I can't find any answer to this question, not even on the Covert Instruments website. Can someone please explain to me what it is?

Off Camera, of course 🤦‍♂️

I know so many people have picked this damn lock and I myself have picked way tougher locks than this one - which is probably why the fact that this little green devil has been the ONLY lock to ever occupy my naughty bucket has been driving me insane.

I started picking almost exactly a year ago today. I got this lock last April. I opened it on accident once about 6 months ago. Tonight I opened it on purpose and knew exactly how and why - and I couldnt have done it without the people here in this subreddit. So thanks everyone - this one is for you. Cheers.

Hi, I'm a week into lockpicking, and I'm not yet good enough for single pin picking. For now, I'm limiting myself to the zipping technique since it's much easier, and I've heard it works on most common locks. However, I'm stuck on one particular lock (a random, unbranded one). I can consistently set all five pins (I know this because every time I release the turning tool, I hear five clicks) but the lock doesn't open. I assume I'm oversetting some pins. What can I do to avoid this? Also, are there any other common mistakes beginners make while using the zipping technique??

So I've started, like I said, not too long ago. Feel I am getting a decent feel for picking.

I was watching a random video about an item I got on covert instruments, APEX line, hour ago and it dawned one that I'm putting tension on the bottom of the keyway and because I am left handed this is comfortable..... But I am picking upside down?

I wanted to get people's opinions as I very recently found this sub and am curious on what people think on how I pick!

EDIT:

Did this from my phone and thought I attached the images... I guess not!!

Cheap lock

Cheap Lock

Random Master Lock

I've only successfully picked very cheap locks around the house and a practice lock. Times vary wildly to 5 seconds to 10 mins.

I bought a Lishi tool (I live in Aus) so I bought LW5 but I don't know if LW5 is compatible with LW4 locks, any way to find out?

Edit: Also is there a table or sheet I can refer to for keyways because I want to get one for common abus locks for the ones I have laying around I haven't been able to pick so far.

I was checking the Shop app to track an order of tension tools, and the app kindly offered this as one of those "you might be interested in these too" options. It was labeled "Lockpick set, with case." $285. I didn't post the link because it was to a commercial site, and the post would probably be deleted as spam, but the company is called Davranov.

While I do completely understand the reason for video/ gutting in one take, I am not committed nor setup for a small YouTube. Any suggestions?

As in, you’ve picked it before, probably many times, but some days its just defiant towards you? Like you can’t get a feel for it?

Also, do ya’ll have locks that you can rake, but can’t SPP? Vice versa?

Having some issues like that with a lock of mine right now 😒

Does anyone know of a source for Abus T-pins? I sent one flying out of a C83 and can't find it.

How much tensioning is too much or too little? It's the CI training lock pinned to four straight pins. I got some fantastic advice here and was able to open the lock with three pins consistently but with four straight pins I'm at a loss with consisency. I think I'm almost there but only get there when I'm distracted. I put on the least amount of tension I can and even after getting the vise today I'm finding myself not understanding how I'm opening it sometimes and not others. Also, you're all the best, can't get over the lack of gatekeeping and toxicity in this community. As the Irish have always said, "Lockpickers, a great bunch of lads".

Edit: i tried to add a picture of my setup but I suppose I have to add more information to another third party in order to do that, and that won't be happening until I can figure out how to not doxx myself by mistake or feed the oligarchs with more info then I'm willing to give them for their "free" AI.

This thing was a pain finally picked it though. I think it’s the size that makes it so hard. It is tiny. Baby steps….

I done UKLS January Challenge, pick a different lock each day for January & beyond, today I stopped, 31 opens.

This is the bunch, think I posted 2 or 3.

Happy Pickings!

Picked Brinks 164 Aluminum lock. I still need to practice so I can get consistent. I feel like my picking is hit or miss.

Had this lock for a week and just got my first open. I was having difficulty with the pins sticking. So, Houdini had to make a little appearance. Easily got my sets and felt the feedback a bit better after using houdini. These Paclocks do feel a lot different than the AL 1100/1160s I've been tinkering with.

Still have the dimple Abus 75IB/50 that has me stumped a little. The houdini has made manipulation a bit easier. Still a great fun challenge.

Bummer is that I'm miserable. Happy news is that my dimple picks came today! They were not exactly the ones I had expected, but I was able to open my Boccia!

Is it possible to get a bump key for a Sargent HC keyway?

Just received my 200k patch from P

Before waiting to read anyone’s response to my question about needing video evidence, I got antsy and started picking anyways. Oops

RAFL 2025 Giveaway – Winners Announced!

Thank you to everyone who participated! Your enthusiasm and support for charity made this an amazing event.

Congratulations to our three winners!

Each of you will receive 50 tickets toward your chosen prize pot:

1. SilentLonely – Pot #41, "The Lockwood Pot" | Charity: Internet Archive

2. Mr_Puntacular – Pot #29 | Charity: Good Cheer Food Bank

3. Shane_Irwin – Pot #9, "RWB DD Pick" | Charity: Abandoned Pet Project

Your tickets will be allocated accordingly! If anything needs adjusting, let me know.

Can this lock be disassembled? Can I just send a photo or do I need to video my picking?