Is this easy to learn?
Discussion
Like most things, how easy it is to learn depends on how good you want to get.
Want to be able to open any common master lock? Easy. From there it gets harder.
I started ages ago got frustrated and quit. Today there are tons of YouTube resources to understand what you should be doing. Also there is lpubelts which ranks the difficulty of locks so you can make informed choices about what locks you should be working on.
I quit because I had no way to choose locks. I would buy a lock and it would be impossible or really easy. I figured I could go broke trying to get locks because I was buying blind to their difficulty. Now I use lpubelts ranks and that got me to the point I can progressively pin higher ranked locks to improve my skill.
I honestly use it as a fidget spinner and a focus rock. Helps me with my mental health. I have yet to ever pick a lock to get into something without the key.
Ok thanks for the answer. I'll have a look on some videos and set I could buy.
Any recommendations on what set I should buy?
If you are curious about joining us on #pickstr but don't know where to start to pick your first lock, here is my advice.
I like the Genesis pick set from covert instruments and a couple of master locks to start. The short hook is the pick in that set you should start with.
Avoid clear or cut-away locks because they change the feel and can actually be harder. New locks dedicated to picking are a good idea. They will give better feedback. It is possible to damage a lock so that it can no longer work with the key by picking it, so do not start with a lock you need to use.
Master 1, 3, 5, 7 are great to start and readily available. It doesn't matter which one they all have the same beginner friendly core. Don't be intimidated by the "security rating" master gives their locks, that is purely a physical attack rating and has nothing to do with picking. A master 141 is slightly harder but you could definitely start here if you felt confident. A master 150 is an excellent introduction to security pins, hard enough I would not recommend it as a first lock.
You will get better faster by picking 3 keyed different locks in a round than picking the same lock 3 times. Each lock has quirks so by picking the same master 1 3x you are learning the lock. Picking 3 different master 1s 1x each is better for learning to pick as a generalized skill. Shuffle them too rather than picking in the same order over and over.
By the time you pick a master 150 you'll probably have a good idea if you want to keep going with the hobby.
All in, that pick set and 3x brand new basic master locks can be had for under $75. If you youtubed a basic how to before starting and have typical hand dexterity (meaning still have all your fingers and no disability like Parkinson's) you should be into a master 141 at least once within your first hour of active picking.
There is so much more to it as you advance but I'll stop there for now. That will get you from never held a pick to first lock picked. It also won't set you up to need all new picks to pick the next difficulty of locks like a cheaper Amazon pick set might.
unrelated but btw I just saw a DM from you and replied and then went back to it and both are gone. my DMs are fucked, gonna have to do some relay cleanup
Ok, I'm following pickstr 😁 thanks for the explanation man! I'll keep you posted for any updates 💪
I think nostr:nprofile1qqsd3uut39959acqsvzua0chkjyj2e20y2ccp3vxrwq3g8uqenmjsjqpz9mhxue69uhkummnw3ezuamfdejj7qgwwaehxw309ahx7uewd3hkctcpr9mhxue69uhk6un9vd5x2etnv5hryvtdd9kzumt99ulagzzn and I started that tag and it just occurred to me to follow it too.
Imma follow nostr:nprofile1qqsd3uut39959acqsvzua0chkjyj2e20y2ccp3vxrwq3g8uqenmjsjqpz9mhxue69uhkummnw3ezuamfdejj7qgwwaehxw309ahx7uewd3hkctcpr9mhxue69uhk6un9vd5x2etnv5hryvtdd9kzumt99ulagzzn also then
You've made a terrible mistake... 😂
#pickstr seemed like a good Nostr-ified tag, so that's where it landed. There have been a couple of new pickers firing up lately. It should be a fun time.
Thanks for the recommendation. I have a few old locks lying around with no keys so picking them would be much better than throwing them away. Still won’t use them on things but it beats buying another set of puzzles.