“For me, manipulation is less methodical than a pure science, yet with more constraints than a Jackson Pollock painting.” The Contest I recall the first time I entered the Harry C. Miller Manipulation Contest at SAFETECH. I had read Robert Sieveking’s book, taken a class from Harry Sher, read a bunch of articles, practiced on my mounted locks and had opened a couple Group 2 locks in the field. Why not give it a shot? The worst thing that could happen is I’d learn something. So, Dave LaBarge handed me my first lock, and I started by taking all wheels right. There were no three-number wide, low spots. All I found were a few extend- ed lows and a few extended highs. What next? I had no clue. My mind was racing between the thought that maybe I should start over and the thought that I ought to have expected this — and I should know what to next. Especially because right next to me were Martin Sharp and Kris Seguin, who looked like they knew exactly what to do (because they did). In my confused state, it didn’t make sense to me that I could’ve used any of the low areas for my next step. I was “looking for a high spot followed by a three-number wide, low spot and another high spot.” When I didn’t find that, I didn’t know where to turn (pun intended). www.savta.org Figure 2. These are some of the locks the author has used while practicing manipulation. Lou Spallone has worked with me quite a bit on manipulation. His phrase “It’s a good parking spot” resonates with me. And, like those parents mentioned earlier, I’m sure Robert Sieveking, Harry Sher, Elaad Israeli and Scott Gray could hear that phrase and think, “We all told you that a thousand times before. Weren’t you listening?” Yes, I was. However, it wasn’t until I heard Lou repeatedly say, “That’s a good parking spot” that the concept made sense to me. Once that happened, Elaad Israeli’s concept of “global” and “local” highs and lows made sense too. Applying It All Now, as I stated earlier, manipulation is a moving puzzle. Knowing what to do next doesn’t mean that the other vari- ables have been accounted for. Maybe I’m tired, am in a dreadfully uncomfort- able position, am getting weird readings because I’m pulling down on the dial or maybe I haven’t used the correct grit sandpaper on my fingertips. Maybe I’m stuck on a number. Isn’t figuring out how to deal with those other variables the real skill? It’s the reason why manipulators are drawn to the activity the same way some are drawn to golf, martial arts, chess or play- ing music. Sometimes it’s called a “flow state” or “being in the zone.” You can’t get to that state through manipulation without knowing “what to do next.” And the only way you’re going to learn that is by practicing and studying it enough. Only aſter being exposed to so many situations, people and resources does the process finally get through to you and make sense. David Ayers is a safe tech and locksmith who runs Ayers Front Range Lock & Key in Westminster, Colorado, with his father, Bob Ayers. He is a member of SAVTA, the NSO and the Rocky Mountain Locksmith’s Association. March/April 2022 | SAFE & VAULT TECHNOLOGY 31
