A quick look at Sparrows Check Pins security pins
Since it's been awhile since we have had a piece on lockpicking, I thought I would comment on the check pins from Sparrows a bit.
https://www.sparrowslockpicks.ca/product_p/chkpins.htm
They are security pins resembling chess pieces, and boy are they fun, but we'll get to that in a bit. In closeup, they look like this :
I have to admit, I dreaded them for a while, until the other day I decided to give them a go, and boy they're fun. Maybe it's not security pins for you, if you're just starting out, but with some practice, they are possible to beat, so what skills will you have to master to beat them ?
First, get a good pick kit, and learn to beat the ordinary pins, like the standard pin, the mushroom, the spool, and the serrated. When you know how they feel, both when you' re applying lift to them and how feedback from them is feeling, and you can reliably identify them, and also pick them in combinations with multiple of them in one lock, you're ready for the chess pieces.
If they are mounted in the Sparrows Cut-Away brass lock, what skills will you need ?. Well, identifying the pin types, when you're on a pin, and what number of chamber you're in is a must. Next, being able to turn the pick slightly, for maximum feedback and lift, is a good skill to have, and you will need it.
If you have all that, patience is also a must, because pins will reset, they will drop, so going back and forth to find the trouble-pin, is something you'll have to learn. It seems that these pins will change in config, depending on force of lift, and tension, that's the fun part. So, featherlight tension, a good pick, some coffee, and you should be in for a fun evening.
They look way scarier than they really are, so give them a try :)
PS, Sparrows and LockNoob, if you're reading this, we're waiting on the full kit, with all the pieces, and a miniature board to match :)
Much Happy Picking :)