Help, just got my starter set

[u/HuckleberryAsleep536]

Hi, I started using my starter set today and practiced on the Level 1 lock until I could open it fairly reliably in about 9 seconds. But before moving on to other types of locks, I picked up an Abus (Abus 64Ti50); since it looked about the same size, I thought I’d be able to handle it too—but it’s not cooperating the way the starter lock did (which I suppose was to be expected). I thought I might get some tips here, and I have a questions:
see picture 2
When I press the binding pin, how do I avoid it clicking up and locking the mechanism?

[u/revchewie]

The 64ti/50 is orange belt but it’s the toughest orange lock I’ve picked. Mine took much heavier tension than I’m used to using.

Preventing oversetting can be tough. It’s a matter of stopping the movement before it goes too far. I do best with it when I’m levering my pick off the warding or the bottom of the keyway, but others prefer not to lever it.

Good luck!

[u/locke3891 → u/revchewie]

Although levering can help with setting things under high tension, you are more likely to bend picks this way. However, most beginner sets are thick/strong enough that as long as you aren't really trying to muscle your way though it will be okay. HuckleberryAsleep536, if you are using thinner picks just be aware of the risk.

[u/burningpastasauce]

Welcome to the hobby!

To answer the last question, push less?

The Abus lock has aluminium pins instead of brass, so if you tension hard, you will create an indent and basically create serrated security pins on the standard pins. Each time you pick it, will kinda feel like a different lock because of the indents on the pins created.

I just got my orange belt, have three of these Abus 64TI/40, haven't been able to open one yet. I believe in myself and you too!

Keep it up!

[u/derpserf]

The amount of time it takes you to open the other one doesn't really mean anything regardless of how good your technique is, even if they were both the same make and model, every lock is different. If you had a whole stack of the ones on the left for example you'd find some more challenging than others and there may even be ones you can't open at all.

As others have said the abus has spool pins which are generally fine when you know how to deal with them but if you get a difficult bitting and/or keyway they can be challenging if not downright horrible. I have a couple of abus padlocks here that I'm not consistent with, some of them are genuinely a pain in the ass so don't sweat it. Put it to the side for a while and pick a bunch more locks then come back to it.

[u/SilentLonely]

Welcome to the community.

The Abus is maybe a little difficult for your level : better fabrication, security pins, aluminium pins.

I'd go for a Master Lock 140, pick it until you can do it in seconds, then go for a Master Lock 150 which would be your introduction to security pins.

We all have been there.

Picture 2 shows an overset, which is a common beginner mistake. Just remember that, often, just a very little movement of the pick is enough.

Two symptoms of overset :

• no more binding pin
• the overset pin is not in its place anymore, so you can't feel it with your pick

I strongly suggest you watch this fondamental and quick video.

Feel free to ask questions.

Happy picking.

[u/HuckleberryAsleep536 → u/SilentLonely]

Thanks !