Greetings from a newbie. I tried a search on lockpicking but didn't really get the basic premise. Can someone give me a nice simple explanation of what I'm trying to do?
Many thanks in advance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsYl5XxKn-s

not my vid but hey its how its done.

Thanks, Clandestine, I think I've got it.

That way works but I do it diferent. There is certain bounce I have the timing down for, so I just wait till it bounces that way. Whatever works.

It should be pointed out that there are alternatives. You can open locks using spells, and there is an artifact that bypasses the pick-breaking aspect once you reach its minimum character level.

I made a really simple mod in my copy of Oblivion that changes the sound to something more obvious (edited the double pin sound to a much higher pitch so you can clearly hear the difference). Maybe I should just release it?

But even before I made that mod, I did notice the different noise (after a few months upon buying the game) signalling that the pick will be successful. Been relying on the noise for a few years, I actually had better chances at lockpicking if I do it with my eyes closed!