I remember when I used to fear dimple locks and actively avoid picking them, now I LOVE them and wish I’d started learning to pick them earlier 😃 Enjoy this guide - I think it covers all the basics in detail - don’t forget to like and subscribe if you enjoy this content 👍🙏😃
think you missed a warning about how drivers can drop into the very open keyways, when there are no key to hold them out of the plug, and you rotate the picked plug
@@LockNoob hello mate. I have that exact same practice dimple lock you have. I just picked it open, but pulled out my tools before I locked it again and now my key wont go in. Any ideas?? Thanks
Barry Howard , I did the same thing. Your driver pins are stuck in the keyway. Use the backside of a pick to push them all back into the Bible and rotate the core. If you can’t get them all up, add tension and single pin pick them up!
Dimple cylinders are widely used in Europe since they are considered (and are) of higher quality and reliability than their regular vertical key counterparts. All things being equal they are harder to pick (less space for lockpicks), cannot be opened with impact guns and provide greater reliability with a bigger and more resilient key (less wear and tear, less prone to breaking) that can also have more security pins, sidebars etc. Great video LN, my humble input is I have used Multipick's dimple picks and found them perfect for most locks.
Just a tip for anyone looking to round off their dimple pick shafts; stick the end of the pick handle in a drill & wrap a strip of sand paper around the shaft of the pick & drill away. Just be careful to cut your sand paper strip just wide enough that it only wraps the pick’s shaft & not to the picking tip, as you don’t want to round out your pick’s tip profile. Start with a rougher grit sand paper (around 320 grit) & work your way up to the 1000-2000 grit range until you get a perfect roundly shaft with a mirror finish. This only takes a few minutes per pick, so saves you a bunch of time & effort compared to filing them & also ensures that your pick shafts end up perfectly round, which can be pretty hard to achieve with a file. Just make sure that you protect your pick handles where they’re going to be clamped into the drill with a few wraps of duct tape or the like, as the drill’s chuck can leave some ugly marks on your pick handles. This is also something I like to do with sets like the Sparrows set, only starting with a finer grit sand paper (1200-2000 grit), just to clean them up a little bit, as it makes a massive difference to the finish of the pick & can dramatically improve the feel of the pick in the lock.
Perfect example of what these acrylic locks should be used for. Learning the mechanisms in a tangible way, demonstrating those mechanisms, and learning how the actions in picking work. Not great for learning how to pick proper locks but to make the first steps (such as pick placement and what feedback from the lock means) between ground 0 and starting your adventure with a new kind of locking mechanism.
so, so useful.. I've said it before and I'll say it again youi're one of the best educators out there, hands down. I wouldn't have got as far as I have with dimple picking if it wasn't for these videos of yours!
Lock Noob, I've watched picking instruction videos by competent pickers and I've learned from them. But your teaching is by far the best. In the course of your videos you invariably answer all my questions, as well as other questions I am not knowledgeable enough to ask. Keep up the good work!
I'm going to be completely honest with you Lock Noob because when I first seen how long this video was for I thought I would only last about 10 mins the most watching it before I bailed out, but I've got to say I stuck right in there till the end and I'm thoroughly glad I did my friend, what a great education video on the aspects of Dimple locks, tools and picking techniques, EXCELLENT is all I can say ;-)
As a very recent nub, I was kinda afraid of dimple locks. After watching this, I think in a few months to a year, I will probably expand into these. Thank you so much!
We have some French doors where the keys have been lost to a pair of locks like this. We got a professional lock smith to look at it. After an hour he gave up, tried unsuccessfully to drill it.. So now I'll try some of your science. I've never picked this type, so wish me luck!
I just recently came across a cutaways practice lock sold by Multipick. Could be a good compromise between seeming what you're doing and staying away from those clear locks that don't feel like the real deal. Comes at a price though, but since you can freely repin it, you're actually buying multiple lock configurations (except for the warding)
I recently purchased the Honest Dong Shi set on your recommendation. I already have and still use the Goso dimple picks to which you advised me that they were fine too. 👍🏻 I bought a few simple padlocks from China that are ok but I completely agree, if you want to master dimple locks you really need something better to practice on. For me there is a company in the UK called Lathams Hardware, they may ship worldwide but not sure. They do a £10 rim cylinder dimple with security pins that is excellent for practising. You can also add more security pins to up your skill too. Great comprehensive tutorial as always Lock Noob. Many thanks and I enjoyed every minute of it.
Thanks again for a very interesting video explaining some of the tools I found in my kit, as a newbie, I had no idea what that funny shaped pick was, until you showed and explained it to us. I tried that dimple lock pick on the dimple padlock I have and as i gently wiggled it under very light tension I started to gently rake it and it popped the lock in under 10 seconds, amazing, so I tried again just in case it was a fluk and again 10 - 20 seconds. Thanks again for these instructional videos, with great explanations.
Great video as usual ! 👍 The only thing I would add is that the tension bar can also serve as a guide for the pick. I do not simply pick any tension tool that can turn the core, I generally try to find one with the perfect width so I can rest on it.
Perfect timing! I’ve been quite interested in beginning to expand my picking skills into the world of dimple/disc detainer locks, and this was just what I needed to get me started 😀 Excellent video!
Once again, a highly informative and well balanced video. I got into this when I happened a cross a video from Bosnian Bill which led me to LPL, but is great to find someone equally skilled who takes the time to explain what they are doing and also is in the UK. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for the video. REally just caught on to you recently when you did the group thing with Deviant, Bill and Harry. I figured if you were a high enough caliber to be in with that group, then there was a lot I could learn from you. I was right!
I have learned so much thank- you just bought my first transparent lock , I was applying way too much tension , can now Rake it and single pick it put now trying to do it with my eyes shut
Lock Noob, as usual your video was practical and quite informative. I've been having some trouble dimple locks. After watching your video, I have been able to successfully pick several. Thank you for the effort you put into making your videos.
Great in-depth guide. Loving your work. I know a few people with dimple locks and they looked a bit mystical whenever I saw them. It's nice to see they are actually pretty normal locks inside.
Thank you, really well explained and covers more than just picking....appreciated. About ten days ago what I thought would be an easy start in dimple picking, I bought a fairly cheap Reece lock out dimple lock, found out it has ten pins, and mine has nasty bitting (deep cuts almost throughthe key, and others so shallowthey barely mark the key), there's a false set so I think it has one or more security pins, it has taken me almost the ten days with an hour or so each night to open the blasted thing......aaarrrgghhh. Great video, cheers.
BosnianBill had one of those in his 'naughty bucket' for a couple of years. I think he gave it to LockpickingLawywr in the end. A tough lock. Even some really cheap Chinese or Indian junk that I wouldn't dream of securing anything with, can have some really challenging bitting.
Thanks for the great video. I accepted your challenge to rake a dimple lock with a W rake and it worked. It's not ideal but if you simple use them at a 45° angle it can be done. If the keyway is unobstructed enough, that is. I've done the same thing with a Bogota rake. Not great but sometimes you have to work with what you have and it's worth a try before SSPing them
A very instructive video about dimples locks, thanks .May I suggest a video about how to choose the right picking tool for serrated locks hope you do it
I got my first flag pick and picked my first dimple lock just the other day. Quite a bit of trial and error that first time around. This video is perfectly timed as this is the next type of lock Im going to focus on for a bit until I get the hang of them.
Turn your (wave) rake sideways! I've picked multiple dimple locks by raking them with "standard" rakes. It's a different moving pattern, it's in-and-out while turning clockwise-anticlockwise and carefully balancing the tensioning and the force on the rake.. The warding might prohibit this - but I've raked Burg Wächters and an assortment of Chinese (locally re branded locks) this way. Use the Force. It can be done in surprisingly many locks lacking security pins. For tensioning, most tensioners vill work.
Great tutorial! I now want to attempt one of these. One little problem- I'm a Texan and don't think I've ever seen one of these in the wild outside of trips to Italy, Ireland and England.
Love this video Ash it is the best tutorial ever that has been put on youtube well done mate I have got 2 Multi pin in pin which I have never been able to pick time to get them out of the naughty box you have inspired me to try again thanks for sharing and for all your hard work cheers and take care
I am Canadian, and never seen a dimple lock until one of those acrylic ones came with a set of picks I bought, and I've been picking it with a hook I use sideways and twist, and this little angled flag thing that is meant for sliding the shackle catch at the back of padlocks. I have several different types and styles of those acrylic locks that were included in sets as "practice locks" but are useless as practice locks, way too easy, but they do make great learning tools for a beginner like myself to see what is actually happening inside.
@@LockNoob I like the cutaway locks I have from sparrows that come as a Progressive set (standard,spools,serrated) and can be easily re-pinned. But I'm pretty sure it won't be long before I'll outgrow the cutaways, and just want to practice blindly on normal cylinders that I can re-pin.
@@LockNoob No luck yet... Wasn't able to take the time I wanted. (mostly due to me being on call for work the past week and being bombarded with calls throughout the evening/night) But I'll give it a shot tonight :) I had my first open on a C13 a while back which was filled to the brim with inner and outer spools, so I have high hopes! Might have to take some time to sand my dimple picks as well... Still working with the Goso set which has the removable tips, but I haven't rounded all of them yet; just the ones I use often. I've been wanting to get the Multipick set, but I'm hoping to find someone interested in a trade with the Multipick Kronos seeing how I own one which has seen 5 minutes of use at the most! Using the Kronos just felt like cheating to me, but I have the same issue with using rakes :')
You weren't joking on the honest dong shi set being rough. Recently received one and I can cut a lock in half with it :) I don't remember the opposite direction between tensioning and picking advice before. Thanks! Overall a great video that covers pretty much all the basics. Well done. Going to help many people for sure Ash 🙏👍
New sub here. I bought a combination lock from a bargain shop the other day without the code, and well, here I am! XD Already watched about 10 of your vids and I gotta say, this looks like a very fun hobby. Think I may delve further into it!
Thanks for this guide. Never used a dimple rake, but picking them is a lot of fun. The feedback while turning a pick, vs pressing, is more obvious imho. Anyways, I will have another look at this guide when I have a bit less distraction.
I have started to pick dimple locks and this video helps. Could you also please make a video on or give some tips on how to pick pin in pin structure? Thank you very much.
Thanks for the recommendations. Time to dive into dimple locks, just went all in for ~$250 of picks and locks ha, it's bargain bin scotch for me the next couple months!
@@LockNoob took ages for the picks to arrive but I was able to open both Mul T Lock Garrisons and the Avocet I ordered on the day the picks arrived! Borrowing a Mul T Lock Junior soon and ordered myself a Tesa TK100, really enjoy these locks. Thanks again for the guide.
Excellent, excellent instructional video with great tips. Best demo video out there. One day, if you could, do a Video on Slider locks. They are found on a lot of bike locks and I don’t know how they work or how to go about picking them. Thank you again for this wonderful video.🙏👍🦊
Very nice tutorial video. Being in USA I was hoping for padlock beginning lock recommendations that perhaps were available on Amazon instead of euro cylinders.
Great channel! I am new to lock sport and ran across your channel. I have watched a few of your videos and learned of a great lock pick supplier by the name of Sparrows, what's even better they are local, in the same city in fact. Just placed my order with sparrows and hope to get my new kit on Mon. Your videos are also responsible for drawing me into lock sport. Great videos keep up the good work. I can't wait to get started. Thanx for the inspiration and information. Cheers.
@@LockNoob Wow! I will be sure to check for them. There are a few more things I am planning on getting from Sparrows, some of their progressive kits look pretty good. I will try the 1-4 (which I have already ordered) and eventually move up too the revolver. Then onto real locks. Thanx again for the info. Great channel.
@@kosys5338 no need to get the revolver then. Just get the pin kit from sparrows so you can set the progressive locks up with different pins (even 6 pins). The revolver is more of a novelty thing to bring along when practising on different locations.
As a big fan of your channel, can I give you a suggestion? when recording videos, use "Google Voice" to write what you say, then translate into other languages and put in the video or in the subtitle..Many things you say I don't understand well, but I can even read in English, it would help me to follow the videos and learn with you..
Love your videos! They are always the first place I send new pickers looking for information and you have taught me a ton... With that being said, I'd love to see some more moderate/advanced tutorial kinda videos. I just got an MTL jr and these pin in pins have me perplexed.
Yeah. LPL almost hides how he opens locks, the subtle secrets. The Helpful Lock Picker sounds like a high school student giving a talk on his project and he don't want to pause talking so he adds so many filler words.
Great content as always. I've been looking to get into dimple locks and shed some of the fear factor. The last few minutes in particular are why I'm here - recommendations on actual genuine locks to try. I just found both on eBay so, as they say, yoink!
ooooh no wonder!! i kept trying with my room door which is a dimple lock i got a basic chinese lock pick kit with a practice padlock which i added to my bug out/survival kit and i was wondering why i struggled so much and never could
Exceptional video mate. Very well explained and demoed. I do love to pick a dimple cylinder and Garrison was my first ever dimple cylinder I picked using the Souber mul-t-Lock pick set.
First and probably the last time i will ever say this , That 33 min video was over in a flash , it was that brilliant , i just bought a Multipick Pro Elite Dimple pick set as my beginner set , i haven't a clue how to dimple pick , i just know i wanted to do it , hence the watching of your brilliant video , will you do a video a top 10 dimple lock guide for the beginner to take ?
The hardest is actually a very hard answer as there is a very blurred line between a dimple lock and a multi axis lock like to the BKS Jsnus or Kaba 20. I’ll have a think. Easiest is also hard as there are so, so many no brand locks that are simple to pick...
@@LockNoob If you want to do a video of tryig to get people into dimple picking then maybe do the 10 -20 best beginner dimple locks ( your choice on the number of locks ) . No one has done a video on the top 10 - 20 best beginner dimple locks , because i've looked lol
Thank you for the very thorough instructional video on dimple lock picking... I am awaiting a package from a giveaway with the Honest Dong Shi set and 5 dimple locks (thank you Starrylock) and this was precisely what I was looking for 🍻🌇
When rounding the cheaper pics would it be an option putting them in a drill and using sum sand paper or emery cloth as it might be time and cost effective
Thanks for this. I recently bought a cheap dimple lock pick set from ukbumpkeys. You've explained what most of them are for, do you have any idea what the pick that's like half a tube is for, it's got a half round tip that's kind of a double sided flag. It won't fit in flat dimple lock keyways, so what's it for exactly?
I' m a Yank, but ironically - vis a vis this video - in Europe. Could you give a few lock models you'd recommend for practice that might be found more generally in Europe?
I have a set of the honest dimple picks in a roll up holder - not used them or done anything with them Notice that they are very square at moment - could I put pick in a dremmel to smooth off edges
Is the transparent lock being useless also apply to disk detainer locks? I would like to learn how to pick those, and I was thinking of getting a see-through practice lock to help. Is there a better option?
I purchased some mul-t locks second hand to practice on but I didnt realise they are pin in pin If i look for other locks to start with then move onto them later
Nice explanation. Thanks! Where did you find the tensioning tool shown at 26:02? (or did you make it?) I have a similar smiley lock and have all sorts of tensioning issues that tool like that might resolve.
A lot of bicycle looks sport low quality dimple locks so if you live in an area with a lot of bike thefts you can look for broken locks laying around :p
Where can you get this type of lock in the states. I haven't ever seen one I don't think. Does Lowes or Home Depot have anything that uses them like a door or something? Does Master lock make this style?
A follow up question while I'm asking is this lock different than a wafer lock? I'm as new and green to picking I've only opened 3 locks on my life. I bought two different lockpick sets and I love it. Time flys by when I'm practicing. I'm as green as it gets to locks sorry!
I found a key in my dads stuff that has no lock. This key seems strange because it’s a dimple but the key is round. I would really like to find a lock like that but I’m having a hard time finding one
The first lock you showed turned to the left when opening? Others turn to the right. How do you know which way to tension, or have I missed something so basic I couldn’t even see it?
@@LockNoob - Great! . Thank you for that as since then I’ve tried both ways on a practice lock, but find going left much harder for some reason. I guess time will tell and it’s been 50 years since I had tried before, but now at 71 I find this rather challenging and somewhat soothing (when I get locks open) each day. Thank you.
@@LockNoob I’d like to try one, but don’t really see the point of buying one since they aren’t used around here. I’ve kept my eye out for one for the past 8 years now. (since I started sport picking as a hobby) Most every thing I pick is basically master lock format. I need to make a tensioner for barrel key locks but haven’t found good quality thin sheet stock to make one or a good scale diagram to work from.
