how do you use the tension tool to hold up the pins I read in a file theat you could use a paper clip as the pick and a little nail file as a tension tool but how do you keep the damn pins up

tension wrench: keep the key knob 'turning'
(have a turning effect)

pick: pick the pins while the knob is
'turned'

if the pins is all in place, the knob will give way and the lock is opened....

ok so the turning motion applies pressure to the pins so they stay up gotcha

You basically turn the tension wrench where you want the keyhole to go. The pick doesn't turn the cylinder, the tension wrench does that job. The pick lifts the pins.

Here's a general shake down:
If the pins won't stay the monkeyjunk put, put a little more tension on it.

If the pins won't move, release a little of the tension.

If the lock's not up for your game, release all tension and start back over, because you did something wrong.

And when you turn the cylinder 180 degrees around, make sure no pins or spacers get in the keyway. Only because it sucks to pull them out or put them into position.

And practice every day with a padlock or your front door. (I recomend a padlock) And switch your locks. This will help you get the feeling. When you practice, don't have any distractions, even music or TV, just concentrate on the lock. This will help you open the lock.

Have a nice day...