I have completed this game many times because I love the challenge it provides.My tip to you would be, in the early rounds try to get as many tools as you can and save them for later in the game. Don't be tempted to use them too early.
Secondly, you don't have to break every lock to release pieces-try moving the pieces around the locks. In some of the rounds a piece can be moved to the edge avoiding locks and blank squares.
I still find Level 8-12 very tricky-that's when hammers and extra time come in very handy.
I am not a games nut, I am a 67 year old grandmother. Good Luck
Edited on 02/15/2009 at 9:04:30 AM PST