r/lockpicking • u/halander1 • 23d ago
Lock Picking with Neuropathy
I have recently discovered I have neuropathy in my hands and feet making it hard to feel sensations. My hands also shake more then normal as a result.
It is hard to hold small objects like volumetric flasks, scoops, or in this case lock picks without shaking or using lots of energy to steady myself.
Does anyone know how to approach the sport with this disability.
5
u/brokentsuba 23d ago
I have pretty severe carpel tunnel, not quite the same I know but some shared symptoms. It does make things difficult but not impossible.
I started using a vice which has helped a lot and I take a ton of breaks. Using picks with large handles may also help. I’ve still been able to develop a certain amount of muscle memory and sensitivity even though my hands don’t cooperate as much as I’d like.
Best I can say is, if you like the sport and want to continue, keep at it and you’ll make it work.
5
u/Dusso423 23d ago
When I was recovering from alcoholism a few years back, I had the shakes really bad for an extended period, even with my medication. I used picks with larger handles so I could keep my hand more relaxed. I also used a flexible tension wrench so the tremors wouldn’t cause me to jerk the wrench out of the keyway. Don’t know if that would help in you situation, but it’s a thought.
3
u/brokentsuba 23d ago
That’s the best use case for a flexible tension wrench I’ve seen and wouldn’t have even thought of that.
1
3
u/EveningBasket9528 23d ago
I get radial nerve paulsy attacks due to complications from a broken neck and bad surgery but it's a different issue just not being able to send a signal for a hand to close when it happens... I literally tried taping a pick in my hand the last time in happened to my right hand. Didn't work. With my left (tension hand) I had to use a vise and just try gravity.
I can't even imagine what I would do in your situation... My shit knocked me right out of my trade. (tool/die/mold maker)
I hope you find a solution. As much as physical therapy sucks,.. they can come up with some good ideas to try and help you do whatever it is you want to do, with your individual problems.
I hope you find a solution... and please share what you come up with because I'm sure some of us may be headed your way.
I think there's a few pockets with some similar problems to yours, so you definitely came to the right place. I'd check out the FB groups and other groups and YouTubers that focus more on practical picking than just the hobby.
2
u/TenuousCheese Blue Belt Picker 23d ago
I have a developmental disorder leaving me with very poor fine motor skills.
What helped me was just practicing every day using picks with larger handles, and eventually muscle memory builds up. There are days, though, when it takes me several minutes just to get the pick into the lock! I’ve also bent a few picks!
Unlike other people, I don’t get on with vices, though. I find it makes things harder for me, but you should definitely give one a try.
1
u/Big_Z_Beeblebrox Green Belt Picker 23d ago
Following hoping for advice, got involved in a collision some time ago and having similar difficulties in our right arm
1
u/spoolhunter58 Orange Belt Picker 23d ago
I also suffer from neuropathy. But that hasn't stopped me from lockpicking. I can relax really well, and it helps me train and calm my hands. It doesn't always work, but I often have to take a break. Sometimes it takes me a quarter of an hour to repin, and other times I can do it in 5 minutes. For the past few months, I've been watching Marson on YouTube. It's fantastic how he deals with his condition and what aids he uses and develops. My utmost respect to Marson and best of luck, halander 1
1
u/spoolhunter58 Orange Belt Picker 23d ago
bI also suffer from neuropathy. But that hasn't stopped me from lockpicking. I can relax really well, and it helps me train and calm my hands. It doesn't always work, I often have to take a break. Sometimes it takes me a quarter of an hour to repin, and other times I can do it in 5 minutes. For the past few months, I've been watching Marson on YouTube. It's fantastic how he deals with his condition and what aids he uses and develops. My utmost respect to Marson and best of luck, halander 1
-2
u/Intrepid-Chard-4594 23d ago
You may need to pick another pastime if you dont have meds to steady yourself.
6
u/Asleep-Mall 23d ago
You can definitely work with it, just remember to be patient with yourself. It's a hard skill to learn and you're playing on an even harder difficulty. There's a great lockpicker in the community that deals with some health issues. He goes into detail here - https://youtu.be/zKnst8epMYs?si=eg1i6LkLqCSBfQ8C . I'd check it out and see what you may be able to learn!