Beware of Misleading Disc Detainer Lock Picking Videos

I’m not throwing any shade on anyone, but I think it’s important to be as clear as we can be regarding picking these disc detainer locks so that newer pickers are not left disappointed and confused. Do you agree? Let me know in the comments 😃👍

This is a brilliant point. I have long been saying this, that many locks will not let you use the 'non 0 front tension disc' trick. Using the silver bullet in centre tensioning mode is somewhat of a last resort because, like you highlight, it is a very hard technique. But possible. Which leaves us needing a better solution ideally. Of which I have 3. Option 1 is use a 3 in 1. This gives you a pick either side of a tensioner. It also allows for front and rear tension too, you simply ignore the extra pick tip. Options 2 and 3 are methods I am still developing but they both get around this problem by use of... Creative tensioning, let's say 😊 I'm sure there are many other ways to get around random 0 disc tension too.

This is the first video I've seen that actually tells the entire story about DD locks and tension. I commend you sir!

You are so right, about some brands of DD lock, only a couple of weeks ago I picked an Oxford HD mini bike lock, that I’ve only ever soon picked using a top tensioning DD pick, & the only way I could get it open was using a rear tensioning tool. One thing I will say is the higher end DD locks definitely need practice. But it’s all worth the effort as they are fantastic locking systems. Have a great weekend. 😎👍

Well done for being really transparent in all of your videos and not making out your some kind of authority on the topic and know everything about it. Unfortunately a lot of people, not just lockpicking channels, try and portray themselves as experts when they are anything but. What works for one person isn't always the best for everyone.

I'm glad I watched this because I didn't realize there was such a thing as center tension and rear tension. Thank you for making this video.

Thank you for making this! I had to learn the hard way, I even for a clear DD training lock that wasn't front tensioning so it's been difficult to learn on. After that I got a lock I saw picked with front tension by another lock picking channel, and again the one I ended up getting tensioned on a disk in the middle

When you used the Sparrows pick (front tensioning) did you first rotate all the discs fully clockwise? That seems to be an important first step.

Great instruction video on this subject matter. I personally would like to see more of this type for the disc detainer education. Thank you Noob.

I just started to understanding the cuts on the keys. Lol. But I was a believer that one brand of lock tension the same. But now Iam on it. I’m still crap at picking them. But I get they. Just had to revisit this vid. Great advice as always. Happy picking.

Thank you for helping us be a more professional community

Your an exception to the rule. Many of the videos are falsified. There's not a lot of people picking disc detainer locks, unless the are the really poorly manufactured. Many of the cheap ones are manufactured in China. Thank you for sharing your expertise. There's a tremendous amount of licensed locksmiths who have a difficult time opening these types of locks when required. My cousin is a licensed locksmith. He shares his knowledge with us. Thank you for sharing your outstanding videos 🙏🎄

Very useful video for me. I have been trying on and off get into DDs. First problem is my lack of locks - I have 4 or 5, most of which are tough locks ( new kryptonite, new Abus Plus, etc) or so cheap that they open when I try to se all the discs CW before I start picking. Second problem is lack of tool variety ( no middle tensioner, and no solid body for my rear tensioner). Third problem is lack of skill and practice, of course. Put all that together and it is a real steep learning curve ! I was really looking forward to Bristol this weekend, to pick the brains of You, yourself, Matt, Daz Evers, Baldiloks and all the others ! Well, there is always next year !!

Thanks, i recently got the BB/LPL pick and have been struggling with 3 different locks.

This was very informative, thanks. Question for you, how would you handle a lock with no key to look at and determine the best tensioning disk?

A couple observations and a couple follow up questions, here. So I've watched a lot of LPL and BB videos using the front tensioning tools that they helped popularize (as I'm sure you and many of your viewers also have). They start by rotating all the discs as far clockwise as they can go with a dimple rake or something similar, but it appears you omit that step. Any specific reason for this? Second, I've seen a bunch of LPL videos where one of the center discs are the zero cut, but he's able to get it open by rotating all the other discs to their true gate, tension the pick tip clockwise off one of the ones still set fully clockwise, rotate the front disc counter-clockwise with the tensioner until it's in its gate, and then rotate both the pick tip and the tensioner clockwise to open. Are you saying this technique did not work for you on that second lock? If so, do you believe it was because of features inherent to this particular lock?

LN -- Thanks for pointing this out and helping us all understand a bit more about disc detainer locks

Glad I found this video, I also had 2 of the same model number and could rear tension one but no front or rear tension on the other. I thought I was going crazy. I had no idea there was center tensioning. Thanks LN.

i am so glad you made this video ,i have been having problems on tensioning these type of locks,thet are a pain when you are picking because i do not have a look at the key ,it was lost and a neighber gave me his older ,Supercycle Can Tire lock,so far the chinease picks i have tried to customise still no luck,keep on doing great videos a fan mal in bc

A very valid point well put! I''ve been messing with some DD locks and picks lately and I've been having a nightmare getting anything open harder than a cheap Chinese one. This (along with my lack of skill on these locks) is my major downfall - knowing where they tension from. I will be working on some different tips and home made picks very soon, got a load of metal on order and I've just learnt how to silver solder 😁🥚