move the core? Is it sloppy, smooth, gritty? How far does it turn before the first pins bind? How much spring is there to it? Is your turning tool slipping around, or do you feel like you're in control of the core? Get a feel for how much force is needed to counter the springiness—hint, it's less than you probably think.
Third base. Slide your favorite pick all the way back into the keyway, then apply a little pressure to the turning tool. How much room do you have with both tools in there? Is it too tight? Work your way from the back to the front, feeling each pin with the tip of your pick. Which pin is binding? How much force do you need to move it? What does it feel like when it moves? How about when it sets into place? Did the core rotate a little? Can you feel it? Okay, now keep pushing. Feel that pin overset. What does that feel like? Did the core counter-rotate? Try releasing tension and trying a few more times. Springy, binding, pushing, set, overset, release. Now set that pin correctly and move to the next one that binds.
Good job. Now you're ready to go all the way. Keep knocking those pins up. Try to remember the binding order and the state of each pin as you go. If you lose track of the steps and state, reset the lock and start over. Repeat until you know exactly what you're doing and *why* at each step. Don't fumble for an open right away. Be methodical.
With practice, you'll be able to grab a new lock and size it up in a few seconds. And when it pops, you'll know it was because you're a fucking badass, not just someone who got lucky :gay_alice_shades:
