Using The Original Lishi KW-1 2-In-1 Pick (2024)

Step 3A – Picking a Lock With Spool Pins

Before performing the actual picking process, it is important to note that the KW1 is not intended to be used to force pins into the bible of the lock in order to pick. In fact, the KW1 operates more closely to a hand pick then it’s automotive counterparts. This means that when using the KW1, you should pay close attention to the amount of tension that is applied to the lock plug when picking.

When using the KW1 pick to pick spool pinned locks, the tension must be varied as needed to gently “persuade” the lock pins to move up into the bible rather than forcing them. Often times you may have to loosen tension to get a particularly stubborn spool pin to pick which might cause you to have to repick some of the pins. Again, as was stressed above, the lifter arm tip is quite delicate and not intended to be used with force. Think of the lifter arm as more of a feeler that can gently move pins into place.

Spool pin locks can be a challenging. Often times when pick spool pin locks, the pin you are picking will set into a “false set” causing the plug to rotate about 5 degrees and then stop. If this happens, back off and rotate the plug slightly back to center then change the amount of tension so that the spool pin is not forced into a false set. With practice, you should be able to gently work the spool pin completely into the pin hole without a false set.

Use the following instructions to pick the lock after the pick has been properly inserted:

1. Gently open the tension arm by swinging it away from the pick body.
2. The picking direction is dictated by the circumstances of the lock. In some instances, locks will pick more easily counter-clockwise rather than clockwise. You may find it helpful to pick the lock counterclockwise then record the pin depths (spool pinned locks read exactly the same as cylindrical locks. Once you have an idea about how the lock is combinated, pick in the clockwise direction using the recorded depths as a guide. When picking clockwise, there is a temptation to apply more turning pressure if the lock appears to bind when picked. If you have the depths recorded, you will be able to see exactly where the pins will set and not have to deal with the binding pins.
3. Some locks will pick more easily if you start with cut 1 and other will pick more easily at cut 5. The starting cut is up to you, but if you find that the pins move more easily at one end rather than the other, start with that end. Apply a light turning tension and move the lifter arm down until the pin sets (usually indicated by a slight click). If the pin is picked, the lifter arm will bounce, but only by about 1 or 2 depths worth of movement.
4. Repeat step 3 until all pins are set and the plug turns.

Tips for Successful Picking

• Make certain that the lock is clean and free of debris.
• DO NOTforce the pins into the top of the lock (bible) by using excessive force on the lifter arm.
• Never force the lifter arm down to pick a pin.
• Treat the KW1 2-In-1 Pick very gently to insure its continued use.
• Vary the amount of turning tension to help to gradually pick each pin.
• Vary the amount of lifter force when picking making certain that you avoid too much downward force.
• Never force the KW1 into the keyway of a lock.
• Protect the tool when it is not in use in such a way that the delicate lifter tip is protected.
• If you encounter a spool pin in a pin chamber, relax the tension just enough to allow the pin to move all the way up into the bible.
• When picking a spool pin, if you bind that location, reduce the turning pressure and gently move the bottom of the spool pin up into the bible.
• Any positions that become unpicked because you reduce turning pressure, will have to be repicked.
• If you over pick a pin location, release the tension and try again.
• If you are able to pick a lock in one direction, but not the other. Pick in that direction, record your cut depth and then use them as a guide to pick the lock in the opposite direction.
• If the lock seems to bind when turning tension is applied in a particular direction, try reducing the amount of turning tension.
• You may find that each lock has its own personality. This means that the picking order might not be from say 1 to 5 or 5 to 1, but rather in a non-sequential manner (I.E. 1-4-3-5-2). Since this picking cadence for each lock may be different, it may take multiple attempts before you are successful.
• Practice, practice, practice.