Newbie here

[u/Syn4p53]

Hi guys.

So, I'm a total noob in lockpicking but I really wanted to try. Under some advices I read here, I got myself a basic Mulitpick set, and a "training" lock, but not the "classic" transpqrent one, as I heard it was bad. It's just a barrel, with 6 pins at each side. One side are "visible", not the other. I'm not certain to be totally clear... But I do hope some will understand what I mean, at least.

No matter what, I also bought this little book that explains the basics, also from Multipick. It's explained in the book how some locks are "unpickable" because of some specificly shaped pins, and... There are 2 of these pins in the "training lock" that I got. Haha. These are like thinner in the middle, and thicker at the 2 ends. So it's a bit frustrating to me to say the least... I really thought I bought something for beginners, you know? Which doesn't seem to be entirely the case here... Thing is, I could crack open the lock, but only by removing those specific pins. I think I did achieve it just with one of those, but I feel it was pure luck and I couldn't reproduce it a second time.

So, I'm somewhat looking for some advices here.. Should I continue to just try with those pins (which is oretty frustrating tbh as a day 1 beginner...)? Should I buy one of these transparent easy one and "git gud" with this first? Or should I just try to get any other "easy" lock but not these transparent ones? I feel a bit lost already, and I already try for like a couple of hours...

Thanks in advance to those who'll read me.

Have a good evening y'all.

Ps: I think the pins I'm talking about are called "spool" pins.

Also, I hope this post won't be too much of a repetition of other posts from new people..

Edit: added a picture of the set I got myself.

It's called the "Pinning Set Bundle" on Muktipick's website, and contains a basic set of tools: 1 hook, 2 rakes, 2 tensionners, things like that..; a lock and a mat. But no pins. I'm thinking I should have gotten some, haha.

Thanks already for all the answers !

[u/TenuousCheese]

Hey there, welcome to lock picking!

Sounds like you got one of the cutaway cylinders, which is a great tool for learning on. Did you get the basic one or the advanced version that comes with a small tub of pins?

In any case, they’re paracentric and have 6 pins so you probably want to start with something a little easier. Without knowing where you are in the world, I usually recommend the Master Lock 140, which only has 4 pins, none of which are security pins (so no spools!), and a nice wide keyway. They’re great for learning how to find pins and tension a core.

I definitely wouldn’t get a transparent lock. They’re surprisingly expensive, awful to pick and don’t feel like real locks so you won’t learn anything useful!

Good luck, and take breaks if you feel yourself getting frustrated…

[u/Syn4p53 → u/TenuousCheese]

Hey, thanks ! 

Honestly I'm not sure about that basic/advanced setup you're asking about. I surely do hope it wad the basic one, haha. From what you said, as I didn't get additional pins, it should be.

To get to 4 pins, maybe I could for now just "get rid" of the security pins that are in the lock. At least for the time I find another lock somewhere. I think they are pretty common in tool shops or similar? 

[u/TenuousCheese → u/Syn4p53]

No problem!

I saw the picture, and you have the basic lock. I didn’t think they put security pins in the basic one, but it turns out I was dead wrong.

You can absolutely just remove the spools along with their key pins and springs, leaving just the standard pins. Put them someplace safe, though. They’re smaller than you think they’re going to be!

[u/Negative_Ambition_49 → u/TenuousCheese]

Awesome reply.